Eric Bondapa, a student studying to become a United Methodist pastor at Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa was to come to Xenia, Ohio in June and July and serve a pastoral internship with our church and the Common Cup shared ministry. Regretfully, our own US Embassy denied Eric a visa to come to our country because they believed he was a defection risk. I still wonder how they would have denied him a visa especially since there was sufficient documentation to show that this was a legitimate school internship through a reputable world-wide denomination (the United Methodist Church.)
Jane Wise, who was working with our church to coordinate an internship schedule for Eric, just sent me an update on how Eric is doing. Even though he was prevented from fulfilling his internship with us in the States, he was recently able to complete an internship in his home area of Africa. I'm pleased to announce that on Friday, July 25, Eric was ordained. If you are looking for a joy to express to God with thanksgiving today, this definitely qualifies as one!
Even though Eric is now ordained, he still needs to finish his course work at Africa University with the hope that he will graduate next June.
We weren't given the opportunity to meet Eric face to face and share in ministry with him, but I still feel as though I have a new brother in Christ. I give thanks to God for revealing to me this living example of what it means to persevere in ministry for the sake of the gospel.
Eric - thank you for being an inspiration to all of us and congratulations on your ordination!
Your Unmet but Grateful Brother in Christ,
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