A Moment for Mission
“Their offspring will be known among the nations, and their descendants among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people blessed by the Lord.” —Isaiah 61:9, CEB
Did you know that Africa University is the first and only fully accredited institution of higher learning established on the African continent by action of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1988?
For over 25 years, Africa University has shaped the lives of thousands of young people all over the continent of Africa by equipping them with the knowledge to alleviate poverty, build peace and stability and drive development. Most of the graduates return to their home countries to make a difference.
Because of generous gifts to the Africa University Apportion Fund, Africa’s new generation of leaders is better prepared and equipped to prevent conflict, resolve conflict and build lasting peace on the continent.
This fund is managed through the office of Africa University Development Office [A1] at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Children’s Message
Today’s memory verse is from the prophet Isaiah who said in 61:9, “Their offspring will be known among the nations, and their descendants among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people blessed by the Lord.”
(show a map of Africa and point out Zimbabwe) Africa University is a United Methodist University in Zimbabwe, Africa. Young people from all over Africa go to learn and become future leaders, making a difference in their countries and communities.
One of the recent graduates from Africa University is a young man named Collins Prempeh. Collins is from Ghana (point out Ghana on the map) and he had a dream of studying theology and becoming a pastor. However, Collins faced some challenges because he is deaf. He worried if he would be accepted and whether he could fulfill his dream.
But guess what? Collins decided to pursue his dream and chose Africa University to study for a divinity degree at the Institute of Theology and Religious Studies. With the support of generous people who believed in him, Collins thrived in his studies. He made friends and connections and he succeeded.
Earlier this year, Collins became Africa University’s first deaf graduate from the Institute of Theology and Religious Studies. It was a moment of celebration, not only for Collins but for all the people with disabilities in Africa. His graduation is a significant milestone in the development of deaf ministry in Ghana and Africa.
The story of Africa University and Collins reminds us of how blessed we are by the Lord to have opportunities to learn and grow here in (this town/country) and around the world.
Offertory Prayer
Thank you, God, for blessing us with the opportunity to learn and grow. Please bless the students and graduates of Africa University, like Collins, as they work to make the world a better place. Help us to be generous and supportive of all young leaders. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Their offspring will be known among the nations, and their descendants among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people blessed by the Lord.” —Isaiah 61:9, CEB
Collins Prempeh from Ghana became Africa University’s first deaf graduate from the Institute of Theology and Religious Studies after completing a divinity degree at the institution’s 29th graduation ceremony held in June 2023. The attainment of this degree is the first step in a journey that will see Deaf Ministry in Ghana empowered with pastors from the Deaf community who are ordained and trained to serve from their perspective and preach based on their lived experiences.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University, including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Looking back on his decision to choose Africa University and how far he has come, Collins said, “I just want to say thank you to all those who supported me and gave so freely all that I needed. In Ghana, I had a dream of furthering my education and wondered where I could go to study theology. I had fears of acceptance and of whether I would be rejected. But I found friendships and connections. I have succeeded and I am an example to others that there is a future for the Deaf in Africa.”
Collins’s graduation from Africa University is a genuine cause for celebration. His achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of Deaf ministry in Ghana and Africa, and it provides hope and inspiration for people with disabilities everywhere. His story also highlights the importance of striving toward inclusion and diversity in education and society at large.
Story excerpt by Jeanette Dadzie, Africa University website.
Read more: https://www.umc.org/en/content/aus-first-deaf-graduate-from-ghana-makes-history-auf.