Theology and Education

Staff with the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria stand inside the insectary at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, during a rededication of its research lab on Aug. 27. The program was shut down earlier this year after funding from USAID was suspended. From left are Sungano Mharakurwa, Vuyisile Mthokozisi Mathe, Joseph Makanda, Fanuel Toto, Hieronymo Masendu, Petros Kawadza and Violla Chimwayi. Photo by Ben Smith, UM News.

Africa University restarts malaria program

With funding support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Africa University reopened a research lab after the U.S. aid withdrawal left life-saving work in jeopardy.

Students dance with joy after a worship service at Dindi Mission’s primary school in Mutawatawa, Zimbabwe. At left is Fungai Chimuti, the school’s headmaster. A new boarding facility for the mission’s schools is helping address high dropout rates and other challenges. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Mission school offers hope to vulnerable students

A new low-cost boarding school is giving more students access to education in the communities surrounding United Methodist Dindi Mission.

Annual Conferences

Dancer Briana Hanson joyfully helps introduce a report from United Women in Faith during the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. After a season of church disaffiliations, United Methodists are moving forward with a new vision, declaring members should “love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.” The Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences have created ad campaigns to support that work and showcase the denomination’s resiliency and values. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bold new era declared for church

The Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences are planning advertising and social media campaigns this fall to follow up on The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement.

Faith Stories

Africa University graduate Panashe Banda displays buckets of mazhanje, an African wild fruit, he brought as a gift to the Zimbabwe West Conference head office staff. Banda has been sharing his family’s harvest with the staff each year as a thank you for the church scholarship he received to attend the United Methodist university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News.

Church gift fuels student’s determination to succeed

Africa University graduate fulfills his dream through church scholarship and shows his gratitude with harvest gift to Zimbabwe West Conference staff.

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