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Travel with UNY to Africa University in 2025

April 16, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Registration is open for an opportunity to travel to Africa University (AU) in Mutare, Zimbabwe, from Feb. 12-21, 2025. Join Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Dr. Roger and Mrs. Claudia Ellis, and others from Upper New York (UNY) on a trip to visit and stay on the AU campus, meet with students, observe classes, and learn about the country and their culture.   

Many have described Africa University as the most exciting ministry of The United Methodist Church in this century. The Upper New York Conference pilgrimage to AU is your opportunity to see and experience a ministry born of the radical generosity and faithfulness of United Methodists and others.  

“I have had the privilege of visiting AU twice, once on my own after co-leading a Heifer International study tour to Mozambique and again for the 20-year celebration of its founding. My experiences formally and personally with faculty and especially with students were amazing and heart-warming,” said Dr. Ellis.  

He said his travel experiences to AU strengthened his faith and commitment to The United Methodist Church and inspired him to share the trip with others.   

“Travel logistics made it impossible for us to include a visit to AU with the Heifer Study tour. After my visits, I set a goal of bringing additional people, including my wife Claudia, to AU to experience what I had been blessed to experience. The commitment and persistence of United Methodists of Upper New York to raise $1,000,000 to fund eight endowed scholarships for students from 22 African countries has continued to inspire me,” he noted.  

The opportunity for other United Methodists of Upper New York to embark on this ten-day journey with fellow Christians is in the works. Bishop Héctor is hopeful of bringing several youths from UNY on the international trip to the African continent to deepen their faith and sense of calling through the Engage Fund.  

“United Methodists of Upper New York is a proud ministry partner with Africa University. Our generosity is making it possible for future leaders to be equipped for transformational ministry in the Church and the world. Witnessing the ministry of AU will help participants grow in their journey as followers of Christ and envision new possibilities for their own lives and ministries. I look forward to sharing this experience with young people from our Conference, hoping it will broaden their imagination about what is possible when we join God in mission in local ministry context and beyond.” 

The Upper New York Conference has had a long relationship with AU, including the mission and funding of multiple endowed scholarships, which allow students from nearly two dozen countries in Africa to study. 

The all-inclusive pilgrimage, including airfare, costs $5,000 and includes a two-day safari to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Chobe, Botswana. Travelers wishing to extend their journey can “add on” to their tour and visit Johannesburg, South Africa, and more. Scholarships for continued education might be available to clergy through the UNY Board of Ordained Ministry.  

Consider joining Bishop Héctor, Dr., and Mrs. Ellis on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity next year. Click here for more details. If you have additional questions, contact Dr. Ellis at (518) 744-4288 or rgellis6@gmail.com.  

As stated by Dr. Ellis, “The experience of seeing what we are a part of is priceless.”