Francine Mufuk and her husband, Rev. Jean Claude Maleka, are partners in life and mission.
They are Africa University graduates who are serving in the Ivory Coast as United Methodist Global Ministries missionaries. Jean Claude earned a master's degree in Peace, Leadership and Governance from Africa University in 2010. Francine graduated with a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences in 2012.
"I was influenced by the civil strife in Congo and other parts of Africa," Jean Claude said. "I was inspired to serve as a missionary to assist the church to consolidate peace building in many places in Africa."
His assignment is evangelism and church planting. He is also helping to provide clean drinking water to families and communities in the areas with new church starts. Francine is a coordinator of young girls' ministry.
"My ministry is helping people who are marginalized in society, particularly children, young girls and women," Francine said. "My goal is to lift them up and give them a second chance to reach their dreams, and to build a home where we can receive those who are thrown [away] by their family."
She needs help from the global church to reach her goals, she said, and so does Africa University. Jean Claude echoed the need for support from United Methodists around the world.
"This institution gave me a passion and the ability to create, to plan for something, and achieve personal and professional goals," Jean Claude said. "AU needs our support to continue its mission to educate thousands of Africans leaders."
Julie Dwyer, the General Church Content Editor at United Methodist Communications
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.
