Upper New York: Summer 2015 - Africa 360

ADVOCATE

SUMMER 2015

Upper New York

A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church

Africa 360:

Local churches have global impact SUMMER 2015

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INM Q&A SESSION Imagine No Malaria has changed communities and individuals in Africa for the better. Bishop Thomas Bickerton explains why.

TABLE of CONTENTS

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QUALITY OF LIFE AU grad Mercy Nyirongo is passionate about health care, and thanks to her education is able to make a difference in Africa.

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CONCERT FOR A CAUSE “We’re not going to wait for the world to change. We’re going to change it right now,” is the night’s theme for concert at The ROAD.

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LUNCH SPECIAL Drive-thru sandwiches aren’t the only thing on the menu in Wayland: They are also serving up a big portion of “can do” attitude.

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CUP OF INSPIRATION Three innocuous cups of coffee gifted (and then auctioned) at AC ’15 have sparked a movement in the Adirondack District.

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CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Baldwinsville and Hilton UMC challenge for fundraising supremacy. The winner? Africa 360.

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HOPE, ON WHEELS A big box truck carrying mosquito nets is both a symbol of hope and a confirmation of “real impact.”

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Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb displays “Nettie Newlife” the winning submission during the Mosquito Net Fashion Show at the 2015 session of Annual Conference.

Read about the creation of Nettie on page 34. Photo by Stephen J. Hustedt

FROM the PUBLISHER Africa 360 can change the world

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or those of us who have never been to Africa, it can be easy to feel disconnected from such a faraway place. However, as United Methodists, we are a worldwide Church, and we have many direct connections.

Our connections to Africa are too numerous to count, but there are two very important connections that the Upper New York Conference is addressing though our comprehensive approach to health and wellness in Africa called Africa 360. Africa 360 benefits Imagine No Malaria and Africa University.

Both Imagine No Malaria and Africa University are United Methodist missions changing individual lives and the continent of Africa. On their surface, they seem very different.

Imagine No Malaria works to eradicate malaria. Africa University educates students from all over the continent of Africa.

Together, however, Imagine No Malaria and Africa University care for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of the people of Africa.

This issue of the Advocate will deeply explore Africa 360 and look at both the amazing ministry that is taking place and how individuals can help support future ministry. It will look at the “big picture,” but it will also focus on some individual stories that make up the big picture.

Finally, this issue will let individuals explore creative ways to raise funds for this life-changing work.

Together, the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church are changing Africa and the world.

Read on to learn more and discover how you can help.

Stephen J. Hustedt, Editor/Publisher

On the cover A concert-goer sways to the music during the Beautiful Mess Worship Concert at the ROAD as West Genesee UMC. Photo by Kathleen Rubino Read more on Page 12.

Follow us online: www.unyumc.org www.facebook.com/uppernewyork www.twitter.com/uppernewyork

A DVOCATE Upper New York

SUMMER 2015



Vol. 7, Issue 5

Upper New York Area

BISHOP MARK J. WEBB Resident Bishop (315) 422-5027 bishopwebb@unyumc.org

Editor/Publisher

Weekly Digest

STEPHEN J. HUSTEDT

KAREN CAMPOLIETO

UNY Director of Communications (315) 424-7878 x307 stevehustedt@unyumc.org

Administrative Assistant to the Director (315) 424-7878 x304 karencampolieto@unyumc.org

Graphic Designer

Social Media/Web

CHRISTIAN VISCHI

ASHLEY RIDDELL

Communications Associate (315) 424-7878 x313 christianvischi@unyumc.org

Multimedia/Web Coordinator (315) 424-7878 x320 ashleyriddell@unyumc.org

Writer/Editor

Video Specialist

KATHLEEN RUBINO

MARY DALGLISH

Conference Writer/Editor (315) 424-7878 x319 kathleenrubino@unyumc.org

Conference Videographer (315) 424-7878 x304 marydalglish@unyumc.org

Special Assistant to this issue: Laurel O’Connor Upper New York’s Field Coordinator for Africa 360 The Advocate is a publication of the

Upper New York Conference 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor Syracuse, NY 13210 (855) 424-7878  www.unyumc.org

The Upper New York United Methodist Advocate is a publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, whose mission is to be God’s love with all our neighbors in all places. Materials in the Advocate may not be reproduced unless the item is accompanied by a copyright notation. Periodicals postage paid at Utica, New York 13504; USPS 14025. Subscriptions: $15 per year paid in advance to 324 University Ave., 3rd floor, Syracuse, NY 13210; or call (855) 424-7878; or visit www.unyumc.org. Postmaster: send address changes to Upper New York United Methodist Advocate, 324 University Ave., 3rd floor, Syracuse, NY 13210. We reserve the right to edit or decline any items submitted for publication.

Amazing things happen when we:

Love with actions and in truth “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

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embers of the Upper New York Conference have made a decision – twice – to love with our actions and in truth for our sisters and brothers on the continent of Africa. First is our commitment to give $1 million to Africa University to fund eight endowed scholarships. The second was a decision to join the fight against malaria by committing another $1 million to the Imagine No Malaria campaign of The United Methodist Church.

With this commitment, Upper New York has created the Africa 360 initiative, a holistic approach that allows us to participate in the amazing ministry happening through and within our sisters and brothers in Africa. Specifically, Africa

360 is about dreaming God-sized dreams, ambitiously eliminating preventable deaths from malaria, and equipping the next generaRead more about the tion of leaders.

2 .0 Africa 360 challenge The ministry of Africa University over the last 25 years at has been remarkable. Today, more than 1,200 students from 22 African countries are being prepared to fill leadership roles in which they will continue to impact the culture and the people of Africa. Predecessor conferences of Upper New York had rich relationships with million – or 88 percent – of that goal Africa University, and now as the has been raised. Upper New York is Upper New York Conference, we are a part of this promise! continuing that relationship.

The pages of this edition of the AdMalaria is the leading killer of vocate are filled with stories of sisters children in Africa, with estimates of and brothers doing more. Within this a life being taken every 60 seconds edition, you will find ideas for how by this preventable disease. In 2008, you can love with your actions and The United Methodist Church as a in truth. At this year’s session of the denomination committed to join the global fight against malaria, embarking Upper New York Annual Conferupon a $75 million Imagine No Malaria ence, I once again issued an Africa 360 challenge. It is being called the fundraising campaign. As of July 2015, Africa 360 Challenge 2.0. That chaljust over $66 lenge invites every local congregation to raise at least $1,000 by the 2016 Annual Conference session.

I celebrate the generous spirits of God’s people in Upper New York, and I know that together, as we love with our actions and in truth, we will fulfill the commitments we have made. As a matter of fact, I believe we can complete our Africa 360 campaign within the next year. It’s possible!

www.t inyurl .com/ A360C2 -0

Has your church accepted the Bishop’s Africa 360 Challenge 2.0? The time to act is now!

FOLLOW BISHOP WEBB ON TWITTER

@BishopMarkWebb

Africa University: The Church’s investment in higher education in Africa

A 2013 campus view of Africa University.

UMNS archive photo by Kathleen Barry.

The following information comes courtesy Africa University’s website www.africau.edu and from the university’s Development Office.

The university’s vision: Africa University aspires to become a world-class university for leadership development in Africa.

The mission: The mission of Africa University (AU) is to provide quality education within a Pan-African context through which persons can acquire general and professional knowledge and skills, grow in spiritual maturity, and develop sound moral values, ethics, and leadership qualities.

A brief history: The development of AU is a consequence of the growth of United Methodism in Africa. The growth in membership and the emerging socio-economic and political needs in their countries led the African bishops of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to call on their church to invest in higher education provision in Africa.

Bishop Arthur Kulah of Liberia and Bishop Emilio J. M. de Carvalho of Angola took the lead in advocating for “a university for all of Africa,” and in 1985, the “Africa Initiative” was born in The United Methodist Church.

Zimbabwe was chosen as the location for a new university, with 1,542 acres of land donated by The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. In 1988, the General

Conference of The United Methodist Church made a commitment to provide financial support for the university from the General Church budget.

In 1991, thousands gathered as ground was broken for the new university. The institution was the first recognized private university in Zimbabwe.

Learning Here, Living Here, Leading Here: Now, more than 20 years later, Africa University hosts academic departments in fields of study that range from sustainable agriculture to health sciences, business, humanities, education, peace and leadership, and theology. Students from 29 countries have walked through its doors, and more than 50 percent of the enrollment is female. Ninety percent of students return to serve in their home countries, improving infrastructure and changing lives; students are also incredibly valuable on a global level, with 22 AU graduates serving as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries and with AU graduates employed in more than 42 countries around the globe.

The Upper New York Conference is dedicated to fully funding eight endowed scholarships that will be given to students in perpetuity. In other words, the eight scholarships that we fund can be given indefinitely; we are investing in Africa’s – and the world’s – future by raising up leaders who can make a world of difference. unyumc.org 5

with the Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton

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ishop Thomas J. Bickerton, assigned to the United Methodist Church Pittsburgh Area, has led the denomination’s Imagine No Malaria (INM) campaign – one half of the Africa 360 initiative, the Upper New York Conference’s comprehensive approach to promoting health and education in Africa – since the denomination launched BISHOP BICKERTON it in 2009.

He also chairs the United Methodist Global Health Initiative and has visited Africa many times to see how the campaign’s funds are used.

In an interview with Upper New York Communications, Bishop Bickerton discussed his work with INM, creative fundraising, and the connection between Imagine No Malaria and Africa University, the other half of Africa 360, which Upper New York endeavors to raise $1 million for endowed scholarships at the institution.

How has your work with Imagine No Malaria through the Global Health Initiative changed how you see the world and the place of The United Methodist Church within the world?

Bishop Bickerton: INM has uncovered for me yet another layer of the imbalance in the world that separates the “haves” from the “havenots.” We have a fair and reasonable chance to raise our children to live long, healthy, sustained lives. That same assurance does not exist in subSaharan Africa due to the constant threat of malaria and its ability to rob children of their lives.

INM has been successful in many ways because of the partnerships that we have been able to forge between secular governments/businesses/ foundations and the Church. Those partnerships have revealed that the 6 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

Church does play an important and significant role in issues related to global health. Through our network of hospitals/clinics, we literally go beyond where the road ends and have built sustainable relationships that have translated into an increased trust in our treatment plan.

Could you give us some examples of where you have seen INM change both individual lives and communities during your journeys to Africa?

Bishop Bickerton: Throughout my travels I have experienced deep and significant gratitude and joy among those who have benefitted from our work. The reports from our hospitals/ clinics that have revealed significant reduction or elimination of malariarelated deaths and illnesses is truly inspiring.

I remember a training session for “Traditional Birth Attendants” that we attended in Bo, Sierra Leone.

After the training session, I spotted a woman dancing down a dirt road leading away from the clinic. She was dancing with packaged bed net swaying back and forth over her head. She knew that day that her child stood a chance to live. It gave her hope and it blessed my soul.

How is INM an example of the strength of our United Methodist connection?

Bishop Bickerton: INM has revealed once again the great power of the connection of The UMC and is demonstrated in our ability to take small gifts (an average of $87.23) and convert them into a large impact ($67 million). This would not have been possible without the power of the connection we share together.

The “boots on the ground” in Africa that is witnessed through the upgrading of our hospitals/clinics/staff has enabled us to see exactly how and where our contributions are going to make a significant difference. The “boots on the ground” here in the

2700 BC Malaria symptoms are first described in Nei Ching, the ancient Chinese canon of medicine.

1880 French army surgeon Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran stationed in Constantine, Algeria, is first to notice parasites in the blood of a patient suffering from malaria.

1898 Sir Ronald Ross demonstrates mosquitoes transmit malaria; for this he earns the 1902 Nobel Prize for Medicine.

1934 The antimalarial Chloroquine is discovered by a German scientist, but doesn’t get recognized as effective and safe until 1946.

1951 Concluding a four-year national Malaria Eradication Program, malaria is considered eliminated from the United States.

1955 World Health Organization (WHO) launches Global Malaria Eradication campaign, but excludes sub-Saharan Africa and is eventually abandoned.

1996 Insecticide-treated bednets are proven to reduce overall childhood mortality by 20 percent in large, multi-country African study.

2007 World Health Assembly first institutes World Malaria Day at its 60th session.

2008 Imagine No Malaria campaign is officially launched at the General Conference session.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: WIKIPEDIA.ORG; U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT; MIKE DUBOSE, UMNS.

Q&A session

U.S. that is witnessed through people of all ages/stages/economies giving what they can however they can has enabled us to find a sense of unity around this common goal and has demonstrated that when you offer a meaningful way for people to get involved in a life-changing effort, they come through with flying colors!

significant presence in that particular region of Africa, most especially Zimbabwe. We have witnessed nearly a complete elimination of malaria-related death/illness in that part of Zimbabwe. We, of course, believe that this has been made possible through the impactful teaching/emphasis provided in and through Africa University.

Where have you seen local United Methodist churches get creative about raising funds for INM? How has the initiative changed churches and conferences? Please give us some examples.

Is there anything else you would like the people of Upper New York to know about or a piece of advice you’d like to share regarding Upper New York’s involvement with INM?

Bishop Bickerton: One of the most inspiring stories I know of is a little church that was considering closing and decided instead to make INM the sole focus of their giving.

They remained open for worship/ study and have used INM as the reason for keeping their doors open.

We have witnessed amazing creativity in this effort. Youth groups initiating weekly coin collections during worship, children selling lemonade outside of church on Sunday mornings, basketball shoot-offs – I’ve made a lot of contributions and lost a lot of shootouts on this one – after church and during the halftime of local high school and college games. What has impressed me is the resiliency and determination of people to keep raising this money until we reach our goal. That has been especially true with the children and youth.

In 2010, you celebrated World Malaria Day with an Africa University-trained local leader, Evariste Kimba from Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Does your work with the Global Health Initiative intersect with Africa University leaders on a regular basis? Have you seen the fruits from Africa University borne in INM? Bishop Bickerton: Most of the intersection that I have is through the African bishops. They carry the banner for us in Africa and set the pace for proper implementation of our goals/funds. They, along with our “InCountry Health Boards,” provide the accountability necessary for us to be able to ensure our people that their contributions are being used properly and wisely.

Of course, Africa University has a

Bishop Bickerton: My best advice is simply to not be afraid to offer your people a significant chance to make a difference through their participation in INM. I truly believe that local church, district, and Conference leaders often are afraid to offer these

opportunities to our people. Perhaps we even try to protect our people’s checkbooks. But we have come to realize that this just isn’t possible.

Our people are already giving to places that do a good job of marketing their cause – often through vehicles other than The UMC. We have discovered that when we creatively, openly, and enthusiastically offer INM to our people, there has been a creative, open, and enthusiastic response.

I am grateful to Bishop (Mark J.) Webb and the leaders of Upper New York for being willing to make INM an emphasis for your giving. We need you if we are to meet our goal and complete the objective of eliminating malaria-related death and illness. You play a critical role in helping us meet that goal.

MALARIA 101 The information below came from www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html

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alaria is caused by a parasite, carried by the Anopheles female mosquito.

When quickly diagnosed, it is treatable and curable. When an infected mosquito bites someone, waste and toxins fill infected red blood cells. It may take some time for symptoms to appear, anywhere from seven to 30 days depending on which type of parasite has been introduced into the blood stream; there are four different types of malaria parasite. Sometimes, symptoms do not emerge until even a year after infection. For a short video on the malaria lifecycle, visit the Africa 360 Toolkit at www.unyumc.org/mission/africa360-toolkit.

Once the liver and blood stream becomes infected, the parasite enters red blood cells, and they explode. The ones that are left intact become carriers for the parasite, infecting another mosquito as it bites, starting the cycle again. The fewer people infected, the fewer parasites there are for the disease to be spread. This is where education and prevention are most important.

Symptoms include: fever, chills, headaches, nausea and vomiting, body aches, and anemia. When an infection goes untreated, it can lead to severe anemia, seizures, kidney failure, coma, and ultimately death.

Malaria cannot be spread by touch or sharing food. However, since the parasite is found in red blood cells, there is a greater risk in infected areas with blood transfusions or with sharing needles.

Young children and pregnant women are most at risk of dying from malaria because of their weakened immune systems; 82 percent of deaths from malaria are children under the age of 5. Malaria may also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn infant before or during delivery.

Malaria was considered eliminated from the United States in 1951. The only cases in the U.S. are those from people who have been traveling. The Centers for Disease Control lists all the places in the world where malaria transmission occurs and the medicine that is recommended to prevent malaria in each place.

Malaria vaccines have been in research stages for decades, and the first vaccine to pass research has been given the green light for use in young children in Africa. The vaccine only offers partial protection, and later booster shots are needed, but it’s a very exciting development. For more information on the vaccine, go to www.tinyurl.com/MalVaccine. unyumc.org 7

Spotlight on an Africa University grad Improving the quality of life across sectors in Malawi

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or Mercy Nyirongo, caring is as natural as breathing. Her work keeps her in touch with everyday needs and ordinary people, resulting in a deeply-felt empathy and zest for change.

After graduating from Africa University (AU) in 2010, Nyirongo returned to Malawi, working first as nurse researcher on H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu).

In 2011, she became the first health coordinator for the Malawi United Methodist Church (MUMC). She created community-based health care strategies that focused on nutrition, water and sanitation, malaria control and early childhood development. The strategies targeted malnourished children under age 5, people living with HIV/AIDS, and pregnant women.

Nyirongo describes that work as excellent preparation for her current role as project manager for the MUMC’s ZOE orphan empowerment program, which helps orphans and vulnerable children. The groupbased program provides the skills and resources children need to overcome poverty. (ZOE was founded in 2004 as a mission of the North Carolina Conference.)

Approximately 1,500 orphans age 15-20 – formerly street kids, prostitutes, and school dropouts – are grouped into households where they live together and receive training in agriculture, health and hygiene, and vocational skills, such as carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, and small business.

When she graduated from AU, there was no doubt NYIRONGO

Pictured above are only a few of the approximately 28,000 orphaned and vulnerable children around the world that have overcome extreme poverty, have become fully self-reliant, and have learned of God’s love for them through ZOE. Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo serves as ZOE’s program coordinator in the Malawi region; ZOE is also active in Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Guatemala, and India. Photo courtesy ZOE. 8 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

that Nyirongo would return to Malawi to serve.

“I love my country. I love my nation. I wanted to go back and make a difference,” she said. “ ... It’s my vision to be the minister of health one day in Malawi.

“Apart from the passion that I have to lead, I think when I went to Africa University and got the Bachelor of Science in nursing, the training there inspired me more to lead ...,” Nyirongo said. “It was the training that I got from AU that pushed me to where I am right now. Because I said, ‘OK, I can do this.’”

Her days are now spent with the marginalized in communities and among civic leaders, pushing for change.

Africa University has a 100 percent return rate for graduates from Malawi and Nyirongo is one of more than 98 Africa University-trained professionals currently working in that country. The AU alumni pool in Malawi includes: • Rev. Daniel Mhone, the superintendent of the Malawi Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church. As chief administrator, he guides church growth and community

development efforts.

• Patricia Liabuba is the deputy director of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture and oversees the promotion and development of tourism and the conservation of the natural and cultural assets of the country.

• Hugo Ngwira, an economist, is the office manager of the Malawi Missionary Conference. He coordinates all administrative activities, and oversees projects and international partnerships.

Photo and article courtesy Africa University.

Making the connection

Taneal Kumuzungu Taneal Kumuzungu is a prime example of how well Imagine No Malaria and Africa University fit together in Africa 360. Kumuzungu graduated from Africa University and now works with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), doing anti-malaria work on behalf of Imagine No Malaria. Africa University trains the professionals needed on the ground to save lives and improve infrastructures. unyumc.org 9

Face-to-face conversation: Another way people are learning about AU AU event to feature storytelling, music, a pictorial walkthrough of the campus, and a ‘visit’ from ‘Tinashe’ the lion

By Shirley Drake Byers

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re you the “U” in Africa University?

The Albany and Adirondack districts invite congregations from across the Upper New York ConferWhen: ence to its Africa UniverOct. 10 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. sity event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at Calvary Latham United Methodist Where: Church.

Calvary Latham UMC The event is a day for United Methodists to get RSVP: together with something Sdcjbyers2@gmail.com great to celebrate: the United Methodist relationship with Africa University (AU), and AU living out its goal to “Transform Africa.”

In a true “God moment,” I got the chance to meet an early graduate of AU, Artemus Gaye (read more about him below), after a recent AU Advisory Development Committee meeting. After a brief conversation, he has agreed to be a part of the October 10 event, giving people a chance to meet and talk with an AU graduate.

The program includes Gaye, the keynote speaker, along with storytelling, music, dances and songs, drummers, some African food, a pictorial “visit” to the campus, and another “visit” from “Tinashe” the lion – who came

to the Conference a couple of years ago, to introduce the Upper New York-designed Vacation Bible School resource Under the Acacia Tree. As word of the Oct. 10 event spreads, each day seems to bring new ideas of ways to celebrate AU. Whether it is African hand-crafted Acacia trees or the SERRV African arts and crafts – the Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation (SERRV) was one of the first fair trade initiatives worldwide - there will be many creative things to experience and bring to your home congregation.

Everyone is invited! Come help celebrate! You, too, may have something to share. Hopefully you will be inspired to be the Africa University “U” in your small group, your church, or your district.

Child care and lunch – not all will be African foods – will be provided by the organizers of the day. Please contact Shirley Drake Byers at sdcjbyers2@gmail.com and let her know how many are coming from your group and any dietary restrictions.

Because we are celebrating AU, there will be an opportunity to share in Upper New York’s Africa University Endowed Scholarship campaign, one half of the Africa 360 initiative.

For those in the Albany and Adirondack districts, more details will follow on Facebook and in the Albany and Adirondack district newsletters. For those outside of the Albany and Adirondack Districts, email Shirley Drake Byers.

Meet the keynote speaker: Dr. Artemus Gaye was born on Nov. 24, 1975 in Monrovia, Liberia. He graduated in 1993 from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Monrovia during the first Liberian Civil War. He received a scholarship in 1994 to attend Africa University in Zimbabwe, studying divinity and education. In 1999, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian counseling from Trinity College in Evansville, Ind. In 2004 in Chicago, he dually enrolled in the community development graduate program at North Park University and Loyola University’s Ph.D. program in theology with a focus in Christian ethics. He earned his doctorate in 2011. His dissertation, “Rethinking Nation-Building: A Christian Socio-Ethical and Theo-Political Task for Appropriating the Common Good,” was voted as a top five scholarly work at Loyola. Gaye is a five-time recipient of The Global Leadership Grant. He is the president of the Prince Ibrahima & Isabella Freedom Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit foundation that promotes dialogue between people of African descent in Africa 10 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

and in the United States and seeks to research and preserve the legacy of slavery on both continents. Gaye consulted in the making of “Prince Among Slaves,” a biopic for the Public Broadcasting Service about the story of his ancestors. He is a licensed professional sports agent, and he is a member of the Advisory Board at Africa University’s Development Office in Nashville, Tenn.

Gaye has two books due for publication this fall and next spring, respectively: “Contemplating Africa: The Story of Hope and a Grim Reality of a Continent” and “Rooted Beyond Barriers: A Collective Narrative of Courage and Hope” (Book One).

unyumc.org 11

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN RUBINO

Using music as a vehicle to God

By Kathleen Rubino, Writer/Editor

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lue and purple lights flooded the front of the church as music filled the room. Tim Ehrhart, the band’s lead music arranger, shouted, “We’re not going to wait for the world to change. We’re going to change it right now.” Though concert-goers started the night in their seats, everyone eventually stood up, swaying to the music, grasping hands with one another and clapping to the beat of Beautiful Mess.

“It was awesome,” said Darlene Patton, member at First United Methodist Church in Liverpool. “I like the band’s original songs; everyone is used to the songs on the radio, but the band’s songs were great!”

Beautiful Mess performed a worship concert from 7-9 p.m. on July 16 at The ROAD at West Genesee UMC in Syracuse. But the night was about more than just the music; it served as a fundraiser for both The ROAD and Africa 360, as attendees donated $5 at the door.

“Our mission is more than music,” Ehrhart said. “Our music is just a vehicle to bring people to God. We want to give people an experience by serving. All of our concerts serve as a fundraiser for a cause.”

The Rev. Rebecca Laird, pastor at The ROAD and Cicero UMC, asked that proceeds be split between The ROAD – so they could fund some local mission work – and Africa 360.

The event raised $156.50 for Africa 360.

“It’s a great idea to benefit Africa 360 at the concert,” Patton said.

“We should do more things like that to help people in need.”

In addition to the donation at the door, the concert also helped raise funds for Africa 360 through a vote.

Five images of paintings were displayed in the Wholely Grounds café, and for $1 per vote, attendees could select which image to recreate at the next “Painting with a Purpose,” a night of creative outlet at Painting

kathleenrubino@unyumc.org

with a Twist in Liverpool that fundraises for a charity. Though Africa 360 will not be the benefactor of the Sept. 11 paint night, the proceeds from the voting benefitted the campaign.

“The ROAD was the first New Faith Community to get excited by and involved with Africa 360, and by sharing funds from an existing event, they have found a way to support Africa 360 that fits their community,” said Laurel O’Connor, Upper New York’s field coordinator for Africa 360. “Starting something from scratch can be intimidating, but adding Africa 360 and its message to existing events is a practical, effective way to be involved with the initiative.”

Rev. Laird said the church chose to benefit Africa 360 for a few reasons.

“We wanted to start creating ways to raise the $1,000 the bishop challenged us to raise for Africa 360,” Rev. Laird said. (See “From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb” on page 5 for a recap of that challenge.)

She also noted Africa has “always had a special spot” with most of The ROAD’s members. One of its members, Ashley Riddell, completed a mission trip in Zimbabwe this past July, and two to three members have also been to Africa. Other members are looking to do mission work in Uganda within the next couple of years.

“We have an automatic connection with Africa,” Rev. Laird said.

“We’re really good at doing mission in our backyard, but we wanted to add the global aspect. This time, we chose to have the donation go to something that was a global mission.”

The ROAD hosted a Beautiful Mess concert this past January that benefitted the Faith Hope Community Center in Syracuse, which takes young people off the street and teaches them boxing, giving them a place where they feel like they belong unyumc.org 13

and receive support. After the success of the first concert, The ROAD invited the band back this summer.

“I think that sometimes we just need to risk big,” Rev. Laird said. “It’s always a risk when we try something different. The concert, for us, is a new way to do worship that is not just about making money for a church. It’s also thinking outside the box: how can we raise money to help Africa 360? How can we make people better educated in the community about Africa University and Imagine No Malaria?”

Beautiful Mess has released four albums since its founding in 2009 by brothers Mike and Chris Ehrhart. The contemporary Christian band performs across the Northeast; read more at www.beautifulmessmusic.com.

Africa 360 map relaunches After the 2015 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, the Africa 360 map was cleared to reflect the new Africa 360 Challenge 2.0. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb challenged churches across the Conference to give $1,000, and pledge cards were sent to every church to keep track of Conference progress. Dozens of churches have answered the call, submitted goals, and are marked on the map with a “star.” Dozens of other churches have been actively participating as well, and any church that has given $100 or more is marked with a “pin.”

Find your church on the map today at www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360.

If your church needs a pledge card, email Laurel O’Connor at Africa360@unyumc.org.

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The essence of planned giving:

Planting where we shall never reap

The late theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader Dr. Howard Thurman relates an incident in one of his books of meditations entitled, Deep is the Hunger, that describes the essence of planned giving.

Dr. Thurman said he was walking along a dusty

country road one summer afternoon when he chanced upon an elderly man planting a small grove of pecan trees, which were no more than 2 feet to 3 feet in height. Amused, Dr. Thurman observed the man for a long time before approaching him to ask why he hadn’t selected larger trees to plant so that the trees would bear fruit during the man’s lifetime. Dr. Thur-

man said the old man studied him for a long moment, then replied, “All my life I have eaten fruit from trees that I did not plant. Why should I not plant trees to bear fruit for those who may enjoy them long after I am gone? Besides, the man who plants because he will reap the harvest has no faith in life.”

Planned gifts – will bequests, life insurance and retirement designations, gift annuities, pooled income funds, and charitable trusts – are the seeds that we sow today to enable Africa University to continue to

carry out its mission throughout the 21st century and beyond. For more information about Africa University’s planned giving program, visit the planned giving website at www.africau.plannedgiving.org, or contact me by mail at Africa University Development Office, P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN, 37203-0007; by phone at (615) 340-7428; by fax at (615) 340-7290; or by email at ejenkins@gbhem.org.

Elaine Jenkins is the Director of Planned Giving at Africa University.

By Elaine Jenkins

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF EDMOND, OKLA.

unyumc.org 15

Today’s lunch special:

Hoagie s served up ‘as fast as the cars’ in Wayland

GRAPHICSTOCK PHOTO USED BY LICENSE

kathleenrubino@unyumc.org

By Kathleen Rubino, Writer/Editor

T

wo summers ago, the Rev. Bob Lewis, retired, stopped at a red light at an intersection in Pennsylvania, where he saw an organization selling hoagies to cars stopped at the light. He bought one.

He thought it was a great idea, but the moving traffic posed some potential danger.

That’s when it dawned on him.

“My church can do that,” he said. “We have a nice, big, paved parking lot and two entrance ways.

Maybe we have a situation where cars come in on one side and exit the other way. It would be fast and wouldn’t take people off the highway.”

Rev. Lewis brought up the idea at the Wayland United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Men meeting. And so the Wayland UMC Hoagie Sale was borne, with the inaugural event in October 2013. The event has been hosted by the Wayland UMC’s UMM once in the fall and once in the spring every year since.

The UMM decided early on that they wanted the sale proceeds to do more with missions, so when they heard about Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s challenge to bring a $1,000 offering for Africa 360 to the Annual Conference session, they decided to dedicate a portion of the September 2014 hoagie sale to Africa 360. That sale raised about $700, and $500 of that was donated to Africa 360.

“The goal has been to utilize that money either for missions or other church or Conference things, not to build up a treasury,” Rev. Lewis said. “It’s been utilized for things like Africa 360 or Conference moving expenses.”

Eugene Wolfanger, a member of the men’s group, said he “feels good” about using the money towards Africa 360.

“I feel real good that the men work together,” he said. “It’s real good profit put into good use.”

But Wayland UMC’s giving didn’t stop there.

On May 17, the church took up a collection for Africa 360, and between that offering and the proceeds from the hoagie sale the church exceeded Bishop Webb’s challenge, raising and bringing $1,156 to the 2015 Annual Conference session.

“We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the Africa 360 program, so the congregation would be in support,” Rev. Lewis said.

The men’s group has been brainstorming fundrais-

ing ideas for Africa 360 2.0 over the summer.

“We may kick around something else that would be more direct rather than a sale, something that would raise more awareness for the congregation about what Africa 360 is trying to accomplish,” Rev. Lewis said.

In addition to supporting Africa 360, hoagie sale proceeds have also helped pay to seal the church’s parking lot, sponsored a Habitat for Humanity mission project, and been used towards the church’s moving account – part of the new Moving Policy introduced at AC ’15.

“Hopefully there won’t be that concern because that new expense has already been covered,” Rev. Lewis said.

Each year the men’s group will choose a cause the sale will benefit.

“My church can do that.”

– the Rev. Bob Lewis, retired

Hoagie sale 101 So what is the sale and how does it work?

About eight men gather the materials, meet up the morning of the sale to assemble 192 sandwiches, and sell the hoagies. Customers have two hoagie choices: the Italian (ham, salami, and cheese) or turkey (turkey and cheese). Lettuce and tomato are offered in a sandwich bag on the side. Each hoagie is finished off with a tag that not only marks the type of sandwich but also thanks the customer for supporting the hoagie sale and invites him or her to Wayland UMC’s worship service. The sale starts at 11 a.m. and goes until they sell out.

“Some people come in and buy a lot,” Rev. Lewis said. “They are very good sandwiches, so they’re getting a decent product. We get a lot of repeat customers.”

Each hoagie costs $5, and the group prides itself on “lightning fast” service.

“The goal is to make it fast so when people come in the parking lot, they are out quickly,” Rev. Lewis said. “We timed it, and it takes about 15 seconds to get the person their food and exchange money.”

Wolfanger said the event is a good idea.

“We didn’t realize it was going to get as good as it is,” he said. “It’s a fast service. It’s a drive-thru deal and sells the hoagies right out there at a U-turn. It goes as fast as the cars.”

The next hoagie sale is Sept. 12 at Wayland UMC, located at 3 East Ave. unyumc.org 17

In Glens Falls:

Helping Africa 360, one coffee cup at a time

By Kathleen Rubino, Writer/Editor kathleenrubino@unyumc.org

F

undraising sometimes just takes a little inspiration.

And in the case of Glens Falls’ Christ Church in the Adirondack District, that inspiration came in the form of a coffee cup.

On Friday, May 29, during the 2015 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb had a hankering for a cup of coffee. He received not one, but three piping hot cups of Joe, which he then proceeded to auction to the audience to raise money for Africa 360 – the Conference’s holistic plan for health and education initiatives in Africa that supports Imagine No Malaria and Africa University.

The first cup sold for $100, the second for $200, and the final for $500. The Rev. Meredith Vanderminden and Pam Burns – pastor and lay member at Christ Church, respectively – bought the last cup on behalf of the church. Later that day, Bishop Webb signed the cup.

That cup sparked a movement.

“It was one of the most fun moments of Annual Conference,” Rev. Vanderminden said. “We both really appreciated the bishop’s challenge for each church to raise a $1,000.

We began to imagine ways that we could help the bishop’s challenge, and perhaps other churches would pick up the challenge and have fun with it.”

Rev. Vanderminden and Burns returned home after AC ’15, with the cup in tow. Rev. Vanderminden explained the message of the coffee cup to the children at the church, and Burns later addressed the adults. They then challenged their congregation to match their AC donation of $500. For the first few Sundays, the church would invite an offering to the cup at the altar. Now, congregants give automatically.

“It’s an act of joyful giving,” Rev. Vanderminden said.

18 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

“It’s a beautiful thing to watch. People understand the cup is there and understand what it benefits.”

Within three Sundays, Christ Church had not only met that challenge, but exceeded it, raising $541 by June 14.

As of Aug. 3, the coffee cup raised $759 and will remain at the altar to collect donations for Africa 360 until it is returned to Bishop Webb at AC ’16.

“From the littlest of our members to the oldest of our members, everyone has opened their wallets,” Burns said.

“I get goosebumps every Sunday when I collect from the cup.”

But Christ Church wanted to keep the ball rolling.

It challenged Hudson Falls UMC and Queensbury UMC – both in the Adirondack District – to not only match the $500 Christ Church raised but to try to beat that amount. Both churches accepted the challenge.

“We’re hoping it doesn’t take away from the bishop’s challenge, but helps other churches along to raising the funds for the bishop,” Rev. Vanderminden said. “It’s okay for challenges like this to be fun.”

And the challenge keeps going.

When a church that has accepted the challenge reaches the $500 mark, it can then challenge another church to do the same, carrying the challenge forward. Or if a church would like to be challenged, all it has to do is reach out to Christ Church.

“It’s connected us to the Conference and to the challenge,” Rev. Vanderminden said. “It’s really been a beautiful thing.”

Each church that accepts the challenge, receives a replica cup, a picture of Bishop Webb’s signed cup, and Imagine No Malaria posters. Burns is willing to make presentations at any church interested in learning more about the challenge.

For more information, contact Burns at pj.burns@ gmail.com or Adirondack District Assistant Carrie Boyer at (518) 480-4866 or AdirondackDistrict@ unyumc.org.

Show your support in unique ways

By Laurel O’Connor, Africa 360 Field Coordinator Africa360@unyumc.org

T

he Africa 360 Steering Team has been getting creative; they are spreading the word in new ways across the Conference and having fun with fundraising!

Bishop Webb bobblehead

Do you have a John Wesley bobblehead prominently displayed on your desk? Well, it’s time to add to your episcopal bobblehead collection by getting your own bobblehead of Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, with all proceeds going to Africa 360. The Bishop Webb bobblehead measures 7 inches tall and is made of durable polyresin. Bishop Webb has been incredibly supportive of the Africa 360 initiative and he has generously given permission for this creation to help raise funds; his likeness is holding the Bible – no, it isn’t The Book of Discipline. For a donation of $100 or more, a bobblehead

(along with a donation receipt for your records) will be shipped to your home in late October or early November, depending on production. Please note that a physical address is preferred to a PO Box address. Use the included envelope – filled out with the shipping address information – or fill out the online order form, which you can find on the Africa 360 Toolkit at www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360-toolkit.

Quantities are limited, so make your donation today.

Africa 360 sweatshirt

Find it online: www.booster. com/Africa360 The Upper New York Conference is saving lives, one sweatshirt at a time. The gold, lightweight hooded sweatshirt (see photo below; the front design is pictured at right, the reverse is far below) loudly proclaims how we are changing lives and loving our neighbors through Africa 360.

Many thanks are extended to UNY Conference Multimedia/Web Coordinator Ashley Riddell for adapting the United Methodist Volunteers-In-Mission Zimbabwe trip logo for Africa 360 (to see the original design, check out the photo on pages 26-27); the message rings

loud and clear.

For a donation of $40 or more, an online portal will outfit you with a sweatshirt, and for an extra $5, it will be delivered directly to your home. If you do not opt for home shipping, please email Africa360@unyumc.org to arrange pickup at the Conference Office or at an upcoming District or Conference event. The online portal: www.booster.com/Africa360 is only open from Sept. 1 until Oct. 1.

Sweatshirts will be delivered after the online store closes; allow for two weeks for delivery. An electronic donation receipt/confirmation will be sent to the email address provided during the donation process. The email will be sent from support@ booster.com with your contribution amount.

Please post and share www. booster.com/Africa360 on your social media pages during the month of September to spread the word! unyumc.org 19

20 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

unyumc.org 21

Small and mighty:

The Black River UMC

By Kathleen Rubino, Writer/Editor kathleenrubino@unyumc.org

T

he Black River United Methodist Church knows how to use its size to its advantage – especially when it’s fundraising for Africa 360. The congregation, which is about 30 people, raised $10,000 for Africa 360, the Upper New York Conference’s holistic plan for health and education initiatives in Africa.

In June 2013, Pastor Robert McCarthy – appointed to the Black River and Woolworth Memorial UMCs – challenged his church to “be a part of a miracle, of eradicating malaria in sub-Saharan Africa” by raising money for Africa 360.

“When I announced the goal of $1,000, they all got quiet,” Pastor McCarthy said. “But they did it.”

Black River UMC relied on donations, strategy, and encouragement to raise $10,000 for Africa 360.

Donations were collected in a mosquito net in the back of the church.

“You cannot enter or exit without passing by it,” Pastor McCarthy said. “It was strategically placed.”

The church’s leadership team decided to keep Africa 360 a weekly focus in front of the congregation. The

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10

team played a DVD from Imagine No Malaria – showing how the organization helps people in Africa – to put a face to the cause.

“We wanted to take it from a program to people,” Pastor McCarthy said. “I find that giving is much higher when funds are given to help people.”

The church raised funds and awareness in many ways.

Black River UMC shares their space with a Korean congregation, who they invited to join the challenge. The children’s church handed out Imagine No Malaria wristbands during Sunday service. The church also encouraged congregants to do their own “creative work” to raise money, and some congregants did that in the form of can and bottle return efforts.

But the largest donations came in during the holiday season. Pastor McCarthy issued his ultimate challenge: for congregants to calculate their Christmas budgets and try to match or donate more than that to Africa 360.

“Initially they were stunned. There was a little bit of disbelief, ‘I’m not sure we can do this thing. It’s so big a number for such a small congregation,’” he said.

And then momentum started to build, and the congregants became extremely enthusiastic about it, telling their relatives, friends, and neighbors about both the ultimate challenge and Africa 360 as well as asking them

10 fundraising ideas for your church or small group ministry

1. Host a “family dinner” fundraiser at a local restaurant Pizza Hut, Moe’s, Friendly’s, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Applebee’s, Panera Bread, and many other restaurants will host your fundraiser. Call the restaurant’s management to confirm the fundraising details. (Tip to make it successful: Get the word out!)

2. Matching gift challenge For example, challenge your congregation to double what your Sunday school program raises.

22 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

3. LemonAID stand Sell lemonade and baked goods at church, perhaps travelling to other churches in the area. (Tip: Homemade goods vs. store bought “homemade” sell much better.)

4. “Skeeter” shoot Get area sportsmen involved in a creative way by organizing a skeet shoot for Africa 360.

5. Parents’ night out Give parents a night off and host Safe Sanctuary-approved child care on a Friday

to join in.

“It (Africa 360) truly is a miracle that we can take part in,” Pastor McCarthy said. “Only God can perform a miracle, but he has given us a privilege to be a part in this miracle.”

Pastor McCarthy had this advice to give churches that need a little help fundraising: Think big.

“If the goal is beyond their reach, then it’s a God-given goal. Believe that God will do exactly what He said,” Pastor McCarthy said. “Keep the faces of the people we are helping in front of the congregations.

We are not helping the university. We are not helping a continent.

We are helping people, individuals. And that will spark enthusiasm.”

Africa 360 has been one of the Black River UMC’s first large fundraising campaigns.

Pastor McCarthy said participation in the

campaign has caused the church’s outreach and supporting missions to “take on a life of its own.” He said small groups at the church have helped with programs in Africa on their own.

night, with donations going toward Africa 360. (Tip: Provide pizza or another “kid favorite” dinner item to get them excited.)

“Africa 360 is the spark that ignited the fire that kept on growing, and I hope that other congregations can do the same: have one focus and spark other missions,” he said. “Size doesn’t matter.”

and do something creative with the winning design. (Tip: Newspapers love full-color exciting photos; don’t forget to share your story!)

6. Donate your birthday or anniversary 9. Change for change Several people have already opted to Perfect for Sunday school classes, send have donations given in lieu of gifts, and children home with containers (an empty raised more than $1,000 dollars! orange medicine container holds $10 in quarters), and have them bring it back full.

7. Goal challenge Church leadership challenges the church 10. Designate a portion of major to raise funds in exchange for hair dye or giving days beard shaving.

“Tithe” 10 percent of a major giving day to Africa 360 as a way to “give back” in 8. Mosquito net fashion show abundance!

Vote on the best designs, $1 at a time, unyumc.org 23

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Challenge ignites Africa 360 fundraising for two UNY churches

By Kathleen Rubino KathleenRubino@unyumc.org

I

t all stemmed from a “snarky relationship” between a pastor and a Missions Committee co-chair, who happen to be related. The Rev. Larry Lundgren, pastor at the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church, issued a challenge to his daughter Lara Schuler, co-chair of the Missions Committee at the Hilton UMC, to see whose church could raise more money for Africa 360.

“My experience when working as a connectional ministry is that challenges such as this issued by the 24 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

Conference can be seen as onerous by congregations,” Rev. Lundgren said. “This is just a fun way; it’s easy; it’s painless. I think there’s a strong sense that we are fulfilling our connectional responsibilities without it being a burden.”

The deadline for the competition is the start of the 2016 Annual Conference session on June 2.

The Rev. Patricia Walz, who was appointed as the associate pastor for congregational care at the Baldwinsville UMC on Aug. 17, did not know how much money the congregation had raised at press time, but said their big initiative started in June.

Jeanne Pray, a lay member at the

Baldwinsville UMC, designed mosquito and net costumes. Upon the costumes’ completion, a Baldwinsville UMC pastor – who wishes to be unnamed – said he would wear the costume on a Sunday service if someone committed $500 to Africa 360.

A check arrived Thursday morning.

So, a pesky mosquito chased through the congregation and threatened a parishioner, who luckily had an umbrella covered with mosquito netting to protect her. The church’s children chased the mosquito away with fly swatters.

After the mosquito left, information was shared about Africa 360 and the Imagine No Malaria portion of

BALDWINSVILLE UMC

that initiative, including how female mosquitos only bite at night, that 90 percent of those bitten are pregnant women and children, and what The United Methodist Church is doing to help.

“A lot of it is awareness, making people aware of the problem,” Rev. Lundgren said.

Baldwinsville UMC congregants received one jungle green netting bag to collect money over the summer for Africa 360.

While Baldwinsville UMC had mosquito and net costumes, Hilton UMC designed a superhero costume.

Schuler said her church did an educational component about Africa 360 during Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Hilton UMC, which tied in with the craft. She said that Hilton UMC has raised about $750. The bulk of this was raised by the VBS, which ended with a youth-led car wash with 100 percent of donations benefitting Africa 360.

“The spirit of the idea of it (the challenge) is not so much the competition of it but the friendship and connections that are made,” Schuler said. “There’s contact on social media that wasn’t there before.”

Rev. Walz said that the church planned a “change pitch” at Bald-

HILTON UMC

winsville UMC’s VBS, where children bring in change each morning and throw it into a wooden container with different size holes on top. Pray says she hopes donations will pick up in the fall, when kids come back to Sunday school and youth group starts up again.

“We’re not going to stop at the $1,000 goal for our church,” Rev. Lundgren said. “We’ll just keep going to see how much we raise.”

Five unique ways to use the red boxes “Ballot” boxes Use the red boxes as a way to vote, with your wallet. Whether it is trying to decide which t-shirt design the church will have, what will be cooked at the next supper, or which Bible study will be used next, $1 per vote toward Africa 360 goes a long way!

Trick or treat for Africa Give your congregation’s children red boxes to take with them when they go trick-or-treating on Halloween. It raises money to save children’s lives from malaria and educate leaders in Africa.

“Jargon” boxes In your church office or home, ask people to give every time they use

“church jargon” or “business jargon” (words that don’t translate outside of church, like SPRC, Narthex, Trustees, acronyms of church agencies, etc.).

“Curse word” boxes If the “jargon” box doesn’t make sense, maybe a “curse word” box will – if you are trying to break the habit of using curse words, put a quarter in the box each time you use one. This would work for an office setting as well.

Mosquito bite boxes Each time you or your child gets a mosquito bite, add change to the box.

Depending on where you live, this can add up quickly! unyumc.org 25

Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015

26 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

By Molly Butler

I

attend the Harris Hill United Methodist Church in Williamsville, in the Niagara Frontier District.

I had the privilege of going on a mission trip to Zimbabwe with Dr. Marvin Reimer, Dr. Sylvia Reimer, and 11 others this past July.

One of the highlights for me was visiting Africa University. We have supported this organization for so long, and to actually be able to visit the campus and hear the reflections of the staff was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Wesley, was so passionate about the vision for the university, and meeting with Africa University Vice Chancellor Munashe Furusa allowed me to see another perspective on what is happening there.

Two things stood out to me during our tour. First, the effort to make the campus such a welcoming place for students from all over Africa was clearly evident. The staff and administration care so much about the quality of life for students on campus. Second is the vision that AU has, bringing together students from all countries living and learning together so that in the future more leaders developed at Africa University will have the passion and commitment to work together with all countries on the continent.

Meeting Larry Kies, a General Board of Global Ministries missionary, was also very inspirational. He gave us a tour of the farm and the agricultural program at AU. His passion for the country, the university, and The United Methodist Church is so evident in every part of his life.

Molly Butler is pictured in the green shirt, middle row, third from the left.

Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015

A reflection on the 2015 mission trip to Africa

unyumc.org 27

Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015

By Dewey and Joni Lincoln

W

e witnessed the “staying power” of The United Methodist Church. “We” have been involved in the Mutumbara Mission for many years, and through the genius and persistence of Drs. Marvin and Sylvia Reimer, we have remained active partners in this valuable Zimbabwe resource.

The maternal health statistics of the hospital are outstanding. Working with the women at a waiting mothers’ shelter in Zimbabwe, sharing their eagerness to learn and their passion to improve their lives and the lives of their children was inspiring.

Due to a lack of transportation in rural Zimbabwe, expecting or high-risk mothers can stay at a waiting mothers’ shelter for several weeks before delivery.

Sharing the “radical hospitality” of Drs. Florence and Emmanuel Mefor – both missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) who serve in Mutumbara, Zimbabwe – and their staff was almost overwhelming.

The education that the young people are receiving there is commendable – a wide-reaching comprehensive curriculum now including early childhood development. We are so proud to have been a part of the now functional, well-stocked, newly tiled primary library; dozens of our friends from around Central New York were part of the book 28 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

collection last fall. We are excited to report that their donated books are not only on the shelves but also in the hands of eager youngsters: They are reading works by Dr. Seuss, the “Harry” Potter series, “Where the Wild Things Are,” and books

by Ezra Jack Keats!

Wesley, our guide at Africa University, so ably shared the vision and passion of uniting Africa with shared education and resources. When we met with Vice Chancellor Dr. Munashe Furusa (Wow! At his request!), we were further humbled and inspired by the progress and plans for further development.

We plan to thank our sponsors and donors by speaking wherever and whenever we can – sharing our adventures and dreams. Personally, we would like to make sure that waiting mothers have an unending source of soft, colorful yarn for their knitting and crocheting projects. This trip has increased our passion to Africa 360, and we have challenged our church to fulfill Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s Africa 360 Challenge 2.0 to raise $1,000 for the initiative.

We look forward to travelling to share what we experienced.

The Lincolns are members at the Countryside UMC in Port Byron (Finger Lakes District).

Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015 • Mission trip to Zimbabwe 2015

Mission trip participants get to see fruits of Upper New York’s book-collecting labor

About the endowed scholarship:

Africa University is ‘so much a part of my DNA’ By the Rev. Bob Long

H

er eyes sparkle with passion. Her heart emanates compassion and fair justice. Her mind holds together in one united rainbow the Spiritual, Biblical, and experiential unity of God’s inclusive love. Her voice is soft and compelling, yet clear and assertive when needed. Her actions express her life-long commitment of love for the One whom she knows in Jesus to love all creation. Her spirit radiates generations of spiritual intimacy with the Source of life and love.

This is Virgia Phoenix, for whom the Albany District has created and named a scholarship for Africa University (AU). In honoring Phoenix with this scholarship, the Albany District also invites the Upper New York Conference to celebrate her family’s long history of leadership and participation in Methodism, offering immeasurable gifts to people across this magnificent globe.

Born into a Mississippi family with more than seven generations of leadership at every level within The United Methodist Church, this environment molded Phoenix. She recalls: “After some of my ancestors landed on American soil, Miss Lucy Granger from Mississippi, who purchased them from the auction block in Virginia, had a goal of educating her subjects and sending them back to Africa to teach. Her will left funds for this purpose. Tom Preston, Miss Granger’s nephew and heir to her estate, followed through on her wish, but it never materialized because Tom died before the Emancipation, and the will was declared null and void by the state of Mississippi.

Even though history did not fulfill the return to Africa, it did not deter the quest for education, and education was a valued achievement in every generation within the family. In later years, members of the family did visit Africa, and one served as a Methodist

PHOENIX bishop in Liberia.”

Phoenix graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, followed by a Master of Divinity Degree from Boston University’s School of Theology. Upon graduating from the School of Theology, she served as the director of Religious Education at Morgan Memorial Church of All Nations in Boston.

She continued her study and received a Certificate of Religious Education through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Phoenix also holds a Certificate in Bereavement Services from Maria College, Albany.

She became director of Religious Education at the Church of the Open Door in Brooklyn. As a congregational assistant for the Interfaith Citywide Coordinating Committee of New York City, she coordinated interfaith services of worship that shone brightly as expressions of compassionate justice in a city that desperately needed it. She helped establish and direct a senior center and aging services program at the Salem UMC in NYC. She worked with the Interfaith Alliance of Harlem and has organized Methodist Church Renewal in New England.

Phoenix presented Laboratory

Schools in Christian Education and developed inner city curriculum for Church Summer Day Camps. For a time, she worked closely with her uncle, the Rev. William James, within his documented inner city ministry in Harlem, which transformed many of forgotten and dismissed individuals into college graduates and leaders within the Church and in society.

A long-term Peace with Justice coordinator for the former Troy Conference, member of the Troy Conference Board of Church and Society, member-at-large on the National Board of Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Equalization Delegate to the Troy and UNY Annual Conference sessions, Phoenix instinctively invests her passion in AU. “It has been my pleasure to contribute to Africa University for several years and as a result, receive its newsletter on a regular basis. Receiving this newsletter is truly uplifting because it tells of the impact that the university has on the continent as a pan-African university educating it’s young citizens and raising the quality of life in every corner of Africa as well as the world … It is wonderful to have met some of the graduates of Africa University, enjoy the talent of the University Choir, and learn of their contributions to Church and society,” she said.

“Africa and education being so much a part of my DNA, the establishment of an endowment bearing my name to Africa University is an honor that both inspires and humbles me. I am indeed grateful to friends from the Upper New York Conference who consider me worthy of such an honor. It is my hope that a scholarship endowed in my name will be a long ‘Usahwira’ (Shona for ‘beautiful friendship’) now and into the future,” Phoenix said.

Submitted by the Rev. Bob Long, retired, a member of the Albany District Ministry Team.

Donations are being taken in Phoenix’s honor to fully endow an AU scholarship in her name. If you’d like to honor her life’s work and dedication, please send a gift in her honor using the enclosed envelope and write “Africa University – Virgia Phoenix” in the memo line. Contact the Conference Treasurer’s office at (315) 424-7878 with any questions.

Connecting through mission work

By Dr. Sylvia Reimer

M

y husband Marvin and I have been actively involved on United Methodist Volunteers-In-Mission (UMVIM) teams for almost 25 years, both leading and participating in teams domestically and overseas. In 1997, we left our medical practices in Watertown and served as commissioned missionaries for the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) at Reimer a rural hospital in Zimbabwe for three years; our hearts have been planted there ever since.

We have led teams to Zimbabwe about every other year since 2004; we want to expose as many people as possible to the wonderful people in Zimbabwe and the great work God is doing there.

The connection is one of the main reasons I remain a United Methodist.

I love knowing that God is working – in many places I could never go – through the hands and feet of others in the UM family. All mission experiences reinforce this connection.

Africa University is one of the prime examples. Whether I am worshipping in the chapel built by UMs in Japan; exploring the library built by UMs in South Korea; eating with Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, assigned to the Zimbabwe East and West conferences in Zimbabwe; visiting with BaltimoreWashington Conference Bishop Marcus Matthews, formerly assigned to Upper New York, as he and a team from his conference conduct a preaching school; or relaxing in the home of Jane and Larry Kies, missionaries from Iowa, I am reminded that none of us is in this alone! The presence and love of God shines through each of these connections.

Going back to Zimbabwe is “going home” for Marvin and me, so it’s hard to pick out a high point beyond that.

However, the high point of the 2015 experience was overwhelmingly the team. It was a team leader’s “dream team.” We had age, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity, but everyone on the team was there because 30 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

of their love of God and passion for mission. Most of the time, everyone agreed and worked together; when there was difference of opinion or conflict, the team members resolved it quickly, gently, and effectively, and the team moved on. It was wonderful!

I can’t say for certain what my

future holds regarding Zimbabwe; I do know my heart remains there!

I commit to encouraging my local church to meet Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s challenge of each church giving $1,000 to the Africa 360 campaign as it works to save lives from malaria and enrich lives through education.

Make your personal pledge Churches across the Upper New York Conference have been setting goals and giving generously to Africa 360, but they need each member of the congregation to help them reach their goals! What is your personal pledge to Africa 360? Whether you give each month or give a one lump sum, search your heart and give generously. Find in this issue the enclosed envelope that looks like the one at the bottom. This envelope is for your use; please fill it out completely for your church to get credit toward its goal. If you’d rather, you can donate online at www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360.

All donations are graciously and thankfully accepted and will help the Conference reach its goal. If you send in a donation of $100 or more, you will receive a bobblehead of Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb (see a photo on page 19). Please include your mailing address (physical address preferred to a PO Box address) on the inside of the envelope and ensure it is on your check to ensure prompt shipment once the bobbleheads are ready. Checks can be made out to “UNYAC – Africa 360,” no need to worry about a mailing address, just put a stamp on the enclosed envelope, and it will find its way to the Conference office.

Africa 360 is bringing change to the world; will you send in your

envelope and help your church rise to the challenge?

unyumc.org 31

Raising expectations: Why goals matter

By Laurel O’Connor, Africa 360 Field Coordinator Africa360@unyumc.org

congregation through each success!

Has your church set a goal for Africa 360 this year?

Pledge cards were sent out after the Annual Conference ach church approaches an initiative like Africa 360 dif- session, and churches that have sent them back with goals ferently, much like each church approaches their anhave been marked with a “star” on the Africa 360 map at nual stewardship drive in different ways. Hopefully, a few www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360. If your church insights will be helpful in both regards, no matter what a would like one re-sent, please email me at Africa360@ congregation is raising funds for – operating budget, mis- unyumc.org. sion and outreach, or an initiative like Africa 360.

Citation: Schaller, Lyle. Parish Planning. Nashville: Abingdon, 1979 (p129-134). Schaller was a consultant for church growth 1. Expectations matter. Without a goal, a congregathrough the past several decades and passed away in 2015. tion may be happy with “whatever comes in.” But with a prayerfully set goal, giving goes up as people feel motivated to give toward a shared purpose and vision.

E

2. Share vision from a place of abundance, and giving will follow. Using positive language and an affirmative set of expectations, without apologizing, will demonstrate confidence in church goals.

3. Goals must be part of a shared vision; when church leaders have high, affirmative expectations, it is more likely that those goals will be fulfilled and shared among members.

4. Follow up your goals with accountability and measurement along the way. This way, members can be re-energized by forward momentum, and approaches can be evaluated.

5. Make a goal that strikes a balance between “reaching” yet not “overreaching.” If a goal is set too low and is achieved too easily, it is an easy victory, but doesn’t challenge a congregation to think in new ways about giving, nor does it stretch the church to new heights. But if the goal is unreasonable, a congregation is less likely to strive for more.

Think Ephesians 3:20 – God is able to do more through us than we could ask or imagine!

6. Goals should be measurable and specific, things that members can grasp. Giving specific means of responding to a call, like asking for pledge cards or inviting people to a monthly dinner, can lead to higher rates of success. Accompany each expectation with an action step, so members can “walk the talk” for initiatives they are passionate about.

7. “Success breeds success,” as they say – in other words, reaching a goal this year for Africa 360 can push a congregation to go a little higher for a different initiative this year. Or, getting 30 families to pledge in a congregation this year can help a congregation reach for 35 the following year. Build on success, see goal setting as part of a long-term vision for growth. Expand the “reach” of your 32 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

New Africa 360 materials

An online request form for the new A360 materials below can be found in the Africa 360 Toolkit at www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360-toolkit

Bookmarks

Brochures

Envelopes

These collectible bookmarks feature information about Africa 360 on the front and a prayer on the reverse.

This brochure helps illustrate the need for and vision of Africa 360 – a great tool to help you share the story.

These envelopes are a convenient way for you, a colleague, a neighbor or a friend to make a gift to Africa 360.

Africa 360 Worship Ideas

Build a (better) display

Pipe Cleaner Mosquitoes

Here you’ll find great ideas, like the “Exploding Red Blood Cell” which happens when malaria is contracted.

The Africa 360 Toolkit has been updated with many new resources, such as display pieces that you can print on a standard 8.5x11 sheets of paper.

Instructions on how to make this craft have been uploaded to the toolkit: www.unyumc.org/mission/africa-360-toolkit

Other free resources

Printables in the Toolkit

Photo courtesy of Owls Head UMC

Laurel O’Connor Reach out to UNY’s Africa 360 Field Coordinator at: Africa360@ unyumc.org.

www.imaginenomalaria. org/resources

www.tinyurl.com/Africa UniversityResources

Here you’ll find fly swatters, stickers, red boxes, and much more.

Looking for a virtual tour of AU, a fact sheet, or AU’s history? Then you’ve come to the right place.

unyumc.org 33

IN their OWN WORDS All are called to be heroes against malaria

By Mary Lou Buck

W

hat does it feel like to be a hero? If you save someone’s life, you are considered a hero.

For $10, I saved someone’s life through a donation to Imagine No Malaria. I cannot eliminate malaria alone, but if we get the message out and expand our efforts with many more heroes, more lives can be saved.

Malaria is preventable, yet over one million people die from it each year, and every minute a child dies of malaria.

When I look at my six children, I think of what it would be like to lose a child to a preventable disease as many mothers do each year.

We are a connectional church, and therefore I feel a connection to these mothers and think of the scripture in Matthew 25:40 that says, “Whatever

you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” As I empathize with the mothers, I know I must help another mother avoid that pain.

In order to get the message out, our mission team at North Ontario United Methodist Church decided to have a soup supper. To expand our audience, we invited the area churches to join us to hear Laurel O’Connor, Africa 360 field coordina-

(Costumed) challengers for change By the Rev. Terry Sue Wiliford

T

he Holy Spirit certainly is a great motivator. You may ask how I know this, and my response would be that when it comes to encouraging people to get involved, I am often inspired to “do!”

When I heard in May that North Ontario United Methodist Church was going to have a soup supper with a speaker coming to talk about Imagine No Malaria, I asked the pastor, who just happens to be my husband, the Rev. Larry Wiliford, to make sure the church I serve – New Life UMC

in Webster – was invited!

I would have been happy to have one or two people from the church come with me that night, but to my amazement there were four others who showed up. In our United Methodist system, churches are often linked with other parishes, and in the history of these two churches, there was a period when Union Hill UMC – one of the former parts of New Life UMC – was linked with North Ontario UMC. So, needless to say, we were warmly welcomed.

Laurel O’Connor, Africa 360 field coordinator, began her presentation

and talked about how churches could get involved. In a split second, my hand went up and out of my mouth came a challenge, “New Life UMC challenges North Ontario UMC to be part of the costume contest and to see which church could raise the most money.” The motivation behind this was, “How can we really engage in this rather than just take two small collections and move on, thinking ‘good enough?’” Remember, we can be a part of erasing this epidemic in our lifetime! It was as if the Holy Spirit was saying, “This is no time for ‘good enough’; this is a time to moti-

‘Nettie Newlife’ is called on to serve

By Diane Maier

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures,” “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds.”

God created all living creatures, even the mosquito. And God saw that it was good.

(From Genesis 1:1-25) A program about Imagine No Malaria at the North Ontario United 34 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

Methodist Church, our neighboring church, was all it took to bring “Nettie Newlife” into being and to the 2015 Annual Conference session.

We learned that malaria is a preventable, treatable disease that kills 594,000 people each year, according the Imagine No Malaria’s Impact Statement. The fact that we could see malaria eradicated in our lifetime really inspired our congregation, along with a challenge by our pastor, the Rev. Terry Wiliford, to the North Ontario UMC to enter a mosquito net creation in the Mos-

quito Net Fashion Show at the 2015 Annual Conference session, a friendly competition that produced amazing results – far beyond what we could ever imagine!

In response to the challenge, a group of enthusiastic members at New Life UMC gathered two evenings for what we called “Mosquito Mania.” We adorned the outside of Nettie with 100 pipe cleaner mosquitos so that all can see that God’s children from Africa – depicted by pictures glued to the inside – would be safe from these disease-carrying

The Africa 360 story has a way of bringing churches together in ways that congregations never imagined. Just like the story of Baldwinsville and Hilton United Methodist Churches coming together in a new way to challenge each other (see page 24), the North Ontario and New Life UMCs did the same thing when they committed to support Imagine No Malaria leading up to the 2015 session of Annual Conference and beyond. Read below, in their own words:

tor, explain what is being done to prevent or cure malaria through the Imagine No Malaria campaign. The meal was easy to prepare with soup, bread, cookie bars, and drinks. Our guests could enjoy the meal without cooking or cost.

One of the churches that attended was the New Life UMC. What a surprise when they challenged North Ontario UMC to see which church could raise the most money in the fight against malaria! Our church accepted the challenge, and both churches decorated a mosquito net

to be modeled at the 2015 Upper New York Annual Conference session.

Because of the efforts of just our two small churches, almost $8,000 in donations was raised, including the money donated as Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb modeled the winning mosquito net – which was made by New Life UMC members.

On Sunday, our children’s message was presented inside the mosquito net, complete with mosquito sound effects. The following week, metal

cans were used to take a noisy money offering for Imagine No Malaria. All of our activities were effortless ways to raise awareness and money to help eliminate malaria.

Since we have seen what the Lord can do when we work together for His good, our two churches are planning a Fall Festival as a joint fundraiser to help eradicate malaria. It is exciting to imagine what the Lord has in store for us.

Mary Lou Buck is a member at the North Ontario UMC.

vate the Church to be the Church!”

In the halls of the New Life church building, it felt like we had crawled inside a Dr. Seuss book as we discussed the design of our net. There was total amazement as the design was hatched. When I said, “Oh, look, we can make mosquitos,” the response was, “How many?” I replied, “A hundred!” You might have thought I said 1 million, but there were giggles and laughter from a very eclectic group who gathered to create the design.

I must say “thank you” to Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb because the idea that he might wear our costume at the 2015 Annual Conference session was a great way to spur the designers on. There was

a renewed playfulness that had been lost, but here it was again, and it was glorious! Money was collected, which came from all those who could not be there to vote. They said, “We are together in this.” This project may seem simple and silly, but the importance in it all was that people were motivated to embrace a cause that they could really make a difference in.

They could come together and have fun doing it. And, ultimately, they got you involved to participate in generous giving.

Who knew that when I said, “We challenge,” it would bring the bounty for an amazing cause? Someday, we can tell our children and their children that there was a day when

people died of this disease, but no longer, because we came together to “make a difference.”

When Diane Maier, the co-lay leader at the New Life UMC, and I came into worship the day after the Annual Conference session, we brought pictures from the website, and I made the announcement that we won. But it was not about our recognition exactly; it proved that a struggling little UMC still could do big things. It proved that together the church could make a big difference.

Motivation: We are challenged daily to take up our cross, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to follow the way. I challenge you to be a challenger for change!

creatures. For ease of wearing our creation, one of our members went home to get her granddaughter’s Powerpuff Girls umbrella to loan for the fashion show. Nettie was ready to be a hedge of protection.

Nettie Newlife was called to serve. Nettie Newlife made a difference.

An invitation, a challenge, a response, a friendly competition, and building of relationships – all led by the Holy Spirit! The results have been amazing on so many levels and continue to be. We are planning – and looking forward to – a fundraiser in the fall with the North Ontario UMC to benefit Imagine No Malaria.

“And God saw that it was good!”

Diane Maier is the co-lay leader at the New Life UMC. Editor’s note: According to the World Health Organization’s latest estimates released in December 2014, 594,000 individuals die of malaria each year.

Cory Jones dons Nettie Newlife, the winning costume that raised the most funds for Imagine No Malaria.

unyumc.org 35

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DON SCHUESSLER

Big box truck 36 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

Filled with mosquito nets, a box truck is a symbol of hope for those in Ethiopia and a confirmation of ‘real impact’ for the missionaries in service there

By Don Schuessler

Last night a tornado hit. Well, it was dancers spinning streamers over the audience at the local performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” but we got the point. I tend to hear God more as the “still, small voice,” a voice that gradually, almost imperceptively, enters my consciousness.

“Africa,” said the voice. It began 10 years ago. What? Why? Where?

(Africa’s a big place, you know!) The voice was soft, gentle, subtle, but insistent. Late last spring it became clear that the word was “Ethiopia.”

Having dealt with me for years, my wife Glenda was not surprised to hear that I felt I was being called to join a medical mission trip to Africa.

But she was surprised to hear the destination was Ethiopia. Her cousins

Our plan was to reach out to the Boronos, a nomadic population in southern Ethiopia. Out into the bush we went to provide medical care. We were privileged to have the opportunity to make contact with people with little or no previous exposure to the Gospel. We treated 150 men, women, and children each day. For most of the children, it was the first time they had seen a physician. Many of the families walked two days to be seen at our makeshift clinic. I examined and treated children; Glenda mainly worked in our pharmacy; Joe distributed eyeglasses, helped in our mobile dental clinic, entertained children, and even acted as a buffer between anxious families and the medical team. With the contacts from our work, 30 new churches have currently begun in the region.

Our two weeks with the Boronos involved two sites. At the second site, during the middle of our second day, what to our wondering eyes should appear but a large, white truck arriving to unload mosquito nets from The United Methodist Church. Wow! Our home church in Gouverneur has raised money for these nets over the years, nickels, dimes, and quarters from the children of our Sunday school and Vacation Bible School as well as special mission offerings from the congregation, all supporting the Imagine No Malaria initiative.

Now, how neat is that? Off we go to provide health care, and God says, “Pay attention! Here’s confirmation that the actions of the people of your church have a real impact. It really is making a difference!” Our church has also supported Africa University over the years. I can hardly wait for the time when God will reveal to us the fruit of that faithfulness.

Immediate gratification feels so good. At the time, it can seem the best thing in the world. But, I think God wants us to savor moments of wonder and beauty, moments that can only occur when roots have grown deep. Deep roots allow us to weather dry times and set us up for experiences of joy, times not possible when we focus myopically on the present. Seeing the cartons of nets come off that truck was an “Aha” moment. Giving, caring, sharing, waiting, and paying attention so that we experience God moving in our world, in our lives, is almost always worth far more than that which comes quickly and easily.

Maybe a tornado will come into your life, and God will speak to you in the whirlwind. But His voice may just be in a form you couldn’t as yet imagine. Think about working hard to pay attention to God’s calling to you. And then be ready to say, “Yes!” to that call.

The Schuesslers are members at the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church.

had served in mission to Ethiopia. Soon she heard the small voice in her heart. “Going to Africa may be your calling, but not mine,” became, “I think I’m supposed to go, too.” And then, our son Joe heard the call, with, “Have fun, Dad,” morphing into, “Yes, I think I’d like to go,” and “I think I’m supposed to go.”

So in mid-October 2014, off we went, meeting up with members of our team at the Dulles International Airport in Virginia, and soon thereafter landing at the Addis Ababa International Airport in Ethiopia. Most certainly we weren’t in Gouverneur anymore!

Suddenly, there were sights, sounds, smells, roads, people, food, lodging, customs, and needs that up until then, we could only have imagined.

Mosquito nets – such as the one pictured above with Dr. Rebeca Yohadi at Mpassa hospital in the Kinshasa province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo – are delivered to areas across Africa, including southern Ethiopia where the Schuesslers served for two weeks providing medical care. Photo by Lynne Dobson unyumc.org 37

FOR FURTHER READING

A Spirituality of Fundraising

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Review by the Rev. Jeff Childs At first blush, most people might think that there is no spirituality of fundraising. One is spiritual and one is material, and never the twain shall meet.

But Nouwen’s little book on the subject, which was based on a talk he gave on fundraising on Sept. 16, 1992, helps us see how fundraising can be a spiritual practice.

On page 16 he notes: “Fundraising is first and foremost a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.” It is an invitation for people to buy into the work of helping to bring about God’s kingdom through developing relationships. “Whether they “(Fundraising) is not have much or little is not as important as the about the money, possibility of making (it’s) about developing their money available to a connection ... ” God.” (pg. 46) He goes on to describe fundraising as a form of conversion. Here, he defines conversion as a shift of attention in which we set our mind on divine things. Both the giver and receiver are converted as the giver is converted to seeing the ministry as an opportunity to help fund a godly purpose. The fundraiser is converted from thinking it is about begging for money to seeing an opportunity to have a poor soul with money become a rich soul with generosity. For Nouwen, it is not about the money, but about developing a connection and a relationship leading to a spiritual communion with one another and with God. The book ends with this affirming conclusion: “Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God’s kingdom.”

The Rev. Jeff Childs is pastor at the Penn Yan UMC. Pages: 64 • Publisher: Upper Room, Jan. 19, 2011 You can get it through: • Upper Room: www.tinyurl.com/URSpiritualityFundraising • Christian Books: www.tinyurl.com/CBDSpiritualityFundraising • Amazon: www.tinyurl.com/AMAZSpiritualityFundraising

Intrigued? Want a copy?

We have five copies of A Spirituality of Fundraising to give away. Why are you passionate about Africa 360? Send your response (250 words max) to africa360@unyumc.org.

38 UNY ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015

Why Africa Matters

by Cedric Mayson

Review by Shirley Drake Byers Cedric Mayson, author of Why Africa Matters, asserts “Africa is older, bigger, and richer than most of us realize and has much to offer that is needed by the rest of the world.

Africans come from the beginnings of time and the ends of the earth.”

Before reading this book, put away any preconceived ideas you may have about African history, culture, environment, governance, and spirituality. Prepare yourself for mind-blowing concepts and heart-rending historical realities. Prepare yourself to embrace African “earthlings” living ubuntu. “Ubuntu is the experience of the power of human community.” Wrap yourself in communal ubuntu culture, daily living, compassionate community – “the source of peace for the continent.”

Mayson reviews main areas of development, viewed by the “West” as signs of human progress: religion, economics, politics, ecology, and the media culture. However, called by Mayson the “five Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” these areas often herald African failure and destruction. Rather than focusing on western-style development, Mayson sees beauty in relationships, in environmental treasures, and in the potential for leadership the world beyond Africa needs to witness, celebrate, support, and emulate.

Celebrating “something new coming out of Africa,” Mayson leads through the pain and beyond the pain of social and religious history, through the economic and political exploitations and media distortions to a future of redeeming hope. Mayson, a friend of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, leads the participant into repentance and beyond, not “only transforming the secular systems leading earthling communities astray, but bringing spiritual and secular systems together again …

Evil systems are not handled by reforming them but by transforming them.” The African message of liberation and ubuntu speaks crucially to Americans and Europeans and is a treasure to be studied by churches and individuals alike.

Why Africa Matters was a 2013 bonus book for the United Methodist Women’s Reading Program. Shirley Drake Byers has been involved with Africa University since 1988, when she was a delegate to the General Conference that gave birth to the university, and served as chair of Upper New York’s Endowed Scholarship Task Force.

Pages: 217 • Publisher: Orbis Books, April 30, 2010 From the publisher: www.tinyurl.com/PUBWhyAfricaMatters From Amazon: www.tinyurl.com/AMAZWhyAfricaMatters

unyumc.org 39

324 University Ave., 3rd Floor Syracuse, NY 13210

Be the change agent

Churches all over Upper New York are getting involved and taking up the Africa 360 Challenge 2.0, with amazing results! Join their growing team of change agents and equip your church for action!

The Africa 360 Toolkit has everything your church needs to get started:

“E x Bl plo o d ch od ing ild Ce R re ll” ed n’ sm U om nd Tr er en ee t h t VB e A S ca pr c i Pi og a pe ra m cle m os a qu ne ito r in st C ru hi l ct d bo r io ns ok en le ’s a t ct iv Li ity fe pa cyc ra le sit o e fm vi a de la o r ia

www.unyumc.org/mission/Africa-360-Toolkit

Got questions? Send us an email at Africa360@unyumc.org!