In 2024, Dr. Henry Smith, the Principal (President) of Africa Wesleyan University College, extended an invitation to Barbara and me to be involved in the work of launching the new Africa Wesleyan University College.  It is sponsored by the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church in Africa, in association with the Wesleyan Church of North America.  After much prayer and deliberation, we confirmed that this was indeed a calling from the Lord, similar to the Macedonian call to the Apostle Paul, to come to a foreign country and help build the Kingdom of God.  In this case, it is through the ministry of Christian Higher Education.  We accepted the call to serve in the following capacities.  First, Frank has accepted the position of Deputy Vice-Principal of Academic and Information Technology.  Essentially, this involves provisioning all of the College's digital systems and, in particular, its Learning Management System, which is the Moodle platform.  Second, Barbara will be involved in work-study supervisor training, women's health and hygiene education and support, and in recreational sports development, notably in women's soccer.  Both positions are "pro bono," meaning we're giving our skills and time to help with this launch effort without salaried or hourly compensation.  We've agreed to serve in a hybrid capacity, working remotely and onsite, managing regular college IT and academic operations each semester through the end of the 2027-2028 school year.

You can read more about the college at the following website:  https://africawesleyanuniversity.edu.zm/

Should you feel led to give, we need your immediate help in the following three high-priority areas:

• (First Priority) Airfare expenses for each 18-hour round-trip plane flight. The expense is about $3000.00 (USD) per round-trip ticket.  We need these three times each year for Barbara and four times each year for Frank.  (When giving, enter "Airfare" under the Notes section.)
• (2nd Priority) Help in funding the IT installation in our first two buildings.  The cost for the rack, cabling, and wireless routers is about $2000 (USD).   (When giving, enter "IT Install" under the Notes section.)
  
• (Third Priority) Help in purchasing the College's first vehicle - a Toyota Land Cruiser equipped for Zambian remote travel, seating for 10, a luggage roof rack, and trailer towing capabilities.  We anticipate the discounted price to land between $60,000 and $75,000 US.   (When giving, enter "Land Cruiser" under the Notes section.)

A link is provided to receive your donations below.  
1. Be sure to choose the pull-down "Fund" menu and choose "AWUC Zambia."
2. In the "Notes" section, indicate "Airfare," "IT Install" or "Land Cruiser."  
3. Gift receipts will be automatically generated annually in time for tax filing.  For an immediate receipt, email frank.ponce@awu.edu.zm.

Thank you so much for your help in this remarkable Kingdom-building opportunity! 

Dr. Poncé and Dr. Kakungu are finalizing all coursework for the following programs:
1. Bachelor of Theology (Pastoral Ministry)
2. Bachelor of Primary Education
3. Bachelor of Secondary Education (Business Ed. Emphasis)
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Starting second semester, 2026-2027)
We are working on an Associate's degree or diploma in Business Management and Entrepreneurship Studies.  We are also hoping to launch a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership, as well.
Our construction is back on schedule for an inspection by the Zambian Higher Education Authority in April.  This means we are on-schedule to open in July 2026 for our first semester!  Praise the Lord!