Moment for Mission
"Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." – Mark 3:35, NRSV
Thirty years ago, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church voted unanimously to found and fund Africa University, an institution that would become the first privately recognized university in Zimbabwe. Africa University continues to be an institution for all of Africa, with more than 28 countries represented among students and faculty. Africa University continues to strive toward leadership development, and with 50 academic programs, the school provides training and education for a wide range of career and academic goals.
Africa has some of the richest resources in the world, much of which foreign companies have exploited. Strong local leaders can help build a stronger infrastructure, advocate for local development and help build communities. With this in mind, Africa University has tailored its programs to equip students to address food security, improved public health, peace, good governance and sustainable economic growth.
Through the training and education received at Africa University, students are empowered to become leaders who will make change and strengthen their communities.
We support Africa University when we give to the Africa University Fund, one of our seven apportioned funds. Our gifts are a mark of our faithfulness to Africa University and the ministry of growing and developing leaders in their academic pursuits as well as in their Christian faith, making an impact on the entire African continent.
Offertory Prayer
God, creator of all people, give us eyes to see brothers and sisters in all your children. Draw us together in the pursuit of your mission for the world and especially for Africa. May our gifts be offerings of compassion and solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Africa University. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Third Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – God of grace and goodness, your kingdom is not limited to the earth, but extends through the cosmos. At times when we feel like we carry the world on our shoulders, remind us that you have offered to carry that weight. As we give our gift this day, help us realize that our hope and security is not found in accumulating money and power, but in recognizing your kingly reign in our lives. We pray it in the holy name of Jesus. Amen. (1 Samuel 8:4-20)
Newsletter Nugget
The Africa University Fund is one of United Methodism's seven churchwide apportionments. Our gifts benefit Africa University, founded and funded through the action of the 1988 General Conference. Located in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and serving students from more than 26 countries, Africa University has trained over 8,000 leaders. Africa University is committed to training these leaders based on the core values of academic excellence, integrity, professionalism, diversity, being God-fearing and "ubuntu."
South African Anglican cleric and theologian Desmond Tutu described the ubuntu philosophy as, "I am what I am because of who we all are." Tutu saw it as the humanity of people being "bound up" in one another. He said someone with ubuntu was "welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous." In this spirit of ubuntu, students at Africa University study in order to do something about food insecurity, improving public health, promoting peace and good governance, and seeking sustainable economic growth. Please give generously.