After many months of prayer, discernment, conversation and planning, we are so blessed to announce that the Virginia Conference of the Global Methodist Church began a mission partnership with the Central African Republic Conference effective January 20,2026!
We, together, understand that the starting point for this new, mission partnership is notsimply strategy or resources but abiding in Christ. As John 15 reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Apart from me you can do nothing.” The first commitment of this partnership is that mission flows from abiding—from prayer, worship, and surrender to God’s Spirit—keeping it God-centered, relational, and Spirit-led. We understand the risk in global mission partnership is to slip into a transactional mindset: one side gives resources, the other receives. This creates dependency and inequality. The call of abiding is to embrace transformational mission. Transformational mission asks: What are your dreams for your community? What strengths already exist here? How can we pursue a shared vision together?
For the VA Conference of the GMC, transformation means not just sending funds or teachers but listening deeply to the vision of our brothers and sisters in the Central African Republic. For the CAR Conference, transformation looks like offering their faith, resilience, and witness as gifts that bless us (Virginia). Together, transformation will build long-term change in both contexts.
This partnership will be built not on short-term aid but on long-term trust and humility.Therefore, we understand that transformation flows at the speed of relationships. Missional presence matters more than projects; instead of asking “What do you lack?” the partnership will begin with “What gifts and strengths do you already have?” which cultivates mutual growth!
We so appreciate your continued prayers, and financial support, as we, the Virginia Conference, step into this new, very vital, missional partnership. We encourage you to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Central African Republic as they are praying for us. We are hopeful that Rev. Lucien Dockpa (Conference Superintendent) and one other leader from his team will be able to join us here in Va for our Annual Conference in May!
Again, thank you for your continued support!
Rev. Don Gibson,
Mission Chair
Virgina Conference of the Global Methodist Church
The Virgina Conference Missions Team: Rev. Ho Kang, Rev. Bob Gochenour, Rev.
Jason Goins, Sandra Henderson