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ARTICLE V (Cont.)
The first thing all the societies had in common was wanting to get women involved in the missionary program. There was much talk of 'uniting women' and 'enlisting women' in the missionary cause and having more influence in planning and carrying out the missionary program of the church.
They wanted to share the gospel with 'heathens' and women in 'heathen' lands, although that word would be unacceptable today and was soon changed.
They were also interested in education for women. Opening a school for girls was the first thing most of the early missionaries did. Overseas they also wanted to train Bible women and native Christian teachers.
India was the first country where women sent a missionary.
They had become aroused by reports from missionary couples there and were challenged to accept responsibility for the plight of Indian womanhood. The needs of women and children became a clarion call.
From being a small missionary movement, Methodism has become a worldwide church with all members sharing equally in the tasks of evangelism, education, feeding the hungry and caring for the sick.
Today's emphasis is not so much on an ever-increasing number of missionaries, but on helping churches started by earlier missionaries to become self-sustaining partners in mission.
As part of its mission, the church maintains relationships with 367 retirement homes and long-term care facilities and 65 child care fac i1iti e s.