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 past several weeks, we have been 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've also been sharing 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. Louise Aaen, Denmark. She shares the impact of theological education and how the connectional relationships she developed during her learning have impacted her ministry and leadership.

For the last fifteen years, I have been blessed to serve a large congregation in a small village called Strandby in the northern part of Denmark. We have a warm relationship and uncomplicated cooperation with the Lutheran church that benefits the whole town.

The population of Strandby is approximately 2500 people, with five hundred Methodists. Although this area has a tradition of strong Methodist identity since the 1880s, surely faith cannot be inherited, but must be nurtured and grasped by each new generation. That is mainly what I try to facilitate in my ministry.

We work to build a thriving, open church with socially and culturally relevant activities that build a bridge to spiritual and existential growth. We pray that we might include more people as members of the church in all ages and life situations. Hopefully, we will continue to witness people bringing their children to baptism and adults confessing faith in Jesus Christ each year.

Currently, we are seeking to expand our ministry to nearby villages with diaconal outreach to isolated, ill, and lonely people by driving a bus to visit them, establishing cafes and conversation, and offering food aid and recycled supplies. I give thanks to God’s grace every day that I am part of this meaningful ministry.

I began my second career as a pastor in 2010 and enrolled in the Methodist E-academy to enhance my theological education. A deeper understanding of specific Wesleyan theology through doctrine, ethics, and ecclesiology all benefited my training and equipped me for ministry. I was especially helped by practical assignments focused on my own ministry, challenging me to reflect and analyze strengths and weaknesses, and act on given possibilities. I relished networking with my fellow students, learning more about their ministries and gaining insight into the state of the Methodist Church all over Europe.

I keep in contact with colleagues from Finland, Latvia, Germany, Austria, Romania, Hungary, and Italy. I absolutely enjoyed our trip to Oxford, Bristol, and London, tracking the footsteps of Wesley and the rise of Methodism. Experiencing the holy roots of Methodism really resonates with me, strengthening my faith and commitment to ministry.

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

WEEK 6 — Disciples Transform the World – Miracle Sunday Offering

Introduction

Disciples of Jesus Christ are called not only to personal faithfulness but to global witness. God’s vision extends to all nations and peoples, inviting the Church to proclaim good news and participate in God’s transforming work. On Miracle Sunday, congregations join together to support theological education across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines—investing in leaders who will shape the future of the Church. Transformation begins with worship and extends into every sphere of life. Today we celebrate God’s mission, give thanks for the global body of Christ, and commit ourselves to sharing God’s glory with the world.

Psalm 96

Psalm 96 is a song of global praise. It calls all peoples to sing a new song, proclaim God’s salvation, and declare God’s glory among the nations. The psalm affirms that God is not a local or tribal deity but the Creator of the whole earth. Worship becomes a witness: as communities praise God, they invite others into God’s joy and truth. The psalm also speaks of God’s justice—righteous, fair, and restorative. Creation itself rejoices at God’s coming rule. For congregations around the world, this psalm celebrates the unity of global worship and mission. Miracle Sunday embodies this vision by empowering theological education in diverse contexts, raising new leaders who will teach, preach, and serve so that God’s glory may be known everywhere. Disciples transform the world when they proclaim God’s goodness, embody God’s justice, and share God’s love boldly.

Meditations and Prayers by Global Leaders

Contributor: Bishop Patrick Streiff                 Location: Switzerland
Bible Text: Psalm 96:1–3
Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
I love many traditional hymns that shaped my faith. I also value new songs that speak to present realities. In the United Methodist Church, we now sing a new song of mission in diverse global contexts. We seek freedom for contextually adapted ministry while remaining connected worldwide. Miracle Sunday is a new song as well: never before have we invited every local church in our connection to offer a generous gift for a common cause. This song of mutual contribution can strengthen theological education for generations in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Rooted in a Wesleyan tradition, such education prepares trusted leaders who address spiritual, social, and economic needs. They will help us declare the glory of God among the nations and the marvelous works of God among all peoples.

Prayer: God, we praise you with thousands of United Methodist congregations across the earth on this special Sunday. We want to tell of your salvation from day to day, through generations. Bless this offering so that it forms leaders in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines for many years to come. To you be all honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.

Contributor: Pastor Pierre Bandorayingwe                           Location: Congo
Bible Text: Psalm 96
Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
Psalm 96 echoes the celebration when David brought the ark into Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:23–33). The psalm proclaims that the Lord is King. In the midst of many deities, Israel confessed one true God, Creator of heaven and earth. Four essential truths emerge.

1. A call to renewed worship: the invitation to sing a new song reminds us that worship must remain living and sincere.
2. A universal proclamation: the people of God bear witness beyond church walls, beyond borders, cultures, and languages.
3. Holiness and sovereignty: reverence leads to consecration and a life that reflects the character of God.
4. Hope of righteous judgment: God will judge the earth; evil will not have the last word.
   Miracle Sunday invites deeper commitment to the work of God. Through our offering, leaders will be trained, and the good news will continue to be proclaimed across the world. Are we ready for a life of shared worship, mission, consecration, and hope? Amen.

Prayer: God our Creator, Almighty God, God of glory, we proclaim your majesty. Your splendor fills the earth and brightens our lives. You are holy and worthy of all praise. May your glory be revealed among us. May your Holy Spirit guide us on this miraculous Sunday. May our offering be pleasing to you. To you be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Contributor: Pastor Robert P. Baoidang, Administrative Pastor    Location: Maui United Methodist Church, Maui, Delfin Albano, Isabela, Philippines
Bible Text: Psalm 96
Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
Psalm 96 is a poetic, liturgical adaptation of 1 Chronicles 16:23–33. It is a vibrant call to worship that urges all creation and every nation to recognize the reign of the Lord. This is a missionary psalm: the glory of God is not confined to Israel; all the earth is invited to sing, praise, and proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

The psalm calls for a new song that crosses borders. Worship is not only personal; it is global and inclusive. The invitation extends to all people to become singers, not only hearers. Our lives should showcase the character of God by treating others with love and living with righteousness.
Psalm 96 calls the Church to worship, to mission, and to hope in God’s final and just rule over all creation. Many congregations and pastors, especially in regional conferences such as the Philippines, need support for theological education. The invitation for 30,000 congregations and pastors to create a permanent endowment for theological education beyond the United States becomes a new song that unites people called United Methodists. Let us be disciples who make disciples and transform the world. Let our voices blend as one. Together, let us sing a new song.

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank you for calling us to be your disciples in this world of instability. Grant us grace to be true agents of transformation, lighting dark places with your love and bringing hope where there is despair.

Empower us to move beyond our comfort zones, to be courageous witnesses of your truth, and to share your message of reconciliation and justice with everyone we meet. May our actions, not only our words, transform communities by breaking down walls of division and building bridges of unity, cooperation, and peace.

Strengthen us to serve the vulnerable, to help those in need, to lift up the brokenhearted, and to show your compassion to all creation. Unite us in purpose and love, so that the world may know you. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who calls us to change the world. Amen.

Video Testimony
As you listen to today’s testimony of Caleb, a pastor from Liberia who ministers to people who live in a graveyard, I invite you to hold this prayer in your heart:
Lord, use our gifts, our prayers, and our lives to transform the world like Jesus.

Thank you for being part of this global movement of faith. May God continue to shape us into people who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.