Ubuntu Explorer Journeys
Ubuntu is an African word and proverb meaning
"I am human because you are human."
Ubuntu Explorer Journeys are unique, short-term mission service opportunities for United Methodist Women to interact with the world through mission partners. Ubuntu Journeys are about women of faith coming together though shared mission to address social issues and discover new ways of working together, supporting one another, and growing spiritually. United Methodist Women Ubuntu Explorers will expand their understanding of issues that impact the world and their community through mutual learning with women from other cultures. Each Ubuntu Journey connects women to women for a faith and mission opportunity that will:
- Witness love and struggle; share challenges and opportunities.
- Enhance cultural awareness; exchange ideas and skills.
- Learn where the United Methodist Women’s Mission Giving goes to support more than 200 programs in 75 countries.
- Understand daily life with Methodist and United Methodist, grassroots and ecumenical sisters around the world.
Together with global sisters, United Methodist Women will share the human experience of worship, prayer and spiritual reflection to engage in mission that will cultivate faith, hope and love into action.
Ubuntu Explorer Journeys 2012
Northern Ireland: September 14-23, 2012
“Forgiveness and Reconciliation”
Participants will learn about the East Belfast Mission that is both a church and a mission, enjoy a relationship-building retreat with Methodist Women of Ireland and engage in discussions on what it means to forgive and reconcile with one another. Visits to local sites of interest are also planned by our host.
Haiti: October 14-20, 2012
“Understanding the reality of church persons of Haiti in regards to the stigma and discrimination they face due to HIV/AIDS.”
You will join with Methodist Women of Haiti on the grounds of the Methodist Guest House for a seminar focusing on the daily stigma and discrimination church persons with HIV/AIDS experience; visit Clinique Bethel and interact with programs supported by United Methodist Women; have quality time together as you share cultures, folklore, a tour of Haiti’s countryside, and enjoy recreational activities including a trip to the Caribbean beach with the Methodist Women of Haiti.
Sierra Leone: December 1-14, 2012
"Faith, Hope, Love in Action!"
The Sierra Leone community of United Methodist Women is concerned about the needs of women, children and youth that impact life for all in Africa. We will have the unique opportunity to join with our sisters in worship, workshops, daily life, mission outreach and fellowship at their Annual Women’s Convention to be held upcountry in Lunsar, participate in the Ubuntu day, and visit several mission outreach program areas.
Stories and Photos of Ubuntu eXplorers Trips
Philippines: September 2-14, 2012 (Applications Closed)
“Women of Faith Journeying Together: Celebrating and Re-affirming our Call for Leadership and Mission”
Ubuntu sisters will visit anti-poverty and community building programs and project sites supported by United Methodist Women, including communities of indigenous peoples, the urban poor and street families; participate in a two-day leadership event with Filipino Methodist Women that will include sharing of mission experiences, discussions on human trafficking/migration and leadership/participation issues women face in the church; and we’ve been told, “will participate in worship service the Filipino way!”
For more info and/or to request an application contact: IMCWD@unitedmethodistwomen.org or call (212) 870-3719. Please include "Ubuntu Request" in the subject heading of your e-mail.
*Price may vary according to airfare
Ubuntu Day of Service Took Kit: 
