Missionaries visiting First United Methodist

The First United Methodist Church of Newton is inviting the public to a missionary presentation and potluck featuring J. Jeffrey Hoover and Ellen Titus Hoover. The presentation and potluck will be held at noon on Tuesday at the church, 210 N. Second Ave. E.

The Hoovers are missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Jeffrey has been serving in the area of education in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1979.

Receiving his bachelor’s degree in history and biology from Luther College in 1969, Jeffrey went on to earn his master’s of philosophy in 1972 and coctor of philosophy in African history in 1978, both from Yale University. Jeffrey is deeply committed to the development of a viable United Methodist-related university at Mulungwishi, which can help address critical needs of those in the Congo.

Currently a professor in the theological college of Katanga Methodist University, Jeffrey also works at the director of the University of Lubumbashi libraries, a system of 11 facilities. At the universities, he teaches pre-colonial African history, the field of his research and is also interested in Bantu historical linguistics and social anthropology.

Also with his university work, Jeffrey served as a consultant to government and international organizations involved with development projects in Katanga province. He has previously served as administrative director of a medical infrastructure project with the cooperation of USAID, the then Zairian government and several Christian denominations, all managed by the Southern Congo Annual Conference.

Ellen Hoover also serves in the Democratic Republic of Congo alongside her husband Jeffrey. She is a part-time professor at the United Methodist university in Mulungwishi where she teaches courses in Islam and church history in the college of theology.

Ellen is also the director of the English-speaking School of Lubumbashi, an elementary and middle school for children of missionaries, full-time church workers and other English-speaking families in a city where French is the common language of instruction. She helped to start the school in 1987 and has served on the administrative council and as director of the school.

Holding a bachelor of arts degree from Duke University and Ph.D. in African History from Yale University, Ellen has worked in missionary service since 1979.

“We have been supporting them for some time as one of our United Methodist missionaries,” the Rev. Gary Marzolf said. “We like to have them come when they are in the United States. They’ve been here probably about a half a dozen times.”

First United Methodist is holding a special fellowship time to say farewell to the Hoover’s as they look forward to new opportunities in retirement. Those attending are asked to bring a dish or two to share. Table service and beverages will be provided.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com