Jan LoveOn July 18, millions, if not billions, of people around the world celebrated the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela. From his childhood, Mandela was connected to the United Methodist Church, and UMC leaders around the world offered their best wishes to the legendary activist and man who became South Africa’s first black president.

Among those UMC leaders was Candler Dean Jan Love, who noted how well Mandela’s humility and resourcefulness have served humanity.

“His political acumen, personal discipline and perseverance against entrenched oppressive systems and overwhelming odds have few equals anywhere,” Love said to United Methodist News Service reporter Linda Bloom. “He helped others around him rise to their greatest potential and highest ethical standards.”

To read Bloom’s full story on Mandela and how Methodism helped guide his life, click the link. bit.ly/12XGF1h