A highlight of the meeting was the closing worship service with an emphasis on the churchwide Children of Africa initiative. In an exclusive videotaped message, Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa (East African Central Conference) based in Nairobi, Kenya, expressed his sincere appreciation to this writer and to the women of the North Texas Annual Conference. He also gave a special greeting to the children of the conference who have witnessed love for the children of Africa through cards, letters and prayers.
"When the people hear about Africa they are traumatized," said the bishop. "But the sound of Africa is not just the sound of war. It is the sound of children laughing, joking, playing and praising almighty God. It is the sound of hope."
Bishop Ndoricimpa is the episcopal leader of United Methodists who are natives of at least six African countries: Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan, and Benin. He told the women of North Texas that their support of schools in his conference not only helps educate refugee children but also provides a brighter future for several African nations.
The bishop told the North Texas UMW about one of his premier schools, St. Joseph Ecumenical School in Nairobi.
"I am very excited about what is happening at St. Joseph School," continued the bishop, "because the school has a large enrollment of girls who are refugees of Burundi and Rwanda. In those countries, the percentage of education of girls is low".
At St. Joseph, the children receive secular and Christian education. "I am happy that God has opened a special door in this area, because Muslim children want to join the Christian children in their education," said Bishop Ndorichimpa. "We are carrying out the great commission that Jesus gave the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 through our evangelism efforts. And when the children go back to their respective countries, they will take The United Methodist Church back with them. "The parents of these children are eager to raise their children in God's way," he said. "This is why we should not lose hope, because the children keep their lives alive in Jesus Christ."
Following the bishop's inspirational message, the United Methodist Women were asked to give a love offering to support the education of Burundi and Rwanda refugees in addition to their regular mission pledge. During an altar call, the women placed their gifts in African-style "Kente bags" created by White Rock United Methodist Women.
The "love offering" totaled nearly $5,000.
In her address to United Methodist Women of the North Texas Conference, Lu Hester of Garland, Texas, president, said the year 2000 has "indeed been a year of celebration." However, "now is the time to be making goals for 2001."
"We are to be thankful we have the opportunity to celebrate new beginnings," Mrs. Hester said. "Let us evaluate the goals and accomplishments of the past to see where we can improve and grow in our relationship with God through the gifts he has given us.
"Let us do this individually, and then do our evaluations as a mission team or unit. Don't be afraid to dream dreams and take risks, for God will be with you in all things."
During the daylong event, the women thanked United Methodist missionaries and elected conference UMW officers for the year 2001. They recognized units that fulfilled special goals of reading recommended books; provided monetary pledges to mission; and completed mission projects. The meeting featured focus groups on ways to rejuvenate local units; encourage membership of younger and newly retired women; and continue UMW's commitment to inclusiveness through it's charter for racial justice. The women also received an update on its two local mission centers: Dallas Bethlehem Center and Wesley Rankin Center.