In the fall of 2008 the leadership of Union UMC held a series of meetings to address our structural needs. It was apparent to the leadership that our facilities needed renovations due to aging buildings and ministry growth. As plans were being made to address these issues it became increasingly evident that God was calling Union to simultaneously address the needs of others outside of our community. This calling led Union into a working relationship with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The leadership bodies of Union and UMCOR decided that God was calling us to dig wells and latrines in Africa, specifically in the town of Kamina within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a huge step of faith, the leaders of Union declared that we would begin a stewardship campaign to address both of our needs in equal measure. Simply put, we decided to spend dollar for dollar of the campaign money on Union and the Congo well project. That means a $100 gift to the campaign would be divided into $50 for the Union facility enhancements and $50 for the Congo well project. This was the birth of Union with the Congo.