About Encounter with Christ
A Ministry of the United Methodist Church connecting generosity with transformative, locally led mission across Latin America and the Caribbean
Through trusted Methodist and ecumenical partnerships, Encounter with Christ supports ministries that enable the sharing of the Gospel, the development of leaders, and support ministries of justice and compassion.
Who We Are
A bridge between generosity and locally led mission
Encounter with Christ connects individuals, congregations, and conferences with trusted Methodist and ecumenical partners across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Through this shared mission, support reaches ministries that proclaim the Gospel, form leaders, and respond to the needs of communities with faith, dignity, and hope.
At its heart, Encounter serves as a bridge—linking generosity with ministries that are locally led and rooted in their communities.
our story
The Origins of Encounter
In 1991, leaders of The United Methodist Church, the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America (CIEMAL), the British Methodist Church, and the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) met in Guatemala to explore ways to strengthen shared mission and ministry across Latin America and the Caribbean.
A major outcome of that gathering was the creation of Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean (EWC)—a permanent mission fund established through the General Board of Global Ministries.
This ministry was formally approved by the 1992 General Conference.
Since that time, the EWC permanent fund (#14729A) has grown to $2.7 million. Income generated from these invested funds supports mission projects across South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Since its inception, more than $2 million in funding has supported these ministries.
how the fund works
Sustaining mission through long-term support
Encounter with Christ is an endowed fund of the United Methodist Church, created to provide ongoing, sustainable support for mission in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Gifts are invested to grow over time, and the income supports approved mission projects across the region.
This ensures consistent support—not only for today, but for the future.
Grants are awarded to:
- Local congregations
- Regional ministries
- Ecumenical partners
All supported projects are:
- Locally led
- Contextually grounded
- Focused on lasting transformation through faith
Each gift strenthens both present ministry and future mission.
Our connection
Rooted in the global mission of the Church
Established through action of General Conference, this ministry reflects the Church’s shared calling to support mission, strengthen relationships, and walk alongside Methodist churches throughout the region.
Encounter with Christ is administered through Global Ministries, the mission agency of the United Methodist Church. Through this connection, the fund is part of a broader network of mission engagement, relationship-building, and faithful stewardship.
This connection ensures:
- Accountability in how funds are managed and distributed
- Strong, trusted relationships with partner churches and organizations
- Alignment with the Church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
Encounter with Christ is not a standalone effort–it is part of a larger, connectional mission shared across the Church.
Leadership & Partnership
Guided by leaders, shaped through partnership
Encounter with Christ is guided by a collaborative network of leaders, including representatives from across the Methodist Churches in Latin America, the Caribbean, and United Methodist Church in the United States.
The Advisory Board reflects the breadth of the Church’s mission, including bishops, former mission leaders, representatives of regional Methodist bodies, and individuals with deep experience in Latin America and the Caribbean.
An Advisory Board provides direction and discernment for the fund’s priorities, ensuring that resources are aligned with the needs and opportunities of partner churches throughout the region.
This leadership reflects a shared commitment:
- To listen to and learn from local contexts
- To steward resources with wisdom and integrity
- To strengthen relationships across conferences and cultures
Encounter with Christ also works in close partnership with annual conferences, bishops, and mission leaders throughout Latin America and the Caribbean—standing in shared commitment and mutual support for the Church’s mission.
These relationships are central to the ministry—ensuring that support is responsive, grounded, and shaped by those closest to the mission.
This is not simply a program–it is a shared effort carried forward through relationships across the Church.
invitation
Join in God's Transforming Mission
Across Latin America and the Caribbean, churches are sharing the Gospel, forming leaders, and serving their communities with faith and hope.
This work is made possible through an endowed fund that sustains mission across generations.
Through Encounter with Christ, you are invited to join in this shared mission—supporting locally led ministry and participating in God’s transforming work throughout the region.
Whether through giving, prayer, or connection, your participation strengthens both present ministry and future mission.
Join in this shared calling.