Africa U's Acacia E-newsletter for Nov. - Dec. 2019

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 the AUF at the 100 percent 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.

“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.