Since 2012, Volunteer In Mission teams from Saint Mark’s, led by Joel Bulaya, have traveled to Angola six times to support community‑led efforts centered around Bom Jesus United Methodist Church. Our mission focuses especially on empowering a women’s cooperative working to lift their community out of poverty, and on partnership with Naná Fatuma Katembo, a United Methodist missionary from Congo and a graduate of Africa University.
Saint Mark’s mission team meets monthly as we plan for a potential mission journey in May 2026, with an emphasis on education and community development. Leadership is shared by Joel Bulaya, Jane Henderson, and Jim Eychaner.
Recent mission work includes the 2024 journey, which helped build a safer bridge over an irrigation canal and supported a young man pursuing a nursing credential after leaving high school due to financial hardship. Team members remain in close communication with our partners in Angola.
Saint Mark’s supports this ministry through monthly budgeted contributions, a designated Angola mission fund, and special fundraisers such as our all‑church yard sale. You can support this work by designating “Angola VIM” with your gift to Saint Mark’s, or by giving directly through UMCOR to support Naná’s ministry.
