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BY LINDA WORTHINGTON
UMCONNECTION STAFF

In a world-spanning gathering July 31, 60 Christian leaders met in the first International Zimbabwe Summit to discuss and plan for the future of ministries in the troubled country.

"It was really exciting to have people from all over the world at this first-ever event of its kind, probably in all of Africa," said Charlie Moore, a member of the conference Zimbabwe Partnership Team. "It was a milestone event, a very significant first step of dialogue and planning from throughout the (denomination)."

The Summit concluded a Baltimore-Washington Conference week-long mission and teaching trip that helped to clarify and create a sustainable future for the people of Zimbabwe under the leadership of Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, the episcopal leader of two Zimbabwe United Methodist conferences.

Leaders, clergy and representatives of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Office, Africa University, Nyadire Project, ZOE Ministries, the Norway, Finland and Switzerland Methodist Conferences, the United Methodist annual conferences of Kansas, East Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, as well as Baltimore-Washington, the General Board of Global Ministries, UMCOR, UMCommunications, and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry gathered in the School of Theology at Africa University.

"All these parties came together to form partnerships to increase assistance to the people of Zimbabwe," said the Rev. Robert Slade. "Bishops Schol and Nhiwatiwa shared with the others what the Baltimore-Washington conference has done and is doing."

"The Summit allowed us to address hope for the future," said Jo Chesson, project manager for the conference's work in Zimbabwe.

"During the gathering, the Conference reaffirmed its partnership with Zimbabwe and recommitted to leading the pastors' school. The BWC also agreed to explore with other partners the possibility of a school for laity.

In addition, Moore said, talks are underway about how the BWC might provide assistance with Zimbabwe's dilapidated communications infrastructure by installing a satellite Internet system in the district superintendents' offices.

At the end of the day, the Summit identified four main outcomes, Moore said. These are focus, transparency, resourcing and sustainability, terms often used in the international development arena, but infused here with specific meaning and direction.

Bishop Nhiwatiwa reviewed the episcopal area's long-term strategic plan, which helped the partners in the room to focus more specifically on the direction each could take to bring the plan to fruition.

"In the past, there have been many efforts of help, but not a concentrated focus," Moore said. This will help bring a clarity of purpose and achieve significant results instead of being spread too thinly."

The Summit closed on a high note of commitment and excitement as each partner focused on their roles in the development of Zimbabwe, said Moore. "It was such a fruitful experience."