| District helps Africa University, Zimbabwe church By John W. Coleman Jr.UMConnection Staff Bridge to Dreams. Those prophetic words, emblazoned on a sign, greeted a dozen visitors from Epworth UMC in Gaithersburg four years ago as they crossed a bridge to enter the campus of Africa University in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe.  By the end of our visit, we knew we wanted to become a bridge to dreams for the students there, said the Rev. Gerard Green, Epworths pastor.
The 11-year old United Methodist-supported, multinational institution is the denominations only degree-granting university on the continent of Africa, but it is weathering severe challenges and rising tuition amid Zimbabwes economic and political turmoil. This month, Epworths congregation together with others in the Washington West District of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are fulfilling their dream and a pledge to raise and donate $100,000 to the university. The donation is earmarked to support ongoing development of an outdoor sports and recreation complex, named for Bishop Felton Edwin May. To date, the tennis courts have been completed. According to the Rev. Marcus Matthews, the Washington West District superintendent, the district will send the last payment on its pledge, $12,000, to Africa University officials this month. That achievement comes after four years of receiving gifts from churches and individuals, especially during the annual districtwide celebration of Christ the King Sunday in November. The celebrations were held at Epworth, Damascus UMC in Damascus, Woodside UMC in Silver Spring and Liberty Grove UMC in Burtonsville, all strong supporters, among others, of the districts Africa Initiative.  The district also raised and donated an additional $30,000 to help complete the construction of St. Johns UMC in nearby Chikanga, located about 50 miles from Africa University. The team from Epworth had worshipped at St. Johns during its visit to the university in 2000 and was surprised by the poor congregations own sacrificial generosity.
We worshiped with about 600 people in a tin shed with the sides opened up and kids sitting on the dirt floor, recalled Green, the coordinator of the initiative. Yet, that congregation was taking an offering to help students at Africa University. About 20 feet away from the shed stood unfinished brick walls with window frames and no roof, Green said. The church had stopped building its facility due to a lack of funds. One of the Epworth members suggested they start a partnership with St. Johns in addition to their partnership with the university. A young adult member, Sara Jane Weaver, donated $1,000 as one of the first gifts. Weve been very blessed on this district, said Matthews, recalling how Washington West churches raised and sent the $30,000 to St. Johns in the first year. We wired it right away so they could get started on completing their building. Africa University expressed a critical need for an outdoor sports complex including tennis and basketball courts, a track and soccer field to be used by its students and also by youth at the United Methodist-owned Fairfield Orphanage and Hartzell School located near the campus. That complex is nearly complete and has already hosted regional school athletic events. They told us what they needed. said Matthews. We were clear that we couldnt tell them what to do; it was their choice. Green recalled, Vice-Chancellor Rukudzo Murapa shared with us his hopes for the students and his commitment to develop the whole person, physically, mentally and spiritually. The initiative grew from a partnership between the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the Zimbabwe Annual Conference established in 1997. That partnership subsequently moved to a district level, leading several districts to raise funds for support of orphan trusts, church building and renovation efforts and other projects. The Washington West District found different ways to promote its initiative and thus drew more supporters each year, according to Green. Now folks want to go over and see the fruits of our efforts. After postponing a 2003 visit because of political unrest in Zimbabwe, district leaders hope to send a delegation this year, said Green, and the Damascus UMC choir wants to sing at Africa University and in nearby churches. The district plans to host Africa Universitys choir this summer when it itinerates after performing at General Conference. Washington West churches are being encouraged to continue their support of the university and other mission sites in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Epworths senior-high group has committed to financially support one university student for four years, while the congregation collects school supplies, medical supplies and other items for the nearby school and orphanage. | 
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