The Foundation for Evangelism is working to endow an E. Stanley Jones Professorship of Evangelism at Africa University that will be named for John W. Z. Kurewa, the institution's founding vice chancellor.
Key officials—Jane Boatwright Wood, president of the Foundation, and Larry Klemann, chairman of the board—announced the campaign to raise funds for the John Wesley Kurewa Chair, an E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism, in partnership with Africa University. The announcement was made in Mutare, Zimbabwe on March 21st at the inaugural dinner for Africa University's fourth vice chancellor.
Kurewa has served as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Africa University since 2000. Wood spoke of attending Kurewa's class and experiencing his interaction with students, as well as hearing students speak of how their evangelism classes have equipped them for ministry.
"They spoke articulately about evangelism in Africa — culturally sensitive, Biblically grounded and life-transforming. They taught us about The United Methodist Church in Africa and together we discussed the profound impact of African theologians and Christian leaders on evangelism worldwide," Wood said.
"They spoke with great respect and admiration of Dr. Kurewa, sharing personal stories of the impact his teaching and writing has had on their personal ministries. This experience has been a revival for us all," she said.
Klemann said his interaction with students was especially meaningful.
"It is the memories of these accomplished, exceptional young leaders, their commitment to this university and to transforming lives that I will take away. But beyond that I will leave with a deep understanding that I have walked the campus of Africa University and experienced for myself the presence of God here among those gathered," he said.
A four-person delegation comprised of Klemann and Wood as well as Dr. Stephen Gunter and Ms. Mary Brooke Casad represented the foundation at the Vice Chancellor's Inauguration at Africa University in March.
Elaine Jenkins, director of planned giving, 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.
