When Dr. Dennis Marke graduated from Loma Linda [Calif.] University last summer, a new world awaited him back in Africa. The doctor came to the United States from Sierra Leone, which has the highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world. To many of us, Dennis’ accounts of young mothers and the babies who die because villages have no doctors or midwives are simply sad stories, but to Dennis, they are the realities of his life as an African doctor.

“I wanted to go and meet people in their communities and empower them with knowledge and programs to help them prevent the diseases that are killing them,” he explained.

To bring solutions to his home country, Dennis knew he needed more training in public health. He came to the United States as a World Communion Scholar, studying maternal and child health, as well as health education and promotion.

Dennis’ studies in the United States were made possible because caring United Methodists gave generously on World Communion Sunday. In today’s economy, your contributions are needed more than ever. Your gifts help racial- and ethnic-minority students in the United States and international students. Like Dennis, they want to serve God in life-changing ministries.

To read additional stories of lives changed by World Communion Sunday click here.