By Fran Coode Walsh
Dec. 9, 2009 | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMTV)

UMTV video stories show United Methodists making a difference in the world.  Here are some of the most watched and most relevant features produced in 2009.

Senior Weightlifting Wonder

At 72, Ernestine Shepherd is an award-winning bodybuilder who hits the gym with a trainer and runs 80 miles a week. Shepherd wants to inspire her peers to be in the best shape of their lives at any age.

Meals for Foreclosed

Families displaced by foreclosure often find themselves living week to week in rented rooms. Church members recognized this unique need and began bringing meals to children living in Atlanta motels.

Refuge for Russian Street Children

An after-school program in St. Petersburg offers a refuge to children of alcoholic parents and those looking for an alternative to peer pressure. Children can eat a hot meal, get homework help and enjoy themselves in a safe, nurturing environment.

Prom Aids African Women

Prom is a rite of passage in the United States. Teens spend an estimated $4 billion a year on splurges for the event. A high school senior has found a way to turn a small amount of that spending into a partnership with young artisans in Africa.

Yankees’ Homerun for Hungry

The New York Yankees have made headlines for highly paid players and record ticket costs. But the Yankees have another bit of news. After 85 years, the franchise is offering leftover stadium food to struggling neighbors.

Humanizing the Border

Migrants walking days through the Mexican desert succumb to heat stroke, dehydration and hypothermia. Volunteers in Arizona place crosses in the desert to remember those who have died during the journey and extend humanitarian help to those still fighting for survival.

Beauty Parlor Literacy Program

Kathy Patrick mixes her careers as a beautician and a writer to help people feel good about themselves. At her combination hair salon and bookstore, customers can get a beauty makeover and pick up an inspiring book to read.

Three Generations Go Green

Going green is a daily commitment to reducing and reusing, but it is hard to know where to begin. A family shows us how the seeds for saving the planet were planted for them.

Vets & Family Camp

A universally accessible camp provides soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan a place to heal and bond with their families.

Black College CSI Class

United Methodist-related Claflin University has a respected, state-of-the-art CSI program that is training students and law enforcement officers in the latest investigative techniques.

More video stories are available at umc.org/videos.

*Walsh is supervising producer of UMTV, a unit of United Methodist Communications based in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Fran Coode Walsh, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Related Articles

Church retains mission focus despite hard times

Inauguration inspires hope, awe for United Methodists

Cote d'Ivoire: Walking in Faith

United Methodists Got Talent

Methodism in Russia: 100 Years of Darkness and Light

Healing Health Care

Soul changing prayer

Agencies announce restructuring, more layoffs

Resources

UMNS News

UMCOR

Do you have a favorite video story? We invite you to join the dialogue by sharing your comment.