The Western Iowa Synod has entered into two companion relationships. In 2004 WIS committed itself to walk Hatua Kwa Hatua (Step by Step) with the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Over the years, these two partners have exchanged visitors and cooperated in many projects.
In 2012, WIS joined a second companion synod relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA also participates in this relationship.
Beginning in 2005, the Western Iowa Synod helped the Southern Diocese establish a secondary school for young women at Igumbilo. The school has grown to over 400 students and provides quality education to them. Through gifts from individuals and congregations, WIS continues to provide $2000 a month for scholarships that assist orphans, girls from very poor families and from the Maasai tribe to receive an education.
Over 20 congregations in western Iowa have established companion congregation ties with a parish or institution in the Southern Diocese or in Chile. Companion congregations commit themselves to pray for and encourage one another. Many have exchanged visitors or cooperated in projects in either Tanzania or Chile.
Last December the Western Iowa Synod joined with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile as well as the Indiana-Kentucky Synod to participate in 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender Violence. Bishops from WIS, Indiana-Kentucky and the IELCH issued a letter noting the rise in such violence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They called on their churches to speak out against these forms of evil and to work toward gender justice. A video created by EPES (Popular Education in Health), an organization that helps communities in Chile to improve health services and awareness.
This video, produced by EPES, features a song performed by Chilean woman. It highlights the need to address the issues of gender violence and justice.
The first joint project established by WIS and the Southern Diocese was the well-drilling project. WIS has furnished equipment and provided funds for a team of well drillers. This crew moves from village to village in Tanzania, drilling wells that provide fresh, clean water for thousands of Tanzanians.