"We grew up struggling financially. It was very difficult for my parents to raise funds for my education. One semester, I could not attend classes because I was unable to pay my tuition," said Gerald Chandakabata.
"After graduating from Africa University in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Services Management, I joined the Global Mission Fellow program at the General Board of Global Ministries (Global Ministries). I served two years with Global Ministries working in the healthcare field. This gave me the enthusiasm to explore the world in a way that I had not thought of before. I am now motivated to bring positive change to this painful world," explained, Chandakabata.
Armed with a desire to equip vulnerable communities with execellent healthcare, Chandakabata decided to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health at Africa University. "I heard about the World Communion Sunday Leadership scholarship from the church and the Global Ministries website. With the economic challenges that I have, receiving the scholarship brought hope and fresh impetus that my dream to be a dedicated public health officer would be fulfilled," said Chandakabata.
Your gifts on World Communion Sunday, supports the Ethnic Scholarship which enables The United Methodist Church to equip gifted, qualified students from around the globe to become the world changers God created them to be.
While Chandakabata is working on his Master's degree, he continues to work as a district health services administrator for the Tsholotsho District Matabeleland in the northern province of Zimbabwe. "Daily, I manage a team of health management employees at the district hospital and I coordinate health activities throughout the district. In the future, I would like to serve in the church’s global health unit and to design structures in the church to support the poor and the marginalized in the developing world," Chandakabata said.
"The United Methodist Church has made a positive impact on my life," continued Chandakabata. "The World Communion Sunday scholarship is one of the best ways for the church to create future global giants that will serve the world in various ways. These talented and educated cadre of graduates will continue to serve in diverse areas of the church for decades.
Thank you for your generous gifts to World Communion Sunday offering.
Elsie Cunningham, freelance writer, UMCom retiree, now living in Jamaica
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, World Communion Sunday calls the church to reach out to all people and model diversity among God’s children. The special offering provides World Communion Scholarships, the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program.
When you give generously on World Communion Sunday, you equip gifted, qualified students from around the globe to become the world changers God created them to be. Give now.
