United Methodist congregations helped Africa University to end its 25th anniversary year with its highest level of support to date. Overall, congregations in the United States invested 96.77 percent of their budget commitment to the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment in 2017, resulting in $2,266,498.00 in support. That's the highest percentage invested to date in one of the seven apportioned funds of The United Methodist Church.
Thirty-five of the 56 annual conferences that comprise the five U.S. jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church invested at 100 percent or higher in the AUF in 2017. Two annual conferences, Detroit and Yellowstone, achieved a 100 percent investment for the first time. Five annual conferences—East Ohio, New York, Red Bird Missionary, Tennessee, Upper New York, and Wisconsin—gave more than 100 percent.
"We are overwhelmed at the response of local churches and annual conferences to the call for full funding in celebration of the 25 years of ministry of Africa University," said James H. Salley, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement.
"Our thanks and appreciation goes out to the congregations and leadership at all levels of our denomination as well as to the Africa University partners, AU Board of Directors, Board and Advisory Development Committees, and AU networkers," said Salley. "It is a perfect example of how we can go more for the kingdom when we do it together."
Giving increased in all five jurisdictions—with the Western Jurisdiction at 100 percent for the first time and the Northeastern Jurisdiction at 100 percent for the third consecutive year. Two other jurisdictions—North Central and Southeastern—achieved 99.83 percent and 98.15 percent respectively.
Andra M. Stevens, Director, Communications, Africa University Development Office
A World Service Special Gift is a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district or annual conference to a project authorized as such by the Connectional Table. Current World Service Special Gifts projects include the Africa University Endowment Fund, the Leonard Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students, the Methodist Global Education Fund, the National Anti-Gambling Project and the Lay Missionary Planting Network.
