Missionaries at Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa
Missionary Support Code: 10739Z
Jane Kies is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries teaching Intensive English to students from non-English-speaking countries at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, southern Africa.
Africa University is a United Methodist Church-related institution that is being nurtured and funded by church members from all over the world. It is a consequence of the growth of United Methodism on the African continent and has its foundations in the history and legacy of the church. Africa University opened in March 1992 as the first private, international university in Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on her assignment at Africa University, Jane says, “Working with young people who come to Africa University with a passion to learn English is a rewarding experience. Fluency in English equips them to study for a degree that will enable them to carry out their particular ministries and use their gifts. I am thankful for the opportunity my students give me to learn about the diversity of cultures and peoples on the African continent. I also value the opportunities there are to study and discuss the Bible together, and help the students apply its teachings to their lives and experiences at Africa University.”
Jane was born in Ndola, Zambia and grew up in southern Africa and England. After graduating, she spent two years in Uganda as a volunteer with Church Missionary Society, teaching in a rural secondary school. She then returned to England to earn certification in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESOL). After finishing, she taught English at Maun Secondary School in Botswana, where she also worked with the Art Club and the Scripture Union student group.
In 1994, Jane went with her family to live and work at Nyadire Mission in Zimbabwe, teaching English at the mission high school, and working with women to establish a Sunday school for children at the Nyadire United Methodist Church. In 2002, the Kieses transferred to Africa University in Mutare.
She is married to Larry Kies, who is also a United Methodist missionary assigned to Africa University. They have four children: Ben, Andrew Pule, Carly, and Michael.
Missionary Support Code: 09572Z
Larry Kies is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries serving as technical advisor to the Africa University Farm at Mutare, Zimbabwe in southern Africa.
Africa University is a United Methodist Church-related institution that is being nurtured and funded by church members from all over the world. It is a consequence of the growth of United Methodism on the African continent and has its foundations in the history and legacy of the church. Africa University opened in March 1992 as the first private, international university in Zimbabwe.
Larry’s duties involve working with the farm manager to develop an agricultural program that makes the university farm more efficient in its roles of teaching and research. In addition, he is involved in student agricultural practicals, and teaches classes in crop production and farm management.
Reflecting on his ministry, Mr. Kies shares, “I am in mission with the African people as we manage a commercial-scale farm that demonstrates appropriate farming methods. Students, even those not studying agriculture, are exposed to sustainable practices, as many work part-time on the farm to help pay their school fees. In teaching, I hope to reinforce in students a Christian outlook toward farming and business, since many of them will be the African leaders of the future. By so doing, I hope to obey Jesus’ command, implicit in Matthew 25, to feed the hungry.”
Mr. Kies was raised near Jesup, Iowa, where his parents gave him his love of farming and sense of global mission. After graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, he began a 15-year career in Botswana. He first served as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching agriculture, then managed the farm and taught at Maun Secondary School.
Larry returned to the US to earn a Master of Science degree in vegetable crops at the University of California, Davis. While at Davis he was active in the Davis United Methodist Church, playing guitar and singing in the folk choir, leading the singing for youth Sunday school, and helping teach adult Sunday school.
In 1994, he returned to Africa to manage a beef, dairy, cotton, and maize farm. Prior to moving to Africa University he managed the farm at Nyadire Mission in Zimbabwe. He began his work at Africa University in 2002.
Larry is married to Jane, who is also a United Methodist missionary assigned to Africa University. They have four children: Ben, Andrew Pule, Carly, and Michael.