Please Remember Africa University in Your Will Issue:
05
Vol:
24
November - December
2019
Give Now
Africa University Development Office | P O Box | Nashville, TN 37203 ) | Fax. ( ) | Email:340007 audevoffice@gbhem.org Tel. (
615 340 7438
615 340 7290
A 100 Percent Investment in the AU Fund for 2019 is Vital to AU's Thriving Ministry
In these final weeks of 2019, the Africa University community is looking back with thanksgiving, and towards 2020 with anticipation. The students, faculty, staff and trustees are thankful for the ongoing prayers and investment of United Methodists and others who are helping Africa University to flourish and serve as a cornerstone ministry for the preparation of principled leaders for Africa. In 2018, 34 annual conferences of The United Methodist Church invested in the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment at 100 percent or higher. In three of the four remaining jurisdictions, giving exceeded 93 percent of the asking. However, as of November 30th, overall investment in AUF for 2019 was
down by more than five percent over the same period last year. Steadfast support for AUF AU's environmental education the initiative includes regular tree- at the 100 planting days on and off campus. p e r c e n t level is vital. This December, as annual conferences honor their 2019 commitments to the AUF and other general church apportionments, Africa University’s chief advancement officer, James H. Salley, is urging steadfast 100 percent investment.
Bishop Mande Muyombo to Chair The Connectional Table God’s call to transform the world, Bishop Mande even when that world is filled Muyombo, the with diversity,” said Muyombo. “I Resident Bishop of am looking forward to engaging the North Katanga that effort with the Connectional Episcopal Area, Table's board and staff.” will chair The "Bishop Muyombo...will bring Connectional global leadership capacity to Table for the The Connectional Table that 2021-2024 quacan expand upon our strong drennium. Bishop Mande Muyombo, chair of worldwide emphasis, said Elected to the the AU Board of Directors, leads Bishop Alsted. "This is the kind episcopacy in 2017, he is first discussions during a recent meeting. of leadership we need for the Connectional Table and the graduate of Africa University to be elected bishop and the church, particularly at this time in the youngest episcopal leader in the Africa life of our denomination." Prior to his election as a United central conferences. Bishop Muyombo oversees the growth Methodist bishop, Muyombo served and wellbeing of United Methodist con- in various leadership positions at the gregations and mission work in the area General Board of Global Ministries. of central and east Africa that compris- He holds a bachelor's degree in es the North Katanga, Tanganyika and Theology and a master's degree in Tanzania conferences. He will succeed Peace, Leadership and Governance Bishop Christian Alsted as chair of the from Africa University. Muyombo holds a second master’s degree and a Doctor Connectional Table next May. "This is a prophetic moment where of Ministry from Saint Paul School of God is calling us to invest in our mis- Theology in Kansas City, Kansas, USA. sional relationships and respond to
“In days of confusion and uncertainty, we have constantly relied on persons who have a passion and appreciation for the work of Africa University,” said Salley. “We continue to do that and appeal to all of the persons who have invested in this ministry to stay the course and help us finish God’s work.” When congregations give to the AUF they enable teaching and learning to unfold smoothly, despite the current challenges in Zimbabwean operating environment. Amidst a crisis—fueled by drought, a devastating cyclone, spiraling inflation and chronic shortages of cash, food, clean water, electricity and health services—Africa University’s students have never missed a meal, nor has the staff gone without a paycheck. The strong support of annual conferences for the AUF apportionment is a source of stability, hope and transformation. It also inspires and serves as a model for Christian stewardship to a new generation.
How can you help AU?
Pray for the students, faculty and staff. Help your church to set and keep a 100 percent AUF apportionment goal. Make a second-mile gift to the Campaign for Africa University—an effort to raise $50 million to endow scholarships, fund teaching and research, and improve facilities. You may text your gift to (615) 258-7259 or scan this QR code to give: Establish an AU Sunday at your church so that members can celebrate the impact of their investment. Consider including Africa University in your estate plans. Thank you for loving this ministry into existence and for sustaining it for more than 27 years.
