Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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Africa UniversityFor Africa University Newsletter, etc. click on this link: http://issuu.com/africauniversitytoday
Dear friends and family,
It seems that no matter where we find ourselves in the world, Christmas comes at a busy time of year. Here in Zimbabwe, farmers are feverishly ploughing and planting as the rains allow. In Mutare, the town near where we live, shops and markets are overflowing with goods and people stocking up on food and gifts. At Africa University, students are cramming and writing exams while staff mark scripts; and in the Kies household, there is a combination of all the above ….and much more!
A careful reading of the Christmas story in Luke and Matthew’s gospels reveals that the first “Christmas” and the time leading up to it was also a period of tremendous activity, both in the heavens and on earth. At the time of the census, Bethlehem – and every other affected town or city - must have been hopping. There would be temporary accommodation to arrange, food to be brought in, officials to be instructed and sent to their appropriate posts, and bewildered people standing in queues for hours or days (sounds a little like polling stations in Zim at the time of elections!)
Angels, too, were busy, carrying out specific tasks of announcing unbelievable messages to the priest Zacharias and a young girl, Mary, and (maybe?????) attending choir practices to rehearse for a magnificent shower of praise for God before shepherds. The Almighty God was strategically putting into place His special plans and preparations for the miracle of the birth of Jesus. The Holy Spirit prompted poetry, songs and prophecies, dreams and warnings, revealing truth to the simple, and confounding the king and the skeptic. A wondrous star appeared in the East, bringing prominent visitors from other regions to the little town of Bethlehem.
Against a backdrop of activity – events inspiring amazement, hurt, joy, fury, confusion, fear and thankfulness - the birth of Jesus took place. For some, it was a marvel, for others an inconvenience or mere curiosity. Most may simply have been so caught up in the pressure of what needed to be done that the event simply slipped by, unnoticed.
This Christmas, I would like to take the example of Jesus’ mother, Mary. She was not immune to the wonder of it all. Her challenges and discomfort were great, and there was much she simply did not know or understand, yet she watched, and waited, and acted, and “stored up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
My prayer for us all, dear friends and family, is that we would joyfully do what needs to be done, but at the same time, receive grace to watch and pray, wait and listen, share and worship, and store in our hearts the mystery of the wonderful gift given to us in Jesus, our Saviour.
With thanksgiving in our hearts for your faithfulness in prayer and giving, we wish you a joy-filled, and Merry Christmas.
Jane and Larry Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
May you have the same joy we had, of having loved ones together! Pule will graduate from Iowa State in May, Carly finished her first stage of high school, Michael finished grade school, and Ben is working at MIT in Boston.
Celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
Future Producers of Food for Africa
Three first-year students in September helping a piglet get ready for Christmas.
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Volunteer-in-Mission Dona Lou from Indiana with Intensive English students
Dear friends and family,
Some friends were telling us a funny story of an acquaintance of theirs who had taken his mother along on his honeymoon. I said, I can beat that- I know someone who took both mothers-in-law on their honeymoon! After the laughter died down, I continued- ‘It was us!’
Twenty-five years ago Jane and I had the joy to have both mothers present at our wedding in Maun, Botswana. My mom (and older sister) flew out from Iowa, and Jane’s mother was already in the country teaching. It seemed only natural to drive with them up through Chobe National Park and over to Victoria Falls before saying good-bye and continuing with the rest of our honeymoon.
In August, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by re-tracing part of that first trip with a visit from another set of Iowa family, my sister Mona and her husband Rick, plus Jane’s mother, AND all four of our children, including our two state-side sons, Ben and Pule.
One of the highlights of the journey was getting wet in the spray of Victoria Falls. Close to the Falls we saw a larger-than-life statue of Dr. David Livingstone, the 19th- century Scottish missionary-explorer who was the first white man to see what local people called ‘the smoke that thunders’. Livingstone himself wrote , ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’.
I have since enjoyed reading about the life of David Livingstone, and have been inspired by his influence and dedication. Early in his career he spent six years evangelizing in Botswana, before feeling his life’s calling of exploring and mapping central Africa in an effort to fight the slave trade- what he called, ‘the open sore of the world’. Modern historians have very mixed feelings of the results of his diaries and letters; they not only helped open up the continent of Africa and abolish the slave trade, but also led to the Scramble for Africa, when European powers carved up much of the continent disregarding tribal boundaries. That being said, we take inspiration in the positive aspects of his work and his determination.
Some of his writings reveal the personal tragedies resulting from his calling:
‘Matters worsened when our baby, Elizabeth, succumbed to a bronchial infection and very soon died screaming. The cry I would remember in eternity.’ (1848, Botswana)
With many tears running down my cheeks I have to tell you that poor dearly beloved Mama died last night about seven o’clock. For the first time in my life, I feel willing to die. D.L. (to his friend Oswell after his wife Mary’s death from malaria, age 41, Zambia, 1862)
And in perhaps the greatest understatement in history, penned a few days before he died from the ravages of dysentery, aged 60, in the swamps of Zambia, still pushing on in his quest despite failing health, ‘It is not all pleasure, this exploration.’ (1873)
We also take great inspiration from the loyalty of two unsung heroes, James Chuma and Abdullah Susi. His two African companions helped honor Livingstone’s request to be buried in England by salting and sun-drying his corpse, then carried it for nine months through swamp, bush and jungle before seeing it loaded on a ship in Tanzania bound for Southhampton. But for the single-mindedness of Chuma and Susi, the letters and journals that accompanied Livingstone’s body would probably have been lost forever.
As Rick and Mona have seen, our relatively comfortable lives here on the Africa University campus are a far cry from the privations Livingstone experienced on his journeys. The slave trade has long ago been declared illegal; we now feel privileged to be working with the modern church against the bondages of poverty. As such, we feel that we ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ who have been here before us- both missionaries and early church leaders brave enough to take up the Christian faith and build a local church.
We are thrilled to see former AU students take up the challenge to be pioneers in their own countries: Mande (Class of 2007) and David (Class of 2009) are both helping establish new university programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
We also see the glow in the eyes of new Agriculture students such as Theoneste, a refugee from Rwanda, determined to start a new productive life instead of merely existing in a nearby UN refugee camp; and Irene, whose home is sixty miles away. Both entries to AU were only possible because of scholarships.
Thank you to those who have helped past students such as Mande and David in their dreams of university educations, and continue to help new students such as Theoneste, Irene… and many others. They will almost certainly never achieve the fame of David Livingstone, but we pray they will do their share in building the church in Africa and developing the capacity to produce more food for a hungry continent.
USA Here We Come 2012
We are still working on our itinerary for church visits in May-Oct 2012, and hope to have a rough draft ready for our next letter at the end of the year.
Family news
After our family trip, Ben returned to Boston and continues to work at M.I.T. While here, he delighted us with his juggling skills, as well as his guitar playing, including duets with Pule and Michael.
Pule had a very successful summer internship with Microsoft in Fargo ND, and will work full-time for them after graduating from Iowa State next May.
Carly, 16, has had some wonderful mission trips with her youth group and playing guitar in the youth band. Right now she is focused on her major ‘O-level’ exams in October (well, a couple of swimming events as well).
Michael, 11, is putting the final touches on his major school project on Rabbits, and is enjoying Drums lessons.
Please join us in prayer:
-that we, and all church workers, can be faithful ambassadors for Christ in the work that we do
-for AU graduates who sometimes go home to conditions almost as challenging as those faced by David Livingstone
-for those you know who feel overly frustrated in their jobs, feeling that ‘It is not all pleasure, this…..’ whatever they are doing, that they might find grace in their job... or a more fulfilling job
Thank you for your letters, emails, thoughts, prayers and support!
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
Dear friends and family,
Merry Thanksgiving and Happy Christmas!!!!
Like in many cultures, many Zimbabweans have names with literal meanings. Names like NoMatter, Trymore, Shakemore, and NoMore (the mother’s fifth child; I’m not sure if she was successful in her later family planning) are common. Two very common Shona names come from the same verb- Farai (‘Be happy’) is common for both boys and girls, but Fadzai (‘Make someone happy’) is only used for girls. A strong hint of bias in gender roles?????
The most common Shona name, for both males and females, is Tendai (Be thankful). The same verb root is used for other common names such as Rutendo, Tatenda, Tinotenda. Appropriate names for any time of year, but especially at this season. On Thanksgiving Day we were asked to mentally list all of the things that we are thankful for….and then to note the items on the list for which we could claim no credit, but which we had because of the generosity of others. It was humbling!
So during this Christmas season as we celebrate the coming of the Christ-child, we give thanks for His coming to earth- to live and die, for us. We also thank you for your love and support and your thoughts, prayers, letters, cards and emails.
Farewells
We are also thankful for those to whom we bade farewell in this earthly life this past year. Our list is topped by three individuals:
- Larry’s very dear Uncle Joe who proved that it is possible to be involved in politics and still maintain one’s integrity and sense of humor;
-Loyd Schaad, a role model in agricultural development, and his wife, Margaret; and
- Velma Watkins, a saintly 90-year old who loved life and others and inspired us in her outreach to young people.
We are sure that you have your own list.
Africa University News
Today is the last day of final exams. Most students have already gone home for the Christmas holidays. The rainy season has started well, and the students coming from rural areas will come back much darker and with calloused hands from wielding hoes. Numerous students have stopped by to express their appreciation for the scholarship help that allowed them to stay in school. Thank you to those who helped and continue to do so!!
Several of the scholarship students singing in the Praise the Lord Choir.
Farm news
The national electricity supply continues to be very unreliable, and seems to be getting worse. Power cuts occur almost daily and sometimes last for several days. Farm Development Funds were used to connect the Farm Sales room to the campus generator, making a huge difference in our ability to keep our livestock products (meat and milk) cold. The dairy cows are producing far more milk than they have in years, but processing the surplus milk has been almost impossible with no electricity much of the time. The most cost-effective option is to install a back-up generator at the dairy, so that will be the next major use of the Fund. Thanks to those who can help!
Other news
The fiber-optic cable has finally been laid, and is awaiting connection to the campus computer center. Hopefully our internet access and accessibility will be hugely improved. The continuing power cuts and disruptions in internet connectivity have made life on the web impossible at times.
If you tried sending an email to the address lkies@africau.ac.zw and it bounced back, please try again. The address is still valid! And we can receive files of up to 2 mb. We also use LarryKies@gmail.com, but it is easier for us to receive email on campus from our campus address, especially if you send attachments.
Home to the USA in 2012????
Our three-year term here is up in 2011, but we have requested a one-year extension so that we have time to visit more churches when we come in 2012. We will keep you informed.
Zimbabwe news
Harvard’s Joseph Nye once said, ‘Peace is like oxygen. When you have it, you don’t think about it, but when you don’t have it, it is all you can think about.’ Zimbabwe is a country at peace right now, but there are tentative plans for elections in 2011.
Many people here equate elections with violence. Please pray that the country remains peaceful, and that Christians lead in promoting peace.
Family news
We were thrilled to have Ben with us for awhile before he spent two months working in Cape Town, and he is now attending a university in Taiwan continuing his studies in Chinese.
Pule, 21, is excited about his offer of an internship with Microsoft. He will spend next summer working at their facility in North Dakota.
In November, Carly, 15, attended (with her class) a week-long Outward Bound leadership and mountain-survival camp and loved it! She’s now working on a Christmas vacation assignment- a 15-page essay on ‘How I Would Change the World.’ Good question for all of us!
Michael, 11, was so pleased that both he and his good friend, Simba, were selected as prefects for their Grade 7 year starting in January.
Prefects are an essential part of the British educational system (Harry Potter fans are familiar with their roles), and provide a good chance to develop leadership skills.
Simba, Sean and Michael at a cricket match
Please join us in prayer for:
-Peace on Earth (especially for continued peace in Zimbabwe)
-Thanks for all those who have given of themselves to make life better for others
-Wisdom for Africa University leaders in an economic environment that continues to be challenging
Merry Christmas!!
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
All churches on our list receive a hard copy of this newsletter, but if you are getting a hard-copy of this at home it means we don’t have an email address for you. If you have an email address, please let us know- it will save St Marks UMC in Cedar Rapids a stamp, and reduce paper use.
Dear friends and family,
A recent email asked Why?
Why.....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke?
Why ......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage?
Why.....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Why? Good question.
Jared Diamond, in his book Guns, Germs and Steel, attempted to answer the question, ‘Why did some civilizations develop and become dominant- why did Juan Pizarro sail to Peru and conquer the Incas, instead of a representative of Inca Emperor Atahuallpa travelling to Spain and capturing King Charles I?
To keep perspective on what we are doing, we sometimes ask ourselves, ‘Why are we here in Zimbabwe, at Africa University?’
To help us answer that question, we look to those with whom we work… our students and former students, our fellow workers.
Rebecca Mutyambizi (right) graduated from AU 2006 with a degree in Sociology. Her father, Rev Dennison Nyamurowa, toured 49 states in 1959 with Bishop Ralph Dodge and 3 others to raise funds for scholarships for Zimbabweans to attend US colleges. Rebeccah came to fulfill her father’s dream of having a college-educated daughter, and now helps run the family trucking company. She is a fervent supporter of AU, with one child already an AU graduate, and another to graduate in 2011.
Walter Manyangarirwa was in the first class of AU Agriculture students. Now teaching entomology and plant pathology here at AU, he earned his PhD at Clemson University, and is taking increasing responsibility in the administration of the Faculty of Agriculture. He also runs the Plant Clinic. In the picture he is advising a commercial vegetable farmer with a cucumber disease problem. He HeH
Jonathan Mazani (3rd place student winner of the AU half-marathon) lost his father last year, so is dependent on scholarships to complete his degree in Agriculture. He plans to be involved in Environmental Management when he graduates in 2011.
Rev Philip Musharu graduated in Theology and is now the bishop’s right hand man. He helps the church to grow and seek answers to the 21st century questions of the How and Why of the church here in Africa and especially in Zimbabwe.
Each of these individuals is helping to foster development in Zimbabwe and other African nations, and are part of the ‘critical mass’ of educated and motivated people necessary for the economy to revive and the church to grow. There are still many challenges (electricity continues to be a major problem. The power grid is in place, but various factors cause numerous power outages.) but at least the graph is sloping upwards.
Last month we visited Botswana, where Jane and I met, married and worked for many years. The peace and prosperity, and the breath-taking development that has taken place since we left in 1991 thrilled, but also saddened, us…Why can Zimbabwe not do this? We returned with renewed hope and determination to help AU play its role in doing just that…in Jesus’ name.
Farm News
The Farm Development Fund helps us to continue to expand our irrigation system. Our 5000 layers are producing (salmonella free!) eggs a-plenty. We are having trouble sourcing sufficient broiler day-old chicks to meet demand for poultry meat. Yesterday I saw an interesting statistic- the monthly demand for chicken in Zimbabwe is around 250 g (1/2 a pound) per person- two pieces a month. How many pieces did you eat last month?
Family News
We were delighted to have Ben spend a month with us (I think he now speaks Shona with a Boston accent) before heading to Cape Town for a 2-month stint with a software firm working on converting voice into texture and color.
Pule is now in an apartment and has started his third year at Iowa State in Computer Engineering. When Jane called him one day last month he had no water because of the flooding in Ames… we were glad that situation didn’t last long.
Carly smiles even more since she had her braces off! This term she will be busy again with swimming and field hockey.
Michael was so excited to get some guitar lessons from Ben, and improved dramatically in a short time. He has become a keen swimmer, with backstroke his best event.
Please pray for:
-a good rainy season starting in November
-the numerous AU students not knowing if they will continue their studies as the Financial Aid resources are stretched thin while the Zimbabwe economy continues to be in a funk
-discernment in knowing Why God put you where you are
Thank you for your love, prayers and support!
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5 Dear friends and family, (Jane) One recent early, chilly, misty morning, I got up early to walk around the quieter parts of the university campus, and was touched to come across a number of students praying quietly, or out loud, having their “morning conversation” with the Lord. I began to walk along side one of my former students, Watete, a pastor from the DRC (Congo), who is about to graduate. I asked him what God had been saying to him that particular morning.
He told me that after reflecting on the Easter story, he imagined the women approaching Jesus’ tomb, wondering how on earth they were going to manage to roll that huge stone away to get to the body of Jesus. He thought about howhe often worried about “huge stones” in his present situation. God had told him that morning not to be anxious and fearful about his problems as the stone had been rolled away.
I thanked God that morning for the many students I have known like Pastor Watete, who have taught me what it means to trust God daily for courage and strength and their “daily bread”.
(Larry) Yesterday while I was supervising a group of final-year agriculture students writing final exams, I said a silent prayer of thanks for those who have helped move these students’ ‘stones’ and made it possible for them to celebrate, with proud families, their approaching graduation day. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by such great needs that you thought ‘what is the use of trying to do anything?’ Let me assure you- the scholarship funds have impacted lives and built faith. So…many, many thanks for those who helped.
 Larry with 2009 grad Lovemore, a scholarship recipient now teaching in a remote area.
As we get ready to celebrate the graduation of our son, Ben, we give so much thanks to God who has brought him from attending a small mission school in Zimbabwe to being a Harvard graduate. There have been a multitude of large stones on that particular path, but God has faithfully provided in every way. We know exactly the feelings of thankfulness and pride AU parents are experiencing!
One of our most recent challenges was finding an empty and affordable seat on any plane flying via southern Africa- the soccer World Cup is being held in South Africa. The games start on June 12, so many flights have been booked for months. Jane and I booked our flights in January (we will spend a few days in Iowa as well), and flights arriving one week after our June 2nd return were over double the cost!
At least visitors coming from the US don’t need to worry about changing money- we are still using the US$, as well as the South African rand. Most stores are now fully stocked, or nearly so, although prices are higher than they were ten years ago before hyper-inflation began. One curious aspect of the economy is the scarcity of coins. Lines (‘queues’ in the British English common here) at grocery store check-outs are often held up as customers return to the shelves to find articles that will bring their purchase to an even dollar. Lots of people just throw in enough 5c candy or bubble gum conveniently located next to the till. (Good business for dentists!)
One particular highlight last month was attending the funeral of retired UMC Bishop Abel Muzorewa who had also briefly served as prime minister of ‘Zimbabwe-Rhodesia’.
The affection of the UMC members for their departed spiritual leader was obvious. Particularly moving was a video played near the end of the service, with Bishop Muzorewa singing ‘God Be with You Till We Meet Again’ (he had recorded it shortly before he died). An altar call was given during the service, and many went forward to receive, or rededicate their lives to, Christ. The pastor-in-charge looked up and “invited” the bishop to watch the exciting events that were taking place below at his funeral! May we all have such confidence in God’s grace that we can face death with no fear!
 The blue, red and white uniforms of the United Methodist Women were very visible. Other Campus News
Trenching is being done to lay a fibre-optic cable to campus. Hopefully, AU will soon have the fast internet connections we need to function as a modern university, including expanding web-based instruction and satellite campuses in other countries.
A container shipped by the Hyattsville MD UMC brought valuable additions to the already-excellent AU library, as well as useful articles for the AU Farm- and lots of fencing and other supplies (organized by Marsha Dorgan of Tennessee) for the Small Farm Resource Center (Dream Farm) which will help us reach out to small farmers better.
Farm News
The rains in our part of Zimbabwe were disastrous this year- most farmers will harvest very little, if anything. The AU farm was rescued by the new irrigation system- we are busy harvesting our corn (maize), soybeans and the various research and teaching plots. We are still expanding the system to allow us to grow more vegetable crops.
In 2011 we hope to build more farm workers housing units near the pumping station. Let me know if you are interesting in forming/joining a Volunteers in Mission team to help with the construction.
FAMILY NEWS
As I write, Ben is not sure what he will do after graduation. He has had at least two firm offers, and is awaiting results of another interview. Nice to have options!
Pule’s computer engineering program is going well. He will attend summer school and work part-time at Iowa State.
Carly, 15, was very busy with track last term- she loves to keep active, and is thankful that her ankle has healed enough to allow her to participate fully.
 Carly with friend and schoolmate Ruwa, national champion in the hurdles.
Michael, 10, is happy to have gold fish in his room and has been helping with the laying hens at the farm. He entertains us with the particular smells, sounds and sights that accompany the job!
Please pray-
- For all recent and soon-to-be graduates, that they may find satisfying jobs that allow them to use their God-given skills
- For continued reconciliation in Zimbabwe- and justice for all
- For those you know who are feeling overwhelmed, that they might find help in ‘moving the stones’
Thank you for your love, prayers and support!
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; May the name of the Lord be praised! Job 1:22
Dear friends and family,
Picture a small, dimly-lit sitting room. Sparse, worn furniture. A wedding picture and ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ hanging proudly on the walls. A small collection of memories placed on shelves.
Grief hangs in the chilly evening air. We sat with the family, mourning the loss of their 2-year-old son to AIDS. The father, himself ill and unable to walk or work, was crying. His wife, in shock, was unable to shed a tear. It was the elderly and almost toothless grandfather who surprised us with a story.
A ‘garden-boy’ was given the responsibility of tending the roses in the garden of his ‘boss’. He put time and energy into lovingly caring for and nurturing the beautiful flowers. One day the boss had special visitors and cut the blooms to decorate his home. The gardener pitched up for work as usual and was distraught when he saw the bare stalks. He went running into the house and said to his boss- ‘Why have you cut my flowers?’
The boss explained, ‘I employed you as a gardener. It is not for you to say ‘Cut’ or ‘Don’t cut’. The flowers are mine to do with as I please. Your responsibility is to care for them.
This testimony of faith amazed and moved us. I related the story to Prisca, the lady who cleans our home. She shared it at a funeral that she attended, and told me that it brought comfort. Maybe it is spreading from funeral to funeral….
In a country where much has been taken away in the past years of turmoil and uncertainty, this expression of trust and faith - related without bitterness by a man who has been a faithful cook in the home of the people who own the farm his house stands on - is the ‘fuel’ that continues to motivate and inspire people.
Mwari anoziva (God knows). It’s echoed in a song we often sing in church.
You give…and take away…
My heart will choose to say
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Now picture a cave or stable near a town thousands of miles from Zimbabwe. Perhaps there are animals there; there is certainly a feeding trough. In the familiar Christmas story, the ‘boss’ comes this time to the home of the ‘gardener’ with a gift of a ‘flower’. This gift is of great worth to the boss, and the giving comes at great cost. It is so glorious and special, in fact, that a host of angels surrounds it; important people pay tribute to it; ordinary neighbors wonder at its arrival.
This season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we be thankful for all those special people, those relatives and friends whom God has placed in our lives to care for or encourage- what gifts they are, what a gift He is!
CLASSROOM NEWS
Teaching almost 100 students the basics of English language has caused our small teaching team to experience a mixture of frustration, discouragement, and optimism. Definitely one of our joyful moments was recently having our small sitting room packed with 25 or so exuberant young girls from the DRC (Congo), all singing French, English, and Swahili, dancing, and drumming up a storm.
Having such large classes of Intensive English in recent years has moved Africa University closer to its goal of having 40% of the student body being non-Zimbabweans. This year the proportion is 39%- almost there! Strolling on campus, surrounded by the variety of languages and accents is almost a Pentecostal experience.
We hope that, for the students, the years of living, eating, and studying together will help break down barriers.
FARM NEWS
The wheat has been harvested, the wheat straw baled, and a head-start made on the summer season with most of the corn already planted by the new Monosem planter.
Low commodity prices (good for the consumer, not-so-good for farmers) coupled with high input costs make for slim profit margins and hard decisions. At least fertilizer, seeds and chemicals are much cheaper than they were a year ago- and they have been available.
We continue to be thankful for help in replacing derelict equipment, and in buying other new machines. We hope to buy a potato lifter- our potato crop looks to be a huge success, so we want to expand our production.
Frequent electricity blackouts continue to make management of the farm difficult. They also remind us that although the political and economic situation has improved, Zimbabwe is still not back to ‘normal’.
FAMILY NEWS
Michael says, ‘I am very happy at the moment because I have 5 chickens, 2 gineipigs, 1 rabbit and tadpols. my roses are pink and orange and my baobab trees have green shoots.’
Carly has had ups and downs lately. At Friday night church youth (a highlight of her week) she sprained her ankle badly and so has to avoid sports, but has been involved in drama. She made an excellent Hamlet…To be, or not to be!!!!
We enjoy talking to Pule on skype every 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the best time for us is early Sunday morning for him! He has had a heavy load this semester, and is looking forward to Christmas break, spending some of it in Puerto Rico with a friend.
Ben has had his easiest semester so far. We thank God that he has more energy as a result! We are making plans to attend his graduation next May. (Incredible!!!!)
PRAYER REQUESTS
We ask for prayers for:
- Those who have experienced great loss this year, that they might find comfort
- Zimbabwe, and its leaders, that they might act according to God’s purposes and vision
- Africa University, and especially the numerous students who are finding it so difficult to raise the necessary fees
Chido- she is in school thanks to her scholarship!
We are, as always, humbled by the love, prayer and support many of you show to us and this amazing country of Zimbabwe,
Our whole family wishes you a joy-filled Christmas.
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
Hardcopies of this newsletter have been generously mailed by St Marks UMC in Cedar Rapids, Please send address changes to them or directly to us.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 3:12
Kies Letter Received
September, 2009
Dear friends and family,
Several years ago a new irrigation water system was installed on campus. This year we are seeing the fruits of that improvement, with the best wheat crop that we have had in years.
But, the birds are also happy, especially the sparrow-size Quelea birds which wreck havoc on small grain crops throughout Africa.
Swooping down in flocks of thousands, they resemble giant amoebas as the flock changes shape as they settle into a field, then rise up when workers assigned to chase them away come too close for their comfort. Although each individual bird eats only a few grains, the multitude of small beaks can devastate the field if left unchecked.
Last week, mostly in jest, I asked one of the workers if he was feasting on the small birds. He surprised me with the news that the previous night he and seven of his friends had netted 2,000 birds, and planned to sell them, dressed and cooked, at ten cents apiece in a nearby settlement.
The next day he told me that his share of the profits had been $16- several times his daily wage, and enough to buy some groceries for the house. He was happy!
Sparrows sold for two for a penny in Jesus’ time, so at ten cents apiece there has been some inflation. But the scourge of hyper-inflation in Zimbabwe now seems like a distant memory as the US dollar continues to be the medium of exchange.
The birds reminded us of how much damage one small pest can do if joined by many others. The flip side of that is the power of a group to accomplish a task when everyone is contributing, even if individual contributions seem small. The dream that became Africa University was realized not only because of a few large donors (for which we are very grateful) but also because of the contributions many people have made. Some of the contributions might have seemed insignificant, but like the widow’s mite, when combined with other contributions accomplished great things. So, thank you for your continued support of Africa University, and our ministry here.
The economy continues to stabilize, and compared with recent years the stores are increasingly well-stocked with goods at less exorbitant prices. But there are still numerous economic distortions and inequalities, leaving many people desperately struggling to survive. Please consider contributing to the Africa University scholarship fund. (The new Advance Special number is at the end of the letter.) We know of many students who are able to remain here only through your generosity.
CLASSROOM NEWS
Larry- This semester is my light teaching load- only one class in addition to my other responsibilities at the farm. Like in previous Practical Agriculture classes, 75% of the students have never milked a cow, fed a pig or driven a tractor. So there is a mixture of excitement and trepidation when the students hear of some of the activities they will do this term. We have fun as they gain experience and confidence. I LOVE IT!!
Jane- Such a mixture of students in my class of 70 and counting! Today, as we were informing them of their weekly timetable, one asked – and when do we study the Bible in English? The question was followed by echoes of support. Every year, this weekly Bible study session has lead to fascinating insights and discussion (once the English flows more easily), and it has provided opportunities to talk and pray about the difficult challenges international students face when they arrive at Africa University. It’s good news indeed when new students come to their English program expecting to use the Bible as part of their language training! Right now I feel excited by all the possibilities that lie in working with a new and eager group, and daunted by the large numbers of students needing to speak English well by this time next year.
OTHER FARM NEWS
A year ago at this time, livestock feed was almost impossible to obtain unless one had political connections. Most other farmers were forced to scrounge and wait in long lines for the very poor quality feed that did become available. The livestock industry is still recovering, but at least we can now buy very high quality feed. We have to be careful to slaughter our broilers (meat chickens) in time- they grow so fast!!!!.
Because of the dearth of feed last year, the livestock section was drastically downsized. We are still re-building. Thanks to those churches which have provided us with funds specifically for that!
FAMILY NEWS
Michael was so excited when one of his bantams started sitting on her eggs. He learned some lessons in reproductive biology when they wouldn’t hatch (we can’t keep a rooster because our neighbours complain too much about the early-morning crowing.) Some friends with neighbours that sleep more soundly (or get up earlier) gave us some fertilized eggs, and the end result was one hatchling.
We continue to be thankful for the good friends and activities thatkeep Carly busy and happy and active in our church.
Pule is back at Iowa State after a busy summer of teaching 2 Biology classes at a mission school in Zimbabwe, climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, and catching the sun on some gorgeous beaches in Puerto Rico. Physics classes must seem a little dull for him.
Ben is now back at Harvard for his last year after a very busy and rewarding summer in Taiwan. He loved it there, and will no doubt be there again.
We ask for prayers for:
-guidance for the Farm Manager as he makes decisions for the upcoming crucial summer rainy season- and that Larry gives him good advice!
-Zimbabwe’s leaders – that they would have their nation’s best interests at heart
-all who read this newsletter, that they may know how to add their efforts to those of others to accomplish goals which would be impossible if tackled alone
Once again, thanks so much to friends and family who give us and others such encouragement through correspondence and prayer and support.
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
U.M.C. Advance Special numbers:
Africa University Farm Development: 3021027 (NEW!!!!).
Africa University Scholarships: 3021028
Salary support: 09572Z (Larry) 10739Z (Jane)
Larry and Jane Kies are missionaries we support. They visited us on October 5, 2008 while on furlow. Below is their latest newsletter to us and all the congregations who support their ministry in Zimbabwe. Please pray for safety and peace and stability in their part of the world that the gospel and education might flourish.
Dear friends and family,
Jane: Delight comes in many different forms – sometimes hiding in unexpected places, or simply waiting unappreciated in familiar ones. I was on my way home from work recently when a line of children walking back to the farm from school saw me and ran up giggling and waving their report cards in the air. As I glanced at the A’s, B’s and C’s and comments of “wagona!” (You did it!), and then back at the expressions of delight in their faces, I felt thankful that these children can continue attending school in these difficult times. Life at home is perhaps not easy for some of them - but they have the ability to delight in the moment.
Earlier this month I was invited to speak at a ladies breakfast meeting. I was scared, but God’s message for the women was made very clear to me. Psalm 37 instructs us to delight ourselves in the Lord. That cold morning, as we drank hot tea and munched on muffins, we explored together what it means to delight ourselves in the Lord; in the special way He has made us, in His ways and plans for our lives and in what He is doing through His church in Zimbabwe. Our everyday circumstances and the reality of economic hardship all around us make this difficult at times, but that morning we asked God to give us daily a fresh understanding of what it means to delight in Him.
Larry: Our last newsletter was written in December- inflation at that time was no longer quantifiable, but a US dollar was worth 50 million Zimbabwe dollars. In February the economy was officially dollarized- the Zim dollar was no longer used (the highest denomination notes produced were Z$100 trillion, and soon were worth far more on Ebay than in Zimbabwe), and hard currencies such as the US greenback became legal tender for all transactions.
The change dramatically altered people’s concept of money- they no longer felt they had to spend money as soon as they received it, before it lost value. Inflation has gone from the zillions (in Zim $) to negative 3% (in US$). So that part of the economy has stabilized. The banking sector has still not recovered fully though- checking accounts and credit/debit cards are still not possible. Which means most transactions are still done in cash. I know of someone who bought a second-hand pickup for $24,000 cash (a stack of 240 $100 bills).
The ‘unity government’ has managed to get schools and hospitals operating again after beginning to pay teachers, medical staff and other civil servants US$100 a month- far more than what their Zim$ salaries were worth. And in most places the stores have goods for sale once more.
So Zimbabwe is functioning much more normally than six months before. But Morgan Tsvangirai’s trip to the US and Europe to request help to re-start the country’s economy has not been very successful. Obama and European leaders say that there needs to be more progress in terms of democracy and civil rights. President Mugabe, in power since 1980, maintains that he is protecting the sovereignty of the country and denies responsibility for the collapse of the economy.
Africa University, of course, continues to be a bright spot. At our 15th annual graduation ceremony early this month the security guards had their hands full trying (not always successfully) to keep elated family members from rushing the stage to give their newly-capped relatives massive bear-hugs. Such uninhibited joy and delight!
The sad note on graduation day was that the transition to a US$ economy has made it difficult for some students to pay their tuition, and the scholarship fund was not enough to meet everyone’s needs. So, some were not able to graduate. Please consider contributing to the scholarship fund. Thanks to those who have already helped- it was a source of joy for us to see in the procession many who would have remained at home if they had not received help.
Jane: Last Sunday night I drove into town with Carly to attend ‘street church’ where children, adults, passers-by gather to listen to testimonies, hear God’s word and sing and dance. When we arrived, a 14 year-old boy, Darlington, wearing a black T-shirt with ‘Jesus walks” on the back was talking about how different his life was now that he knew Jesus. He was still on the street – but now, instead of getting into trouble, he was sharing the news of Jesus with other boys. Quite a number were there – at church in a dimly lit shelter - with him. It made us sad to think that he had not experienced the love and acceptance that growing up in a home can provide, but later the sadness was lost as we sang and danced (linking arms and spinning dizzy) in a celebration of changed lives, laughter, and praise for the God who rescues!
Those working closely with Darlington and others like him on the streets also lead the youth in our church, and had invited the youth group to come; it was touching to see young people from such varied backgrounds laughing and dancing together.
Larry: The new Monosem planter works so well- what a delight! We are harvesting the first crop of beans it planted. Thanks so much to all who helped with their gifts to make it possible!
FAMILY NEWS
Thanks for your prayers for Michael’s schooling. He ended up staying at Hillcrest, his old school, with the best teacher he has had there- and he enjoys school! Still, the highlight of his day is checking on his guinea pigs (he has given away a few, but only to people who promise not to eat them), and seeing if his bantam chickens have produced another egg.
Carly continues to excel in school and keep busy with sports- track and now field hockey. She has a good set of friends, both here and on Facebook.
Pule made Dean’s list both semesters at Iowa State, and is spending his summer months with us here. He offered to do some volunteer work at Hartzell High School, the mission school near us- and was given two 10th grade biology classes to teach! Good for him!!
Ben is in Taiwan for his summer holidays, doing an internship with a cell phone company. He won’t tell us exactly what he’s doing but last we heard he is having a good experience there.
We ask for prayers for:
-guidance for us to know how best to reach out in Jesus’ name where the needs are so great
-all who read this newsletter, that they may find delight in the Lord in their own lives
Once again, thanks so much to friends and family who help in many practical ways, and give us and others such encouragement through correspondence and prayer and support.
Yours and His,
Larry and Jane Kies
Advance Special numbers:
Project support: Please email me to find the current number, since we have applied for our own number.
Larry’s salary support: 09572Z
Jane’s salary support: 10739Z
Hardcopies of this letter are kindly sent by St Mark’s UMC in Cedar Rapids IA. Please send address changes to them or directly to us.
For those with internet access, more information about the situation in Zimbabwe can be found on:
www.zimbabwesituation.com (note correction from the last newsletter)
www.herald.co.zw (which gives the government’s view)
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