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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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January 2006 |
Campus ministry to be planted at Africa University in spring
By Matthew Oates
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In an agreement between the Wesley Foundation at Purdue University and the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, the Revs. Glen and Lana Robyne will consult with Africa University and plant the first Wesley Foundation campus ministry on the continent. The Robynes will be on-site from Feb. 1 through June 30, 2006.
The Robynes are both ordained elders in Illinois Great Rivers, but have been serving an appointment to the Wesley Foundation at Purdue University since 2001.
For Glen, it's a chance to reconnect to Africa. His grandfather served as a missionary and relatives still live there. "I believe there is nothing better you can offer a continent that's been so exploited than education and ministry," he said.
The chapel at Africa University was constructed in 2001 and included an unfinished area in the basement for expansion. Through donations from Illinois Great Rivers, it was dedicated as the Reeves Wesley Foundation. While the chaplain and student groups are currently using it, AU administrators wished for an expanding program, which was shared during a 2002 visit by Wesley Foundation at the University of Illinois and Purdue students and staff.
"Out of those discussions came an idea for a mission partnership, where a campus minister could come over from the United States to work with the AU chaplain and student leaders to develop a campus ministry program," said Glen.
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"This is being done in a spirit of partnership." - Glen Robyne |
Lana said, "We're going to be transformed through the people we meet. We're ready to be flexible and adaptable."
But getting to Old Mutare, Zimbabwe from West Lafayette has had its challenges. The Robynes are taking their two children, Isaiah, 5, and Ella, 4, and are in continual conversation with AU staff regarding accommodations, their needs and additional details.
"We're going to live very simply. Our focus is on the ministry," said Lana.
Glen added, "The people I've been in contact with at AU are very excited about this. This is being done in a spirit of partnership."
Both are looking forward to working with students from all academic areas, especially the college of theology with pre-ministry students and those serving as local pastors. But Glen said it will be a challenge to plant the first Wesley Foundation in Africa.
"What works at one campus ministry doesn't necessarily work at another campus ministry. That's part of the challenge of this trip. But we have a lot of great ideas as do the people already in ministry there," he said. "Our biggest request from people here is that God's will be done on the AU campus."
For more information on supporting the ministry, contact the Wesley Foundation at Purdue at 765-743-5066 or via e-mail at purduewesley@verizon.net.
Matthew Oates serves as the North Indiana correspondent for Indiana Area United Methodist Communications.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008