When we give to help a student with a scholarship or offer assistance to a person from another country we often wonder if it really makes a difference. Let me tell you about a recent experience in Mozambique. Thyrza Mucambe Person graduated from Southwestern, a Methodist college in Kansas, and has an MA from Southern Methodist University. She went home to Mozambique, is rearing two beautiful sons, is the chief financial officer for the Elizabeth Glaze AIDS Foundation, and is chair of the finance committee for her local United Methodist Church. Her sister Beth finished Central Methodist University in Missouri, is rearing a beautiful little girl, and, after further study in South Africa is working in public health. She is also active in the Liberdad United Methodist Church. Their brother Jorge graduated from Southwestern University and is a loan officer in Standard Bank in Mozambique. I had the joy of knowing them well and having them as house guests often while they were studying in the United States. They are delightful Christian young people and they are making their country a better place to live. All three had scholarships at United Methodist Colleges and their lives and faith were shaped by their parents, the United Methodist Church and opportunities our United Methodist people across the connection opened for them. They maximized their opporunities and United Methodist people gave generously. It makes me so proud to know them and to be part of that kind of church.
I am sure you know that four Lydia Patterson students have come to Nebraska Wesleyan on Scholarship. during the last 4 years. Another LPI student is at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha. Local churches have provided financial assistance and one of the students lived with Kathryn Witte of our Conference staff all last year. I am eager to see how they will be changing the world in just a few more years.
Your gifts change lives. Thanks be to God.
Bishop Ann
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