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Local churches invited to support Zimbabwe partnership


The kitchen structure of Fern Valley UMC in Zimbabwe is little more than a shed. (photo by Phillip Mpindu)

Written: 11/10/2009

WICHITA—The United Methodist Church has identified four areas of focus to revitalize churches across the denomination. One of those areas is eradicating poverty worldwide.

United Methodists in the Kansas West Conference are invited to take that challenge seriously by establishing a partnership with the people and churches of the Zimbabwe East Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The people of Zimbabwe need help building churches and skill centers and combating killer diseases, another of the denomination’s focus areas.

The Kansas West Conference Focus Team made the decision at its October meeting to explore a risk-taking m


Mountains surround the city of Mutare in Zimbabwe. (photo by Phillip Mpindu)
ission by sending a delegation of 15 people to Zimbabwe to meet the people, explore the possibilities for ministry and discover ways that the conferences can be mutually supportive of God’s work.

Local church members can participate in this mission by:

  • Praying for the partnership with the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference;
  • Traveling with the delegation Jan. 28 – Feb. 9, 2010, cost: $2,500;
  • Offering financial support to offset the cost of the trip for the delegation members traveling at their own expense by sending checks payable to the Kansas West Conference with the notation “Zimbabwe Initiative account 905”;
  • Praying for their local church as the congregation seeks ways to be in mission with the world.

Rev. Linda Louderback, Connectional Ministries director, will lead the delegation. People who are interested in traveling with the delegation to Zimbabwe should contact Louderback at 800-745-2350, 316-684-0266 or llouderback@kswestumc.org no later than Dec. 4.

Those who participate will form a team to guide the partnership and the direction of this ministry after the trip. A report will be given to the Focus Team in March and to the 2010 Annual Conference.