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BY BARBARA COWARD
UMCONNECTION CORRESPONDENT

In Dayton, Ohio, one of the 25 most dangerous cities in the United States, many people have given up on the future. But Harris Tay, a young adult from the Baltimore-Washington Conference, has recently begun his mission to reach out and bring them a message of hope.

Tay, a member of Union UMC in Lothian, has just started a two-year appointment as a US-2 missionary in the Ohio West Conference where he will serve as the youth enrichment coordinator at the Wesley Community Center in Dayton.

'There is a lot of hopelessness in the lives of marginalized youth in low income communities,' said Tay. 'They are looking at war zones of violence and drug use in their own communities and have a concept of ?there isn?t much more for me.? That?s unacceptable to me. I have a passion to show youth that isn?t the case. I?m fighting against feelings of hopelessness.'

In this appointment, Tay will coordinate community relations and after-school programs at the Wesley Center, which is one of more than 100 national mission institutions related to the General Board of Global Ministries.

'There are opportunities lacking for low income families that contribute to feelings of hopelessness,' he added. 'I want to expose youth to new experiences and let them know all they can accomplish. I?m about ?hope building.?'

Tay is not alone in this fight for a more promising future. He is one of eight United Methodists from seven conferences who were recently commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries as new US-2 missionaries.

These young adults, who range in age from 20 to 30 years old, are embarking on a two-year leadership development experience to address such problems as hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, children at risk, substance abuse, racism, domestic violence and inadequate health care in communities throughout the country.

According to Tay, his passion for social justice stems from growing up in a multi-cultural and faith-based family. His parents are the Revs. Stella and Manuel Tay of Lothian UMC who come from West Africa and Panama.

'Because of my multi-cultural experiences, I?m a mediator between two worlds,' he said.

This diverse background provides Tay with a broad perspective that is ideal for the US-2 missionary program.

'They look for people who have an open mind, who see God?s inclusive ministry,' said Tay. 'That?s how I?ve lived my life.'

As he embarks on this new venture, Tay will be building on a life of church leadership and service that began in his youth.

In middle school, he was active in the conference council on youth ministry. In high school, he served as council chair and Northeastern Jurisdiction representative to the national youth ministry organization.

A scholarship from the United Methodist Women enabled him to enroll in a five-year accelerated interdisciplinary program at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta where he graduated with a bachelor?s degree in religion and philosophy and a master?s degree in education leadership and administration.

He also brings a passion for peace through justice that he has already demonstrated through previous mission work in Zimbabwe and China.

'Harris Tay has a strong sense of mission and his role in the mission service, as he has been working in mission with the General Board of Global Ministries for many years now,' said Lauren Green, missionary in residence for young adult programs at the General Board of Global Ministries. 'His commitment and connection to The United Methodist Church is profound.'

He hopes to continue this relationship long after the US-2 program. Tay?s plans include attending seminary and he would like to teach Old Testament in a university.

'My idols are James Cone, Cornell West and Michael Dyson,' said Tay. 'I see myself writing books, speaking and presenting around the world.'

But for now, Tay?s immediate priority is helping inner-city youth in Dayton find new roads to a more hopeful future. It?s a mission that was formed a long time ago during his own youth experiences.

'As the child of UMC ministers, we moved around a lot, so it has prepared me to step boldly to new avenues that God has created for me,' said Tay. 'I?m really excited.'