AFRICA UNIVERSITY

• Over the years, we have also supported Africa University,  through our Central Pennsylvania Annual Conference.  Since 1992, Africa University, the only United Methodist degree-granting university in Africa, has served and graduated hundreds of men and women from 20 countries. It is nurtured and funded by United Methodists through the Africa University Fund apportionment. This apportioned fund supports ongoing operations, including building maintenance, utilities, classroom equipment and supplies, faculty and staff salaries, and other operational expenses. The importance of this apportioned fund is its impact on the lives of students. In a continent torn by war, AIDS, poverty, cyclones, and other natural and human-made hardships, Africa University shines as a beacon of hope and light. “I hope a new breed of young men and women with vision is going to come out of the institution to champion social change in Africa,” said Rutendo Mandunya from Zimbabwe.  Yollande Samba Mavund from the Democratic Republic of Congo adds, “If, in the future, I’ll be able to help even one person, I’ll do it with happiness and love because of what the church has done for me. Thank you.”

SIERRA LEONE WATER AND DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY (UMC CONFERENCE)

• As I review our trip to Sierra Leone in March 2010, I can only say that it just gets more exciting as we see progress. I only wish I could describe just how much they appreciate what you have enabled us to do. As we arrive at the village of Koiado they had planned a great celebration as they danced and sang just thanking us. As the leaders spoke, one of them said that this would be a day they would remember forever. The team had just completed a new well for them. A great day was had by all. We enjoyed 3 other such visits.
• The two day seminar on evangelism conducted by Pastor Richard Noggle in the Yonibana district was a great success.  25 pastors attended as he challenged and encouraged them in their Ministries as they build the church of Jesus Christ.
• We visited the village of Kabala to check a potential well site at a new UMC school. It presented a potential for a difficult project because of the rocks in the area. I must tell you that with the grace of God they developed the well without hitting any rocks and as we speak it is nearly completed. Soon, water will be coming out of the spout.
• Praise God for your support, without your giving and prayers, stories like this are not possible. God bless you for what you have and will do for the people in Sierra Leone.
• Sierra-Leone-Newsletter