Mississippi surpasses goal for AU fundraising campaign
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100% SUPPORT
reasons we were able to succeed,” said Carr. Churches and individuals in all 11 districts of the Mississippi Conference responded to the campaign with extreme generosity. But for Carr, the response of the Meridian District was particularly inspiring. A group of 47 predominantly African American congregations—most of them small, with less than 15 members in worship on Sunday—embraced the effort. Determined to raise $130,000 for one endowed scholarship, the churches met their goal by giving sacrificially. “It all came together and it was truly a God thing,” said the district superintendent, Rev. Steven P. “Rusty” Keen. “ey amazed themselves, and it was beautiful to see God’s spirit working within those churches and in the hearts of the people as they seized the opportunity to leave a legacy, not only here in Mississippi, but also thousands of miles away.” Carr noted that a key “lesson learned” from the campaign was that small to medium-sized congregations should never be overlooked.
Rev. Steven P. “Rusty” Keen and the churches of the Meridian District were recognized for their contributions at the 2016 Mississippi Annual Conference.
Plans are underway for a Mississippi Conference delegation, led by Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr., to visit the Africa University campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe from March 20-28, 2017, for the official handover of the $1.35M gift during the university’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
CELEBRATING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AFRICA UNIVERSITY AND UNITED METHODIST CONGREGATIONS Thank you for supporting Africa University through your 100 percent remittance of the Africa University Fund apportionment in 2015. Here is the listing of Annual Conferences with 100 percent or more in 2015 (with 2014 performance for comparison): North Central Jurisdiction Dakotas East Ohio Illinois Great Rivers Iowa Minnesota West Michigan West Ohio Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100.03% 99.99% 100% 116.54% 100% 100% 100% 96.27%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 91.25%
Northeastern Jurisdiction Baltimore-Washington Eastern Pennsylvania Greater New Jersey New England New York Peninsula-Delaware Susquehanna Upper New York West Virginia Western Pennsylvania Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 110.65% 100% 100% 100% 100.43% 100% 100% 100.02% 100.01% 101.11%
2014 100%
100% 100% 95.76%
South Central Jurisdiction Central Texas Oklahoma Indian Missionary Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 89.54%
2014 100% 100% 89.22%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Southeastern Jurisdiction Florida Holston Kentucky North Carolina Red Bird Missionary South Carolina Tennessee Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 101.41% 100% 91.73%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100.50% 102.98% 100% 91%
Western Jurisdiction Alaska United Methodist California Pacific Desert Southwest Oregon Idaho Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountain Jurisdiction Total Support
2015 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 92.77%
2014 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 91.78%
Summer 2016
he Mississippi Conference celebrated the completion of its $1.3 million campaign for Africa University in June, having surpassed its goal six months earlier than planned. e campaign to endow 10 scholarships at Africa University has generated a total of $1,354,769.00 in cash and pledges. “We found that local churches and individuals had a keen awareness and deep commitment to Africa University,” said Rev. Jimmy Carr, who co-led the campaign team with Mrs. Martha Scarborough. Africa University’s ties to the Mississippi Conference date back to its inception in 1988. A massive cross and flame, given to the university by the conference in 1994, is a prominent feature of the main campus. Over the past 24 years, Mississippi United Methodists have helped to shape the development of Africa University, and they have consistently invested in the university’s scholarship endowment fund. “at foundation and commitment are the
Africa University Today — Summer 2016
Baltimore-Washington Conference invests in Africa’s future, and its own
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hen asked what he might want to celebrate his retirement and 42 years of ministry, Bishop Marcus Matthews was audacious. He wanted a Fitness Center to enrich the lives of the students at Africa University. rough a love offering, the BaltimoreWashington Conference raised $300,000 as seed money for the new center. On June 10, Bishop Matthews stood in a field of acacia trees, near the foot of a mountain in Zimbabwe and turned over a shovel full of dirt. On that clear morning, a historic moment quietly unfolded as the campus community broke ground. It was one of those moments one doesn’t forget: when a dream slips from the soul and becomes a technicolor reality. It was like faith being lived out loud, with a soundtrack from the Africa University Choir. e fitness center, which will require at least an additional $500,000 to build and more to equip and staff, sits next to the tennis courts near the entrance of the university. It will be part of a major sports complex. e courts were funded by the Washington West District, led by then district superintendent Marcus Matthews. One of Bishop Matthew’s spiritual gifts seems to be nurturing others in
e people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference have a new story to tell: Once they had a bishop who challenged them to dream, they broke ground on something great, and in the process, helped to build a global church.
their stewardship. During the ceremony, Matthews touched on this. “Sometimes we receive not because we ask not,” he said. “We asked God to support Africa University. God is answering our prayers.” “We’ve broken ground here in faith. We know our friends will water the seeds the BaltimoreWashington Conference planted here today. God will bring the increase,” said the vice chancellor, Professor Munashe Furusa, citing 1 Corinthians 3:7. “It is God who makes things grow.”
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enny Proper, aged 53, has been a member of Newark First United Methodist Church since childhood. Penny has special needs, so after her mother’s death in 2012, her church became her family. In June 2015, Penny heard Rev. Jeff Childs speak about Africa University at her church and it touched her heart. Newark FUMC joined in the effort to have each Upper New York congregation to raise $1,000 to support Africa University and donated $1,300 for endowed scholarships. Penny’s resources were limited but she too wanted to give. Penny decided to raise the funds for a gift by walking the 8,085 miles required to get to Africa University. Penny's determination was contagious. Soon, she had a band of walkers who tracked their steps and donated them to her. Others gave by purchasing three-mile chits for $1. Nearly every member of the congregation either bought miles or walked themselves. On April 30, 2016, Penny completed the last mile of her journey, earning $1,024 for Africa University along the way. From an article by Shannon Morehouse, a writer and editor on the staff of the Upper New York Conference.
Once complete, the fitness center is expected to provide a venue for a variety of sporting activities and enhance the quality of student life. e facility is expected to further increase Africa University’s competitiveness over other universities in the area and globally. Adapted from an article by Melissa Lauber, director of communications in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
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 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in six faculties of learning: agriculture and natural resources, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, management and administration, and theology. The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance offers post-graduate diplomas and master’s programs.
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Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope and belief in the visions of dreamers. We are counting on you! 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 100 percent apportionment remittance means 100 percent Continued next page.
How you can help... continued. support of Africa University’s operational budget, for costs such as utilities, equipment and faculty salaries.
AU graduates 843 students in largest class ever
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n the largest graduation ceremony since its inception, Africa University celebrated 843 students during its 22nd graduation ceremony on June 11th. Many were the first in their families to receive a college education and scholarships made it possible. Priscah Fisho, a student from Zimbabwe who trained as a science teacher, was among the graduates. She is joining the General Board of Global Ministries to serve as a Global Mission Fellow. “I was so impressed by the diversity and Christian values at AU that I have decided to commit my next two years in mission,” said Fisho. “e times we are living in are desperate and urgent,” said the vice chancellor, Professor Munashe Furusa. “Africa University graduates will be passionate about putting African nations on their feet again so that they can march with other nations with dignity and grace... God is faithful to what he has begun in this place.” As the Africa University Choir sang “e
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.
Graduates from the Class of 2016
iving has intensified as the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) moves towards the completion of the “Making Dreams Possible” scholarship endowment campaign for Africa University. In early July, the conference was within $20,000 of its goal of $1 million. “e people of this conference are wonderfully generous,” said Rev. Beverly WilkesNull, chair of the IGRC’s Africa University Committee. “We have a great team and they just keep on telling the Africa University story, and that makes all the difference in the world.” e campaign is part of the celebration of 42
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.
dream is alive,” graduating students, representing 23 African countries, received their diplomas and degrees. is year’s group included nine students who are the first to complete the master’s degree program in Human Rights, Peace and Development.
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.
Rev. Maidstone Mulenga, director of connectional ministries and assistant to the Bishop, BaltimoreWashington Conference.
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.
IGRC Wraps Up $1M Scholarships Campaign
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Consider these additional ways of helping the university educate new leaders for the nations of Africa:
years of ministry by Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton and Mrs. Beverly Keaton, who are retiring on August 31st. Bishop Keaton is a strong supporter of mission in general and of Africa University in particular. He has the distinction of having supported a major campaign for Africa University in each of his Episcopal assignments. e conference has earmarked the proceeds of the “Making Dreams Possible” campaign for “e Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton and Mrs. Beverly Keaton Endowment funded by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference”. e current effort is aimed at providing scholarships for eight Africa University students annually in perpetuity. Two of the endowed scholarships are to be reserved for graduate students, leaving six for students pursuing undergraduate degree programs. One of these scholarships has been designated for students from the Fairfield Children’s Home at the Old Mutare UMC Mission who wish to enroll at AU.
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
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Africa University Development Office e United Methodist Church P.O. Box 340007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007
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Africa University Today — Summer 2016
Africa University: A place of growth
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t is not surprising that Rev. hearing a missionary home on Ann S. Blair chose the ordained furlough from the Congo speak at ministry as her vocation. Her a School of Mission event. She father and maternal grandparents became acquainted with Africa were ordained Methodist University through two good ministers. She attended the United friends, the late Rev. and Mrs. Ed Methodist-related University of Furman, who were visiting Puget Sound for two years, and professors at Africa University in earned her Bachelor of Arts degree its early years. e Furmans’ Rev. Ann S. Blair in history from the College of Idaho wonderful stories of their in 1978. After marrying and giving experiences at the university piqued birth to her two daughters, Trish and Nina, she her interest and excitement. enrolled at Yale Divinity School and earned her Rev. Blair currently serves on the Upper Master of Divinity degree in 1987. New York Conference Africa University Rev. Blair is now in her 30th year under Permanent Scholarship Endowment Task Force. She was one of the first to make a appointment, having served 23 years in the former Wyoming Conference and 7 years in planned gift by including Africa University in her estate plans in support of the Conference’s her current conference, Upper New York. She campaign to raise $1 million for the AU pastors the Red Creek Westbury/Sterling Endowment. When she was asked what are her Charge. hopes and dreams for the university, she recited Rev. Blair’s interest in the continent of Luke 2:52 — that Africa University will Africa began in her early childhood after
continue to help students grow “in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and humanity.” 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.