The 2026 Annual Conference Miracle Offering supports life-long learning and discipleship in a variety of contexts. One way we offer that support is through the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories and resources as a way to help Dakotas United Methodists understand the difference their generosity is making in the Dakotas and around the world.  We'll also share the weekly reflections from the small group resources shared by the Council of Bishops. (The complete small group guide and worship resources can be found here.)

Below is a testimony from Rev. László Khaled Abdo, a pastor from Hungary who has been impacted by theological education offered through the United Methodist connexion. 

I was quite young when I took over from my predecessor as superintendent of the UMC in Hungary, and by divine grace, I am coming to the end of this special ministry after eight years. As part of a new generation, I hoped to represent new culture, new ideas, and new emphases. Now it’s important that I pass on the baton with humility, so that those who come after me will be able to take the next steps according to their gifts. As Paul writes in Colossians, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." (Col 4:17)

My wife, Klára Boglárka, and I have four children (Lilián, Benjámin, Simon, Sophie) ranging in age from 5 to 15. I love spending any free time with them.

Before starting my theological education, I earned an MA in History and in Cultural Management at the University of Pécs, then spent one year at Szeged UMC. This time helped me experience the reality of pastoral ministry firsthand. Thankfully, the Lord helped me in these challenges and confirmed my calling. After my internship, I moved to Budapest to begin my theological studies, where I was assigned to Budapest-Óbuda UMC, keeping me engaged with continuous pastoral ministry throughout my education.

After completing five years at the Lutheran Theological University in Budapest, I was assigned to Szolnok UMC for six years. Throughout my theological education, God kept and renewed my call to the ministry, both a sign of faithfulness and a miracle. I had received my call to the ministry at the age of sixteen, and I received my pastoral diploma at the age of thirty, fourteen years later. During this time, I also learned that our calling is to be a missionary Church. We are not theoretical specialists, but Jesus Christ sends us into real situations with practical tasks, duties, and a message that impacts the world.

An important stage in my theological journey was my three years of training in the Methodist E-Academy, a European program for Methodist Churches that do not have their own theological seminary. I learned about the deeper context of Methodist theology and spirituality and was particularly influenced by the international interconnectionality of Methodism. An additional fruit of these years was that in 2024, we were able to establish the Hungarian-Romanian Annual Conference, an extraordinary Methodist witness in a world where countless events seem to tend towards ruptures and polarization. 

I also received many valuable ministry tools, especially the study of church history. My interest in the history of The United Methodist Church in Hungary convinced me that God has given our Church a special missionary focus from the beginning. Later, I earned a doctorate in this subject. As one Methodist bishop who was beginning his own ministry by founding a mission in Hungary said, “The history of our Church can be read as the Acts of the Apostles.”

My theological education has also been an ecumenical relationship-building experience, in life-changing and formative ways. Trained initially at a Lutheran institution, I have maintained those relationships. As Methodists, theological education has placed the extraordinary value of ecumenism at our hearts. I see this as increasingly important, particularly in my ministry as a superintendent.

Our biggest challenge is still the lack of pastors. I am grateful for new young pastoral colleagues, local pastors, and lay missionaries. We are fortunate to have the active participation of our laity, which is aligned with our Methodist heritage. Several of them are continuing their studies either as pastors, faith teachers, or even deacons. More and more of the latter come from Roma congregations.

I am also very grateful to the Lord for the emergence of new places of ministry and mission stations. Buildings have opened to us, new home groups have been born, new Roma communities have been formed, and we have also taken over a large school, which has become the second school in Hungary maintained by The United Methodist Church. The future of vacant rural properties and congregations is an important challenge and requires us to make serious decisions. We need to turn to the places where doors open, and needs await.

At the end of every letter I write, I include Matthew 28, Jesus' invitation and commandment to "Make disciples of all nations." We cannot pick and choose the targets of the Gospel, but we must open our hearts to the world. The other message of this phrase is the need to become and remain Jesus’ disciples. Going forward, let us be a Jesus-focused Church; let us be a disciple-making Church.

Note: Funding for theological education for students like László will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education.

WEEK 2: Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Introduction

Discipleship is not sustained by human strength alone. God’s Spirit fills, renews, and empowers believers to live with courage, joy, and faithfulness. Across cultures and contexts, Christians experience the Spirit in worship, prayer, community, and mission. This week, we remember that the same Spirit who empowered the early Church continues to empower disciples today. The Spirit roots us in Christ, gives us fullness of life, and sends us out to bless the world. As we lift up theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, we affirm that Spirit‑formed leaders are essential for vibrant churches. Through the Spirit, ordinary people receive extraordinary grace to witness, serve, and lead.

Scripture Passages
Psalm 16
Colossians 2:6–10
John 10:10

Meditation and Prayer by Global Leaders

Contributor: The Rev. Joseph Y. Reyes           Location: Zambales, Philippines

Bible Text: Colossians 2:6–10

Meditation / Scripture Reflection:

“How is your soul today?” John Wesley’s well‑known question invites honest reflection. Paul writes to the Colossians with courage, yet he writes from prison because of his public witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ. How does Paul remain peaceful and courageous? He urges believers to sink roots into Christ and build life upon Him. Then faith grows strong and overflows with thankfulness.
In a world that challenges faithfulness, being rooted in Christ becomes the foundation of our whole being as servants and followers. Deep connection with Christ shapes obedience and extends reach. What we receive from Christ we share for the good of the world. Paul rejects empty philosophies and high‑sounding nonsense that lead away from Christ.
We may face personal “prisons” that limit capacity. Let us kneel before God with humble commitment and serve God’s people. May our lives, churches, and communities reflect the power, love, and call of Christ. The world needs Christ, and servants who are rooted, built up, and fruitful will carry His word. Let us continue to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously for the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we come with humble hearts. Strengthen the roots of our salvation. Fill us with your strength and power. Give depth for ministry on a strong foundation. Create hunger and thirst for your gifts and anointing. Bless us so that we become channels of blessing for others. We claim victory in your name over challenges that hinder service. Bless our households, our schools, our workplaces, and our churches with your love and power. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Contributor: Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa                   Location: Zimbabwe
Bible Text: John 10:10

Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
In 1992, the All Africa Conference of Churches gathered in Harare under the theme “Abundant Life in Jesus Christ,” based on John 10:10. The question for many Africans was and remains pressing: have we experienced abundance of life or abundance of problems? The answer is hope. The declaration of Jesus is a realized promise. Jesus speaks to us within the realities of poverty, displacement, disease, and more.
Pastors formed through funds raised on Miracle Sunday cannot relegate this declaration to the periphery. People long for abundant life given now in Christ. Jesus dismantles hindrances that keep people from grasping this abundance. The essence of Miracle Sunday is raising support for theological education in designated regions. Where does the miracle lie? It lies in how each one responds to the nudges of the Holy Spirit to give abundantly. Servants of God who benefit from this offering will proclaim the gospel that brings peace of mind and hope as the core of abundant life. As we imagine new ways of being Church, may this Spirit‑driven Miracle Sunday remind us to practice generous, sustained giving.

Prayer: Gracious God, you have already given abundantly through Jesus Christ. Allow us to partner with you in mercy by giving wholeheartedly for the good of your ministry. Amen.

Contributor: Venelyn D. Pascua                       Location: Philippines
Bible Text: John 10:10

Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus desires more than survival. He offers a life of meaning, purpose, joy, and spiritual fullness. Abundance is not measured by possessions or status. It is rooted in relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd who guides, protects, and nourishes. This grace is a gift. Many seek fulfillment in achievement or pleasure and still feel empty. Jesus offers peace, hope, and identity that circumstances cannot shake. Abundant life transforms how we think, act, and relate.
This abundance is not for ourselves alone. We share it for the sake of the world. When we encounter the love of Christ, it flows outward in compassion, justice, and kindness. Sharing abundant life takes many forms: encouragement, forgiveness, practical help, and everyday acts of light. This calling carries responsibility. We use talents, time, and resources for the common good. In workplaces, families, and communities, we reflect the character of Christ and participate in God’s mission of healing and hope. Abundant life is both blessing and mission, a journey of growing in faith and extending love to others. Remaining connected to Christ, we live fully and help others experience the fullness He promises.

Prayer: Loving and gracious Lord, you came so that we may have abundant life. Teach us that abundance lies in your presence. Guard us from distractions that do not satisfy. Open our hearts to receive your grace and to share it generously through kindness, compassion, and service. Give courage to live fully in your light, and strength to witness even in trial. May our lives testify to your goodness, so that others experience the fullness you promise. We pray with gratitude, trusting your sustaining love. Amen.

Video Testimony

Today, we will hear another powerful testimony from a leader whose ministry is transforming lives through evangelism in extraordinary circumstances. As you listen to Princes Knuckles Jalia, Liberia. I invite you to pray:
Lord, how are you calling me to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously this week?