Communications

The United Church of Canada sends personnel overseas in response to requests from global partner churches and agencies. As members of the Christian community, overseas personnel attempt to work beside people overseas in their life and mission with its struggles and victories, sorrows and joys. Another part of the work is to communicate with people in Canada.

All of us like to receive letters. We invite you to open some of these Letters from Overseas. Share them with your community of faith, and read about the work and life of the global partners of The United Church of Canada and the overseas personnel currently serving with them.

The work of overseas personnel is made possible through your gifts to the Mission and Service Fund of The United Church of Canada. See an example of overseas service on the United Church's YouTube channel.*

Letters by Country/Region

Brazil

Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, April 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/38 KB]

Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about the funeral of murdered street people and spring celebrations.

Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, February 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./28 KB]

Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about celebrations, challenging budget decisions, and ecumenical work.

Israel/Palestine

Susan Palmai Writes from Israel/Palestine, March 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/35 KB]

Susan Palmai writes about women she has met in her work with the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.

Susan Palmai Writes from Israel/Palestine, February 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/44 KB]

Susan Palmai, Ecumenical Accompanier in Israel/Palestine, writes about the beginning of her second placement, this time in Bethlehem.

Mozambique

Karen and Bill Butt Write from Mozambique, April 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]

Karen and Bill Butt, overseas personnel in Mozambique for the United Church of Canada, write about partnership and empowerment versus charity.

Karen and Bill Butt Write from Mozambique, January 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/52 KB]

Karen and Bill Butt, overseas personnel in Mozambique for the United Church of Canada, write about the effects of a simple bicycle on a congregation.

Nicaragua

Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, April 2010 [PDF: 1 p/30 KB]

Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson, overseas personnel in Nicaragua for The United Church of Canada, write about teaching, the funeral of a church elder, and learning cooking

Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, January 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/27 KB]

Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson, overseas personnel in Nicaragua for the United Church of Canada, write about the beginning of their work there.

Switzerland

Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, March 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./16 KB]

Kristine Greenaway, United Church overseas personnal associate with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, writes about the "spring" she sees in changes in global church movements.

Tanzania

Ron and Linda Locke write from Tanzania, June 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]

Ron and Linda Locke, overseas personnel in Tanzania for the United Church of Canada, write about their initial welcome and meetings with partners

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If you would like to receive these occasional Letters from Overseas by e-mail please contact Sarah Shepherd to be put on the e-list.

Letters from Overseas Archive

• 2009
• 2008

Letters written prior to 2008 are available by contacting Sarah Shepherd.