Hello!

My name is Mae Partain. For the past two years, I have been attending Cliff College- a small Christian college- in Derbyshire, England. In this time, I have completed their Cliff Year program and my first year of their BA in Theology and Mission course. As this academic year draws to a close, I am now looking forward to a new adventure!

Growing up in Montana, I never imagined God would lead me halfway across the world to study theology in England. Yet these past two years have been an incredible blessing. Not only have I built friendships, grown in my faith and theology, and experienced participating in a range of ministries, but I have had the privilege of being immersed in a different culture. A culture which has taught me new ways to connect with others and revealed different aspects of God’s heart and love for his church and world.

As I contemplated what to do over this coming summer as an international student, I felt a pull to explore more of the world and God’s work in different places and cultures. After much thought and prayer, I applied for the British Methodist Church’s Encounter Worldwide Program. This is a program that allows Christians in England to volunteer with Methodist Churches around the world with the goal of growing faith, sharing in life and culture, and enriching mission. After participating in a discernment day with the British Methodist Global Relations, I have been presented with the opportunity to travel to Italy for 3 months this summer (June-August) and work with Centro Ecumene.

Centro Ecumene is a Methodist center located just south of Rome focused on study, worship, and community. During my time at Centro Ecumene, I will be helping with their various youth summer camps and visiting many churches around the area. Through this, I am hoping to build connections with new people, share my story, and help spread the Good News while also being immersed in Italian culture and Centro Ecumene’s community. My two years in England have shown me that different cultures teach us new ways of seeing the world and each other, along with revealing unique parts of God’s heart. Therefore, I have no doubt that this trip to Italy will continue to lead to my personal and spiritual growth, and I also hope my faith and testimony will encourage those I encounter and reveal to them a new aspect of God’s heart. My prayer is that this summer will lead to shared faith and new encounters with God in community.

For this trip, I am aiming to raise 300 pounds by May 31st, which will go directly to Methodist Global Relations to assist with travel costs. Any and all support is an immense blessing, whether that be financial support, sharing with others, or prayers.

Thank you so much!

Mae Partain