Support from Many Sources Makes Isaiah Project Possible

Many of you have heard of the Isaiah Project. This is our third year for this program designed to allow young people the opportunity to explore their calling in a ministry setting over the summer. The Project has continued to grow and gain exposure. The first year, we placed 6 young people. Last year we were able to place 15. This year we will place 16 young people in a variety of ministry settings from local churches of all sizes to places like Portland Promise Center, the Methodist Home and Red Bird Missionary Conference. We are thrilled at the diversity of those persons who will be placed. These young people come from all walks of life and represent the fullness of the Kingdom. Look for profiles and more information soon.

I have said all of that in order to say this. We are pleased to announce that the Isaiah Project has a new partner this year. David Bowles and KUMF (Kentucky United Methodist Foundation) have informed us that we will be receiving a grant from them to further provide opportunities to develop these young leaders. Also, the Magee Christian Education Foundation has, for the second year, awarded the Isaiah Project a grant of$5,000 to be used in partnering with a local setting. The Children and Poverty Task Force has also given us a grant again this year. So we have three partners who are assisting with outside-the-budget funding.

The Isaiah Project is exciting, not only because of its development of young leaders, but also because it shows what can be done through partnering together. The financial resources committed by local churches to Our Mission Together which funds the Board of Ordained Ministry, the local churches and institutions taking interns, the foundations and groups providing outside-the-budget funding through grants and your generous offering at the Ordination Service will continue to change lives and develop leaders who can lead our great church into God’s preferred future.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the vision each of our partners has shown by their support of the Isaiah Project. I know you celebrate with me the call placed upon the lives of these young people, but also rejoice in the commitment made by so many that makes this possible.