In 2008, Holston Conference and the East Africa Conference formed a covenant partnership. Among other commitments, Holston promised to advocate on behalf of Sudan.

Church members are urged to help Holston keep its covenant with Sudan and with God by asking their senators to speak out in the confirmation hearings, soon to be held for U.S. Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton.

"Those of us who care about all of God’s children know there is a lot of need in a lot of places right now, from the Middle East to our own backyard," said Steve Hodges, chair of Holston's Outreach/Advocacy Team. "We in Holston also know God has called us to a particular mission relationship with Sudan."

The following message could help save lives if Holston members will call or e-mail their respective senators before hearings beginning Jan. 13:

My name is (_______), and I am a member of (local church name) located in (city, state). My church is part of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church, which has a special mission covenant with Sudan.

Right now there is a unique opportunity to help save the lives of God’s children in Sudan by making sure the state department of the incoming administration makes it a very high priority to use our influence to bring peace in Sudan and to end the persecution and slaughter of women, children and men in the Darfur region of Sudan. Please speak out in the confirmation hearings for Hillary Clinton to urge that under her leadership, significant staffing, resources and emphasis be placed on Sudan and the Darfur conflict by the U.S. Department of State. (PDF)

All the senators listed below are on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which will soon hold the confirmation hearings. Download a PDF of the above message and print it. Call the appropriate phone number below and read the message on voicemail, to staff members, or to the senator. Phone calls are most effective.

Another option is to copy and paste the above message and send it by e-mail through the appropriate site below.

Tennessee: Senator Bob Corker
Phone: 202-224-3344
Website e-mail

Virginia: Senator Jim Webb
Phone: 202-224-4024
Website e-mail

Georgia: Senator Johnny Isakson
Phone: 202-224-3643
Website e-mail