Zimbabwe’s First Lady Donates Computers to University

Mrs. Grace Mugabe, wife of Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe, donated computers, printers and software worth millions of Zimbabwean dollars to Solusi University, a Seventh-day Adventist school, at a ceremony Feb. 7.

Mrs. Mugabe said she was moved to make the donation to Solusi because nearly every job required some skills in computer literacy. She described her husband’s vision in which education plays an important role: “Education is a key factor in national development.” The first lady donated 20 computers, four printers and software.  She also pledged to fund two scholarships for needy students at Solusi. [George Mwansa/ANN]

North America: Adventist Headquarters Funeral For Manuel Vásquez

Funeral services were held Feb. 7.  for Pastor Manuel Vásquez, 67, vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist church in North America and director of its multilingual ministries department.  The service was held in the auditorium of the Church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The pastor, known for his infectious smile, sharp attire and devotion to Jesus, died of cancer on Jan. 29.

Before joining the North American leadership team in 1990, Vásquez was a pastor for the Rocky Mountain church region’s Spanish district, personal ministries director and Adventist Development and Relief Agency director for the Ecuador Union Mission, assistant to the president for Hispanic Ministries in Arizona, and associate director for Church Ministries and then vice president for the Pacific Union church region. He was the author of several books, most notably “The Subtle New Age Invasion and Unsuspecting Christians,” and “The Untold Story/La Historia aun no Contada,” which detailed the growth of Adventism among Hispanic peoples. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and three daughters.

Mexico: Adventist Communicator Honored For Summit Coordination

The “Gold Microphone” award from Mexico’s National Association of Announcers was presented to Chilean-born Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Baruc Lagos, communication director for the Inter-Oceanic Mexican church region, on Jan. 25. He is the first Adventist to receive the honor, and the ceremony was broadcast on national television.

Lagos was awarded for organizing the First International Summit of Leaders and Communicators in November 2003. That event drew over 800 leaders from different denominations, as well as journalists, professionals and students to workshops promoting spiritual and moral values in communication.