Plans for the Africa University Choir Tour of WV are in full swing.  The tour is also a fundraiser, with a goal of $160,000 dollars to be raised by the end of the year.  The funds will be used for a student scholarship and for faculty housing on the campus, located near Mutare, Zimbabwe.

By now, you have probably seen the special edition of the WV United Methodist, which highlights the tour and provides information on how you can help.  United Methodists are familiar with the choir – we know how good they are.  And, there is a worthy cause supporting education in a place that needs it.  We hope to see our churches and other venues yield good turnout.

But, also think of this tour as a great way to reach out to folks who do not go to church – for whatever reason.  Let’s face it:  there are plenty of folks in our communities who are cynical about Christianity.  Recent Pew Poll numbers show the number of folks who call themselves ‘atheist or agnostic’ have doubled since the 1990s.

It’s a cynical world out there – but the choir tour is a chance for us to show that Christians do good in the world.  So – tell your friends.  Call your district office and grab some posters and/or flyers.  Or download a one right here for your venue:

Bridgeport UMC/June 14africaUfrontpage

Suncrest UMC, Morgantown, June 15

Potomac State College/ June 16

Christ UMC, Wheeling/June 17

Clay Center, Charleston/June 18

St. Paul’s UMC, Parkersburg/June 19

Johnson Memorial UMC, Huntington/June 20

Lewisburg UMC/June 21

Beckley Temple UMC/June 21

Summer Youth Celebration, Buckhannon June 22

Chris Arveson in the southern district has also put together three bulletin inserts.