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Missionaries Larry and Jane Kies and Family
Larry and Jane Kies are missionaries of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church assigned to Africa University, located just outside Mutare, the fourth-largest city in Zimbabwe in the southern region of the continent. He serves as a technical advisor at the university, assisting in the development of the university's farm and working to train a new generation of agriculturalists from countries across the continent. She teaches English to students coming from countries where it is not spoken. Since Africa University is the United Methodist college on the continent, many students are coming from countries with a large UM presence, especially Portuguese-speaking Angola and Mozambique, she notes.
A LETTER FROM THE KIES
Dear friends and family,
Yes, we are back in Zimbabwe!
This comes with heartfelt thanks for all the hospitality, warmth and encouragement over the last six months while we were away (special thanks to my sister Mona and her husband Rick, who once again made us feel so welcome as we made their home our home). Many people here have commented “You look great!” As we reflect on those months ‘at home’ we thank God for the many experiences that have strengthened and helped our whole family.
We’ve come back to a dry land, although this is supposed to be the rainy season. Many fields have been plowed, but as yet sufficient rains have not fallen for seeds to germinate. Food is in terribly short supply now…it is worrying to think there may not be a good harvest this year. Because of the shortage of food and the threat of drought, corn is now selling for about US$30 a bushel when you can find it.
In town, we’ve been surprised to see a variety of groceries for sale…in shops selling in US $. At the first store we had a bill of $38.50- when we gave the clerk $40, we were given change of ten South African rands and a packet of potato chips! Those who have dollars and rands can fill their shopping carts, and then at once feel guilty seeing the envy of others who wish they could fill a cart but have only Zimbabwe dollars. (In the 10 days we have been back, the unofficial exchange rate has jumped from Z$2million:1US$, to Z$50million.)
Larry and I feel the challenge more than ever of ‘What is our responsibility and response to be in a time of severe need and hunger?’ Yesterday a lady from a nearby village came to our door saying she had not eaten for 2 days. We have no doubt there will be more people coming. What to do?
It HAS been good to see friends, and we feel humbled by the cheerful smiles of people who are going through impossible times.
In the dry countryside, acacia trees in full bloom decorate the brownish-red backdrop. It always amazes us that they bloom in expectation of rain, not as a response to that blessing of moisture. The tree in the logo of AU is an acacia, sending its roots deep, and is therefore able to not only endure periods of drought and hardship, but to blossom and bear fruit.
Psalm 36 tells us:
Trust in the Lord, and do good
Dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness.
The Lord will help and deliver them
Because they trust in Him.
May that be true of AU as well during these harsh times. Operating the university has been extremely difficult, but at least they have remained opened and teaching.
We have not been directly affected by the recent cholera outbreak, but are extra cautious in our hygiene- and extra thankful for the excellent water and reliable electricity on campus.
The university had just closed after final exams, but we sat in on end-of-semester meetings. We know many students will struggle to pay their fees next semester- if you wish to help with the scholarship fund, funds can be sent to:
Africa University Development Office
PO Box 340007
Nashville TN 37203
The university farm is really struggling, with scarce and expensive feed, seeds and fertilizer. Our fund-raising for a new planter has almost reached the goal. If you wish to help with that fund, when we have surpassed what we need for a planter, we will identify another piece of needed equipment, but will use the same Advance Special number.
Larry and Jane Kies
Advance Special numbers:
Project support: 00392A
(ATTN: Larry Kies for AU Planter fund)
Larry’s salary support: 09572Z
Jane’s salary support: 10739Z
They can be reached by e-mail at lkies@africau.ac.zw
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