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Companion Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania-Southern Diocese

 

Hatua Kwa Hatua

--

Step by Step

 

Information and Resources:

Letter from Bishop Lukilo - January, 2008

Companion Synod Covenant

Companion Congregation Covenant & Information

Tanzania Country Packet

Tanzania Map

Map of Southern Diocese Congregations

Speakers Bureau

 

The companion synod relationship between the Western Iowa Synod ELCA and the Southern Diocese ELCT has grown and deepened considerably over recent years, resulting in many blessings from God for all who encounter it.

 

Some values we uphold within the relationship include:

Accompaniment: that is, we walk together, Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step, as our motto indicates. Decisions are reached together through mutual and direct conversations in a trusting relationship. We also continually look for gifts to share and receive on many levels -- materially, culturally, spiritually, etc.

Sustainability: we work to devise relationship and project parameters that ensure healthy, ongoing foundations.

Transparency: we make known to many what our funds are designated for and look for the follow-through on return visits to Tanzania.

 

Resident Coordinator:  Rev. Gabriel Nduye

 

We are blessed to have a very talented Tanzanian -- trained both as a pastor and as an administrator at Tumaini University -- to assist and manage the many components of our Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step program. His name is Pastor Gabriel Nduye. His assistance is immeasurable as he manages project funds, enhances overall communications, attends to various project details, etc. Pastor Gabriel is the glue and the shoes that allows our relationship to keep moving forward Hatua Kwa Hatua!

 

Partner Projects of the Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step Companion Synod Program

Center for Agricultural Development (CAD):

The overarching goal of the Center for Agricultural Development is to increase the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers, resulting in enhanced overall livelihood and human dignity. In that most of both the Western Iowa Synod and the Southern Diocese are comprised of agriculturalists, we believe we have a special opportunity before us to connect, share, and assist in sustainable agricultural development.

 

During the summer of 2008, a CAD Team (comprised of Bishop Last, Cindy Wells, WIS Companion Synod Coordinator, Dr. Les & Iris Hemmingson, WIS CAD Committee members, and Dr. Larry Tranel and David Andrews, ISU Extension Specialists) traveled to Tanzania to research, learn, and devise a workable proposal from which to begin.

 

Tanzania Smallholder farmers
Discussions took place with the National Secretaries of Agriculture and Livestock, top agricultural universities and institutes, regional agricultural directors, extension personnel, and the smallholder farmers themselves. The current proposal illustrates a 4H-type program that focuses on the smallholder farmers as well as youth/young adults (ages 14-40 in Tanzania) and women -- two segments of the population who are deemed primary agents of change. The first site slated for CAD is located in a highly-visible area, and will consist of demonstration plots and classrooms whereby symbiotic systems of crop and livestock can be showcased and learned from. Transforming the idea of agriculture from a mere means of subsistence living to one of producing excess and profitability is yet another goal. From there, infrastructural struggles of

                                                          storage, transportation, access to credit, and marketing will also need to be addressed. Further planning includes the duplication of this program as satellites in other areas of the Southern Diocese.

 

A very special opportunity is before us -- the Center for Agricultural Development Partnership Event -- whose goal is to educate our members and solicit support. It will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Clay County Regional Event Center in Spencer, Iowa. Special guests who will be joining us from the Southern Diocese ELCT include the Rev. Dr. Lechion Kimilike (Provost) and Mr. Elisha Mkomole (Assistant to the General Secretary). Additional presenters will be Dr. Larry Tranel and David Andrews, the Iowa State University Extension Specialists who traveled to the Southern Diocese with synod staff and CAD Committee members last summer to evaluate and consult on this project. Bishop Last will prepare and lead participants in a spiritual consideration of financial support.

 

This partnership event strives to raise awareness about the agricultural realities and struggles of Tanzanian smallholder farmers; to share the hopes, dreams, and expectations of CAD; to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful agricultural resource and knowledge that God has provided us within our American agricultural history; and to share that bounty through our financial commitment to this endeavor.

 

NOTE THAT A THREE-YEAR PLEDGE CONTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITY WILL BE OFFERED AT THIS EVENT TOWARD OUR $300,000 GOAL.

 

What a special opportunity for the highly-comprised agricultural constituencies of both the Western Iowa Synod and the Southern Diocese to connect so intimately and powerfully as brothers and sisters in Christ! Please plan to join us as we plant a program, implement ideas, harvest goals, and distribute dreams!

 

To register online for this event click here; click here for a mail-in registration form.

 

A forum pertaining to CAD will be offered at the WIS Assembly and led by Bishop Last for those looking to learn more there -- please join in if possible.

 

We certainly invite and hope that you can join us at any or all of these events!

 

Well Project:

 

Fresh, clean water continues to flow in the Southern Diocese of Tanzania through the Western Iowa Synod Well Project. One well can affect the lives of as many as 23,000 people from surrounding communities. A well greatly improves the overall health of people (especially children) who routinely suffer and die from water-borne diseases such as dysentery. Additionally, women who often spend most of their day searching for water will have more time for education or employment.

 

One well costs approximately $2,500 USD. Funds are collected in varying amounts. The Southern Diocese decides on the well locations. Locally-trained well-drilling crews perform the work. Local water committees are formed to collect and manage small user fees which contribute to ongoing security and maintenance of the wells. Sanitation and hygiene classes are offered to teach proper techniques for clean collection, storage, and use of the water.

 

Newer, more efficient equipment has recently been purchased at a 50% discount! Once outfitted and mounted to

a trailer it will be shipped to Tanzania.

A lorry truck to haul the equipment and

Tanzanian well-drilling team is being

sought. Once all is in place, it is hoped that a new well will be drilled every other week or so rather than

Top: Ron & Phyllis Sterler, Well Project Coordinators

Bottom: Jeff Bowen & Dar Evans, Well Team Members

every other month, greatly expanding our efforts to provide clean water, improve health, and improve economic conditions!! Routine visits by our well team will assist with the training, troubleshooting, and oversight of this project. With such increased capacity, we are in increasing need of regular support for well-drilling. Your support is indispensable! Please continue to keep this project in your prayers as we work to save lives through the provision of clean, life-giving water -- perhaps a reminder of the same life-giving water in our baptism!

 

Medical Supply: 

A first-ever sea container of medical supplies was shipped to two medical facilities in our companion synod, the ELCT-Southern Diocese. These medical supplies and the funds for shipping were primarily contributed by the congregations of the Western Iowa Synod with generous additions from Global Health Ministries. The supplies were met in Tanzania by a synod visitor group who participated in the opening/blessing ceremonies of the sea container -- a highlight of their trip! The supplies and equipment were quickly put to use to alleviate health concerns and save lives. Two from the visitor group, Carlene Embree, an RN, and Dr. Timothy Peterson, MD, focused their time and attention on completing a comprehensive health assessment of the Southern Diocese medical facilities for use in future strategizing. A CD-4 count machine has been obtained through the Clinton Foundation for use in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS and for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs. Emanuel Lutheran Church of Dayton provided for the power surge protection of Ilembula Lutheran Hospital, greatly securing the protection and ongoing use of the important equipment they use.

Plans are underway, in collaboration with Global Health Ministries, to supply greatly needed hospice kits to Tanzania. Learn more about the kits and how you can help!

On another medical note, Jason Mtokoma, Medical Officer at Kidugala Medical Center (a diocesan clinic) has recently returned to medical school to become a full doctor. He will return to Kidugala upon completion of this degree. Once a full doctor is in place there, the facility can move toward becoming a hospital, a much-needed service for the area. Medical school expenses are high. Global Health Ministries (GHM) has agreed to make Mr. Mtokoma's school expenses an organizational fund that anyone can contribute to, through GHM. As such, contributions can be made through this GHM fund (www.ghm.org; 763-586-9590) or through the Western Iowa Synod with Jason Mtokoma in the memo.

 

Igumbilo Lutheran Girls' Secondary School: 

The school opened in January 2006 with approximately 80 students. Currently, enrollment is at 350 students, with plans to add a class of 80 students each year until a total capacity of 480 students is reached. The Western Iowa Synod (and women's groups in particular) has contributed sufficient funds to cover the initial $25,000 purchase of the compound that consists of classrooms, dormitories, dining hall, and administration. The Southern Diocese renovated and developed this facility into a working school.

Whereas primary school if free and compulsory in Tanzania, one must pay tuition to attend secondary school. In that it is difficult for families to pay the tuition, not all are afforded this opportunity. In addition, girls are not as readily educated as their male counterparts due to cultural biases. The Southern Diocese recognizes the importance of educating females who are likely to pass along their educational knowledge to their children and families, helping to educate and develop the nation as a whole.

 

Tuition and development costs are approximately $500/student/year. General ongoing synod funds are sent to the Southern Diocese at the rate of $2,000/month to be used for tuition scholarships (90%) and school development (10%). The scholarships are provided primarily to those of greatest financial need -- orphans with no one ot provide for their secondary education, or to girls of the local Masai communty who are routinely married off at young ages to bear children and tend cattle. The Southern Diocese funds the remaining scholarship, development and operations of the school.

 

Read a thank-you letter (page 1; page 2) from a student at the Igumbilo school!
 

 

Anyone wanting to financially contribute generally to the Companion Synod Program or to a partner project is asked to make their check payable to the Western Iowa Synod with the partner project title in the memo and mail it to: Western Iowa Synod, PO Box 577, Storm Lake, IA  50588-0577. Thanks!

Special Visitors from the ELCT-Southern Diocese

 

The following visitors will be in the Western Iowa Synod from approximately August 24-September 15. Their primary goal will be to present at the Center for Agricultural Development Partnership Event (noted above in the CAD Partner Project section) slated for the evening of Aug. 30, at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, IA. They will also take the opportunity to learn much about agriculture in the USA and look for opportunities to connect with our synod constituents (be looking for fuller itinerary information in the future). Their biographies are as follows:

 

Rev. Dr. Lechion Kimilike

 

  Rev. Dr. Kimilike holds a Dr. of Philosophy Degree in Theology on Old Testament

  Wisdom  Literature from the University of South Africa.  He has additionally attained a

  Master of Philosophy  Degree in Theology on Old Testament Wisdom Literature from

  the School of Mission and Theology  in Norway and a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from

  Makumira University College of Tumaini University in Tanzania.

 

  Rev. Dr. Kimilike is currently serving as a pastor of the Southern Diocese of the

  Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and as Provost-designate of the proposed

  ELCT-Southern Diocese Njombe University College of Tumaini University.  Has served

  as senior lecturer of the Old Testament at the Makumira University College of Tumaini

  University where he has also served a researcher in a number of areas.

 

Rev. Dr. Kimilike has published numerous articles and books, the latest of which is Poverty in the book of Proverbs:  An African Transformational Hermeneutics of the Proverbs on Poverty, New York:  Peter Lang (2008).

 

Elisha Mkomole

 

Elisha Mkomole holds a Master of Arts Degree in Organization, Planning and Management

from the University of Reading in England and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Management and Policy in the International Context from the University of Birmingham in England.  Additionally, he holds a diploma in Education and Special Training from the Mpwapwa Teacher’s Training College in Dodoma, Tanzania.

 

Elisha Mkomole is currently serving as the Assistant to the General Secretary of the ELCT Southern Diocese.  He has also served as the Principal to the Mafinga Vocational Training Center and Rector and Headmaster of Kidugala Lutheran Seminary—both of the ELCT Southern Diocese—as well other teacher and tutoring positions in Tanzania.

 

We are blessed to have these individuals in our midst and hope you will find opportunity to meet, welcome, and get to know them during their special time with us this summer!

 

 

 

Companion Congregation Program: 

Companion congregations now number 26!  Any congregation interested in being matched with a Southern Diocese congregation should initiate the process through the synod office. This program offers a wonderful opportunity to have a deeper, more personal relationship with the people of Tanzania. The focus is on communication that enhances understanding of each other's ministries and cultures, shared prayer for each other, as well as shared faith journeys as you walk together Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step.  If you choose, you may also enter into a project of support. For more information go to companion congregation information. To see an official companion congregation covenant that you would sign upon agreeing to join such a special relationship, go to Companion Congregation Covenant.

Companion Synod Sunday:

Annually scheduled for the first Sunday in June, this is a special opportunity for congregations in the Western Iowa Synod and parishes in the Southern Diocese to mutually celebrate and lift up the special relationship we have been entrusted in the name of Jesus Christ. See below for worship ideas, shared prayers, special offering ideas, etc., from the synod office that will help you make this a special worship opportunity!

 

Companion Synod Synod Worship Resources

Focal Verse: "... that we may all be One ..." - John 17:21a

 

Suggested Music                                           Auction

ELCA Worship Celebration Resources       Partner Projects

Bulletin Insert                                                Companion Synod Covenant

Prayers                                                           

 

Anyone wanting more information on the Companion Synod Program is asked to contact Cindy Wells, Synod Outreach Coordinator, at wiscw@wisynod.org or 712.732.4968.