Over the last two years over 30 churches have partnered with Wesley College to provide $56,000 in scholarships for students. Right now, that generosity is educating a new generation of faith-driven servant leaders for Tanzania. Now, plans for HARAMBE 2023 are underway, with a celebratory Live Event scheduled online for April 30, 2023 at 3pm CST.
Below are resources for churches to use in worship leading up to the LIVE EVENT on April 30, 2022 at 3 pm.
resources for churches
During a time when it is hard to travel to see what God is doing internationally, Harambe brings opportunity to see God’s light shine around the world from home. All resources are designed to help educate and engage your church family in the ministry in Tanzania. HARAMBE 2023 will support Wesley College - a UMC-affiliated institution in Mwanza, Tanzania. If you are new to Wesley College, you can learn all about it here.
In Swahili, Harambe means 'coming together.' It is also the name of a traditional fundraising event -- where people gather, celebrate, and joyfully contribute to a common cause. HARAMBE 2023 is designed to be an easy way for your church to focus on global mission, live out the call to stewardship, and expand impact.
Everything you need to promote HARAMBE and introduce Wesley College to your church will be provided: posters, bulletin insert, worship music, videos, student stories, and more.
HARAMBE 2023 will culminate with an online Live Event on Sunday, April 30th, at 3pm Central Time.
what is harambe?
wesley college introductory video
This video (3.5 minutes) will help your congregation or small groups have a good overview of Wesley College and how it is fulfilling its mission through the equipping of students in Tanzania.
'What is Harambe?' video
A three-minute introduction for your church: Eric Soard about Harambe 2023, how to participate, and what to expect from the event.
Wesley Choir Special Music (on video)
Your congregation or small group will have a chance to hear from the Wesley College Choir. This is a moment and opportunity to bring worship from Tanzania into your sanctuary, virtual worship space, or your congregation’s homes. Linked below you will find The Wesley College choir music from 2021. They are currently preparing more inspiring music for HARAMBE 2023, and it will be posted here as soon as its available.
Wesley College Choir Video - 2023
media packet
A media packet will help your church to promote Harambe. We make it easy to create newsletters, social media posts, and announcements during worship to help your church participate Harambe. You'll be able to download powerpoint backgrounds and editable slides. Check back soon for access to a media release with language for church announcements, a poster, a bulletin insert and more. We'll also provide the Harambe logo in multiple formats.
Children's message
A 3 minute message from Vicky Kimaro on forgiveness based on Ephesians 4:32 is a beautiful chance to hear from Wesley College staff.
Student Impact Stories
We all participate in missions to see people’s lives transformed by the light of Christ. Dickson's story is a witness to that as he moves from the streets to a college classroom to solving community challenges. Dickson moved from poverty to purpose and his story will be told in his own words through this video.
It can be shared during worship, on social media, or in small groups to help people experience the important work happening through Wesley College.
donate to harambe
Harambe is how communities in Tanzania come together to support each other. Every gift matters.
Your church can collect an offering and send it to the Wesley College foundation by check or you can give on-line and encourage others to do so before, during, or after the live event.
Find all the information you need here.
more information
For more information on how to use these materials or other ways your church can partner with Wesley College, you are invited to contact Eric Soard via email or call him at 713-616-8506.