Mississippi United Methodists Celebrate $1M AU Campaign
A
100% SUPPORT
leaders who helped bring it to fruition. “The Mississippi Conference has been very generous in establishing this scholarship endowment for Africa University students,” said Salley, who described the leadership of Bishop Swanson and Mrs. Delphine Swanson as a model for the church. Salley thanked the Mississippi Conference on behalf of the Africa University Board of Directors, its chair, Bishop Mande Muyombo, and the university’s chief executive, Prof. Munashe Furusa. He also surprised Bishop and Mrs. Swanson with Africa University’s highest honor—the Drum Award. “With all the things that seek to divide us in The United Methodist Church, this is another example of why Africa University is a uniting, United Methodist dream come true,” said Salley.
Thank you for investing at 100 percent in the Africa University Fund in 2018. The Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church with a 100 percent or more remittance to the AUF apportionment over the past two years are: North Central Jurisdiction Dakotas Detroit East Ohio Illinois Great Rivers Indiana Iowa Minnesota West Michigan West Ohio Wisconsin Jurisdiction Total Support
2018 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 99.37% 100% 108.99% 95.87%
2017 100% 105.32% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 105.24% 99.83%
Northeastern Jurisdiction Baltimore-Washington Greater New Jersey New England New York Peninsula-Delaware Susquehanna Upper New York West Virginia Western Pennsylvania Jurisdiction Total Support
2018 100% 100% 100% 104.01% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 98.53%
2017 100% 100% 100% 107.18% 100% 100% 102.04% 100% 100% 100.71%
South Central Jurisdiction Central Texas North Texas Oklahoma Indian Missionary Jurisdiction Total Support
2018
2017 100% 100% 100% 88.42%
100% 85.42%
“The people of Mississippi who call themselves United Methodist have stepped up to empower the people of Africa to do for themselves.” The three-year Mississippi Conference effort to endow scholarships was part of Africa University’s ongoing $50 million, “Seeding Hope, Shaping Opportunity” campaign. Gifts to the campaign have already surpassed the goal and are enhancing teaching and research, campus infrastructure and student access. Southeastern Jurisdiction Florida Kentucky North Alabama North Carolina Red Bird Missionary South Carolina Tennessee Jurisdiction Total Support
2018 100% 100% 100% 108.76% 100% 110.35% 93.11%
2017 100% 100% 113.80% 100% 113.58% 100% 196.48% 98.15%
Western Jurisdiction Alaska United Methodist California Nevada California Pacific Desert Southwest Oregon Idaho Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountain Yellowstone Jurisdiction Total Support
2018 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
2017 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Summer 2019
$1 million gift, presented to Africa University by Mississippi Annual Conference on June 6th, is opening the door to a lifechanging education for more young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. presented a check for $1 million to Africa University’s chief advancement officer, Mr. James H. Salley, in an emotional and moving celebration at the annual conference gathering in Jackson, MS. “What a difference you can make when you learn to give,” said Swanson. “You took on the task and you did a tremendous job. Thank you, Mississippi. In a state where we sometimes struggle so much, we found it in our hearts to give so much.” This gift fulfils a scholarship endowment pledge and ends a conference-wide major campaign for Africa University, which began in 2015. The campaign’s culmination was cause for thanksgiving and special recognition of the many
Africa University Today — Summer 2019
2019 Graduates Embrace the Challenge of Changing the Narrative
O
rphaned at age six, Claudine Migisha faced numerous challenges in her quest for education, including inadequate funding and the lack of parental encouragement. Despite the difficulties she encountered, Migisha completed high school. She received a scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation and enrolled at Africa University in 2015. At Africa University’s 25th graduation ceremony in June, the 26-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo was awarded an honors degree in Psychology. “I came to this university shy and withdrawn, but I was pulled out of my shell and transformed into a warrior woman,” said Migisha. “I believe that if more young women are given the chance, they can reach far, and I am determined to see that happening.” Migisha’s passion for change is echoed in the reflections and career aspirations of her fellow graduates in the class of 2019. This class is comprised of 526 young women and men, representing 22 African countries. Most are
first-generation college graduates, and 54.6 percent are women. In his commencement address, Rev. Greg Bergquist, the guest of honor and interim general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) called on the graduates to be courageous, loving and kind. “We each have a choice to make: Do we continue to live in our current configurations of life, into our standard zones of existence, into the way things have always been,” Bergquist asked. “Or will we take that small, but profound step into the adjacent possible, into the halo of possibility and promise that is always right beside us?” Belta Sanyanga, a Zimbabwean, majored in Agricultural Sciences and earned top honors. She and other young female agriculturalists are serious about ending food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Paulo Ismael Simão trained for pastoral ministry, supported by an endowed scholarship fund from the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. Simão has returned to Mozambique
to serve The United Methodist Church and continue his work with “Art in Movement”— a project that helps children to turn waste into upcycled art. The class of 2019 included Dr. Kenjiro Yamada, a retired staff member of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, (GBHEM), who was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions to Africa University’s development. He was instrumental in securing funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the construction of five teaching and academic support buildings on the campus.
How You Can Help ocated at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, Africa University is an accredited United Methodist-related educational institution in Africa, established by action of the General Conference. The university offers degree programs in three colleges: Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CHANS); Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance (CBPLG); and Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTH&E). New academic programs include master’s and doctoral degree programs in migration, citizenship and refugee protection; intellectual property; public health; and entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
L
In June, Africa University Chief Executive Dr. Munashe Furusa, and Campus-Based Advancement Officer Stephene Chikozho met with graduates in Maputo, Mozambique. The group discussed enhancing collaboration between the university and its Mozambican alumni. Mozambicans are the third largest group among the 9,000+ Africa University alumni. A growing number are leaders in business, government, civil society and the church. Mozambique Area Bishop Joaquina Nhanala notes that more than 80 percent of her staff are AU graduates. “These young people are not afraid to take risks or to embrace change, and they bring that energy into the work and life of the church,” said Nhanala.
Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope and belief in the visions of dreamers. Thank you for investing in changed lives and communities! Encourage your church to set a 100 percent apportionment remittance goal. Sending a portion of your goal each month makes it easier to reach full remittance by year’s end. Your church’s generosity ensures 100 percent support of Africa University’s operational budget for costs such as utilities, Continued next page.
How you can help... continued.
Love for AU Endures at Lindenkirche Berlin-Wittenau
A
t the 62-year-old Berlin-Wittenau United Methodist Church in Germany, Africa University is a beloved ministry. Using birthday and anniversary celebrations, senior club gatherings and other events, the members of the congregation highlight and solicit gifts for the annual mission offering for Africa University. Their investment in Africa University has been generous and consistent for more than 30 years. “The connection between our congregation and Africa University is based on the work which Heinrich Meinhardt, our late pastor, did for the university,” said Rev. Anja Mueller, the church’s current pastor. Even before Africa University opened in 1992, Rev. Heinrich Meinhardt and Martin E. Brose, a German theologian, kept the Berlin-Wittenau congregation and the wider United Methodist Church of Germany informed about the university’s progress, impact and needs. Brose was a founding member of the Africa University Board of Directors and Meinhardt succeeded him on the board. They made presentations, organized
concerts, hosted students and leaders associated with the university, and urged United Methodists in Germany and throughout the European Central Conference to pray for and invest in Africa University. Birgit Meinhardt describes support for Africa University within the Berlin-Wittenau congregation as strong. Even if it is quieter since her husband’s death in December 2009, she says it is very much alive. Martin Brose, who still worships at the Berlin-Wittenau United Methodist Church, notes that congregants are keenly interested in the individual stories of the graduates and the contributions they are making in Africa. “The Africa University alumni are doing an excellent job in various African countries,” said Brose. “This proves that the investment of prayers and money is not in vain. Africa University is wellestablished and growing continually despite the very difficult political and social situation in Zimbabwe. ‘This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes’ (Ps. 118:23).”
Fighting Her Wars with the Bible
W
ith just seven months in the role of University Chaplain, Rev. Maudy Muchanyereyi says that the assignment still feels like an adventure. Muchanyereyi, who earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Africa University in 2005, returned to serve as chaplain in January 2019. She is the first female chaplain in the institution’s 27-year history. “Working with the young people and helping to shape them through (spiritual) guidance, counseling and mentoring is so enriching in my personal Christian journey,” said Muchanyereyi. As a teenager in high school in the mid-1990s, Muchanyereyi recalled being haunted by a dream in which people were enlisting in the army in preparation for war. In the dream, she joined the queue to enlist. But, when her name was called and she stepped forward, instead of being handed a gun as others were, she was given a bible and told that she would fight her battles with it. It
took several years of counseling and mentoring before she accepted God’s calling. Muchanyereyi’s call story and journey convinced her of the importance of campus-based ministry. She describes interacting with the students, faculty members and administrators as she seeks to deepen and grow the spiritual life experiences of the Africa University campus community as humbling. “I have learned to always have an open mind, to accept all and not to judge, to advise and trust (staff and students) to make their own decisions,” said Muchanyereyi. “The diversity here has opened my eyes to the wider experiences of life, and I can’t imagine experiencing this anywhere but at Africa University.” On the cusp of her second semester as chaplain, Muchanyereyi is excited about what is ahead and confident that she is right where she needs to be.
equipment, and faculty salaries. 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 can become a partner with Africa University by supporting one student 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 download resources to help tell the story of the Africa University Fund apportionment, visit: umcgiving.org/auf. Current resources include: • Africa University: Where Africa Happens Every Day (video) • Africa University at 25 years: Seeding Hope, Shaping Opportunity (video) • This is our mission (brochure) • AU in a Nutshell (presentation) Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 (615) 340-7438 audevoffice@gbhem.org www.support-africauniversity.org
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Africa University Development Office The United Methodist Church P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Nashville, Tenn. Permit No. 11
it y s r e v ni ... U a c i Afr st News Late
Africa University Today — Summer 2019
Stewards of God’s Universe
C
harles W. “Chuck” Foster, III and Laverne C. Foster first learned of and were inspired to support Africa University by the late Bishop Roy C. Nichols. Chuck and Laverne were married in August 1963 and they have two children. They have been members of Easter Hill United Methodist Church (Richmond, CA) for more than 40 years. Laverne was born and reared in Accokeek, Maryland, and grew up in her parents’ home church, Metropolitan United Methodist Church. She attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and worked for numerous federal agencies throughout her 30-year career in civilian service. Laverne retired as a human resources specialist
with the U. S. Army Civilian Personnel Office, Oakland Army Base (CA). Born and reared in Preston, Maryland, Chuck holds an undergraduate degree from Maryland State College and a master’s degree in public policy from Golden State University (San Francisco). Chuck spent seven years as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Navy and another 14 years in the U. S. Navy Reserve. In 1984, he retired with the rank of captain. Chuck retired as executive director of the Port of Oakland (CA) in 2001 and founded C. Foster Consultant Services, which provides consultant services to airports and seaports. “Giving is one of the true joys of living,” Chuck said. “If Laverne and I can make life better for our world community, we are merely doing the work God entrusted us to do as stewards of the universe. This is why we have continued our support of Africa University through the years.” Elaine Jenkins, Director of Planned Giving
The AU Today is published by the Africa University Development Office, in partnership with the Office of Communications, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). For more information, contact the: Africa University Development Office P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 Tel: Fax: Email:
(615) 340-7438 (615) 340-7290 audevoffice@gbhem.org support-africauniversity.org.