Our Missionaries - A Personal Letter from the Markays'

Revs. Kristin and David Markay
Chiesa Evangelica Metodista di Milano
Via Porro Lambertenghi, 28
20159 Milano, Italy
tel. +39.02.607.2631
email: markay@fastwebnet.it
10 April 2011
Dear Friends at Lancaster First UMC,

In August of this year we will take on new responsibilities in the Sheffield-Brunswick and Hoyland circuits of the Methodist Church in Britain. As we conclude our fifteen years of service as missionaries with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, our hearts are very grateful for all you have done for us.

At the time of this writing, the GBGM has not yet appointed a missionary to serve in Italy. We hope you will consider establishing a covenant relationship with GBGM missionaries Ut To and Karen Vo-To who serve in Vietnam. The West Ohio Conference Office or GBGM Mission Support Liaison Rachael Barnett (tel. 212-870-3716; email: rbarnett@gbgm-umc.org) can provide you with more information. The missionary biography page on the GBGM’s web site (gbgm-umc.org) may also be helpful.

First UMC in Lancaster supported us when our family was preparing to leave the then Newark District to serve in Lithuania. We will always remember the groups from your church who came to serve in Lithuania, and we are thrilled that your partnership with the congregation in Panevezys continues to this day. Having taken Disciple Bible Study at your church in the early 1990’s, we have both used many of the ideas and teaching techniques we learned on East Wheeling Street in our work in Lithuania, and later Italy. In addition, Italian Methodists sing from a new multi-lingual hymnal that you, through a special gift you made, helped make possible.

Your mission giving, especially during difficult economic times, is a testimony to your commitment to spread Good News within and outside your community. Please know that the many ways you have supported us in ministry -- your financial support, prayers, letters, birthday cards, and your hospitality to our family during itineration visits, have all sustained us in ways you cannot imagine. We trust that together, we have planted seeds for the Gospel.

Peace in Christ,

The Markay Family
(Kristin, David, Hannah and Aidan)
.