Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section V: Miscellaneous Reports 289
At 20, Africa University is part of a crucial feeder system for nurturing a new generation of
principled leaders in Africa as evidenced by the number of graduates who are evangelists,
pastors, lecturers and administrators of schools, seminaries and universities.
“Many believe that Africa University, voted into being by the 1988 General Conference, is the
most exciting ministry that The United Methodist Church has ever founded,” says Tagwira.
“It is a model of connection; shared responsibility; and best of all; it is a tangible witness to
how United Methodists live out the Word of God in a chaotic and self-centered world.”
This year, encourage your church to give 100 percent of its Africa University Fund
apportionment. The Africa University Fund supports day-to-day operations. Your support
helps young people acquire the tools and skills to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, heal
communities, enable dignified living, and foster hope. Thank you for believing in and
supporting Africa University.
James H. Salley,
Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University
Boston University School of Theology
Dear Colleagues in Ministry,
Greetings from Boston University School of Theology, one of your United Methodist
partners in mission! Thank you for your prayerful support through the past year.
A Year to Remember!
New Faculty: BU School of Theology welcomed six great faculty: David Jacobsen,
Preaching; Rady Roldan-Figueroa, History of Christianity; Phillis Sheppard, Pastoral
Psychology and Theology; Pamela Lightsey, Asso. Dean for Community Life & Lifelong
Learning; Cristian De la Rosa, Dir. Contextual Education with Community Partners;
and Wanda Stahl, Dir. Contextual Education with Congregational Partners.
Church Connections: Bryan Stone and students continue to develop new church starts.
Faculty and students are working with local churches and boards and agencies, and our
graduates are giving strong leadership throughout the church.
Global Connections: Students have come to STH from more than 19 countries on 6
continents. Travel seminars have studied this year in Jamaica, Israel and Palestine, and
Turkey (Ephesus). One seminar roamed the Boston region, with students from BU and
Russia, who visited and worked together in diverse ministries.
Intentional Living Communities: We have two dynamic intentional living
communities – Theology House and Green House – and are working toward a third!
Contextual Engagement: We continue to build great partnerships with churches and
service agencies, both local and global. We welcome others!
Community Building: Community life is buzzing with dynamic weekly worship, daily
Morning Prayer, and afternoon Bible Study. Students have delighted in work days,
Saturday reading retreats, a weekend “Beside Still Waters” retreat, and two spring break
journeys: Seminary Singers Tour in Florida and a “Vocation Vacation.”