JOSH WARN
Ann Arbor First UMC
Like many new ideas this one seemed far-fetched to begin with, but quickly reached the, “Why didn’t we think of this before” level of acceptance.
When you think of all the wild Spring Break stories ever told, what’s so outlandish about ten University of Michigan students making a trip to visit another university?
Well, what if that university is in Zimbabwe? Yes, Africa University. Then questions quickly pop up: Won’t that be too expensive? Isn’t that a dangerous place? So far away? In such a short break?
But for those acquainted with these students, who take part in the Wesley Foundation campus ministry in Ann Arbor, such a trip makes sense. In this shrinking world personal contacts with other cultures and nations are more possible, and more essential than in the past. At least one or two of these women and men may be leading organizations one day; boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the real Africa and African Christianity might prove beneficial. Further, it may be helpful for young Africans to rub shoulders with focused American young people who belie the stereotypes of spoiled, whiny American youth.
There are benefits of exposing Michigan students to the international vision of The United Methodist Church. In only a few decades the denomination has raised the funds and the energy to establish an institution dedicated to bringing future leaders from around Africa to promote unity and cooperation in that vast continent. The university’s first graduating class in 1994 received 27 Bachelor’s degrees. In June 2015 there were 674 graduates, and many earned Master’s degrees.
One UM student, Lukonde Mulenga, whose father is from Zambia, had contemplated the idea of such a trip for a few years. She has been hoping to show her Wesley friends “What Africa is to me; the way we are exposed to Africa as Americans is a completely different experience compared to what actually happens over there.” Last September she presented her thoughts at a Wesley gathering. At first many were doubtful, like Evan Timm, who wondered, “How on earth I would be able to do this trip and complete my architecture curriculum?” Lukonde’s vision took on energy, however. Wesley’s Chaplain, Bob Roth, shared the excitement, though he questioned the feasibility. His trepidation was somewhat relieved when Lukonde’s dad, Rev. Maidstone Mulenga, found time in his schedule to not only come along, but to help develop an itinerary.
Rev. Mulenga, who directs the staff of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church, maintains ties with United Methodist bodies in Africa. By mid November he presented a plan that includes meetings with Africa University officials and students, field trips to an orphanage and a business incubator, and a couple days of volunteer work alongside Africa University students. Lodging and meals will be at the University’s facilities. The travelers will squeeze in a visit to Victoria Falls and a short “game drive” in the National Park before returning to Ann Arbor on the 11th day of travel.
No-frills it may be, but financing the adventure is testing these much-tested students, some from lower income families. One young woman told her mother, half-joking, “The Lord will provide.” But the group recognizes that such an attitude is, in Bob Roth’s words, “Good theology, bad strategy.” So they have been baking bread and holding fund-raising dinners at Ann Arbor churches. Some students are speaking before their home congregations to seek donations.
Those wishing to support the students in this trip are invited to write a check to the Wesley Foundation, 602 E. Huron, Ann Arbor, MI 48104; memo Spring Break Trip to Zimbabwe. A statement for tax purposes will be issued.
Meanwhile, they prepare in several ways. There are shots (No, not that kind; the typhoid kind). And trips to thrift stores (“So you can leave clothes behind and have room to bring things back.”). There’s the puzzle of resetting phones to work overseas. Lukonde, who is on the student staff at Wesley, challenges her peers to “read something about Zimbabwe and one other African country” before flying out.
As winter semester is starting, the excitement grows. Will the course work contain even a fraction of the learning that will take place during Spring Break?
Last Updated on December 15, 2023