|
wings
Selfless Living
For the first time, the denomination's Council of Bishops met outside the United States when we gathered Nov. 1-6 in Maputo, Mozambique. This was a historic meeting, signaling that the Council understood the growth of the United Methodist movement in Africa. The Council was so committed to this important meeting that we canceled our spring 2006 council meeting to help defray some of the financial costs of a trip to Africa. The savings realized from the canceled meeting – along with some unexpected travel discounts – allowed the Council of Bishops to make the trip at less than the projected budgeted expense.
During this trip, I experienced the movement of the Holy Spirit in worship and fellowship and through support groups and accountability groups. Yet, after the Council meeting, I took a trip to Africa University – and it was while visiting the university and the surrounding region that I saw, once again, the "selfless living" of the people of Africa.
Africa University's enrollment has grown since its beginning in 1994 to more than 1,300 this year. When the university began receiving more applications than available dorm space, the students met and approached the administration with a plan. The students said they were willing to sleep three to a room if it would allow more students the opportunity to experience an Africa University education.
I was invited to tour the dormitories, and I saw firsthand how crowded these rooms are. But our escorts, who were student ambassadors, said to us: "Education is so important to the advancement of a better quality of life for all of Africa, that we do not mind – in fact, we welcome ? what appears to you to be an inconvenience of another roommate."
I also found it remarkable that these students do not choose their roommates. The roommates are assigned, and there is an effort to assign students to live with persons who are not from their nation or tribe. This is a big step toward helping Africa deal with the ethnic fighting, and in some cases, ethnic cleansing, that has been part of the very fabric of this torn continent.
This is selfless living or sacrificial living at its best. We could learn a lot from Africa University about how to live together in the United States. We could learn how to commit ourselves to a mission greater than ourselves and a vision that is given by God.
During my trip, I also learned that in the 1890s, a Methodist bishop climbed a nearby mountain and viewed the land where the university now stands. The bishop said, "I see young people from all over Africa coming here to learn – and leaving to make a difference in this land."
It is only when our hearts are captivated by the Holy Spirit that we can think and do for "us" rather than for "me." If we can only do this, our churches will become lights in the communities where our buildings reside – rather than simply a sanctuary for our membership.
If we can only do this, then we will give – not just to build our buildings and support our local ministries – but we will give so the gospel can be preached throughout the world. We will work for justice for all persons; work for everyone to have quality health care; work for children to live in a safe world; work for all to have food, shelter, clothing, and opportunities to realize their God-given dreams can come true.
Let's pray until our hearts are changed and our actions reflect selfless living.
top
|
|
Bishop James Swanson
Resident Bishop
Cover Stories:
New conference treasurer named
Cabinet asks for Epiphany prayers
Holston prepares for AIDS fund-raiser
INSIDE
It's not about us
NCD
Checking it twice
National & World News
Back to The Call Home Page
|
|
Holston RSS Feed - News and Podcasts 
