Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Welcome to Step into Africa
September 11 – 18, 2011
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily*
*Extended Hours until 8:30 PM on Monday & Thursday
Fellowship Hall

Step into Africa (a.k.a. The World Vision Experience: AIDS) is a museum-quality interactive exhibit that invites visitors to “step into Africa” by hearing, seeing and walking through an African village to personally experience the lives of children affected by poverty and AIDS. The stirring audio tour and captivating photography will transport you into the life of an African child, providing a new perspective on the greatest challenges of our time, while offering inspiring opportunities to make a difference.

It is also the gateway for a bold initiative for the transformation of lives through a long term relationship between the Austin community and the community of Matete, Kenya.  We will partner with World Vision to help the people of Matete find their own path from a life of impoverishment to a life of self-sufficiency. Step into Africa provides the opportunity to begin personal relationships with the children of Matete, providing them hope and healing in the midst of their struggles.

The exhibit will be open from Sunday, September 11 through Sunday, September 18, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, in the Bethany Fellowship Hall. Other enriching special events are also planned for the week.

Get your free tickets today or sign up to serve in the exhibit.

A Journey of Hope, with Princess Zulu
Monday, September 12, 2011
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Bethany Sanctuary

Princess Zulu is a Zambian native orphaned by AIDS as a child and now a world-renowned voice of hope. She speaks passionately about Christian responsibility to care for the vulnerable and how one person can transform the lives of children haunted by poverty and the pandemic of AIDS. Her powerful message and extraordinary journey has been featured in national media, carried to well-known congregations such as Willow Creek Community Church, and shared with President George W. Bush and other global leaders.

Music by the Wesley Intergenerational Choir. Princess’ book sales and signing available after the talk.

An Evening of Inspiration, with Sara Hickman
Thursday, September 15, 2011
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Bethany Sanctuary

With a warm heart and insightful words, Sara Hickman shares her uplifting gift of music in this evening of inspiration. She sings about life in a way that fills your heart and soul, punctuated by her storytelling and hypnotizing wit. Though an amazing song writer and guitar player who has received many awards, including Texas State Musician of the Year, Sara is more than an entertainer. Embracing the interconnectedness of life, she gives generously of her time and talents to make a difference in the lives of many living in the margins of society.

Sara’s CD sales and signing available after the concert.

Walking in Our Neighbor’s Shoes
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Any time during 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Bethany Campus

The community of Matete, Kenya, like so many in Africa, is largely undeveloped – without access to clean water, adequate healthcare, electricity, and other resources we often take for granted. Get acquainted with daily life in rural East Africa through these enjoyable, and sometimes surprising hands-on cultural activities for all ages. Get your “passport” stamped as you move freely through the experiences, which are offered continuously during the event.