Transcript for Eben Kanukay Nhiwatiwa:

I have first-hand information about how important theological education is for the church. My name is Iben Kanukai Niwatiwa. I am now a retired bishop in the Zimbabwe Episcopal area.

I served in the church for a number of years, then became a professor at Africa University training theological students. I know very well how crucial it is for the church to have trained leaders. If you have people coming to Christ, they need shepherds, they need leadership, they need guidance.

I know from the very early days of the United Methodist Church here in Zimbabwe, the early bishops who were serving at that time in the early years, they picked up the necessity of theological education as very critical. I know Bishop Noel Snowbooth in 1956. He talked about the necessity of giving in order to have money to train pastors for the church.

It is very important. I hope the church will take this move very seriously. Thank you.