Africa University alum Jack Kitwa Mujinga of the Democratic Republic of Congo hopes someday to own a farming center where he can teach sustainable agriculture practices.
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Graduating from AU in 2022, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and natural resources management.
The youngest of seven children, Jack grew up in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC. “I was born in a Christian family,” he said. “My father taught us three ways for a better life: keeping Christian values, going to school and studying, and choosing a good partner.”
Today Jack is a General Board of Global Ministries missionary in the Senegal District, Cote d´Ivoire Episcopal Area. Jack previously was a Global Mission Fellow in Senegal.
“I am serving as a project and leadership support coordinator,” Jack explained. “My work is focused on agriculture projects of the United Methodist churches in Senegal.”
Excited about his assignment, Jack said, “I love my work because it is helping the church in Senegal financially. Seeing pastors getting paid through agriculture projects inspires me to do more.
“I freely give what God has given me freely. I dedicate my time and skills to the church and the community for sustainable agriculture practices.”
Jack credits Africa University with preparing him for his current role.
He recalled complaining about two AU classes – Practical Agriculture 1 and 2, taught by retired missionary Larry Kies.
“Going to the AU farm at 2 p.m. in the sun was something that I did not enjoy,” he admitted. “Now I know how good that course was.
“Africa University contributed to my personal growth through the opportunity of studying with people from different countries and cultures. Now that helps me so much professionally because I am working with Senegalese and Americans who are not from my home context.”
Working with is important to Jack. An Environmental Impact Assessment class at AU, taught by Dr. Zanele Furusa, made a lasting impression on the young man.
“A community is more involved in a project,” he learned, “when the locals are working with the person who wants to give an impact in their community. So, I always work with the locals. We share ideas, even when I know [what I consider] best. Their ideas must be heard.”
Involved in the church since childhood, Jack became serious about his participation when he joined the church choir and began leading weekday services. “I really love being a church person,” he said.
Jack’s father, a pastor, was his earliest mentor. “Seeing my father preaching,” he said, “was the best thing in my life ever.”
At King David United Methodist Church in Mutare, Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe West Annual Conference), Jack was vice president of youth for more than four years, a liturgist and a choir member. He believes that activities that attract and help young people to grow spiritually are most important.
“I always feel so good whenever I am called to be a preacher or a liturgist,” he said.
Jack also is passionate about being a voice for justice and activity in his community and the world.
“This is my gift I can give to my church as a missionary,” he said. “I am willing to share my knowledge on sustainable agriculture and conservation of natural resources.” Addressing food insecurity is vital, he believes.
“Food security,” Jack explained, “can be defined as a state by which people have access to sufficient nutritious food. Availability, accessibility, utilization and stability compose food security elements.” His home country, he noted, must import much of its food.
“Not everyone had the opportunity to be in school in order to develop an attitude of knowing what they deserve as their rights,” Jack said. “I will use my skill by sharing with people from my community, the local church and my workplace.”
story by Barbara Dunlap-Berg, freelance writer in Carbondale, Illinois.
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
