A Moment for Mission
“This is the symbol of the covenant that I am drawing up between me and you and every living thing with you, on behalf of every future generation.” —Genesis 9:12, CEB
For more than three decades, United Methodists have invested in Zimbabwe’s first private university for young people from all over Africa. At Africa University, young leaders engage in dynamic programs that include agriculture and natural resources, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, management and administration and theology. The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s programs. Students leave the university with a desire to contribute to their nations.
The desire of the university’s founders was to nurture an institution that would be deeply rooted in Africa—drawing its agenda and priorities from the challenges of African communities and combining the social wisdom and indigenous know-how of African people with new knowledge to aid development and improve quality of life on the continent.
When you give to the Africa University Fund, you equip indigenous solution-finders who are tackling some of their continent’s most pressing challenges with wisdom, innovation and spiritual maturity.
Children’s Message
Genesis 9:8-17
Today is the first Sunday of Lent. During Lent, we get ready for Easter by remembering Jesus’ journey and considering how we can turn our hearts to be more like him. Today’s lesson is like a rainbow—a colorful promise from God!
After a big flood, God made a beautiful rainbow in the sky as a promise—a promise that God loves us and will always take care of us. Rainbows are like God’s colorful hugs!
Just like God’s promise, we also have something beautiful in our United Methodist family called Africa University. We might think of education as a rainbow of opportunities and our relationship within The United Methodist Church is helping students in Africa receive a strong education.
As we turn our hearts to Jesus, think about how you can be like a rainbow. How can you share God’s promises of love and hope and a promise to make the world a brighter place?
Prayer
Because we met, my work will never end,
It will live on, in, and through you, my dear African friend.
My prayer to God for you each and every day is
Guide, strengthen, and show AU the more excellent way.
Make and keep her a beacon for all to see,
And help her make your world what you want it to be!
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
Righteous God, we mark these early days in the Lenten journey with reminders of your covenant with your people. In your judgment, you sent upon creation the great flood—yet you saved a faithful remnant. You followed with a covenant not to use the flood again. As we prepare to offer our gifts to you, we are reminded that we have been spared from judgment by the one, your son, our Savior, who took on our guilt and bore our judgment. May gratitude for his sacrifice move us to offer not only money but our whole being. In Christ, we pray. Amen. (Genesis 9:8-17)
Newsletter Nugget
This is the symbol of the covenant that I am drawing up between me and you and every living thing with you, on behalf of every future generation. —Genesis 9:12, CEB
excerpt from Africa University Graduate Profile: Patricia Mtero
Entering the real world after years of being in a school environment [at Africa University] can be both exciting and jarring for many students. We are accustomed to the structured routines of classrooms, assignments and exams. However, once we step into professional settings, we are faced with new dynamics and expectations.
At Social Welfare Makombe, I am exposed to the realities of social work on a daily basis. The nature of this environment demands quick thinking and effective problem-solving skills. Working with vulnerable individuals requires empathy and emotional resilience. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that social workers can have on people’s lives. As I continue this journey of personal growth and professional development, I eagerly look forward to further learning experiences that lie ahead.
Together we have the opportunity to impact the continent of Africa by equipping her leaders. Make a difference today by giving to the Africa University Fund.