How you can help... continued. support of Africa University’s operational budget, for costs such as utilities, equipment and faculty salaries.
Celebrating the Journey with Africa University
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embers of the Africa University (AU) Advisory Development Committee met on April 18, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, at the invitation of Bishop Kenneth Carter and the Florida Conference. ey heard from bishops and other leaders how partnering with AU can be a source of insight and impetus for transformation efforts at the local church level. “We want to help in developing leaders on the continent of Africa,” Carter said. “is is very relevant to who we are as Floridians. Florida is historically tribal and has a need for reconciliation, for journeying together toward reconciliation and justice.” In March, a 14-person delegation from the Florida Conference traveled to the university’s main campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and returned to share their experiences and what they had learned with their local congregations. “AU is a great leader and witness in making diversity incarnate,” said Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, director of connectional ministries at the Florida Conference. “It helps us to speak to the growing diversity here in Florida.”
For 23 years, United Methodists across the connection have been investing in AU. eir contributions include support for the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment, the construction of student and staff housing, and endowed and direct scholarship gifts. Several conferences—Florida, Illinois Great Rivers, Mississippi and Upper New York—are working to endow scholarships. “We did not begin this journey to leave AU alone now,” said Bishop James Swanson from the Mississippi Conference. “AU is one of the best stories e United Methodist Church has to tell around the world. God has been good to us so we have to do more to bless all of Africa so that Africa can be a blessing to the world.”
Usahwira Scholarship Program
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frica University’s more congregations into Usahwira scholarship the program. program is getting a makee new approach over. e word “Usahwira” focuses on using African means “beautiful friendship” culture—as expressed in Shona, a language spoken through art, music, drama, in Zimbabwe—fitting, as the food and fashion—to bring Usahwira scholarship program Rev. Dr. Bill McFadden with Rev. people of different Dr. Henry Masters, Sr. invites congregations to deepen backgrounds together. their relationship with the university by Described as “beautiful friendship venues,” a supporting one student for a minimum of four variety of fundraising and friend-making consecutive years. activities are being outlined to stimulate e Africa University (AU) Development collaboration between congregations that would Office launched the program in 2003, with not normally interact, among small rural support from advisers who served on the Local churches, within districts, or conference-wide. Church Partnerships subcommittee. e Rev. Under Usahwira, an individual, family, church or district adopts and supports a student Dr. Henry Masters helped to develop the as he or she pursues a degree program. For more concept while serving at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, and he is the information or to make a Usahwira pledge, visit support-africauniversity.org. primary architect of a new approach to bring
Consider these additional ways of helping the university educate new leaders for the nations of Africa: Planned Gifts are the foundation for the long-term survival of Africa University. As you make your estate plans, consider leaving a gift or bequest to Africa University in your will. If you have already included the university in your estate plans, please let us know so we may welcome you to the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society. Usahwira—This word in the Shona language means “a beautiful friendship.” Encourage your local church to become a partner with Africa University by supporting one student at the university for four years. The annual cost of supporting one undergraduate student is just under $6,000. Local churches may provide full or partial scholarships. Endowment Fund—Give to the Africa University Endowment Fund (World Service Special Gift #03-0188). The interest income from the endowment provides scholarships for our students. For more information about giving opportunities or to make a gift, visit us at support-africauniversity.org. To learn about Africa University and its impact, visit africau.edu. Let’s work together to continue the transformation of lives and of Africa. To order resources to help tell the story of the Africa University Fund apportionment, visit umcgiving.org or infoserv.um.org. Or, call United Methodist Communications, toll-free (888) 346-3862, during normal business hours. Available resources include: • Africa University: A Place of Peace, Learning and Hope DVD (600115) • Africa University Fund: Pieces of the Dream DVD (600512) • We are Africa University (600611) Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 (615) 340-7438 audevoffice@gbhem.org www.support-africauniversity.org