Empowering the global church
A student at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa
Around the world, Christian leaders look at diplomas on their walls and remember the generosity of Presbyterians in the United States who helped make their education possible.
Alumni of the Global Education Scholarship Program occupy key positions of leadership in churches, universities, nonprofit organizations and church-related institutions. The program helps our global partners meet their leadership needs and often provides specialized training that is in great demand.
“I am where I am today because of the education afforded me through the scholarship program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” says Bright Gabriel Mawudor, deputy general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches. Christian leaders around the world echo Bright’s praise for the program, which attracts promising applicants worldwide. The most recent scholarship recipients include:
James Gatdet, Ethiopia, who studied at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, pursuing an M.A. in the Leadership and Management program. James has served as the director of the Western Gambella Bethel Synod Development Office in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus and has headed its Department of Mission and Theology. James is described as a committed servant of the church who will, through his studies, be able to help build a stronger capacity for the synod.
Hangpi Manlun, India, who is studying at the United Theological College in Bangalore for a Doctor of Theology degree in communication. His sending church feels that highly trained communicators are needed for the propagation of the gospel.
Victor Zizer, Sierra Leone, who is studying at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute in Ghana for a Ph.D. in theology in preparation for a teaching position at his church’s theological school in Sierra Leone. The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is reaching out in mission to Sierra Leone. Its leaders asked the PC(USA) to lend support to Victor’s studies so that he can help the church in Sierra Leone expand its capacity to share the gospel.
John Gondwe, Malawi, who is studying at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. John is pursuing a postgraduate diploma in theology. He serves as the youth director for the Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi. Church leaders in Malawi say these studies will help him provide leadership for the synod’s children and youth programs.
Festus Musindi, Rwanda, who is studying English at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa in preparation for business management studies. Rwanda is changing from a French-speaking to an English-speaking country. As it continues to rebuild following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda needs skilled managers. The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda expects to appoint Festus to a leadership position in one of its institutions upon completion of his studies.
Wudensh Mulugeta, Ethiopia, who is studying at the Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia. She is seeking a diploma in theology in order to enhance her ability to lead programs for women. She is the coordinator of women’s ministries for the Western Gambella Bethel Synod.
How you can help
Support a future global church leader: This program provides assistance for study in the most appropriate and economical contexts. Scholarship assistance ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per year. Awards are granted on a year-to-year basis. IRS rules require that donors direct the contributions to the general scholarship fund and not to specific individuals. E862000
Contact:
Doug Welch
Associate Director
Mission Partners and Programs
doug.welch@pcusa.org
(800) 728-7228, x5353
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