Tungamalenga Partnership

Shirts & Mugs

2012-01-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

the Evangelists that serve Tungamalenga Parish

When we visit our partners in Tanzania, we always carry gifts or money to purchase gifts in country. Some of the gifts are substantial, like medicines for the clinic or bikes for the parish workers. Some of the gifts are practical and essential, like kitchen towels for our host families, or school supplies for our sponsored students.

And some of the gifts are simply to strengthen the bond between us, like the gift of Shepherd of the Valley t-shirts. Every visit, those shirts are worn with pride. One Sunday morning, our travelers had decided to wear our matching t-shirts to worship. We had given shirts to our two young interpreters. The interpreters came to breakfast that morning wearing their Sunday best -- polished shoes, crisp pleats ironed in their dress pants, trim dress shirts and ties. When they saw us wearing our t-shirts, they went back to their room and changed, saying that they wanted to be part of the group.

For the next couple weeks, youth at Shepherd of the Valley are raising funds for their mission trip to Haiti by selling merchandise with the SOTV logo. There are hooded sweatshirts, long and short sleeved t-shirts with the "Deeply Rooted" logo, ceramic mugs, and water bottles.

Here's a win-win proposition for you: When you purchase an item for yourself, consider purchasing another item to send to Tanzania with next summer's travelers as a gift to our partners. The money you spend helps the youth traveling to Haiti, and the gift you send to Tanzania will be treasured by our partners there.

We would love to carry 30 SOTV coffee mugs and 30-50 t-shirts. Sweatshirts would also be welcome.

You can order items at the SOTV website or in the narthex on Wednesday nights. Orders are due February 1.

When you pick up your items, we'll have a drop box for items you want to send to Tanzania. Thanks for all your generous gifts for our partnership!

January travelers

2012-01-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

January is a great time to get away from Minnesota weather (most years!) and go someplace warm -- that may be one reason there are so many Minnesotans in Iringa, Tanzania this time of year. Here's a round up of other bloggers from around the Saint Paul Area Synod.

http://ilula-friends-2012.blogspot.com/ This is the blog of a medical team working at the Ilula Lutheran Hospital. Shepherd of the Valley members Dr. Randy and Kari Hurley and their daughter Angela are among the group. The Hurleys will visit Tungamalenga around the weekend of January 21-22. One of the big events the medical team will be working with is A Day of Grace, a new wellness retreat for pastors of the Iringa Diocese.

http://lifeatctk.org/Blog/Carries-Corner/Guest-Post-Roger-and-Trish-Blomquist/ Here's a blog post from Trish and Roger Blomquist, members of Christ the King Lutheran in New Brighton. Roger works with the Agriculture Institute at Tumaini University, particularly with the demonstration plots set in congregations to teach sustainable farming practices and improve crop yields. Trish works with the Bega Kwa Bega office on financial records for all the transactions from Saint Paul area congregations sending gifts to their partner congregations in Iringa. All the funding for scholarships, chapel construction, and other partnership gifts go through the Bega Kwa Bega office. Roger and Trish typically spend three or four months a year in Iringa.

http://www.spas-elca.org/mission/global-relationships/tanzania The synod's Bega Kwa Bega newsletter is published quarterly, and the latest issue contains an article and photos of our Walk for Water last July. Follow the link to the synod website, scroll down and sign up to receive the newsletter.

http://joanandrichardattumaini.blogspot.com/2012/01/tungamalenga-christmas-eve.html Finally, Joan and Richard Dornfeld have posted photos and stories from their Christmas Eve celebrated in Tungamalenga. Richard was asked to play the role of Father Christmas.

There's lots going on in the Iringa Diocese! Read all about it.

A million trees

2011-12-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

85,000 tree seedlings were planted this year at Iringa Diocese secondary schools and another 150,000 will be planted in early 2012. The eventual goal of this project is to plant a million trees, to secure reforestation in the Iringa area and to jump start a lumber industry that will provide jobs and income.

The Million Trees Project is one of several outrgrowths of the Bega Kwa Bega partnership between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese. From a synod to diocese relationship that dates back to the 1980s, this partnership has grown to include 70 partnerships between specific congregations in each country, and then has further developed affiliate partners, some of them independent nonprofit organizations, that work to support healthcare, water and sanitation, a radio station, microfinance, an agriculture extension system, and now this reforestation project.

The growth of organizations like Shoulder to Shoulder (healthcare, Ilula Hospital), St Paul Partners (wells and sanitation), and now the Million Tree project, has been interesting to watch. I think it's fair to say that Dr Randy Hurley from Shepherd of the Valley and Dr Gary Moody from Our Savior's, Hastings, didn't plan to form a nonprofit organization when they first visited Tanzania in 2002. But they both visited Ilula Health Center, were asked to provide support as the health center aspired to developing into a hospital, and step by step they worked with others from Minnesota who had an interest in healthcare and now find themselves with a pretty active nonprofit organization. Others involved in these affiliate groups have similar stories.

Interesting to see how the spirit moves in these partnerships and what grows. A hospital, a hundred wells, a radio station, a microfinance operation, a million trees. What next?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Richard Dornfeld's drawing accompanied his and Joan's Christmas letter.

He said it was fun to get back to "a little drawing" and gave permission to include it here.

Greetings from our Tanzanian brothers and sisters continue to come to my inbox. Some are very brief, but we know they are all heartfelt. Such a blessing to be connected in prayer.

From Joachim, who completed studies and is now employed as a clinical officer at the government hospital at Tosamaganga: Greetings and best wishes! I am now married as of 26 November 2011. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From Rev. Robert Mutta, a member of the theology faculty at Tumaini University, who has developed the very new counseling department for the college and who is helping with Bega Kwa Bega's Day of Grace (inviting all diocese pastors to attend a day with health and wellness resources available): "This is another Christmas. The joy of our hearts reflecting back on what God gave to us. We are united in the newbord Jesus, celebrating our hope in him. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

Dear brothers and sisters,

I wish to share with us all

blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ

on the end of this year, 2011.

Wishing you a happy Christmas

and new year, 2012.

Amen.

~~Pastor Naftal

We hope you are doing well. We are doing well too.
Jenitha is on holidays and she has come to stay with me in Mbeya.
While on holiday she weaves some cloths for people who have ordered.
I am happy being with her this December.

We pray for you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

~~Mfaume & Jenitha (newlyweds whose jobs keep them living in different parts of the country)

Bwana Yesu Asifiwe!

I am doing well, the school is going on well, though it is tough. We did two tests and one term paper, and then on Tuesday we will have a test. I like them.

I will have a break on December 12, I am thinking of going to Iringa. I hope to see Bibi Joan.

How things going over you there?

Blessings Mama,
Son John (an SOTV sponsored student in a masters program)

My friend,

It has been a long time since we met and heard from each other. I believe and pray that you are doing well. I am still doing fine, still at the university, a lot is going on here.

I hope to hear from you and prayerfully be updated on what is happening in the bega kwa bega world.

Greet all for me. Advent greetings,

your friend,

~~R.

Finally, we've received updates and Christmas greetings from SOTV members Joan and Richard Dornfeld, living in Iringa and teaching at Tumaini University. They will visit Tungamalenga for Christmas weekend, and will worship at Mahove village. Richard will play the part of Father Christmas. He's having a suit sewn for the occasion and will distribute candy and other small gifts.

Here in Minnesota, we fold all these brothers and sisters in our hearts and in our prayers.

For Joan and Richard, so far from home and family, experiencing so many wonderful new adventures, with gratitude that you are Shepherd of the Valley's ambassadors to the people of Tungamalenga Parish at this time when we celebrate with awe the God with us,

For Pastor Naftal, Pastor Paulo, Pastor Kareem and for all the lay evangelists who serve and lead the twenty congregations that comprise Tungamalenga Parish,

For Mfaume and Jenitha, experiencing their first Christmas as a family, and for all families in Tungamalenga Parish, with the hope that they may celebrate together,

For Barnabas and his father who is receiving medical treatment in Dar, we pray for healing and for the healers,

For John and the many students and teachers who study hard and who are committed to using their gift of education to make things better for their whole community,

For the people of Mahove village, who will see the promise of water delivered to their village in the coming year,

For all our brothers and sisters in Christ in Tanzania, and for all those here in Minnesota who support this partnership with their prayers, presence and presents,

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Christmas Gifts & Scholarships

2011-12-04T11:14:00.001-08:00

Beatta, with her t-shirt and school bag

'Tis the season of giving. Here's an opportunity to give in a way that makes a real difference in our world.

Shepherd of the Valley has a Christmas Gift Giving program that provides opportunities to make a difference both locally and globally. Funds that are given through Christmas Gift Giving to Tungamalenga Partnership are used to provide extra gifts outside our normal partnership ministries of education, evangelism, healthcare and economic development.

This year, a portion of the funds will be used to purchase food --corn flour and vegetables-- for the children at Huruma Centre, an Iringa diocese owned orphanage. Beatta, the girl pictured above, lives at Huruma and appreciates the gift of a t-shirt and school book bag that was delivered by travelers a year ago.

Another portion of the Christmas funds will be used for a special gift to the evangelists at Tungamelenga. We purchase goats that are given to the lay evangelists. Lay evangelists in the villages of this parish do almost all the work of a regular parish pastor -- visiting the sick, teaching confirmation classes, leading worship each week, planning parish projects, overseeing construction of new chapels, and leading outreach efforts in their own communities. Lay evangelists do all this on a salary of about $10 per month, when the congregation has the funds to pay them (which is not every month). Our gift of goats enables the evangelists to have an extra source of nutrition (milk from the goats) and income (from the sale of milk or the goat's offspring).

Our gift of goats comes with an agreement that the gift will be shared in the community -- as modeled by Heifer International, the recipient of our goat promises to share its first offspring with another family in the community.

"It's the gift that keeps on giving!"

Saalome, a secondary school student

Another opportunity is to support Shepherd of the Valley's scholarship program. Saalome is an oprhan who lives at Huruma Centre in Iringa. She has such a beautiful smile. If you visited the center, you would see her at play after school, tutoring the younger children, or diligently attending to her own studies. She walks two miles each way to attend secondary school.

She understands very clearly the gift in the opportunity that she is being given -- the opportunity to attend school. She is among the 10-15% of Tanzanians who are able to attend school beyond 6th grade. It's an enormous gift to her, and one she shows appreciation for by studying hard.

Sponsoring a student like Saalome is easy. $1 a day provides the $360 per year cost of tuition, room and board. You can write a check payable to SOTV with "TZ scholarship" in the memo, you can go online and make a credit card payment, or you can use Simply Giving to make monthly payments.

Shepherd of the Valley supports 125 secondary students and 15 university students. The Tanzanian school year begins in January, so don't delay. Give the gift of education -- an opportunity for a lifetime.

Letters!

2011-11-20T11:10:00.001-08:00

We just received a delivery of 35+ letters written by some of the 140 students whose education we sponsor through our scholarship fund. What a treasure!

This set of letters comes from students attending Idodi Secondary School. They are students in forms one through four -- about the equivalent of 7th through 10th graders here in the US. Many have only been studying English for a couple years.

My dear sponsor,

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. I am very happy to get this chance to communicate with you for what you are doing for me, especially for paying school fees and other contributions. I hope that you continue well with your daily activities. I am also continue well with my studies and with my health also.

The aim of writing this letter is to say thank you for paying school fees for me. I promise you that I anticipate I will study hard and will pass my form four examinations and join the advanced level.

God bless you and lengthen your life expectancy.

The letters are written in English, by students who are often apologetic or bashful about using this language. Some of the letters use identical phrasing, as students have gathered together to write -- I can imagine them talking together, "what words can we use to thank these people we have never met?" Yet every letter is heartfelt and sincere.

Some of the older students, more fluent in their English, share some of the personal details of their lives.

The following are documents of my studies in school subjects and in final examinations. I am in the position of number 60 out of a class of 204 students in form three.

I have an average of 71B and am in the position of #4 out of 263 students in form four. This position puts me in a good position to continue further studies.

My subjects I take are math, history, geography, kiswahili, English language and physics.

Now I'm in form five and I believe I will study up to university college, so I will need your help up to the end of my studies, because as I told you in the first letter, my parents died long time ago.

Thanks for your sponsorship, it makes me happy and enjoying my studies at Idodi Secondary School. Our school environment is good by having trees, library, laboratory and enough teachers.

Many students affirm that without the help of the sponsor, "I would not be where I am today."

I would like to say "God bless you" because I have nothing else to give in return.

And the students close their letters with thanks and a promise to use this extraordinary gift -- the opportunity for an education -- for the good of their community.

I will study hard.

Many of the students address their sponsors as "my parent" or "my american mother and father."

From Amos: May God bless you, from your son from another continent of God.

If you are a sponsor of one of these students, thank you very much! Letters will be available for pickup in the narthex the weekend of December 3/4.

If you would like to change a life, give a gift, and build a relationship with one of our Tanzanian students, your contributions to the Tanzanian Scholarship Fund are welcome. $360 provides one secondary scholarship -- tution, room and board for one year. Write checks to SOTV with "TZ scholarship" in the memo, or use Simply Giving to have monthly or twice monthly payments automatically withdrawn from your bank account.

God bless you for the good work you have done.

Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festival

2011-11-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, November 5, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM, a couple hundred people from around the Saint Paul Area Synod will gather at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul to celebrate a wonderful partnership -- our Bega Kwa Bega relationship with the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

The annual Fall Festival brings together many of the hundreds of people in Minnesota congregations who have traveled to Tanzania to form partnerships with remote rural congregations there. Shepherd of the Valley's partnership with the people of Tungamalenga Parish is just one of 70 such partnerships within the synod to diocese umbrella partnership.

Special guests at the gathering this weekend are Rev. Lusungu Msigwa, who serves as Bega Kwa Bega liaison for the Iringa Diocese, and Rev. Blastone Gavile, who serves as Dean of the Diocese, or assistant to the bishop.

Msigwa is a special friend to those of us from Shepherd of the Valley. He served as our translator during our trip in August 2010, spending an entire week with us, away from his family and diocese work. His guidance and friendship was of invaluable assistance to us both during that trip and as a facilitator of communication ever since.

The Fall Festival schedule includes a time for worship, with Dean Gavile preaching, and then time for break out sessions featuring the work of many affiliate partners: the healthcare work of Shoulder to Shoulder, the water and sanitation work of St. Paul Partners, updates from the Agricultural Institute, Radio Furaha, Microfinance, and the brand new efforts of the Tanzania Million Tree Project. There are also sessions about travel information and cultural issues, as well as information about our secondary scholarship program.

Finally, the morning includes the announcement of the winners of the BKB Photo Contest. Wonderful photos of our partnerships will be on display.

It's going to be quite a morning -- all are welcome.

A Tanzanian Wedding

2011-10-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

The very first time SOTV members visited Tanzania in 2002, we were invited to a wedding on our very first evening in Iringa. We didn't arrive in time to attend the wedding ceremony at the church, but we went to the dance and reception with a lot of curiosity and with the hope that we wouldn't make any social faux pas on our very first encounter with Tanzanians.

It turned out to be a lot of fun, just like any wedding dance we would attend here. There was food, cold drinks, dancing, lots of relatives and people to meet. I remember that one of the dances was almost identical to "the chicken dance."

I also remember how sober and serious, almost stern, the bring and groom appeared at the reception. Weren't they having fun? Was this an arranged marriage? Why weren't they smiling?

We asked our hosts, and they told us this is the Tanzanian custom at weddings. All the guests are smiling and happy for the couple, but the bride and groom themselves must not show any smiles. They must not in any way indicate that they are aware of the joys of married life, we were told.

Just days before Pastor Diane, Joan and Richard arrived in Tanzania, one of our very dear friends was married. Mfaume is one of our star students, someone who was sponsored by SOTV scholarship donors all through his high school and college years. He has served as our interpreter on numerous visits. He is now employed as a community organizer, helping women in remote villages form cooperatives for economic development projects.

Mfaume's wife, Jenitha, is a school teacher.

Jenitha is dressed in a beautiful white dress, similar to any American bride. Additionally, she wears the beaded headdress and necklaces of her tribe.

Mfaume and Jenitha wear garlands of silk flowers. We see these garlands at other celebrations, like at graduation ceremonies.

Tanzanian societal norms are very modest. I have never, in any of my seven visits, seen a Tanzanian man embrace a Tanzanian woman, or even hold hands.

Here is the happy couple with some of their Tungamalenga friends. Absalum Kilipamwambu is on the left, then Rev. John Mhekwa (who helped negotiate the engagement), Mfaume, Jenitha, and Enisea (Absalum's wife).

A few days after the wedding, Mfaume and Jenitha are free to show their joy. This photo was taken in Tungamalenga.

Last week, we received an email from Mfaume. He wrote:

We are so glad to get a prayful message from you our parents. Again we are happy to have been remembered by you. We are so excited that we are now living in a bond of a husband and a wife. We are thankful to God for He has enabled our dream to a realty.

We thank God that our wedding ceremony went well and my lovely grandma was so excited to have her lovely grand son getting married. It was always her prayer that I get married. I was supprised when she told me that "I thank God He has given you a wife, even if God takes me now I will be happy because you are married." I replied I pray for her that she will give blessings to my first born.

We thank you for the card you sent to us with money, thank you very much our Heavenly Father
bless you abundantly.

And we also pray that Mfaume and Jenitha be blessed in their marriage, and that his dear Grandmother, who raised him, will live to bless their firstborn child. Mungu Akubariki.

Another blog to follow

2011-10-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends Joan & Richard are in Iringa, Tanzania for the next five months. Follow their blog at http://joanandrichardattumaini.blogspot.com/.

Communication

2011-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today we had a conference call with Pastor Naftal, Joan & Richard, Bo & Dan. Oh, the wonders and limitations of technology!

There we all were, five or six people in one room in Tanzania (with a laptop running on batteries because there was no power to the home) and another person on the opposite end of the globe on her phone land line. Magic Jack was the technology used.

It took a couple tries to get the audio right. At one point, I could hear the voice on the other end as if it were pulsating waves of sound: I-i-i hee-ee-ear yoo-oo-ou. Hang up, try again.

Even once we could all physically hear the voices as we spoke, the limitations of audio but no video became apparent. Thank goodness for the person in the room who had the awareness to speak: I think someone is hesitant to answer that question....I see that someone is thinking....I see that someone needs to consult with others before responding...

No two people can communicate adequately for their respective large communities.

I can ask questions that have been posed by our church's leadership and by our partnership committee.

Pastor Naftal can answer questions based on discussions that have taken place within the Tungamalenga Church Council and their Partnership Committee.

We can each relay questions posed by the other side.

We can hope that our questions are clear to one another. We can hope that our questions are not heard as accusations or criticisms, but simply as questions. We can hope and trust that the answers we receive are genuine and honest reflections of the feelings of the community at large and not just the one person on the line.

We can hope that we know each other well enough, after ten years of partnership, to understand that even pointed questions really and truly are just questions, an attempt to understand one another better and more fully.

I remember my second visit to Tungamalenga. We knew each other well enough to joke with one another. On my third visit, we knew each other well enough to ask hard questions and to receive the answers with grace.

I think we made good progress today, asking questions, asking that questions be shared with partnership committees. We will meet again in two weeks to hear the answers.

Thanks be to God.

A Whirlwind Trip

2011-10-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Eight days is not very long for a journey in Tanzania. From Sunday, September 25 to Sunday, October 2, we virtually ran from one experience to the next. Here's a recap of the faces, places and experiences we had.

Our group from SOTV included Joan and Richard Dornfeld and me, Pastor Diane Sponheim. We were fortunate to travel with seasoned Tanzania travelers, Dan and Sue McIntyre, who made everything easier to navigate because of their deep understanding of the culture. We also connected with two couples from Arizona who are new to partnering with their congregation north of Iringa, so we all enjoyed sharing experiences.

I wish everyone reading this could experience what we do when we go to Tanzania. Words and pictures only begin to describe the experience of being there. Visiting with these beloved friends, hearing their songs, seeing their dances, and being warmly welcomed by them is truly a foretaste of heaven.

Our first day in Dar es Salam and the journey from there to Iringa are detailed a bit in earlier posts, so I will start with our time in Iringa. First stop is the Diocese office to check in with the staff there and be briefed on what is currently happening with companion congregations throughout the area. It's good to get the broader perspective of what is happening between the 70+ congregations of the St. Paul Area Synod and their partners in the Iringa Diocese.

I was pleased to find that Dr. Saga was at his Diocese office, and was willing to rearrange his schedule so we could make the trip to Acacia Pharmacy to buy medicines for our dispensary as well as several other dispensaries in the diocese. Dr. Saga is such an amazingly committed man. He spent several hours with us, purchasing the medicines, and then making sure they were properly distributed and packaged for each of the dispensaries. He will personally ensure that each box is delivered to its dispensary.

While in Iringa, we also had a few meetings about our project to bring water to Mahove. We have had a few different proposals from local and regional water experts, and we are still working on discerning which proposal will be the best in terms of effectiveness, sustainability and value. Stay tuned ... It will truly be a joy when all of the decisions are made, and our beloved friends in Mahove have access to clean water!

The other major task in Iringa was a fun one: purchasing seven bikes using the funds from bikes sold at SOTV's garage sale. Again, it was challenging to shop Tanzanian style... It is expected that we will barter, and it is also expected that we will "window shop," walking all over town to different shops to find the best deal. I was glad to have Pastor Naftal and our friend Pastor John Mhekwa with me to do the bartering work. They played off of each other with wonderful facial expressions and spirited conversation while I, the lady with the money, just stood and watched them do their magic. In the end, we did get a good deal, spending 1,000 shillings less than we had budgeted. (That is approximately 60 cents!) It was a joy to deliver the first two bikes to the children at the Huruma Orphanage in Iringa.

Then, after 4 days in Iringa it was finally time to make the dusty journey to Tungamalenga, our hearts filled with excitement to see our brothers and sisters!

First stop was the eastern-most preaching point of the parish, Idodi. There we met with Evangelist Nicholas, and we also met Pastor Karimu Mukini, the newest addition to the pastoral staff of the Tungamalenga Parish. Pastor Karimu and his wife Mariam will live in Idodi, and he will serve the whole parish as a youth director. We also were very privileged to meet the elderly Evangelist Martin, who is quite ill. We prayed for him and blessed him, thanking him for all the work he has done for the Lord.

Evangelist Nicholas has had good success raising goats to supplement his income and to help the wider community. His enterprise with goats began with a gift of a goat from SOTV some years ago. He now has four adult goats and three kids, all of which will be shared in Idodi. I love that SOTV sponsors this wonderful ministry with the villages around Tungamalenga. Because of generous gifts at SOTV, nine more goats will be purchased and given to other evangelists so they, too can become more self-sufficient and help their neighbors.

Joan Dornfeld greets the goats at Idodi.

After our first preaching point visit, we continued to Tungamalenga, the center of our parish. There we enjoyed a wonderful welcome and a delicious lunch. We delivered pharmaceuticals to the dispensary and enjoyed a wonderful reunion with Dr. Barnabas Kahwage and his wife, Alice. We were also surprised by a visit from our dear friend Mfaume Kisakanike and his new wife Jenita. Mfaume was sponsored by members from SOTV from Secondary school through university and he is now working as a Community Organizer, helping women in a rural community become self sufficient.

Our afternoon continued with a visit to Kisilwa parish, where the foundation for a new chapel has been completed. We are realizing that all of the congregations are taking ownership and initiative in building and improving their chapels. Near Kisilwa, we saw the water tank that may be the answer to our hope to bring water to the people of Mahove. One possible solution is to divert the water that leaks from this tank to Mahove. There are other possibilities on the table as well. More meetings and decisions need to be made.

Finally, we reached the village of Mahove. There we received such a joyous greeting, with loud singing, and a dancing processional into the newly roofed chapel. A throng of congregants, community folks and government officials greeted us. We were swept into the sounds, sights and energy of a community that is completely enthralled that we are working so hard to bring them access to water.

The children of Mahove sing a beautiful song

The evening ended with an auction for a goat. I won it! Then I returned it to the community so they could either sell it again or continue to keep it for its milk. But for about 2 minutes, I was the proud owner of a goat! Before we boarded our Land Rover bound for Tungamalenga Camp, the young men of the congregation spontaneously burst into their distinctive hum-in-the-throat singing, accompanied by giant leaps into the air... it was thrilling beyond anything I can explain, and I feel honored that they would share such a culturally unique expression with us.

On Saturday, we started the day with a meeting of the Partnership Committee. There we learned about the current projects going on all over the parish, and sought to understand more deeply how we can all continue to work together. Beyond the completion of the Mahove water project, several priorities were named, including the continuation of some construction projects, a new attempt at some agricultural projects, and the continuation of the scholarship program. We learned from Bishop Mdegella who also serves on the World Council of Churches and with Lutheran World Federation, that SOTV is the world-wide leader in providing scholarships to students who would not otherwise be able to go to school. Wow! Way to Go, SOTV!

Our day continued with more preaching point visits, the first at Mapogoro. Once again we were greeted with songs, and soon found ourselves touring the evangelist's home, where a large addition is under construction. We prayed over the foundation, as we did at several other preaching point visits.

A quick break for some Fanta and ground nuts under a huge mango tree, and we were on our way to bless another foundation at the Masai preaching point of Kibaoni. Next we went to the first of two chapel dedications, this one at Mpalapande. I must say, that had I not seen Pastor Paulo and his family there for reference, I would not have recognized this beautiful, light, freshly plastered, smooth-floored chapel as same the one I visited 2 years ago.

A temporary version of the plaque that will hang at Mpalapande.

An identical one will be hung at Makambalala.

Pastor Naftal, Pastor Diane and Richard Dornfeld share the

greetings of SOTV folks with our friends at Mpalapande.

Once again, we are the humble recipients of lavish gifts:

necklaces, bracelets, and bottles of Pepsi!

It is astounding to see the commitment and generosity of our faithful partners. I am reminded once again of how much we can do when we partner together. The hope and light in the eyes of our friends at Mpalapande is contagious and fills us with hope and joy, too.

If you are still reading this post, let me commend you! I know that shorter is better when it comes to blogging, but it is difficult to edit these experiences. The days were so incredibly full, I truly am only giving you the highlights.

After the dedication of the chapel at Mpalapande, we made another short visit to a preaching point called Namelok. The people had waited for us for hours, and when we finally reached them, only 3 elders remained. They welcomed us warmly and proudly showed us that they had built walls up on the foundation, and were continuing to work on raising funds for roofing.

After our visit to Namelok, my camera met its untimely death, so that's it for photos!

The final visit of our day was to dedicate the chapel at Makambalala. The new cement altar was still drying in its form. Workers were on the roof, completing some masonry. The stucco was still forming as children brought buckets of water to the workers who splashed it on and worked on curing the stucco. It was amazing to see all of the brand-new, still forming parts of this chapel. And what a joyous greeting! Again, songs, dancing and energy like nothing else I've ever experienced! We again shared the beautiful banners, greetings and gifts from SOTV. I wish you could have heard the enthusiasm of the children as we pulled a soccer ball out of the bag for them to enjoy. Squeals of delight and lots of jumping and clapping!

By the end of the day, we are all emotionally spent and ready for a quick sleep before tomorrow's celebratory worship.

On Sunday, we worship in Tungamlenga with guests from most of the preaching points present. Even Bishop Mdegella, his family, and the district pastor come to help celebrate all that is happening at Tungamalenga. By the time we process in, hear from each choir, hear the word of God, celebrate communion, and share greetings and gifts, we've spent over four hours together! Then it is time for the customary auction/offering in the church yard, featuring eggs, produce and chickens. I scored a nice bag of ground corn, but I gave it up since it wouldn't fit in my suitcase, and probably wouldn't make it through customs!

We have another fantastic meal, prepared by loving hands from the Tungamalenga congregation, we say our final Asantes and Karibus, and soon we are back in the Land Rover, headed down the dusty road away from Tungamalenga. Joan and Richard will return some time in the next few months as they are staying in Iringa until February while Richard teaches at Tumaini University. I will not be back for at least a couple of years, so it is with a lump in my throat that I say good-bye to these dear ones, and I look forward to the next Safari to Tungamalenga.

~~~Pastor Diane Sponheim

2011-10-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

Pastor Diane bringing greetings to the congregation at Tungamalenga

Richard, Joan, and Pastor Diane with interpreter Magalilwa

presenting gifts at Kisilwa village congregation

Thanks to Pastor Naftal for sending photos!

More coming soon.

2011-10-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Opportunities to learn and serve in partnership are right around the corner! Here's what's coming up this fall:

Sunday, October 9, 6:30 -8 PM
Not even home a week, Pastor Diane will share updates from her trip to Tungamalenga. We'll discuss next steps for the Mahove water project, see photos of the newly dedicated chapels at Makambalala and Mpalapande, and get updates on ongoing scholarship, medical and construction efforts.

Wednesday, October 12 & Sunday, October 16
Godzone learns about Tungamalenga Partnership this week! Pastor Diane will share highlights of her trip with the children in large group, and travelers will help children explore three rotation stations, learning about how we partner to construct chapels, and experiencing a Tanzanian child's daily life at school and at play. Volunteers needed at all Godzone hours -- please let Kirsten.Levorson@sotv.org know if you are available.

Tuesday, October 18, 7 PM
Learn about the 2012 Journey to Tungamalenga. Trip leaders Kirsten Levorson & Sharon Mertz will provide an overview of what to expect, typical itinerary, how to prepare, costs and other details. Whether you're thinking of traveling to Tungamalenga in 2012 or farther in the future, you're welcome to bring your questions and enthusiasm.

Saturday, November 5, 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Saint Paul Area Synod congregations involved in the Bega Kwa Bega partnership gather at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St Paul to celebrate the relationship we have with the people of the Iringa Diocese. Special guests will be Rev. Lusungu Msigwa and Rev. Blastone Gavile. Hear updates on a wide variety of ministries -- scholarships, Ilula Hospital, Tumaini University, Agricultural Institute, Micro Finance, Radio Furaha, Million Tree Project, and more.

Saturday, November 12, 9 AM - 3 PM
Sell Tanzanian handcrafts at the annual Shepherd of the Valley Holiday Boutique. Proceeds from these sales help our partners construct chapels in many of the 20 village congregations. We need two volunteers at each of the following times: 9-11, 11-1, 1-3.

December 1
The drive for scholarship funding is underway, and our hope is that by December 1st we will be able to tell our partners that we have enough support to maintain our commitment to provide 125 secondary scholarships plus 15 university scholarships. If you've received a renewal notice, please return it by December 1st. New to the scholarship program? Forms are available at the Welcome Center. These scholarships give the opportunity of a lifetime to young people from Tungamalenga, who value your contributions so very much.

All is well! The days are full!

2011-10-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Richard (foreground), Bo, and children

Pastor Diane, Joan and Richard sent some quick updates before they left for Tungamalenga on Friday.

Our first stop after lunch in Tungamalenga will be to go to Mahove to see with our own eyes what's going on. We'll also have a partnership meeting Saturday. Naftal plans to have us visit 6-7 preaching points [village congregations] in addition to the chapel dedications, and he thinks we can do a partnership meeting in one hour early Saturday morning!

The shopping [for items to sell at the SOTV Boutique in November] hasn't been terribly fruitful. Not much time, but we did get baskets today and a few ebony crosses. I hope to grab some of the shoulder bags tomorrow before we leave. Notecards are very scarce. And they aren't cheap!

All is well! The days are full!

*photo above taken by Dan McIntyre of Peace Lutheran, Maplewood. Dan's observations are always worth a read, check out http://danandsueintz.blogspot.com/. In a post from last March, Dan describes a typical shopping trip at the Acaccia Pharmacy, http://danandsueintz.blogspot.com/2011/03/acacia-pharmacy.html

Rediscovering the deep joy

2011-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick message to let you know that we've arrived safely and are having many good connections!

We hear that the Packers won and the Vikings lost...that is the extent of the home news we've heard! :-) We hope you are all well!

We arrived in Iringa last night [Monday] at about 9 PM, after a 12+ hour drive from Dar es Salaam, featuring a cracked radiator on the bus which took several stops to repair. It was a very long day.

Today we are reconnecting with old friends, Dr Saga, and people from the Iringa Diocese. Tomorrow we meet up with Pastor Naftal and buy six or seven bikes for the evangelists and for the orphanage. Today we purchased $2000 worth of medicines for the dispensary. It all takes a lot of time because of working with two languages and two systems of currency! My head is spinning a bit!

John Mhekwa is here, and is helping a lot with getting us around town and translating! He said Mfaume's wedding was beautiful. He will help us get Mfaume's card to them.

Tomorrow we will meet with Byemerwa, Bo Skillman, and folks from St Paul Partners, and Naftal, to discuss the water project some more.

Greetings all around to all the pastors, friends, and especially Mama Kirsten!

We are well and are rediscovering the deep joy of this partnership!

We'll be in touch again.

Pastor Diane, Joan & Richard

Safari Njema, Pastor Diane, Joan and Richard!

2011-09-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

packed and almost ready to go!

Prayers of commissioning were said last Sunday in worship as three members of our congregation are ready to travel to Tanzania again. Pastor Diane Sponheim and Joan and Richard Dornfeld depart on Friday.

They carry with them the love, good wishes, and gifts of this congregation. We've packed four suitcases with gifts: banners to grace the two new chapels that will be dedicated at Makambalala and Mpalapande; colorful VBS t-shirts for children and adults; assorted medical supplies; a couple hundred handmade caps for newborns (thanks to Cris Ireland and Karen Piehler-Shaw); a variety of bibles and study books at levels that range in appeal from child to adult interests; about a hundred totes and book bags, a gift from Godzone children; an assortment of flash drives for university students; a dozen 2012 calendars; laminated posters visually depicting bible verses; sundry personal letters from past travelers or from scholarship sponsors to their students. All will be appreciated, but the gift that will receive a joyous shout from all the children--ten soccer balls along with pumps, a gift from Godzone children.

Along with these gifts, our travelers will make some purchases in Iringa before going out to Tungamalenga and its preaching points. Generous donations from the congregation enable our travelers to purchase a hefty supply of medicines from the Acaccia Pharmacy and deliver them to Tungamalenga Dispensary. Proceeds from last spring's Children In Need Garage Sale provide the funds to purchase six bikes, enabling the many evangelists that serve the twenty village congregations to travel around the parish more efficiently. And funds from the Christmas Gift Giving program will allow our travelers, along with Tungamalenga congregants, to purchase goats for evangelists, and a special gift (yet to be determined) for Huruma Orphanage.

Sounds like our travelers will be busy shopping? Yes, that's a part of the travel itinerary. Here's a quick look at their day to day plans (which can always change to accommodate our partners' plans).

Friday, Sept 23 - Sunday, Sept 25 Air travel from Minneapolis to Amsterdam to Nairobi, arriving in Dar es Salaam on Sunday morning, then spend a restful day in Dar, perhaps at the carver's market or our favorite hangout, Slipway. Additional travelers from Minnesota and Arizona arriving Sunday late evening.

Monday, Sept 26 The long bus ride from Dar to Iringa, sharing the vehicle with people from three other congregations. Great time for conversation and for watching the varied landscapes as you travel inland, from tropical heat and humidity, across the savannah and into the highlands of central Tanzania. My personal favorite? driving through the baobab forest.

Tuesday, Sept 27 - Thursday, Sept 29 Spending time in Iringa, a district government center, also the city where the diocese head office is located. These days will be spent visiting the diocese office, the university, the orphanage; taking care of the shopping mentioned above, probably with the assistance of Pastor Naftal and others from Tungamalenga.

Friday, Sept 30 Drive to Tungamalenga, probably about four hours over rough roads. Down into the Great Rift Valley, and the temps get warmer. This trip, the time in Tungamalenga is relatively short, just Friday through Sunday, October 2. During this time, there will be dedications of two chapels (a big celebration!), probably a partnership meeting, Sunday morning worship, and hopefully a visit to Mahove. There will be discussions about the next steps in a variety of ministries -- the other eight chapels under construction, scholarships, dispensary needs, the water project, the future of the agricultural demo plot, microfinance, and anything else that comes up. The days will be packed!

Sunday, Oct 2 - Following worship, our travelers return to Iringa. Pastor Diane will pack, because Monday morning she'll board a bus back to Dar. Pastor Naftal will escort her, for company, translation, and more conversation. Monday evening, she'll fly back, a shorter route from Dar to Amsterdam and then to Minneapolis.

Joan and Richard will stay in Iringa for the next five months, to teach at Tumaini University. What an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen this partnership!

Safari Njema, rafiki! Safe travels to our dear friends.

Chapels, banners and blessings

2011-09-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

Two newly completed chapels will be dedicated when Pastor Diane, Joan, and Richard travel to visit Tungamalenga Parish later this month. The chapel at Makambalala has been under construction since 2004, and the chapel at Mpalapande is the first completed chapel for a Maasai congregation in the parish. Amazing milestones to celebrate!

Our SOTV travelers will be carrying the love and good wishes of all our members with them, and will offer these beautiful banners to the congregations. A big thanks goes out to Jane Lee for the beautiful work she has done in creating these banners. The one above, with the cross and communion elements symbolized by the grapes and wheat, matches a design she used in the stole given to Peter Harrits in honor of his ordination.

This second banner, with the shepherd's staff, a heart and a lamb, matches the design Jane used for Pastor Duane's ordination banner a number of years ago. Both banners will remind our friends in Tanzania of our love for them and our unity in Christ.

This past weekend, congregation members were also invited to share a word of greeting or blessing with the people of Makambalala and Mpalapande. We started long scrolls filled with messages which Pastor Diane will deliver.

If you didn't get a chance to sign the scrolls, look for the spotlight table this coming weekend.

Matabete -- another Tanzanian water project

2011-09-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Your response to our partnership's plan to provide water to the village of Mahove was generous and encouraging this summer. We are grateful, our partners are encouraged, and step by step, the project is moving forward.

It seems like a good time to share some information about an organization that is working throughout the Iringa Diocese to bring water and sanitation systems to many villages.

St Paul Partners is a nonprofit organization that formed as an outgrowth of partnerships like the one our congregation has with Tungamalenga Parish. Their vision is to assist and enable the Tanzanian people to obtain universal access to safe water, community by community. Since the group's beginnings a few years ago, they have drilled more than 100 wells.

St Paul Partners has invited us to their annual Fall Celebration on Saturday, October 1st, an event to be held at St Mark's Lutheran Church in North St Paul from 4:30 to 8 PM. The event is free, a Tanzanian meal will be served, free will donations will be accepted.

The guest of honor at the event is Faraja Kimetu Kurabei, born and raised in the Maasai village of Matebete in northern Tanzania. Faraja is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, and she is currently pursuing an MBA degree. She will talk about the need for water in her home village, and she will also provide a Tanzanian perspective on how to promote village buy-in and involvement in sustainable water projects.

Members of the St Paul Partners board have been very helpful as advisors on our Mahove water project. If you want to do more to help bring clean water to villages in Tanzania, please check them out!

The miles are far, our hearts are close in Jesus Christ

2011-09-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

A few words from one of our travelers, Susanne Miller:

I guess through our prayer partnership with Tungamalenga, it has brought me through the mountain tops and the valleys.

We may have different ways of life and trials and praises, but we share Jesus Christ and that is the cord that cannot be broken.

I have made many relationships from our partnership with people from that village and my heart still hears the children singing and dancing.

When we pray together it helps us grow together, one body in Christ.

The miles between us may be very far, but our hearts are close in Jesus Christ.

My life has changed forever because of God and how he crossed our paths in Tungamalenga.

Soon Pastor Diane Sponheim will be traveling to Tungamalenga for a short visit, along with Richard and Joan Dornfeld, who will stay in the Iringa Diocese for five months, teaching at Tumaini University.

We are also seeking travelers for the July/August 2012 trip.

Please pray for our travelers. Will you be one of them next year?

We are Happy, Hope and Zakaria

2011-08-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see some happy and hopeful faces? Take a look at 55 scholarship students sponsored by members of Shepherd of the Valley. Photos were taken earlier this summer by Bega Kwa Bega coordinators Tom and Beth Hansen.

Happy Jeremia

secondary student at Idodi Secondary School

Tumaini Mbwillo

her name means "hope"

Zakaria Mgaya

Happy, Tumaini, Zakaria and many more students from Tungamalenga have the opportunity to receive their education because of your generous support of the Tanzanian Scholarship Program at Shepherd of the Valley.

Just $360 per year -- less than a dollar a day! -- provides tuition, room and board for a student. Thanks to all who sponsor these students.

The adventure of a lifetime

2011-07-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

On the road to Tungamalenga

We are starting to plan for next summer's Journey to Tungamalenga! It will be a time to meet, live among, and get to know our brothers and sisters in Tanzania.

Most summers, we gather to share stories of our lives, our communities, cultures, and our common faith. For two weeks each year, people from Shepherd of the Valley and from Tungamalenga Parish live, work and play bega kwa bega, or shoulder to shoulder.

What can you expect to experience on this journey?

At least 24 hours travel time from our departure in Minneapolis to our arrival in Dar es Salaam

One ten hour bus ride from Dar to Iringa on a paved road, then a few days later, a six hour bus ride over rutted dirt roads to Tungamalenga

Unpredictable accommodations -- sometimes the water runs, sometimes the electricity works

Predictable, sacrificial hospitality, with clean beds and an abundance of delicious, healthy food

The wonder of God's creation -- lions, elephants, zebra, giraffe, acacia trees, baobabs, the African savannah

The humbling honor of being welcomed to every village as the honored guest -- crowds of singing, dancing people wave palm branches as if they are expecting Jesus to ride into their midst as he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday

Unceasing prayers -- as we begin a journey, as we arrive safely, at the start of a meal, at the start of a meeting, and a prayer of thanksgiving when all decisions have been made

The gift of walking in another's shoes for a time, experiencing life from another perspective

The gift of having our own perspectives challenged, our assumptions proven wrong

Dynamic worship that may last three hours or more, experiencing the familiar rhythm of the liturgy even though it's spoken and sung in a language we don't understand

Meeting students whose lives are forever changed by the gift of education

Experiencing the body of Christ, each of us with gifts that contribute to the whole

Learning how we can work together, shoulder to shoulder, to strengthen this partnership for future ministry in evangelism, education, healthcare, and economic development

Humbly receiving as an ambassador from Shepherd of the Valley the resounding thanks of a very grateful congregation

.....and so much more! Learn about our partnership and the opportunity to take this journey of a lifetime: 9:40 AM Sundays, August 7 & 14 in room 20 at church.

Asante sana!

2011-07-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Words of thanks have been flowing from our partners in Tanzania as they have heard the news that Shepherd of the Valley's Walk for Water was successful.

Thank you for your prayers and for all efforts for Mahove water project! We will keep on praying for you and for the whole congregation at Shepherd of the Valley for caring for the people of Mahove and for Tungamalenga in general.

May God keep on blessing you!

Rev. Lusungu Msigwa
Bega Kwa Bega Coordinator for the Iringa Diocese,
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania

Rev. Msigwa accompanied Shepherd of the Valley members to Mahove a year ago, August 2010. He served as our interpreter and advisor as we worked with the people of Mahove and with the local government representatives to discuss the plans to bring water to the village.

Hi to all SOTV. We are so thankful for all you are doing for Tungamalenga Parish.

We know for sure that you also have many activities to do for your church ministry for your area. But we also know that if not for Christ who is within you, you could not have done this wonderful support in our parish, Tungamalenga, particularly the dispensary and the people of Mahove who previously looked as neglected people, but who are now people of discussion regionally and worldwide as well.

May Almighty God bless you all.

We appreciate the big job you are doing to support the dispensary. We will keep on our prayers for you, always asking blessings from God to be on you for ever.

I thank you all also for your concern for my son Humphrey. Your prayers have made him healed unexpectedly. He used a very short time to be okay with his broken leg. Now he is doing everything normally. He can play football, run, and emotionally he is good.

I thank you for all and I have nothing to pay but to say 'God bless you, Amen.'

Thanks,
Barnabas

Barnabas Kahwage is both a pastor and the clinical officer [equivalent to a physician's assistant in the US; he is the best educated healthcare professional in the area] at the Tungamalenga Dispensary. He visited Shepherd of the Valley in Minnesota in 2008 with his wife Alice.

We walked, we sweat, we met the goal!

2011-07-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

On the hottest, muggiest weekend of the year, over 100 people brought their buckets to worship, laced up their walking shoes, and carried water a couple miles. They walked to raise awareness and funds for a water project at Mahove, one of the village congregations of Tungamalenga Parish, our partners in Tanzania.

The short walk to Hagemeister Park was a popular choice for families and younger children. Lots of walkers, Pastor Diane included, tried to carry their water on their heads and found it hard to balance. How do our friends in Tanzania make that look so easy?

Inside, the Walk for Water vocal ensemble sang at every worship service. It was a song one of our traveling groups sang with the Tungamalenga Choir in Tanzania three years ago.

Walk together children, don't you get weary

Sing together children, don't you get weary

Shout together children, don't you get weary

There's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Walk and never tire, walk and never tire....

Margaret and Ron Anderson supplied the water at Hagemeister Park. Here, Margaret fills Kristen Holien's water jug.

Some really brave souls took the long walk, a mile north on Johnnycake Ridge Road, through a shaded path to the Lebanon Hills Campground. Doing the heavy work, Steve Lokensgard and Chris Catlin used lengths of wood carried on their shoulders to suspend two buckets of water between them. That's about 90 pounds of water they're carrying.

The walkers returned from each walk drenched in sweat. Bill and Cris Ireland helped collect the water in rain barrels, to use on the church garden plots.

Inside, donors were generous. We met the fundaising goal of $15,000!

Within the next few weeks, we are expecting to receive the final work plan, timeline, and cost estimate for the Mahove project. If you haven't contributed to the project yet, a little cushion never hurts. If at the end of the project, we have funds left over, any donations for water will be shared with St Paul Partners, a group that has drilled over 100 wells in the Iringa area. St Paul Partners members have been very helpful as we planned this project and continue to advise us as we move forward.

Thanks be to God for a wonderful weekend!

Meet the people of Mahove

2011-07-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

This weekend Shepherd of the Valley is going to Walk for Water. Why? To bring water to the remote village of Mahove, one of twenty village congregations that comprise our partner congregation, Tungamalenga Parish in Tanzania, East Africa.

Who are the people of Mahove?

This is Mama Petro, the Bibi or Grandmother who had the courage and persistence to ask our partnership for help. Three years ago, SOTV members visited her village and she spoke of the need to bring a source of reliable, safe water to her village. She told us that she and the other women and girls would spend hours each day walking the mile and a half downhill to fill their buckets, then carry the water uphill.

Pastor Naftal says she is as persistent as Esther, coming to the parish office to ask for water for her village.

This is a Mzee, an old man from the village who heard the preaching of the Gospel and asked to be baptized. Pastor Randy had that honor during SOTV's August 2010 journey to Tanzania.

This is Amina, or Mama Chake. Her daughter, Chake Kuyaa, was an SOTV sponsored student at Idodi Secondary School who died tragically two years ago in an over night dormitory fire, along with eleven other students.

In honor and memory of Chake, the chapel at Mahove was constructed.

This is Jordan, photo taken when he was five days old. Jordan is the fourth son of Evangelist Petro and his wife. They live in Mahove, Petro serves the congregation at Namelok.

When SOTV members visited Mahove in August, 2010, we stopped at Petro's home, halfway on our walk from the road to the village, to see and pray for his young son. To our suprise, we were asked to name the baby. Fortunately, our interpreter quickly came up with an appropriate name -- name the baby after the biblical river Jordan, as a reminder to the village of our visit and our implied commitment to talk about bringing water to the village.

This is Evangelist Petro. He lives in Mahove with his family (wife and four children) and serves as the minister to the village of Namelok.

On our very first visit to Tungamalenga in 2002, we met Petro's mama. She asked us to pray for her wayward son. He drank too much. He did not follow Jesus. She worried about him.

We promised to pray. In 2004 when another group from SOTV visited Tanzania, Petro's Mama thanked us for our prayers and reported that her son had come to a life with Christ. Now he is an Evangelist, a lay minister in the congregation.

This is Azuberi Mhema. He is the Evangelist serving Mahove congregation. Azuberi is one of the most amazing musicians I have ever had the privilege of hearing. When he leads congregational singing, the house rocks. Totally rocks.

Azuberi is also a gifted mason and construction worker. He has overseen recent construction projects in the parish -- the work at Tungamalenga, Mpalapande, and Mahove. His work is excellent.

These are just a few of the people of Mahove. Our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, who have asked for our help and partnership in a project that will bring life, health, and water to their village.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

2011-07-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Luke & Micah add their coins to the Maji Money collection

Week Three of Shepherd of the Valley's Vacation Bible School is complete, and the count is in: this week, children in grades Kindergarten through five collected an additional $777.97 in coins to support the Walk for Water to bring water to the village of Mahove.

That brings the total collected by SOTV kids to over $3000!

WaHOOOOOO!!!

Thanks to all the SOTV kids and VBS staff for their amazing gift of love to our partners in Tanzania! Thanks to Mim, Jill, Julie, Jeannie and Pastors for your leadership.

Walking for water in Tanzania is the daily task for many children. They are amazed and grateful that children in Apple Valley, Minnesota--half a world away--are thinking of them, praying for them, giving to support and help them.

Come to worship this weekend and bring your bucket and walking shoes! You, too, can participate in our Walk for Water!

2011-07-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

God of overflowing promise,
you call for justice to run over
like living streams,
and made water a sign of
your ultimate righteousness.

Reborn through the bath of
your grace, we hear with new ears
the cries of our neighbors;
parched hearts and arid earth
plead for reprieve.

Move us in our response to
all who thirst, that we and they
might receive your water,
poured out for all,
that none would be forsaken.

Amen.

~~a prayer from Lutheran World Relief

Walk Together Children, Don't You Get Weary

2011-07-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

While we at Shepherd of the Valley are preparing to Walk for Water -- raising awareness and funds to bring water to the village of Mahove, in our partner congregation of Tungamalenga, Tanzania -- our friends in Tanzania are continuing to fine tune the project plans, determining the best and most cost effective way to bring water to this village.

It has been three years since our partners first identified the need for water in the village of Mahove as a priority for our partnership. Since then, the people of the congregation and the parish have worked their way through the levels of Tanzanian government, through the village elders to the ward officials, and finally to the Iringa District government's Water Engineer.

Just two months ago, the plans to pipe water fifteen kilometers from a mountain spring to the village of Mahove [as was done by two nearby villages] were presented to Engineer Amos Byemerwa.

[Engineer Byemerwa has been a valued consultant on several other water projects financed by congregations of the Saint Paul Area Synod. His skills were utilized by St Paul Partners -- a water development nonprofit organization -- to install water systems at diocese secondary schools, including Image and Ipalamwa. He came highly recommended by our friends involved in St Paul Partners.]

Engineer Byemwera analyzed the project plans, identified points that required further study, and recommended that he and a team of technicians go out to Mahove to conduct a site survey in order to determine the feasibility of the project. The feasibility study will first determine whether the plan to pipe the water into the village is a sound plan; a secondary aim of the survey will be to drill boreholes to determine whether drilling wells would be a more cost effective solution.

So, on both sides of this partnership, we are busy doing what we each can do to move the project forward.

Pastor Naftal and the elders of the congregation at Mahove are accompanying Engineer Byemerwa and his team, determining the best course of action.

At Shepherd of the Valley, we are gathering our buckets, lacing up our walking shoes, asking friends and families to donate funds for the project.

We even have a choir rehearsing for worship next weekend:

Walk together, children
Don't you get weary
Walk together, children
Don't you get weary
Walk together, children
Don't you get weary
There's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Gonna walk and never tire...
Walk and never tire....
Walk and never tire....
There's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Water -- bega kwa bega

2011-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Next weekend, July 16 & 17, Shepherd of the Valley will be conducting a Walk for Water to raise funds for our brothers and sisters in the remote village of Mahove, part of our Tungamalenga Partnership. We will walk to raise awareness and funds to support the life giving gift of water for these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Today we received an email from Mfaume Kisakanike, who was an SOTV sponsored student in secondary school, a very bright young man who was raised by his grandmother after his father abandoned his mother and the mother married a man who did not want to raise another's child. After high school, Mfaume studied community development in college, and now he's employed and will be married in September. He still supports his grandmother financially.

Mfaume writes:

It is courageous and impressive when I read your past emails to me. It even makes me appreciate your great love that God imparted unto you and I can see it absolutely. Thank you for whatever you've done to me, my family and for the people of Tungamalenga. You did something I cannot explain and difficult to make its valuation to me and my family and yet you do it to my sisters and brothers of Tungamalenga. It's so generous of you. May God bless everything you do for his glory.

I have heard that on 16th of July you are going to conduct a walk for water to get money for a water project at Mahove village. I know I will not be able to join Mahove Villagers to provide my labor in digging the trench for water system, being the case I would like to join you in a walk for water, I promise to give 15 US dollars, my contribution for water project at Mahove village, tell me when you come in Tungamalenga so that I fulfill my promise I want it to be given to you because I support your walk for water event.

Thank you that you are willing to give for others especially the needy provided the economic difficulties that is facing the world now.

~~Mfaume

In Tanzania, the average income is about $1 a day. Mfaume's gift is astounding and inspiring. We truly are walking shoulder to shoulder with these friends in Christ. Bring your walking shoes and a bucket to church, and join us for a wonderful walk next weekend!

Pastor Diane Sponheim

Rev. John Mhewkwa asks for your prayers

2011-07-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is the month that the University of Mzumbe grants admission to students who have applied to its masters program. Our own John Mhekwa is waiting for news.

John was one of the first six students sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley, way back in 2001 when he was a secondary student at Pommern Secondary School and when none of us had ever visited Tanzania.

We first met John during our August 2002 visit. From that time, he has been a steadfast friend to travelers from Shepherd of the Valley.

During many of our subsequent visits, John served capably as a translator. He was always a wonderful cultural guide, teaching us how to barter for goods in the market, getting us the best deals, accompanying some of us on solo trips from Iringa to Dar es Salaam, procuring a 'faithful' taxi driver when one was needed, making sure that we in our ignorance did not get cheated by unscrupulous business people.

John did well in secondary school, and was admitted to Tumaini University. That year, several of us received letters, thanking us for the support Shepherd of the Valley had promised and asking our advice. "Should I study law or theology, Mama?" We were flabbergasted to be asked, and advised John to follow his passion. He chose theology.

In 2008 he graduated, and in January 2009 Shepherd of the Valley had a contingent of travelers present in Iringa for his ordination. We could not have been more proud if he had been our own son.

By this time, Rev. John had many Minnesotans he called, with respect, Mama or Dada [sister] or Kaka [brother].

Rev. John has served three years in the Lutheran parish at Ugesa. During that time, his congregation has overseen construction of a girl's dormitory at the local secondary school. Funding for the construction was provided by Mama Patricia, one of Rev. John's friends and admirers from California.

Now, Rev. John would like to return to university to study for a masters in administration with an emphasis on human resources. The advanced education would be a boon for the Iringa Diocese, which administers seven secondary schools, a university, a hospital, eight rural dispensaries, and other programmatic ministries that involve many employees.

So he asks that we pray for him, that he be admitted to the program. We would add a request for prayers that the financial needs be met, for John and for all of the 150 students attending secondary schools and university, supported by Shepherd of the Valley.

May the funds be available, so that the opportunities for life changing education can be grasped and made use of to their fullest measure.

Mungu akubariki. God bless you, Rev. John.

...a little child shall lead them...

2011-06-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

In just two weeks, children have raised over $2000 for the Mahove water project.

Shepherd of the Valley's children, preschoolers to fifth graders, are attending Vacation Bible School this summer. In addition to having fun learning about God's love for us, they have heard about the need to bring water to the village of Mahove in Tanzania.

They collected 'Maji Money' in plastic bottles ['maji' means water in Swahili].

In the first week, children ages 3-5 collected $570. In the second week of VBS, elementary school children collected $1560. And there's one more week of VBS scheduled in early July.

Our partners in Tanzania are amazed at this generosity. First of all, it is amazing to them that children in our society would even have access to money, much less the amount that was raised. Second, they are amazed and grateful that our children would share their resources with people halfway around the world, whom they've never met.

But thanks to Mim Campbell and the Children's Ministry staff, Shepherd of the Valley's children have indeed become friends with the children of Tungamalenga Parish over the course of the past year.

A year ago, Mim asked SOTV's recent Tanzania travellers to interview children from Tungamalenga Parish, and bring back their photos. With that information, each Godzone class this year has been partnered with a particular Tanzanian child, for whom they pray. Rafiki kwa Rafiki is what they call the program -- Friend to Friend. Some of those classes not only prayed for their Tanzanian partner, they exchanged letters.

During the visit of our Tanzanian friends last fall, one week the Godzone classes welcomed our guests and experienced a slice of Tanzanian life.

All those experiences prepared the children for the challenge to help bring water to Mahove.

Our children have taken the lead in responding to the great need for lifegiving water. Now it's time for the rest of the congregation to take part. Step by step, shoulder to shoulder, let's bring water to Mahove.

Don't forget to bring your bucket and your walking shoes to worship on July 16/17 so you can Walk for Water!

Village # 7: Mahove

2011-06-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Mahove is so remote, off road, up hill, that only five of us from Shepherd of the Valley have visited this village.

On two earlier trips, in 2009 and 2010, I hired a Land Rover and driver to take me to the village while the rest of our travelers were on safari in the national park.

There is no road that takes you into the village. About a mile and a half downhill from Mahove, there is a path that meanders its way there. On my first visit, villagers had come to the end of the road with machetes and axes to clear and widen the path so that my Land Rover could find its way.

We punctured a tire driving over the rough ground; the driver fixed the tire while we met and prayed with people from the congregation.

The people of Mahove are Maasai, a nomadic tribe with a fierce pride in their heritage and culture. Traditionally living in Kenya and northern Tanzania, the government has in recent decades been moving them farther south, into the highlands of the Iringa region. It makes for some interesting cultural clashes with the local Hehe and Bene tribes.

Many times, the Maasai are relocated to resource-poor areas. That's the situation at Mahove. There is land for grazing their goats and cattle. But the nearest water is a mile and a half away. the nearest road, the same distance. The nearest primary school is a little farther than that.

In the past decade, a number of Maasai have converted to Christianity--first the women and children, and more recently, some of the men.

During our August 2010 trip, Pastor Randy Brandt had the opportunity to baptize a member of the congregation -- an "mzee" or old man.

But Mahove has come to the attention of our partnership because of one woman, a Bibi or grandmother who is known as Mama Petro (the name of her oldest son).

Several years ago, Mama Petro started making monthly treks down the hill from Mahove, several more kilometers cross country, passing through the villages of Makifu, Mahuninga, Makambalala, finally turning the corner and coming into Tungamalenga. She would knock on the door of the church office and ask to speak to the pastor. We need your help, she would say. We need this partnership to bring a chapel to Mahove.

After a couple years, the villagers at Mahove had built a chapel of sticks with a grass roof. Worshippers sat on pews made of split logs perched about six inches off the ground. Then they began to make mud bricks. Mama Petro would visit the church office, telling what the congregation had accomplished and asking for help with the cement and the roofing materials.

The women of the parish sent beaded jewelry with SOTV travelers, who sold the items and sent money back to the parish for cement and roofing materials.

With the chapel construction underway, Mama Petro continued her visits to the church office. We need your help, she would say. We need this partnership to bring water to this village.

Pastor Naftal says she has the persistence of Esther.

Her persistence is effective. Over the past year, the parish has worked up a proposal to pipe water to the village, as was done by a nearby village. They have taken the proposal through the various levels of government. Last month the plan was reviewed by the district water engineer. He will take several technicians to Mahove this month to do a complete site survey, assess the feasibility of the plan, and drill boreholes to determine whether wells would be a better option for the village.

On our side, Shepherd of the Valley is gearing up to raise awareness and funds for the water project at Mahove through our Walk for Water July 16 & 17.

Already, through VBS offerings, the children of Shepherd of the Valley have raised more than $2000 for the water project.

Upon hearing that news, one member of Tungamalenga Parish said, "I was so surprised to hear that children have contributed that amount in one event! May the blessings from the heavenly father be upon them all. It illustrates for us how through Mahove, in a very remote area, God is planning to do his wonderful changes, taking non- and low-respected people, and raise them to the highest point through your hands."

Yes, it is amazing. God lifts up the lowly, God uses the gifts of children, God transforms us all in unexpected ways.

Bridge builder

2011-06-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

If you ever believed this partnership between Shepherd of the Valley and Tungamalenga Parish is only about helping our Tanzanian friends, here's an interesting blog post by Peter Harrits.

Peter was one of ten travellers from SOTV who made the first trip to Tungamalenga in 2002. He was ordained last month, and a statement he wrote about his journey to ordination begins, "It was in the chapel in Tungamalenga, our companion congregation in the Iringa Diocese, in August of 2004, that my call to ministry was most forcefully and finally articulated."

"Kneeling there, at the communion rail, shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters (Men and Women, Americans and Tanzanians, Maasai and Hehe), vocational yearnings were given concrete expression and the vision of being a bridge-builder -- connecting people of faith from different parts of the world -- was born."

When our friends in Tanzania heard of Peter's ordination, they rejoiced and offered prayers of blessings on his ministry.

Pastor Naftal wrote, "We are grateful for anything which is going on as a product of our friendship in Christ. We at Tungamalenga are very glad and pray that God will bless him in his ministry."

Peter's story is just the latest example of what our travelers say after every trip--that our lives, too, have been changed by this partnership and by the witness of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. While the partnership does many tangible things, bringing chapels and bikes and educational opportunities and healthcare and economic development to the people of Tungamalenga, the most important thing it does is bring together people of faith. Our repeat visits strengthen our relationships and nurture ministries on both sides of the globe.

Thanks be to God for all such partnerships, and for all the bridge builders.

Bikes = Evangelism

2011-05-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

How do bikes sold at the SOTV Garage Sale aid evangelism in Tanzania?

Easy. All the funds raised from the garage sale bikes are used to purchase bikes in Tanzania. When SOTV members visit our partners in Tungamalenga, we make a stop at the bike store in Iringa first. We purchase bikes specially equipped with lights, extra tire tubes and maintenance equipment.

The bikes are loaded on top of our bus for the four hour drive to Tungamalenga.

Then they are given to evangelists like George and Shakuru, enabling them to more efficiently get from home to church, visit the sick, and do the work of pastoral ministry in their villages.

Since our partnership began ten years ago, we've given about 25 bikes. Most of those were purchased with funds raised at the SOTV Garage Sale. Thanks to all who have donated their bikes and all who have purchased the garage sale bikes!

Water for Mahove

2011-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Imagine spending at least three hours of every day carrying water.

Instead of going to school, you carry water. Instead of watching TV, you carry water. Instead of starting a business, or planting a larger field of corn, you carry water.

You carry water that your family needs for drinking, for cooking, for washing. You carry water in five gallon buckets, balanced on your head. You walk a mile and a half downhill with an empty bucket, fill your bucket at a community well, and then carry your bucket of water uphill another mile and a half.

Can you imagine that?

You have just imagined one daily task that our partners in the village of Mahove live out every day. Mahove is one of the 20 village congregations that comprise Tungamalenga Parish. For the past three years, the people of Mahove have been proposing that our partnership tackle the problem of bringing water to this village, so that a safe, clean source of water would be accessible to the village residents, and so that the people who spend hours of every day carrying water could be freed to use their time in more productive ways.

Finally, we are taking steps to bring water to Mahove.

The Shepherd of the Valley - Tungamalenga Partnership is working on two fronts to bring water to this village. First, in Tanzania, Pastor Naftal and the parish partnership committee have been developing plans. They have worked with local government officials and the projects committee from the Iringa Diocese head office to develop a plan to pipe water from the Kisilwa spring fifteen kilometers to Mahove. The plan they propose would involve SOTV providing funds for supplies while the parish congregation members would provide volunteer labor to dig trenches and lay pipes that would bring the water to the village. Recently, Pastor Naftal and the committee met with the district water engineer, laid out their proposal, and formulated a plan for next steps, including a geophysical survey of the site to determine the best way forward. The water engineer and his team will explore the feasibility of the pipe option and also examine the possibility of drilling wells within the village, and will give his advice on the most economical and sustainable option.

The second front is fundraising for the project here in Minnesota. In April, SOTV's Finance Committee and Church Council approved a strategy for funding the project. This coming July 16 & 17, SOTV members will be invited to participate in a Walk for Water. Bring a bucket and your walking shoes to worship that weekend! Walkers will be blessed and sent out from worship to raise awareness and funds for the water project at Mahove.

You will not only be able to imagine walking for water--you can experience it!

Walkers will have a choice:

The Tungamalenga Walk is a short half-kilometer walk from the church building to a nearby park. You'll collect a bucket of water and carry it back to church. This is about the same distance that our partners in Tungamalenga walk every day, and about the same distance our friends in Mahove will walk once we bring water to their village.

The Mahove Walk is a more challenging walk, 1.5 miles uphill to Sacagawea Camp in Lebanon Hills. You'll collect water and carry it downhill back to church. This is about the same distance that our friends in Mahove currently walk, except that they carry empty buckets downhill and then carry full buckets of water uphill that 1.5 miles.

After-walk celebrations will include fun family activities and refreshments. The water we collect will be used for church landscaping and community gardens.

The goal of the Walk for Water is to raise both awareness and funds for the project.

Walkers will be challenged to raise $100 or more by inviting their friends and family to sponsor them as they walk. Every $1000 raised brings water one kilometer closer to Mahove!

There is no registration fee for the walk and donation envelopes will be available before and after the walk. Donations are tax deductible. Information packets with sponsorship materials will be available at the Welcome Center by the end of May.

Do you need another reason to support the Walk for Water?

Water borne diseases are the leading cause of death for children under age five in developing countries, killing more children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. Bringing a source of safe, clean water to Mahove will save lives.

Plan to walk on July 16 or 17. Plan to give.

Step by step, shoulder to shoulder, let's bring water to Mahove.

2011-05-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! Look at the progress made on Makambalala Chapel!

Pastor Naftal sent this photo today, showing the new walls and windows constructed at Makambalala. Notice how different the exterior is from the next photo, taken in August 2010.

The original chapel was constructed with this lacey pattern in the brickwork. This style of construction is less costly -- no window panes or woodwork to purchase. But while it let in adequate light, it also let in the elements--wind, dust, rain.

The new construction will be finished with a coating of stucco on the exterior walls, and plaster on the interior.

Makambalala chapel, as well as the Mpalapande chapel, are scheduled to be completed and ready for dedication ceremonies in the fall.

Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!

2011-04-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Humphrey with his broken leg in a cast, and his mama, Alice Kahwage. A message from Pastor Naftal says, "Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you."

Motorcycle, medicine and more

2011-04-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Amy Schulz has posted some great photos from her time in Tanzania. She traveled with a medical team, worked at Ilula Hospital, and visited Tungamalenga in January. Pastor Naftal with the long awaited motorcycle, which will help him travel among the 20 village congregations that make up the parish. Thanks to SOTV's Men's Ministries for raising the funds to purchase the motorcycle.

Carrying water is a daily task for women and children.

A bus, stuck in the deep sand at the side of the road. Check out all of Amy's photos here.

2011-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

The road to marriage may be full of bumps, twists and turns in any culture. Recently we've had some interesting e-mails with a young Tanzanian friend who shares his experiences in arranging his own marriage. "Thanks for your prayers for the new marriage that is expected to take place a few months to come. I am very happy and I thank God that I have been accepted by Jenita's parents and family. The meeting took place as it was arranged." This young man has known the young woman for several years; I think they met in secondary school. Since then, he has completed his university education and has been employed for about one year. The young man and his representative traveled some distance to meet the young woman's family and to negotiate the traditional bride price. "When one goes to his girl friend's family or parents for a bride price, he must have a representative for it is taboo for an expected son in law to talk directly to his expected in laws... He did it well and at last we had a meeting at which both families were involved in conversation." They agreed on the bride price and our young friend was able to make the payment. Now he is able to sit with his fiancee and they will set a wedding date. "I thank God who has enabled me to pay the bride price. Pray that he begins with us from the start of our journey to the end. God be praised."

The groom to be and his successful negotiator. Happy smiles all around.

2011-04-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Humphrey Kahwage has a broken leg! Pastor Naftal emailed the news this morning. Apparently, Humphrey was walking home from school on Friday and was knocked over accidentally by another student riding a bike. Humphrey was taken to Ipamba for treatment. (That seems to be an indication of the seriousness of the injury. Ipamba is roughly halfway between Tungamalenga and Iringa, and there is at least one government health center closer.) He has a cast on his leg and is back at home with his mom and dad, Alice and Barnabas Kahwage. Humphrey is six. Read more about Humphrey and the Godzone class who prays for him here.

Pray for rain

2011-03-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today I had an email from Pastor Naftal in Tungamalenga. He said they have been praying for rain, that they have experienced drought for the past two months. Crops planted in January have withered, and the situation is serious.

In the past week they have received rain, and they are adjusting by planting some crops with shorter term maturation. They hope the recent rain continues so that these crops will provide the food needed for the coming year.

And then he asked, "How is the church? the congregants, the pastors, the children--we do remember them...we do remember them whenever we use the motorcycle. ...the bible study groups, the choirs, the chefs, parish workers, the children teachers, the confirmation classes and more. Pass them greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!"

2011-03-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

A good friend of ours, Dan McIntyre, is in Iringa for the next few weeks and has been blogging about his experiences. Dan writes about the potential for bringing digital educational content to secondary schools and about his visit to the Kilolo Star Vocational School. Very interesting reading for those of us who care about education in our Tanzanian partnerships.

Dan is a member of Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood. My favorite blog entry is his account of going to the Accacia Pharmacy in Iringa to purchase medicines for a rural clinic. SOTV members go through this same process on every visit!

Village #6: Mahuninga

2011-03-20T11:59:00.001-07:00

Wasn't it Alexander Pope who said, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing?"

It's a caution well worth remembering on our travels from Minnesota to Tanzania, as we spend a mere eight to ten days a year with our partners, a few precious hours in each village, with language and cultural barriers between us that may muddy the communication. We may ask what seems a straightforward question and receive what seems a straightforward answer, only to ask the question again and receive a different straightforward answer. It's good to remember that our impressions are just that, impressions, and that even if the information we bring back is accurate, it may only be a piece of accurate information in a bigger, more complex mix of information.

With that caution, let me tell you what I know about the village of Mahuninga.

We visit Mahuninga on nearly every visit to Tungamalenga Parish. It is located on that main road out of Tungamalenga, take the left hand fork in the road away from Ruaha National Park, and continue past Makambalala, Makifu, past the turn off road to Isanga. Continuing past Mahuninga, you'll eventually climb the mountain toward Misufi and Kisilwa.

As we've driven through the village, we've seen a primary school about the same size as the one in Tungamalenga, and in recent years, a Roman Catholic dispensary under construction.

Kari Hurley took the beautiful photo at the top of this post during our first visit in 2002. What a beautiful, humble house of God, with its thatched roof and rough cross against the deep blue Tanzanian sky.

Inside, the sanctuary was decked out for our visit, with bouganvillea blossoms tucked into any crack or crevice in the deteriorating brick and stucco walls. The floor was dirt and the congregation sat on bricks for pews. The small chapel was packed, and the singing rocked the roof.

Four years later, the congregation had built the walls of a new, larger chapel around the foundation of the original.

By 2008, the original chapel had been dismantled, the new chapel had been roofed, and the congregation used the enlarged space while waiting for funds to finish the walls with stucco and to install a cement floor.

For some reason that we have been unable to ascertain during our yearly brief stops at this preaching point, when the construction stalled, the congregation seems to have, also.

In our early visits, we would be greeted by at least a hundred singing children and a couple dozen adults. The last time this was a scheduled stop, SOTV members were quietly greeted by about a dozen faithful members. When we asked where the others were, the responses were politely evasive. "They didn't know you were coming." "There is something else going on in the village."

One wonders what may have caused the decline in this congregation--was it conflict? or perhaps is the presence of other mission churches drawing from this congregation? or was the initial construction project a case of taking on more than the congregation could handle? We can guess, but we need to be cautious about thinking we know for sure. Congregational life anywhere is complex.

What can we know for sure about Mahuninga? There is a sturdy new chapel there, just waiting to be finished and filled. There are people of God there in that village, who have worshipped and praised and served God for many years. And your prayers and your gifts can encourage this congregation to rise up, to invite and gather the community to be the people of God in Mahuninga once again.

Beaded bracelet call to prayer

2011-03-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

At the conclusion of our very first trip to Tungamalenga, our partners asked us to promise to pray for them, and they proposed that we name one day each week as a day of prayer for the partnership. Every Thursday will be the day of prayer, we agreed.

Today is Ash Wednesday and at Shepherd of the Valley prayer is the theme of our Lenten worship series. So I asked some people who have been part of this partnership to share their stories of how prayer for the people of Tungamalenga has been part of their experience of this partnership. I've received interesting responses which I'll share here over the next weeks of Lent.

Pastor Randy Brandt talked about a daily reminder to recall the wider family of God.

Yes, I have a bookmark with the picture and name of Tungamalenga Evangelist Nicholas Mvena. It is an invitation and reminder for me to support Nicholas in prayer. And I occasionally actually follow through and pray! But what has ended up being my daily link with our partners in Tanzania is a small beaded bracelet I received at the Maasai preaching point at Namelok. I've had it on my wrist ever since. It reminds me when waking, when working, when sliding my shirt sleeve over it in the morning and evening that I have brothers and sisters in Tanzania.

Sometimes I offer a brief word of thanks, and sometimes an intercession for health. But the reminder is something I experience: my wrist is literally encircled by our partnership and my prayer is that the Holy Spirit's presence and power encircles our friends in Tungamalenga, in their work and play, in their homes, fields, and church, in all of their ways!

Village #5: Makifu

2011-03-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

The welcome is always warm when we visit the village congregations of Tungamalenga Parish, but I can't think of a warmer welcome than we receive from the village of Makifu.

Our bus pulls to the side of the road near a grove of mango trees, the congregation members lead us down a path, singing and dancing and waving palm branches. It feels like Palm Sunday and we are riding the donkey into Jerusalem.

On one visit in January 2006, we were led down the path to where the new chapel was under construction, and then into the shade. The congregation members had collected rocks and planted them so that they spelled out "karibuni Makifu," which translates to "we warmly welcome you to Makifu."

Mama Neema, dancing in the center of the photo, with the green head wrap, is the evangelist at Makifu. She has such energy for the ministry, and her smile is radiant.

When we first visited Makifu in 2002, she presented our group with a chicken as a gift of thanks for supporting her daughter Neema through secondary school. Neema became the first girl from her village to ever graduate from high school.

Mama Neema's name is Atuletye Msigwa. In the Tanzanian way, we call her Mama Neema; Mama plus the name of her oldest child.

While we visited in 2006, the workers continued to construct the walls of the chapel, tossing bricks from the ground to the masons on the scaffolding above. By 2007, the walls and roof had been completed. Since that time, there has been no new progress on the chapel construction.

In the news

2011-03-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

Tungamalenga Partnership is in the news! Read all about it at patch.com.

Village #4: Makambalala

2011-02-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

The Youth Choir processes into the sanctuary, singing and dancing and kicking up the dust from the hard packed dirt floor. Hanging from the rafters are strings tied with colorful strips of fabric to decorate the space. Dappled light shines through the windows, a lacey checkerboard pattern in the brick wall created by omitting alternate bricks.

The singing is loud and joyful, the energy is high. We're at Makambalala.

To accompany the singing, there might be two drums, made with skins stretched across a hollow log. This girl slaps a homemade shaker. It's a stick, two long nails, and pop bottle caps that spin on the nails. The sound is something like a cross between a tambourine, maracas and jingle bells.

Every visit includes a time for prayer, and prayer is memorable at Makambalala. In recent years, this congregation has adopted the practice of a fervent, spirit led community prayer. The pastor or worship leader will introduce the prayer, and then the congregation members start murmuring their own petitions. Gradually, the prayers crescendo to fill the room with sound, words and chants and shouting and weeping, a sound that raises the hair on the back of your neck. The power of this prayer is hard to describe.

And then, gradually, the petitions subside to murmuring again, and the pastor concludes by leading the Lord's prayer.

For what are the people of Makambalala praying? For health, for rain, for good crops, for God's guidance, for the generosity of their guests, for the strength of our partnership together.

Over the years, Makambalala has been building this chapel. The people made bricks from mud, dried them in the sun and then baked them to strengthen them. Volunteers built the walls. They used funds from Shepherd of the Valley to purchase iron for the roof and timbers for the rafters.

This year, the goal is to complete this chapel by adding a layer of stucco plaster to the walls, inside and out; by constructing a concrete floor, and finishing doors and windows. The hope is that when Pastor Diane visits next September, together we will be able to dedicate this chapel.

What a celebration that will be!

After singing and dancing awhile, sharing greetings between congregations, and time spent in prayer, the people of Makambalala provide us with their hospitality. Ground nuts, roasted mutton or goat meat, and bottles of Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Mirinda Grape. We share with the children and we are grateful for the partnership that brings us together.

Village #3: Msembe

2011-02-27T14:13:00.001-08:00

Msembe is another of the twenty village congregations that comprise Tungamalenga Parish, our partner congregation.

Msembe is located about an hour's drive from the central village of Tungamalenga, on the grounds of Ruaha National Park. Park headquarters are located here, and most of the inhabitants are employed by the park or by one of the various lodges located within the park.

Because of its location, and because of all the elephants, lion, giraffe, zebras and other wild animals roaming the area, residents of Msembe have a very different environment and living situation than most of the other people of Tungamalenga Parish.

First off, most of the residents originally come from a different part of Tanzania. They are educated as park rangers, drivers, or tourism and hospitality industry workers. They came to Msembe for the jobs the park offers. The members of this congregation are also more mobile than most Tanzanians. They might be here for a few years, then transfer to another park or take a job at another lodge. In contrast, most Tanzanian villages are filled with people whose families have lived in one location for many generations.

Second, the residents are not allowed to grow crops or keep animals within the park boundaries, because to do so would invite the wild animals into the village, endangering the residents. Most Tanzanians, even those who are employed, grow their own food, keeping animals and gardens near their homes. The residents of Msembe, in contrast, either purchase their family's food, or need to travel outside the park boundaries in order to grow food.

Finally, the residents of Msembe have much greater contact with people from outside their own country than do most Tanzanian villagers. They interact with tourists visiting the park on a daily basis, people from the United States, from Europe, Asia, Australia and other parts of Africa. You can see the impact of globalization even in the way the children are dressed and wear their hair. Of course, Msembe residents also have far more reliable access to electricity and clean water than do most of the Tanzanians we meet.

Village #2: Namelok

2011-02-20T14:34:00.001-08:00

Namelok is an easy 30 minute walk from Tungamalenga village, just down the road, around the corner, and then cross country. It's all level ground, no hills. Last August, the Shepherd of the Valley travelers made a special request that we walk from our camp at Tungamalenga to the village of Namelok, rather than taking the bus. We had been riding a bus a couple days in a row and needed to stretch our legs. Our hosts graciously agreed, even though they could not understand the American need to walk when transportation was so readily available.

We kicked up quite a bit of dust on that walk.

The women of Namelok are incredibly strong and resilient. Namelok is a Maasai village. These families have been located here since around 2004. Maasai traditionally have lived in Kenya and northern Tanzania, and in the past ten to fifteen years, have been relocated farther south.

Maasai are traditionally nomadic herders of cattle.

Maasai families also tend to be polygamous. That presents a challenge to evangelism efforts. Typically, we find many women and children among the Maasai who have been baptized, but not so many men.

Approximately seven of the twenty village congregations that comprise Tungamalenga Parish are Maasai. Early on in our partnership, as we visited Maasai preaching points, we would observe some interesting banter between the Maasai chief and the parish pastor. The pastor would often congratulate the chief on the growth of the congregation, and thank him for his support. Then he would gently tease the chief, asking when he would also be baptized like his wives and children.

When we visited in January 2006, the women of Namelok were proud to show what they had accomplished. They had built a chapel, forming and baking bricks, constructing walls, even completing the roof all on their own. This would be accomplishment enough for any village congregation, but was especially significant given the Maasai's nomadic tribal traditions. Building a church meant that they were here to stay.

Unfortunately, on our next visit in July 2007, we found the foundations at Namelok had shifted. The walls of the chapel were sinking, and the roof had to be propped up by additional timbers from inside.

The rains of 2008 caused the building to collapse. Parish members salvaged pieces of the metal roof, the timbers, and bricks.

By the time we visited last August, new building plans had been drawn and a smaller foundation had been laid. Congregation members and Shepherd of the Valley pilgrims circled the foundation and offered prayers that with this new, sturdy foundation, another chapel will rise to be a gathering place where the word of God is proclaimed, where faith is nurtured, where the saints are equipped and sent out into the community to be the hands and feet of God.

The people of God at Namelok are a resilient people.

Village #1: Tungamalenga

2011-02-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

"A really progressive village," is how one well traveled friend has described Tungamalenga.

Of the twenty village congregations that comprise Tungamalenga Parish, Tungamalenga is considered the "main station." It has a large worship building with an unusual hexagonal design, a youth center with parish offices and space for meetings, the parsonage, and a clinic with both outpatient and inpatient wards. There are approximately 200 members in the congregation.

What's progressive about Tungamalenga? Situated on the road to Ruaha National Park, it gets more tourist traffic and commercial traffic than most Tanzanian villages. While homes do not have electricity or running water, a few businesses do. There are four camps or lodges in the area, providing lodging, restaurant and bar service, as well as day trips into the park for game drives.

The morning ritual for women and youth includes a trip to one of several communal water faucets. People line up their five gallon pails and empty cooking oil containers. One person washes the containers, another fills them with water. Women and strong children come and go, collecting the filled containers and carrying them on their heads back home for the daily washing and cooking.

Dr. Barnabas often reminds the children to have their mothers boil the water before drinking it.

One of the water stations is located between the two buildings of the clinic (just to the right of the building in the above photo). This is the 40 bed ward, an L shaped building with rooms for patients and also a delivery room. Patients may be cared for here up to 3 days before they must be released or transferred to a higher level facility.

This is one of the newly refurbished cabins at Tungamalenga Camp, where we usually stay. We love the location of the camp, within easy walking distance of the church, school and clinic.

In front of the main church building, the congregation has fashioned a heart enclosing the cross. This building has been under construction since 2003. First the foundation was dug, and a trench filled with large boulders collected by congregation members. Then walls of kiln dried red bricks went up--bricks made and laid by congregation members. Then the roof, with financial assistance from Shepherd of the Valley. A couple years ago, the cement floor was installed. Then last year, the raised altar area with its communion rail and new altar were completed. At our last visit, the exterior plastering was about 60% finished.

The village also has a thriving market and business district, a primary school with 600 children attending grades 1-7, a government clinic, and a sprawling area just outside town where residents cultivate plots of farm land.

Daily buses pass through town providing transportation to Iringa, several hours away.

Twenty Village Congregations

2011-02-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to find Tungamalenga on a map? I just checked Google Earth and while the big cities of Iringa and Ilula show up with just a couple clicks, you have to zoom in pretty far before you find some of the villages we've visited--Mapogoro, Idodi, and "Tungamarenga" (yes, that's how it's spelled on Google Earth). Once you get to the level where those three villages show up, there's no more detail to be found; you can keep zooming in and all you see is blank space.

So here's a handy map of Tungamalenga Parish, drawn a number of years ago by Dr Randy Hurley with the advice and assistance of then Pastor Alfred Kikoti. We've updated the map as several village congregations disbanded and other mission congregations were formed. Distances are approximate, and I can't verify which way is north on the map. Still, it's a pretty good approximation.

Shepherd of the Valley is a large congregation in comparison to its neighbors, and it draws people from several surrounding communities. It's located in Apple Valley, but its members may live in Eagan, Rosemount, Burnsville, Lakeville, Farmington, and places even farther away.

Similarly, Tungamalenga Parish is large in comparison to other parishes in the Iringa Diocese and includes members who live as far as 35 kilometers from the main church building. The difference is that in Tungamalenga, instead of people coming to one central worship center each week, they form many small village congregations and the pastor is the one who travels from village to village on Sundays.

Most Iringa Diocese parishes include three to seven village congregations, often called "preaching points." Tungamalenga Parish, on the other hand, is made up of twenty distinct village congregations with a total membership of over 1200 people.

Over the years, Shepherd of the Valley members have visited all but three of the villages. Each village congregation is unique and has its own personality, projects and challenges. Over the next few weeks, we're going to spotlight each congregation. Stay tuned!

Drumming in the light of God

2011-02-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today at worship we continued the celebration of the Epiphany season with its wonderful light imagery. You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven.

The gathering hymn today was "We are Marching in the Light of God" and was accompanied only by drums and percussion instruments. Three of the drums we used today were gifts from our companions in Tungamalenga Parish, Tanzania. Let me tell you a little about those drums.

Way back in August, 2002, when Shepherd of the Valley members first visited our partners, two of the drums in the photo above accompanied our group as we traveled around the parish, visiting many of the 20 village congregations that make up the parish. Our group of ten from Shepherd, plus the Tungamalenga Pastors and evangelists, would load up the bus each day for a tour of the parish. We'd bump along over dirt roads or paths used normally by walkers and bicyclists.

As we visited each congregation (sometimes called 'preaching points') the villagers would sing for us. At each stop, the only accompaniment to full throated singing were these two drums. Sometimes Absalum played them, sometimes Evelina and her brother played them. The only other instrument used during our time there (and only at one village) was a whistle like those used by gym teachers or basketball referrees.

Early on during our visit, I had asked the pastor where I could purchase drums, telling him that was the one thing I wanted to take home to my children. Should I buy them in the big city of Iringa, I asked, or wait until I was in Tungamalenga? Oh, of course I should wait until Tungamalenga, he said. Throughout our time in Tungamalenga, I didn't ever see a shop where I could purchase a drum, but I let it go, knowing we'd be going back through Iringa on the way home and figuring I could buy one then.

Imagine my surprise, when on our last day in Tungamalenga, during all the good byes and the public presentation of gifts of baskets and necklaces, when all the other gifts had been given, Pastor called me to the front of the church and presented me with the two drums that had been used in worship during our visit. What an extraordinary gift, and how humbling to receive them.

They are rough and humble, hewn from hollow logs, their heads made from the skin of some large lizard (Lyn MacLean could tell you the exact kind), trimmed with a little animal fur, the drum heads nailed in place using acacia tree needles that are about four inches long and very sharp. The photo below shows the inside of the drum head.

We use these drums in worship at Shepherd of the Valley a couple times every year. They never fail to remind me of our precious partnership, of the gift of singing and dancing and drumming, and of the amazing generosity of our partners. Asante sana.

2011-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the Sunday School class of six years olds who wrote letters to Humphrey, the six year old boy from Tungamalenga for whom their class prays each week?

Dr Randy Hurley carried those letters with him earlier this month when he traveled from Minnesota to Tanzania, and he delivered the letters last weekend when he visited Tungamalenga. Today, he brought home to SOTV the letters pictured above! Humphrey sent cards and letters back to his friends at SOTV.

Humphrey is six years old, speaks his tribal language (Hehe) and is learning to speak Swahili in primary school. He knows a few English words -- hello, good bye -- and still he has painstakingly printed four beautiful letters to his SOTV friends.

"Hi Dean. Asante sana [thank you very much] for your greetings. May God give you health. Love, Humphrey. 2011."

Like many six year olds, Humphrey lost a couple baby teeth since we were with him last August.

Thanks be to God for this amazing partnership which brings together children of God from Minnesota with children of God in Tanzania.

Updates from Ilula Hospital

2011-01-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Both Dr Randy Hurley and Amy Schulz have posted a few details from their first week at Ilula Hospital.

Here's Dr. Randy's reflective comments about childhood in Tanzania:

We have met a number of amazing young people here: ones that want to "grow up to be doctors and lawyers and such..." teachers, business people, those that can helpthis community progress and prosper. After working in the pediatric ward at Ilula, it strikes me that these children have such a gauntlet that they need to surpass in order to achieve these dreams.

First you have to hope that you've been given a mother that is sufficiently well nourished to carry you to term, allow for good cognitive development and without complications such as malaria...and that she has access to a hospitalthat can safely deal with any complications that could occur at delivery.

You need to hope you get a mother that does not have HIV and a family that can provide enough nutrition for appropriate brain development. You need a family that can afford to send you to school and hope that the school has competent motivated teachers that can help you excel.

You need to make sure someone puts you under a bed net when you are under five years old to prevent malaria and hope that you have access to clean water and sanitation.

If, and only if, all these things go right, you might have a chance to compete in this country, a chance to be part of the change that this country is hoping and waiting for.

Amy tells several stories, including one very moving account of providing physical therapy to a young boy and teaching his mother how to help him continue his stretches.

God's work, Amy and Randy's hands.

Safari Njema, Randy & Amy

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

Today, two SOTV members boarded a plane with other healthcare professionals headed toward the Iringa Diocese in Tanzania.

Dr. Randy Hurley, co chair of Shoulder to Shoulder, a nonprofit organization that supports healthcare in the Iringa Diocese, particularly at the Ilula Lutheran Hospital, leads the team of doctors, nurses, medical students, public health students, an occupational therapist, and a physical therapist. Dr. Randy has taken almost yearly trips to Tanzania since his first in 2002 with a team from Shepherd of the Valley.

Amy Schulz, a physical therapist, is taking her first trip with the medical team.

Randy, Amy, and the rest of the team will be working shoulder to shoulder with staff at the Ilula Lutheran Hospital for much of their time in Tanzania. They will be visiting Tungamalenga Parish the weekend of January 22/23.

Please keep Randy, Amy and the whole medical team in your prayers. Amy will be blogging about her travels at Safari Njema 2011 and some members of the medical team will be blogging at Ilula Medical Group.

To Humphrey, with love

2011-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

What happens when you pair up a Sunday School class of six year olds in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with a six year old boy named Humphrey in Tanzania?

Cool stuff, that's what.

As part of the Rafiki kwa Rafiki [Friend to Friend] program at Shepherd of the Valley, which was introduced in November when our Tanzanian guests visited, each class was given a Tanzanian friend for whom they pray. Kim English's class is praying for Humphrey Kahwage.

Kim's class prays for Humphrey every week, and many of the children remember him in their prayers every evening, too. They're also learning about Humphrey's life in Tanzania. They know that when we go to bed at night, Humphrey is about to wake up for the day. They know that while we have snow here in Minnesota, it is sunny and hot in Tungamalenga.

In December, Kim's class made Christmas cards for Humphrey, drawing wonderful pictures and adding stickers, sharing lots of good wishes. The card above says, "There is an airport here named Humphrey." Inside, reflecting Humphrey's request that they pray for him to "grow big," it says, "I hope you break the record on how tall you get."

"Happy New Year, Humphrey, hope you have a good life."

With love from a class at Shepherd of the Valley.

2011-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Last August as SOTV members visited our partners in Tungamalenga, we were often asked to sing for the congregation members gathered as we visited from village to village. We sang something written recently by Nate Houge, "The Work of God."

The work of God, the work of God,
the work of God, it is not done.
The work of God, the work of God,
Oh, let his kingdom come.

On our visits to Tungamalenga Parish, it is easy to see the work of God that is not done. There are many children who still need support in order to get an education, the clinic needs medicine and more training for staff, there are ten village chapels in various stages of construction, the leaders of the microfinance cooperative ask for mentoring and training in administration and bookkeeping.

These are the feet, these are the feet,
these are the feet of Jesus.
These are the feet, these are the feet,
Oh, let his kingdom come.

The grandmother in the photo above is from a remote village halfway up a hill, around the bend and down the road from the main church office in Tungamalenga. Mama Petro is from Mahove and has walked to the parish office a number of times to ask the pastor and the partnership committee to help her bring a source of water to the people in her village. They currently walk several kilometers to a neighboring village for water, then carry it back uphill in five gallon pails on their heads. They use their water sparingly--she says they wash their bodies about every ten days.

These are the hands, these are the hands,
these are the hands of Jesus.
These are the hands, these are the hands,
Oh, let his kingdom come.

After several years of hearing the request from Mama Petro, Tungamalenga has placed the Mahove water project at the top of their list of priorities for our partnership. They have presented a plan for piping water from a good source several miles away; they will ask SOTV to provide funds for the supplies, while Tungamalenga would supply the volunteer labor to dig the trenches and install the pipes. Together, we are in the process of evaluating the feasibility of the plan, establishing cost estimates, timelines and a committee for supervision and project management.

The work of God, the work of God,
the work of God, it is not done.
The work of God, the work of God,
Oh, let his kingdom come.

Exchanging Gifts

2010-12-22T09:22:00.001-08:00

'Tis the season....

As these final shopping days before Christmas come to their frenzied end, I'll offer a few final options for gift giving. Gifts to the SOTV - Tungamalenga Partnership can be given in honor of a friend or relative. Please contact Kirsten.Levorson@sotv.org if you would like one of our "honor cards" to send to your gift recipient.

Goats for the children of Huruma Center and for the evangelists of Tungamalenga Parish. We have a long and loving relationship with the children of Huruma Center, an orphanage owned and operated by the Iringa Diocese. In the past we have given milk cows and money for corn, we have collected shoes and purchased school supplies for the children, and we have provided scholarships for the children who reach the age of secondary school. Recently it has become difficult to sustain the cows because of the high cost of feed, so we are instead purchasing goats who will provide milk for the children's meals.

Goats are also great gifts for the twenty evangelists of Tungamalenga Parish, who lead worship and provide pastoral care within a village congregation. They are lay members with some additional training in evangelism, and they work essentially as volunteers. Evangelist Yokebeth Ngwale told us this past summer that the goat she received in 2006 has provided precious income over the years, enough even to send her son through four years of secondary school.

We purchase milking goats in the Iringa area and transport them to Tungamalenga at a cost of approximately $100 per goat.

Scholarships for secondary and university students are changing lives and communities throughout the parish. $360 per year provides tuition, room and board for one secondary student; university tuition ranges from $1000 to $3500. Donations in any amount are welcome at any time of the year.

Medical Fund gifts are used to provide a reliable stock of medicines and equipment at the Tungamalenga Dispensary. For the past several years, SOTV has provided about $3000 per year to purchase medicines for this clinic which provides primary care to about 10,000 people in the surrounding area.

Your prayers and letters are gratefully received by our partners, who treasure them. When I visit homes in Tungamalenga, I will often see your cards, photos and letters displayed on the living room walls.

SOTV members Amy Schulz and Dr. Randy Hurley will be traveling to Tanzania in early January and are willing to carry letters to Tungamalenga. Please leave letters (no packages, please) at the Welcome Center at church before January 1st.

Look at that smile!

2010-12-15T10:43:00.001-08:00

Amos Kilipamwambu

Amos is a student at Idodi Secondary School, near Tungamalenga. Hi father, Absalum, is one of the evangelists in the parish.

Want to see more photos of the students we sponsor? Check them all out here.

Thanks to Bo Skillman, one of the Companion Congregation Coordinators who staff the Bega Kwa Bega office in Iringa throughout the year, for taking the photos, and thanks to Kate Penz of the Saint Paul Area Synod staff for posting them online.

You will not find photos for all 140 of SOTV's sponsored students. These are just the secondary students from Tungamalenga who happened to be at the school on the day the photographer visited. If you do not see your student here, they may be university students, they may attend a school that was not visited, or they may have been absent that day.

Christmas shopping?

2010-12-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Still searching for the perfect Christmas gifts?

Come to worship this weekend at Shepherd of the Valley! Tanzanian handcrafts will be on sale in the narthex, along with other fair trade items from around the world.

Ebony cross necklaces are wonderful gifts--we've seen them worn by men, women, young and old.

Handmade baskets woven by women of the Iringa region come in many colors, shapes and sizes. Fill a gift basket with fair trade coffee & cocoa from Equal Exchange, or give the small baskets as desk accessories, to hold paper clips, rubber bands, pens and pencils.

Tote bags in beautiful batik fabrics are durable and distinctive. The teens who gather each Wednesday evening bought ten of them in one night after last summer's trip.

The little hanging baskets in the photo make wonderful Christmas ornaments. Hang them on the tree, fill them with candy as a Christmas morning surpise. One of our members filled them with prayers and gave one to each of her neighbors.

If someone on your list already has everything, or is trying to downsize and declutter, we've still got the perfect gift idea: a contribution to the Tanzanian Scholarship Program in their honor. Contributions support secondary and university students from our partner congregation, and sponsors are partnered with a specific student and usually receive at least one letter per year.

Tunafanya kazi pamoja

2010-11-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a great little blog entry at Lutheran World Relief about their work with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania educating about malaria.

Tunafanya kazi pamoja = we are working together.

Yes.

Thanksgiving # 2

2010-11-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here's another letter of thanks, this time from one of our students who completed both secondary and university studies as an SOTV scholarship recipient.

I am grateful to hear from you. I am walking from my living room to my work place. While on my way, I have been visiting my electronic mail and reviewed your encouraging emails you sent to me when I was studying at secondary school and college.

Your and other americans' messages reveal the great love of God through his people. It reminds me of the word of God that tells the world that "when you are in difficulties and in need, if you bow unto him who knows you inside and out, he will open the door of your difficulties and needs" and I believe, God does this through his people as he did and does to me.

This makes me think of him and you and teaches me to love every and each person I meet. May the almighty father who is in heaven bless you abundantly for what you do for the people of my kind and throughout the Iringa Diocese. Amen.

I know you're doing a help to the needy people so that it reaches a time those people will stand and satisfy their own needs by themselves. It is a good idea though very challenging. I pray your idea is known, understood, and internalized by both parties.

It is my ambition that when there comes a time when I can stand on my own, I will at least get a chance to help other people in need and thereafter they will get to stand by themselves.

My first dream is to found and organization that will deal with microfinance credit to the people in need, capable of fostering the resources affordable to them for their own development that would bring the possibilities of community development.

It is a dream and I pray that God makes it possible for his glory.

~~MK

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a letter we received from one of the 140 students sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley, who receive financial support for tuition, room and board at secondary schools and university in Tanzania.

My dear friends,

I greet you in the name of God. My health, it is well. And my studies, I am still proceeding on the studies. I thank for you through God for proceeding paying for the cost of school for me.

In my family, the total number of children is ten. I am the last child. At this time I have 20 years.

I started the secondary school education in February 2004 at Idodi Secondary School after being selected from the students who passed the primary examination which I did in 2003. I passed the form two national examination and then the form four national examination.

From those results I was selected to join form five at Njombe Secondary School for the combination of PCM -- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. I transferred to Mwembetoga Secondary School in order to study the combination of History, Geography and Economics. At the end of March I will start form six and at the end of February I will sit for the national examination for completing form six. Then I will wait for results to see if I am eligible to join university, if God wishes.

I want to go to university, but don't worry, I will pass the exam.

My ambition is to complete the university level and to be the economist.

I all my days, I pray for you my parents to live for many years. Welcome to our country to see what is going on here.

Asante sana, thank you very much, for the opportunity you have given me.

May God bless you, my parents.

MT

Scholarship Fund: A Dollar a Day

2010-11-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Every fall, we ask for support for the Tanzanian Scholarship Fund. When we entered into this partnership ten years ago, SOTV provided six scholarships. Now we provide 140 secondary and university students with scholarships.

So far this fall, we have received funds to provide 60 secondary scholarships at $360 per year.

Friends, we have a ways to go.

By December 1st, we need to tell our partners in Tanzania how many scholarships we can provide in 2011. They understand that the US and global economies are struggling, and they are hoping that we can commit to simply sustaining the level of support that we have provided in the past two years--100 secondary scholarships for students from Tungamalenga Parish, an additional 25 scholarships for orphans living at Huruma Center in Iringa, plus 12 to 15 scholarships for university students.

Our partners tell us that fewer than 15% of all Tanzanians are able to attend secondary school. Fewer than 10% of those are able to attend college.

We need to hear from you within the next week. If you have already made a donation or a commitment to fund a scholarship in 2011, thank you very much. If you haven't yet responded, please do so soon. Even if you won't send a check until later in December or even after the first of the year, we need to know your intentions before the end of the month.

If you have already made a donation or made a pledge, please take the next step and invite someone new to donate. Tell your friends, your family, give a scholarship in honor of someone you love. Expand the circle of support.

SOTV members, you can also use Simply Giving to spread your gift over the course of the year. Simply Giving is the mechanism for automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account. You can designate $30 a month for the scholarship program--that's less than a dollar a day.

Now's the time. We need to hear from you. Every gift counts, and every student we support has promised to use the gift of education that you provide to make a difference in their community.

Hands on learning

2010-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

children's daily chores: carry water

dressing up in Tanzanian clothing

pounding corn into flour

clothing from the Hehe tribe, jewelry from Maasai

tasting ugali

hearing about children's health issues and sleeping under a mosquito net

About 700 SOTV children in grades 1-5 had the opportunity to experience Tanzanian daily life and culture during our guests' visit. Pastor Diane and Mama Anjelina taught them Tanzanian songs and dances, as well as the custom of greeting elders with the word "shikamoo" and receiving the blessing, "mara haba."

Dr Saga and Dr Randy Hurley helped the children understand the importance of drinking only boiled water to prevent diarrhea and other water borne illnesses, and the importance of sleeping beneath netting treated with insecticide to prevent malaria.

Dora Saga helped children try on kitangas and other traditional Tanzanian clothing and jewelry. In other rooms, volunteers showed children the variety of fruits and vegetables in a typical Tanzanian meal, and offered a taste of ugali, the staple food made from corn flour. Kids tried their hand at typical Tanzanian children's chores--gathering firewood, fetching water and carrying it home on their heads, sweeping.

Finally, each classroom of students was introduced to their own Tanzanian prayer partner -- a child for whom they can pray.

Feel at home

2010-10-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

"Feel at home" is one of the phrases my Tanzanian friends use often when groups from Shepherd of the Valley visit them. Hospitality is truly one of the riches of Tanzanian culture. So now that they are here spending time in my home, I find myself saying it and wondering how I can help them feel more at home.

There are small 'tells' as when Mama wants to help clear the dishes after dinner. My first impulse is to take the dishes from her and treat her like the honored guest she is, and then I realize it is good to do this simple thing together. [There's that bega kwa bega -- shoulder to shoulder --thing again.]

I realized tonight that Mchungaji Naftal must be feeling a little more at home because we are both forgetting the camera and the impulse to take a picture of him with each person who greets him.

Naftal and Anjelina have been with us now a week, and it hardly seems to have been more than a few days.

When I travel to their country, especially with people seeing Tanzania for the first time, I have noticed that our groups spend the first part of the journey noticing all the differences in our cultures, our habits, our values, our environment. Americans in Tanzania notice the houses, the manner of dress, the food, the market, the beds, the plumbing, and they compare all these things with their experiences and expectations at home. But after warming up a bit, they start to notice our common ground, our experiences in church and school and in our families and communities. We begin to realize that what separates us is not as important as the many things that draw us together.

Early in their visit, Naftal and Anjelina would describe their impressions of American life: your houses are so sturdy, your cars are good, the roads are not crowded, and no one is walking except for exercise.

Now I'm hearing a shift in the comments of our guests. We're talking about family life, about where we grew up and went to school, about how many siblings we have. We have conversations about how we met our spouses, and despite many cultural differences and traditions that vary, we see things that cross cultures.

This afternoon we did some laundry. Anjelina and I sorted the pile, I showed her how I arrange the clothing in the washing machine, add the detergent, set the controls and start the machine. As I started to step away, she stayed back, watching the machine. "We'll come back when it's finished," I told her, and as she realized that was all there was to it, she began to laugh. Upstairs, she told the whole episode to Naftal in Swahili. He repeated her words in English as a question to me, "Is it? You sort, you put, you add, and that is it? She thought she would have to stay there for some time, but, is it?" Yep, it really is that easy. They laughed some more. It made me think that the next time I am in Tanzania, instead of paying the lodge staff to do my laundry, I would like to ask Mama to take me to the river to do it together.

The other day, my guests made a comment that I have made many times in Tungamalenga. "There is so much food and we are eating all the time." Offering the hospitality of food, our holiday meals, abundant blessings, is one of our common cultural traditions, I guess. What would I rather be, the honored guest, or the one who feels at home?

School

2010-10-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Tungamalenga Primary School

Today we visited Rosemount Elementary School. Thanks very much to SOTV member Jeanne Fifield, the school nurse, who gave us a tour and arranged our schedule. We visited a kindergarten class where students were learning the alphabet and letter sounds by singing, and we visited a fourth grade class where students were doing math problems using the Smart Board technology.

The disparities between Tanzanian and American educational systems were very apparent. A Tanzanian classroom might have one text book for every three to four students to share, Pastor Naftal reports. One classroom might hold 50 to 80 students, some even 100. Teachers in the Tanzanian system may have only a secondary level education, or they may have only one or two years of college.

Pastor Naftal reflected on his own daughter, Eliza, who is in standard five. Imagine having her sit next to a student from America at the same level.

A teacher in America tries to be a friend to the student, observed Pastor Naftal, whereas Tanzanian teachers tend to take a more authoritarian role.

Partnership

2010-10-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we held a partnership meeting.

We began by sharing a meal, a simple meal of soup and sandwiches. We thanked God for the food, for the hands that had grown it and the hands that had prepared it, and for all who gathered to be strengthened by it.

We introduced ourselves. Around the table, we had people who have been involved in this partnership since its inception in June 2001, people who traveled and became involved more recently, people who have never been to Tanzania but who have been faithful supporters and volunteers here in Minnesota.

We dealt with the logistics and the minutiae of the next few weeks---events, dates, deadlines, volunteers for children's ministry events, volunteers to sell handcrafts, volunteers to set up for the congregational dinner coming up next Saturday.

And then we asked our guests to adress the committee with any comments they wished to make.

Dr. Saga offered his thanks for this partnership between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese. He noted that when our two churches connected in 1987, there were 40 congregations in the Iringa Diocese; now there are 72 and 68 of them are partnered with congregations from Minnesota.

Mama Anjelina thanked us for "all you are doing for us; you visit Tungamalenga and our preaching points; you walk several miles, you have eaten our food, you have slept in our beds; I think you know us very well. We give thanks that you have brought us here. We have learned something, we see how you consider us. I cannot say more or I will burst into tears."

Dora Saga said, "Thanks for Ilula Hospital too." She recounted its development from a dispensary (clinic) to a health center (equivalent to an urgent care faciltiy) to finally, a hospital. "The operating theater which you helped build makes Ilula the best hospital in the region. You have blessed us," she said as she broke into song.

Pastor Naftal began his remarks by saying thanks. "Please excuse us for anything that has been planned one way and that has ended another way. As we have traveled, we have been thinking, what kind of people are these, why are they doing so many things for us ? You have provided many things for us, as if you were giving to your own sons and daughters, brothers, fathers. Thanks for everyhing you are doing for us."

During our partnership meeting, we talked about goats, we talked about scholarships and transportation and chapels and medical equipment and bikes and rice and corn and loans and many other things.

But the most important things we discussed were these: being united through Jesus in the body of Christ, keeping our communication clear and direct, and remembering the grace of God which brings us together, redeems and sanctifies us in all that we do. Together, in partnership.

Sunday morning

2010-10-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Pastor Naftal greeting congregation members

Sunday mornings at Shepherd of the Valley can be stimulating and almost exhausting even for those of us who go there every week. Three services in the sanctuary plus two in the Table, a narthex full of people, children dashing toward the donut table, the parking lot overflows....

Today our guests participated in worship, were the speakers at Adult Forum, Pastor Naftal brought a word of greetings and thanks to the congregation at every service and presented both Bishop Rogness and the SOTV pastors with gifts that visually depict our two congregations connected through the cross of Christ, Dr Saga presented our congregation with a gift of ebony candlesticks and with the observation that we will be reminded that the light of Christ is shining around the globe. And in between services our guests were greeted by many people with words of welcome.

At the end of the morning, we shared a meal and delightful conversation with Bishop Rogness before he left to conduct an ordination service. We then visited a recent traveler who ended up in the hospital over the weekend; Pastor Naftal offered prayers for healing.

And now, we are resting before meeting guests this evening for dinner -- and we may even watch the Minnesota Vikings play the Green Bay Packers tonight. The days are packed with new experiences!

Blessings, bishops, babies

2010-10-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Breaking bread together: Pastor Chris, Anjelina, Ameya, Linda, Pastor Naftal, Asher, Dennis & Amy

Anjelina & Asher

Pastor Chris, Pastor Naftal, Bishop Peter Rogness

Today we attended the Global Health Ministries annual conference. Bega Kwa Bega coordinator Rev. Don Fultz was the keynote speaker, talking about how companion synod relationships like the one between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese can engage congregations and individuals in mission and ministry like the health care ministry GHM supports in 40 countries. When we build relationships across cultures, the Spirit moves us in mighty ways.

This evening we worshipped at Shepherd of the Valley, where Saint Paul Area Synod Bishop Peter Rogness was the guest preacher. He challenged the congregation to "bear good fruit" and lifted up our partnership with Tungamalenga Parish as one of those ways that we are indeed bearing the fruits of faith, even across the globe.

After worship, Pastor Naftal and Anjelina had the opportunity to greet and meet many congregation members. We are particularly grateful when scholarship sponsors introduce themselves and send greetings to their students. We took many photos (and if you asked me to send you a copy of the photo, please remind me via email at kirsten.levorson@sotv.org, thanks!).

Finally we shared the evening meal with Pastor Chris & Amy Steubing and their delightful children Ameya & Asher, and friends Linda & Dennis. Having young children present is one of the easiest ways to break down barriers of language and culture! Everyone who wanted took a turn bouncing the baby. What wonderful conversations we shared! Everything from Maasai culture to Native American reservations, to the ELCA's sexuality statement to the desire for Bibles in English to be given to secondary school students. We are sharing perspectives, listening carefully, and learning lots.

What a blessing it is to open our homes and our hearts to these guests.

A beautiful view

2010-10-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our guests: Dora, Naftal, Mufwimi, Anjelina

One of the true blessings of this partnership is the transformation that happens when we travel to experience another culture. We see the world through a new set of eyes, we gain a new perspective, and we come home to view our own lives and homes and communities through the perspective of another.

When we bring guests from Tanzania to Minnesota, we receive that blessing again, being able to see our own lives and surroundings through the eyes of our friends.

Doctor Mufwimi and Dora Saga, Pastor Naftal and Anjelina Ng'amillo arrived yesterday. Though tired from 24 hours of travel from Dar es Salaam through Amsterdam to Minneapolis, they eagerly greeted each person who came to welcome them. Several times they reflected on the long journey and commented that they had a new appreciation for the journey we undertake when we visit them. "What is it that brings you to make this journey again and again," they asked in wonder. We agreed that it is the partnership we share through the Gospel of Christ that calls so many to make this journey in one direction or another.

After a restful night's sleep, we went exploring today. There was a brief stop at a grocery store, then a tour of the church building and a chance to meet some staff members, a walk at beautiful Jensen Lake, some time for rest, a tour of the Global Health Ministries warehouse in Fridley, dinner with friends. They had many questions about how we build our homes, so perhaps next week we will make a visit to Home Depot.

At one point I asked, what is the most surprising thing so far? your houses, was the immediate answer. Then, the good condition of your roads and cars, and there are no people walking except the ones who walk for excercise.

We were grateful that a beautiful October day greeted our guests with sunshine, and we are grateful for the beautiful view they bring to our lives.

Tanzanian Dinner

2010-10-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 30th, you can join our guests for a Tanzanian dinner at Shepherd of the Valley. At 6 PM we'll serve a traditional meal with rice, sauteed greens, stew, chicken, fruit. Families and children are welcome!

Please register online. There will be a freewill offering at the door, suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Karibuni sana

2010-10-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

Pastor Naftal & Anjelina Ng'amillo

In just a couple short weeks, we will be hosting guests from Tanzania. Pastor Naftal and Anjelina Ng'amillo from Tungamalenga Parish, along with Dr Mufwimi and Dora Saga from the Ilula Lutheran Hospital, will arrive in Minnesota October 21 for a stay of just over two weeks.

What better way to welcome them than to learn a few words in their language?

Karibu sana or, if you are addressing more than one person, Karibuni sana, means "we warmly welcome you." It's pronounced like this: KAH ree boo SAH nah or KAH ree boo nee SAH nah.

Jambo means "hello." Another greeting is Habari, which is more like "how are you," to which a Tanzanian might respond Nzuri [good], Salama [peace], or Njema [fine, well, good] and then they might add, Habari yako [and how are you?].

When Tanzanians are in a gathering, like at church or at a meeting, and they rise to speak to the assembly, they almost always start by saying, Bwana Yesu Asifiwe! and the assembly responds with an enthusiastic, Amen! It means "Praise the Lord Jesus!" and if the assembly is not enthusiastic enough in its response, the speaker will repeat the phrase, louder and with more intensity until the assembly responds in kind.

Please greet our guests when you see them at church. Watch for them on Sunday mornings & Wednesday evenings. You'll have a chance to meet them and hear from them directly during the Adult Forum hour at 9:45 AM Sunday, October 24, and at a congregational dinner 6 PM Saturday, October 30.

Karibuni sana, you are warmly welcomed.

Companion News

2010-10-08T05:34:00.001-07:00

Shepherd of the Valley's partnership with Tungamalenga Parish is just one of 70 such partnerships between congregations of the Saint Paul Area Synod and parishes of the Iringa Diocese. The Companion News is a quarterly publication providing news and updates on all the Bega Kwa Bega partnerships.

The latest issue contains an article with photos showing the Idodi Secondary School one year after it experienced devastating losses from a dormitory fire. The photos were taken by SOTV travelers who visited the school in October 2009, just two months after the fire, and again in August 2010.

The Companion News often has updates on other diocese wide projects, such as healthcare provided through the Ilula Hospital and seven rural dispensaries, work done by the Agriculture Institute, St Paul Partners working for clean water development, and updates from Tumaini University. Check it out!

Prayer partners

2010-10-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Rachel
Joseph

Elliot & Julie

Ombeni

Alice

One of the really fun goals we had for this past summer's trip was to connect Shepherd of the Valley members and Tungamalenga Parish members more closely through prayer. During July, we spent Sunday mornings in the narthex taking photos of SOTV members, and then created prayer cards that said, "Jambo, Elliott and Julie are praying for you and for the partnership between Shepherd of the Valley and Tungamalenga Parish -- Mungu Akubariki!" (Jambo means 'hello' and Mungu Akubariki means 'May the Lord bless you.')

We laminated and gave away the prayer cards at each village congregation that we visited, and we took photos of the recipients. Now that we're home, we created another set of prayer cards with the Tanzanian photos, for the SOTV members.

This gift of prayer was accepted with great enthusiasm by our partners, who are eager to know us by name and by face. The faces of this partnership are many and diverse--old, young, male, female, Hehe, Maasai, bold, shy, tired, energetic, and all blessed.

And now, a doctor

2010-09-28T08:16:00.001-07:00

SOTV traveler Mari Feld with Joachim Mgimba, 2006

We just received exciting news this week from Joachim Mgimba--he has completed his post secondary training and is working as a clinical officer at the district designated hospital in Tosamaganga, just down the road a ways from Tungamalenga. Congratulations, Joachim!

Joachim attended secondary school because of a scholarship provided through our partnership. He was orphaned as a youth and was raised by elderly grandparents in Idodi village. When we met him in 2006, he was a star pupil in form six, chosen to deliver a speech of thanks to our group on behalf of all the students we sponsor.

He attended Kibah Medical School for three years to receive his certificate as a clinical officer.

Reaching out - "What a privilege!"

2010-09-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sponsor and student sharing their stories

About two hundred individuals and families contribute to the Tanzanian Scholarship Program at Shepherd of the Valley, providing secondary and university scholarships to 140 students from our partner congregation in Tungamalenga, Tanzania. Why do they do it?

"We started sponsoring students in 2004 in lieu of buying Christmas gifts for our friends," said one sponsor. "Fortunately, we were able to sponsor the same student each year through college graduation. Our student corresponded faithfully with us over the years and so we really got to know him. Last year I went to Tanzania to attend our student's graduation. I was able to meet our student in person and be a part of this important event in his life. What a privilege! We still correspond and pray for our African son. Now we are sponsoring two more students and hope to become involved in their lives."

Scholarships fund tuition, room and board for students. At secondary school, the cost is $360 per year; college and university scholarships range from $2000 to $3500. Contributions of any amount are welcome.

Sponsors include about a dozen individuals or families from outside the SOTV membership. "I have sponsored a student for three years now; it has been such a rewarding experience for me. I have been so blessed here in my life in Minnesota where a good education is readily available. It feels great to know that I am helping someone far away to also receive the benefits of a good education. I love being able to give to an organization where I can actually talk to those who have been to Tanzania and know where my donation is going and how it is being used."

Many sponsors treasure the connections they make with individual students through letters. "Currently we're sponsoring our third student. It's a wonderful opportunity to help improve the quality of life in a disadvantaged part of the world. The scholarships not only benefit the students, but their families and communities as well. We are particularly pleased that the program enables more girls to go to school. Their education will have a very positive effect on the health and well being of their children in years to come.

"We don't often hear from students; sometimes a year or more goes by before a letter arrives. But we recognize that there are barriers to communication--language, expensive postage, and the scarcity of writing materials.

"When we do receive a letter, we appreciate the effort that has gone into it. The letters are treasures, for they give us a glimpse of young people living half way around the world. From a single page written in very simple English, we learn a little about their families, school subjects, hopes and concerns. We are happy to encourage their progress in school and share with them something of our lives, too. We believe this exchange, no matter how brief or infrequent, has a larger meaning, for it helps to build bridges across cultures."

Scholarships make a world of difference

2010-09-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Devotha Mhalwike, proud secondary school graduate

Just a few years ago, Devotha Mhalwike was a village girl whose one living parent was unable to pay the fees for her secondary school education. Without an education, her future held little hope--subsistence farming, a daily struggle to provide water, food and the necessities of life.

But Devotha had been a bright student in primary school, and she earned a scholarship for her secondary studies through the partnership SOTV shares with Tungamalenga Parish. She completed four years of secondary school, studied community development at Rungemba College, and now she is working as a data clerk at the government health center in Idodi. She is optimistic about her future, and she wants to thank Shepherd of the Valley members who support the Tanzanian Scholarship Program.

Devotha and dozens like her have had their lives changed by your generous scholarship support.

SOTV provides 125 secondary scholarships -- many to students who have been orphaned by AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis. In addition, SOTV supports six theology students attending Tumaini University as well as six other college students preparing for careers in medicine, nursing, community development and technology. Secondary scholarships provide tuition, room and board at a cost of $360 per year; university scholarships vary in cost from $2000 to $3500.

Donations to the scholarship fund can be made at any time, in any amount. Please make checks payable to SOTV with "TZ scholarship" in the memo, or contribute online.

Asante sana!

Benjamin's funeral

2010-08-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Rev. Dr. Benjamin Ngede

leaving Kihesa Lutheran Church

Bishop Mdegella

Our friends in Iringa, Tanzania are reporting that Benjamin Ngede's funeral was the largest in anyone's memory, with estimates of a crowd as large as 3,000 attending the gravesite services. Here is an account written by Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud from Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley.

Literally thousands of people came to mourn and remember Rev. Dr. Benjamin Ngede, gathering from far and wide across Tanzania.

We were picked up at noon and brought to Kihesa Church gathering hall for a bite for lunch, as all of the pastors gathered together putting on their robes and stoles for the procession to the church, along with the faculty of Tumaini University all decked out in their academic robes. Our instructions from Rev. Msigwa were to go to the church ahead of time to be seated, which turned out to be in the middle of all the pastors, to the left of the family, who either sat up front or on the floor up front.

Aftyer the procession of the academic faculty, the pastors, and Bishop Mdegella and the lead pastors and dignitaries, the coffin was carried in led by a cross with Pastor Ngede's birthdate and deathdate, as well as a framed picture of him. The singing began in earnest as people continued to file in. There was not enough room in the church for all of the people. The whole neighborhood was filled with people gathered for the funeral.

After a few prayers and more songs, the Bishop began to give instructions on how the procession in front of the casket should be done. This took a while, as there were many people to organize. As the procession began we also began to sing hymns and clap our hands, as one by one people filed by the casket to make their last goodbyes. This took about one hour. Then the pastors lined up outside the church as the casket was carried to a vehicle sent by Tumaini University.

Everyone proceeded down the hill and around the corner to the right where thousands of people were waiting. People were hanging in the trees, sitting on huge boulders that dotted the area, and ringing the area where the grave was, surrounded by a fence of string and rope to make space for all of the family, guests, faculty and pastors.

After a few prayers, lessons, and songs, the eulogies began. The first was Bishop Mdegella, who spoke of Rev. Ngede's many accomplishments, his impact on the lives of so many people, and his leadership in the Iringa Diocese and the Bega Kwa Bega partnership.

Members of the family, faculty, pastors, visiting dignitaries and I were called forward to cast three handfulls of dirt on the casket: "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; amen."

Soon silver circles of flowers and silver crosses were placed on top of the grave. Rev. Msigwa and I were called forward to place one of these wreaths on the grave together, signifying our Bega Kwa Bega partnership.

The speeches then continued...I was next...It was a humbling and moving experience standing in front of these people to give words of consolation and sympathy, and to reaffirm our commitment to the partnership that has been created out of the hard work and visionary leadership of Rev. Ngede and others. The light that so brightly shown in his life and ministry was not his own, but a gift of God, the light of Christ, that we share and that has now passed on to each one of us to carry forward and continue the great work of God's kingdom that is Bega Kwa Bega.

There were more prayers and singing, and after five hours we stood to pray the Lord's prayer together and to receive the final benediction.

There will be a memorial service to honor Benjamin in Minnesota on Monday, September 13 at 7 p.m. at Forest Lake Lutheran Church, Forest Lake.

On the way home

2010-08-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

I'm now in Amsterdam, feeling the weird re-entry culture shock that always hits. About 24 hours ago we woke in Iringa. Pastor Julie received a call at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning from the family of Benjamin Ngede; his body was on its way to Iringa and would arrive at his home in about one hour. We were invited to come pay our condolence call before our departure for Dar and eventually Minneapolis.

We arrived just after the truck carrying the coffin, and followed a line of vehicles filled with people to the house. We could hear the amplified music several homes away, and the house was filled with family and friends.

Thank God for our friend Tuti, who embraced us and led us through the unfamiliar cultural norms. We greeted family members as they watched as the coffin was unloaded. She led us into the house, past the men standing in the courtyard, past the living room full of women mourning, down the small hall to the bedroom where close family and friends were supporting Benjamin's wife Anna and daughter Elizabeth as they waited for the coffin to be carried inside. Sons Dennis and Rueben stayed outside to oversee the unloading.

Tanzanian funerals and burial practices are very hands on. Family members and friends typically prepare the coffin and the body and even dig the grave. Most funerals happen the day after the death, or at the most, two days later. Because Benjamin's body had to be driven back to Iringa from Moshi, and there were family members who would travel quite a distance, the funeral was postponed until Sunday at 1 p.m.

But many people turned out to welcome the body home. Bishop Mdegella was there to lead prayers. The home had been decorated with purple and white drapings on the wall, similar to celebration decorations at the ordinations we've attended.

Tuti led us to the end of the hallway where we could hear the prayers and join in the singing. There's something about the hands-on nature of a Tanzanian funeral that is both unfamiliar to us and deeply touching and rich. Things which might feel awkward in our culture are just accepted and worked through in theirs. In the tight space, it was almost impossible to get the coffin from the narrow hall into the bedroom without tipping it. Bishop led prayers and singing in a tightly packed room while a videographer recorded the moment. Then it was announced that friends should leave the room while close family members would open the casket and view the body. For some reason, Tuti pushed us forward into the room and the bishop invited Pastor Julie and I to come forward. As the casket was opened, one of Benjamin's relatives drew down the cloth covering his face, and tenderly reached in to adjust the position of his head. Tanzanians don't sanitize death the way our culture does, and they don't keep it at arm's length.

We offered the family words of condolence, "pole sana" and "mungu awabariki" as words of blessing. The intensity of the grieving is deeply moving.

We left shortly after, embracing friends one last time. Friends from Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Apple Valley, are still in Iringa and will represent the Saint Paul Area Synod at Benjamin's funeral today. There are many of us who wish we could be present to comfort our partners in their grief, but we know that they know we are present in spirit and in prayer.

All is well

2010-08-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hearts are grieving all over the Iringa Diocese and the St. Paul Area Synod with the news that our dear friend Benjamin Ngede died suddenly yesterday afternoon.

Benjamin was a pastor in this diocese, professor of theology at Tumaini University, a father, son, husband and friend to many. For those of in the Saint Paul Area Synod, he was one of the foundational members of this Bega Kwa Bega partnership. He had been the first Tanzanian pastor to come to Minnesota in the 1980s as part of a pastor exchange program. He befriended Rev. Don and Eunice Fultz, then from Faith Lutheran in Forest Lake, who later became coordinators of this partnership. In the early years, congregational visitors from St Paul frequently were accompanied by Benjamin as interpreter on their village visits, and many of us were honored to share a meal in his home--evenings which were memorable for the warmth of hospitality, good food, wonderful storytelling, heartfelt singing, and for the blessing of friendship in Christ that crosses cultural and geographical boundaries.

For Shepherd of the Valley, Benjamin was the translator for our first trip to Tungamalenga, and those us us on that journey remember his grace and good humor. He was a man who knew forgiveness, and extended the same to all of us.

On that visit to Tungamalenga, Benjamin received the news in 2002 that his daughter Lucy had died. I don't think any of us will ever forget the unshakable faith Benjamin showed on that day, as he affirmed over and over, 'it is well, it is well, and all shall be well again.' He had that confidence in the gospel and in the promise of the resurrection, both for his daughter and for himself.

It has been a difficult time here, as life and death interrupt plans and daily business. We heard the news a couple nights ago that Benjamin had been taken to the hospital, unresponsive. He never regained consciousness. Yesterday morning his family made arrangements so that he could be airlifted to a better hospital in Moshi, KCMC. Shortly after his arrival there, he was dead. His son Dennis called the BKB office at about 5:30 p.m. with the news.

As happens here, news spreads quickly. Within an hour, we had phoned Don & Eunice in Minnesota with the news, and then General Secretary Chavalla came. We filled a car with Tanzanians and Minnesotans and drove to the house, where women were already preparing the house and family and friends began to gather. We were welcomed to help with preparations, which involved clearing furniture out of two rooms, one for mourners to gather in, and another where the body will stay when it is flown back later today until the funeral.

Rev. Msigwa and Rev. Julie Rogness led prayers and singing, and after greeting family, we left. The funeral will probably be tomorrow (Saturday) if the body comes back today. Julie and I will be on a bus toward Dar, but the Saint Paul Area Synod will be represented by Pastor Kent Gubrud and ambassadors from Christus Victor in Apple Valley.

We know that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God, and that is the thing I will remember most about Benjamin. His faith and strength of conviction at one of the darkest moments of life--and that his response was, all is well, all is well, and all things will be well again.

Please keep his family in your prayers---Anna, Dennis, Elizabeth, Rueben, Beatrice, Shalom, Derek, Don, Eunice, Gary, Lamont, and many, many more.

Carrots and Potatoes

2010-08-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

I've visited Huruma Centre three times this week. Huruma is the orphanage operated by the Iringa Diocese and it is run by a small dedicated staff led by Mama Chilewa. She's amazing.

There are partners from Germany who provide most of the buildings, friends from the Saint Paul Area Synod who provide gifts of school uniforms, and many of the visiting congregations (like ours) stop out to play with the children and offer gifts. Many of us bring t-shirts, toys, crayons, soccer balls.

Shepherd of the Valley members provide scholarship support to twelve students who have reached the age of secondary school. Most of these attend local government day schools and sleep at the orphanage. However, in recent years the government has more strictly enforced the age limits for those housed at the center, and some of our older students have had to find places to live outside the center.

I was back at Huruma Tuesday to take photos of the secondary students. Mama Chilewa gathered them in her office for introductions and a short lecture on appreciating this gift of education and showing their appreciation by studying hard.

Pastor Julie Rogness was with me on this visit--she's staffing the Bega Kwa Bega office for now, and is pastor at Christ Lutheran in Lake Elmo. She also brought a friend of hers from Lulanzi, her own congregation's partner. Sedro (not sure of spelling) is the treasurer of that congregation, had heard about Huruma but had never visited.

One of the fun conversational bits was when I asked these students, 'what are the most helpful gifts that visitors can bring?' and 'what things don't you need us to bring anymore?' They were very shy at first about answering, but then started to make a list: bring dictionaries, science books, math books, school bags, uniforms, exercise books, and black leather school shoes. At this point Mama broke in to say, 'don't say it just to impress her' and they all laughed. For the younger children they suggested jump ropes, and always soccer balls, pumps and needles.

Mama rounded out the list by saying food was always welcome (we bought a large bag of maize this time) and by observing that the kids get lots of t-shirts but that shorts, pants, and skirts are also welcome.

After a little prompting (they wouldn't want to be rude, of course), they did admit that the centre has plenty of frisbees, bubbles, and crayons and they don't really need any more for awhile.

Throughout this whole discussion, Julie's friend Sedro was listening intently. Then he said that he was going back to his home in Lulanzi and would bring potatoes and carrots for the children. Mama was so happy, the children cheered, and it was one of those great moments when you realize that even people who need a partner to build a church building still have some resources of their own and they are willing to share them.

So today we went to the centre again, with large bags of carrots and potatoes filling the back of the Land Rover. What a thrill. What an example of God's love. Asante sana, people of Lulanzi.

Greetings

2010-08-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Habari, Kamwene, How are you? One of the small but telling details about Tanzanian culture is the attention and care that is given to greeting people. Sometimes I am walking about with my Tanzanian friends and I watch them greet so many people they pass and find out only later that they barely know the person. But each person they pass or meet is greeted with the same respect and warmth.

It's an interesting contrast to our american culture that teaches its children not to speak to strangers, and that emphasizes moving forward to the goal rather than enjoying the journey. Think about the time I spend in the grocery store at home. I'm focused on my list, on getting in and out in as short a time as I can. I don't stop for conversation with other shoppers. Yet here in the market we all stop for 'how are you' and to exchange a word or two or three.

When I was at Idodi Secondary School last week, I had a young woman walk me across campus a couple times. She would hold my hand to guide me toward the cleanest path, and she would introduce me to people as we walked. If we passed someone and I forgot to say 'habari' she would tug my hand and gently remind me: 'you greet them.'

Thanks for that, sister. Her name was Happy Nyaulile.

Greetings to all of you who are reading.

Safari Njema!

2010-08-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, and early this morning Pastor Randy, Mark, Stephen, and Brandon boarded the bus with driver Peter for the long journey to Dar. They'll get in to the city in time to shop at Slipway (and I think they surprised themselves with the amount of shopping they ended up doing these past few days), have a nice dinner at Sea Cliff, and then get to the airport for their 11:30 PM flight to Amsterdam. In about 24 hours, they'll be landing in Minneapolis.

May the roads be smooth and the traffic be light today.

I'll miss their good humor and cheerful company. This was one of the most low-maintenance groups I've ever accompanied on this wonderful journey. They were always ready for the next adventure, and we had many. Stephen and Brandon had really studied their Swahili in preparation for the trip and were able to pick up lots of new phrases while here. For first time visitors, they all showed great insights and willingness to be open to the cultural differences they encountered. They were wonderful ambassadors on behalf of Shepherd of the Valley. They are all already talking in terms of "when" they come back again, not "if."

Now I (Kirsten) am settled into the apartment above the Bega Kwa Bega office, across the street from the Lutheran Centre. I am grateful to Pastor Julie Rogness, now staffing the BKB office, for her warm welcome. She says she has plans for me this week--I get to observe the work at BKB during regular office hours, and she says she may have a task or two for me to complete, as well.

This morning I had one of the most valuable meetings of each trip. For the past three or four trips, we have taken time after our return from Tungamalenga to have a follow up visit with Iringa Diocese officials. Today I met with General Secretary Nayman Chavalla for a follow up visit. We reviewed the requests and agreements that we came to in Tungamalenga, asked for more information in some cases, and asked for support in others. I really value this meeting because of the wider perspective we are given. Sometimes the requests we hear in the village may come into some conflicts with diocese policy, for instance, and in reviewing our plans with diocese staff we often receive advice that prevents us from making missteps that we would regret later.

One of the things we talked about was the request to assist in providing water to the village of Mahove. We have some initial drawings and cost estimates for a project that would pipe in water to this remote location, providing five points of access with faucets so that none of the villagers would have to walk more than a kilometer to reach water. When we met in the village with congregational and local leaders, we left them with a list of questions to research. General Secretary Chavalla will arrange a meeting with an Iringa water engineer, and we will continue to evaluate the feasibility of the project.

One last piece of news for today. Last night when we returned to the Lutheran Center for the evening, our cook Petro was telling us that he had taken his wife to the government hospital with labor pains. He was very concerned because the baby was a few weeks early. This morning, he was bubbling over with joy at the news that a healthy baby boy was born overnight. Bwana Yesu Asifiwe!

The days are packed

2010-08-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

We're back in Iringa after an eventful week in Tungamalenga. Each day was filled with so many experiences that it feels as though we were there at least three weeks, not just one.

We worshipped with our brothers and sisters, sometimes in chapels and sometimes beneath the shade of beautiful trees. We saw three new babies born at the Tungamalenga Dispensary, and we gave our condolences to at least three families who have experienced death in recent weeks. We prayed with those who are sick, we visited schools and dispensaries, and we learned much about the challenges and joys of living in the rural areas of Tanzania. We are always so grateful for the ways our partners open their homes and their lives to include us on our visits.

We also sat together in meetings--meetings at the diocese head office, a partnership meeting, a meeting with all evangelists, a meeting with leaders of the SACCOs (microfinance cooperative), a meeting with the elders of a remote congregation and their local government leaders to discuss bringing water to the village of Mahove. We heard many proposals, asked many questions, gathered information, and will continue discussions here in Iringa with diocese officials in the coming week.

Pastor Randy, Mark, Stephen and Brandon went on safari, taking guests Absalum and Hosea for their first experiences in a national park. God's creation is amazing!

While they were on safari, Kirsten remained in the village with an interpreter. One day was spent at Idodi Secondary School to commemorate the twelve girls who died in a dorm fire one year ago. At the time of the fire, the girls' bodies were burned beyond identification, so they were buried on the school grounds while DNA samples were sent to Dar es Salaam. Now the remains have been identified, and Thursday was a day set aside to construct cement graves and place markers on each grave, with the name of each student.

Half of the girls who died came from our partner congregation, and three of the girls were from families that we know well. There was time for worship and for dedication, time for consolation, and time to watch as the builders took great care to place the bricks, add the mortar, place the crosses and ensure they were level. For some of the families, the grief seems as fresh and raw as it must have been one year ago.

The school has nearly completed the reconstruction of the dormitory that was destroyed. The girls who had been living there were moved to the boys' dorm in the interim, while the boys camped in nearly completed classroom buildings. Now the boys have moved into the new dorm, which was rebuilt with safety measures in mind---more doors providing access to the exterior, windows that allow a means to escape, smoke detectors in the hallways. Across campus, the girls' dorm was similarly reconfigured to some extent.

While worshipping at Idodi preaching point a week ago, we also met one of the girls who had burned in the fire but survived. She recounted the experience of that night, hearing shouting but turning over to go back to sleep, then realizing that the fire was across the hall. She tried to get out of the building, but fell and was injured further as terrified girls stepped on her and others in their own hurry to get out. By the time she was able to go toward the exit, she had to run across fire to get through the door. The back of her heel and leg were burned badly, and she spent five months in the hospital. She continues to get treatment for her injury at the Tungamalenga Dispensary, and she needs continued physical therapy to regain the full use of her leg. The muscles in her calf and foot have contracted so that she cannot place her whole foot on the ground as she walks; instead she walks on tiptoe with her heel in the air.

She is finally back to school and is of course struggling to keep up after such a long absence. She and the other families who were touched by this fire all expressed their thanks for the prayers of Shepherd of the Valley and for the gifts that were given to help rebuild.

Finally, we have had a very positive response to the prayer cards we have been distributing as we go from each village congregation to the next.

Please check back in the coming days and weeks--we will continue to post stories from this amazing visit, and we will be able to add photos once we are home. We are grateful for your prayers and for your support of this partnership. Asante sana!

On the road again

2010-08-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday morning in Iringa, we've completed our tasks in the market, and soon will be on the road to Tungamalega. We will spend the next six days in the villages and on safari, meeting our brothers and sisters and learning more about what we can do together to support evangelism, education, heath care and economic development.

As we have spent time in Iringa, we have met old friends and made many new ones. Barnabas and Pastor Naftal have been with us much of the time, assisting us as we purchased medicines, solar lamps, school supplies and other gifts for our partners.

We had an especially moving time yesterday at Huruma Orphanage, where as always Mama Chilewa is facing the challenges of caring for children who have overcome many challenges themselves. What a joy it is to see them playing, to share a few gifts, to see their smiles. We brought t-shirts, school supplies, and huge bags of maize.

Looking ahead, we are ready to meet close friends in Tungamalenga. There is much to learn and much to discuss. Barnabas tells us the dispensary has had many, many patients, and so the need for medicines is great. We are scheduled to meet with village elders and local government leaders at Mahove to discuss bringing water to the village. We are also eager to visit students at Idodi Secondary School, to see the progress on rebuilding the dorm that was destroyed by fire a year ago, and to meet with the many students who are sponsored by families from SOTV.

We are greeted with such gracious hospitality at every turn, and the message we received at the diocese head office is, asante sana, thanks very much. Thanks to all of you at SOTV who so generously support this partership.

You'll hear from us again next Saturday. Mungu awabariki -- may God bless you all.

Less is more!

2010-08-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

After two eight hour plane rides, an eleven hour bus ride, and a time change that puts you in a zombie-like state, we are finally here! Immediately upon our arrival in Africa, many things came to my attention. But the most significant thing that I have seen in the few days since our arrival is the quality of life that the men and women of this country seem to have. Although many Americans attempt to quantify quality of life with money earned or job positions held, our brothers and sisters in Africa have a different measuring system for their happiness (And no, it's not the metric system!).

Poverty in Africa is widespread and very sad to see. It's easy to imagine how many Africans live from the comfort from our homes in America. But in order to fully grasp the life that these men and women live, I believe a firsthand experience is necessary. Driving through downtown Dar es Salaam yesterday could be very painful at times to see how the other half lives. Many families live on a day to day basis, trying to simply acquire enough money from the goods they sell to make it to the next day. I couldn't tell you how many times I saw a struggling family on the side of the road look at me with a sense of desperation hoping I could be the one to save them from the clutches of the world in which they live.

With that being said, our brothers and sisters in Africa are among the happiest people I have ever seen in my life. From the moment we stepped off the bus in Iringa, we were barraged by our jovial African hosts from Tungamalenga. It was truly an awesome feeling to be loved and respected by our hosts before we were even introduced to them. For some reason that I am hoping to discover in the coming days, these people living admist choas and despair simply enjoy every minute of their life on this planet. During dinner, the jokes never stop and the smiles never seem to fade. The happiness here is simply contagious. For people with so little in physical things, they sure seem to have so much more to offer in every other way!

As my time for blogging at the internet cafe is winding down, I must make one guess as to a central cause for the happiness of these people. I have noticed that our brothers and sisters in Christ make faith the primary focus in their life, and rightfully so. It seems like everything they do is with the goal and aspiration of pleasing God. Maybe their lack of tangible possesions gives them a clearer mindset and a better focus on the thing that truly matters, their faith. Either way, the mindset in Africa seems to be simply, in the glory of God. Even I am plenty guilty of straying from my faith and thinking of myself before my obligation to God. I think many Americans can agree. With that being said, maybe the correct formula to a truly happy life lies in the simplicity of the things we have and the things we choose to do. Less truly is more!

I hope to see my hypothesis proven correct in the following days!

-Stephen Sawyer

Traveling companions

2010-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Stephen, Brandon, Mark, Pastor Randy, & Kirsten

We're packed for the journey and ready to go. Stephen, Brandon & Mark will depart Monday evening, with Pastor Randy & Kirsten not far behind them on Tuesday morning. We'll all meet in Amsterdam for the flight to Dar es Salaam. Here's our rough itinerary for the next few weeks:

August 5 bus ride to Iringa
August 6 visit Iringa Diocese head office, market, orphanage
August 7 bus to Tungamalenga
August 8 worship at Idodi village, tour Namelok village in the afternoon

August 9 partnership committee meeting, tour Mpalapande village

August 10 Mahove village tour, meet with elders & local government leaders to discuss water

August 11 most of group goes on safari to Mwagusi Camp, Ruaha National Park; Kirsten continues village visits at Malunde, Makambalala, Tungamalenga Dispensary, and gathering with evangelists

August 12 Idodi Secondary School visit, Kibaoni village tour

August 13 farewell gathering in Tungamalenga, bus to Iringa

August 14 Tumaini University tour, follow up meetings at iringa Diocese & Bega Kwa Bega offices

August 15 worship, visit Ilula Lutheran Hospital

August 16 guys bus to Dar for flight to Amsterdam; Kirsten remains at BKB

August 17 Amsterdam to Minneapolis/ St Paul, arriving around noon

August 21 Kirsten leaves Iringa, flight from Dar to Amsterdam

August 22 Kirsten arrives Minneapolis

We will update the blog as we are able. Thank you for your prayers for our journey!

With Sympathy

2010-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

Pastor Naftal and Anjelina Ng'amillo

This morning we received the sad news that Pastor Naftal's mother in law died this past week. He said that last Sunday she experienced "a headache, and her body lost energy." She was taken to the Iringa government hospital for care, where she died on Thursday, and the burial took place on Friday. Pastor Naftal said he thanks God that he and his wife were there in Iringa to take care of things.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

The Gift of Prayer

2010-07-24T07:31:00.001-07:00

Evangelist Alex Kidisangu holds a picture of his prayer partner

During our visits to Tungamalenga, we exchange many gifts. Some are tangible, the gifts of resources and supplies and tokens of our affection, and others are intangible, the gifts of hospitality and understanding and the faithful witness to the power of God's love.

Our Tanzanian partners have been especially generous in sharing their gift of prayer with us. From the start of our partnership, we were told of how representatives from each of twenty village congregations would gather at a central location once a month to pray for Shepherd of the Valley and for the ministry we do together. Some of these evangelists would walk or bike for hours to spend a day in prayer for us.

When we visit our partners, our days are filled with prayers. At the start of any journey, even a ten minute drive to a neighboring village, we pause to pray for safety on the road and for the skill and attentiveness of our driver. At the end of each journey, we give thanks for its conclusion. At the start of a meal we ask a blessing and give thanks for those who have prepared our food. At the start of a meeting, we ask God's guidance. When we visit a new village, we ask God to bring us together in unity.

A few years ago, one of our confirmation classes made prayer cards as gifts. They took photos of people at SOTV and printed cards with the person's name and a promise to pray for our partnership. We had about 25 prayer cards to distribute during that trip, and they were the most requested item that we brought. It was clear that our partners valued the prayers of our congregation and individual members. As we distributed the prayer cards, we took a photo of the Tanzanian recipient holding the SOTV prayer card, and we were able to bring those photos home to give to the prayer partner. It was a beautiful exchange for both partners.

So we're doing that again. So far we've collected about 150 photos of individuals and families. We'll be taking photos again this weekend before and after worship, so stop by and be part of the gift of prayer!

Education--the gift of a lifetime

2010-07-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

university graduation day

From the start of our partnership together, our friends in Tanzania have told us that educational scholarships are the greatest gift we can give them.

In Tanzania, primary school education is provided relatively free of charge in most villages. Standards one through seven are roughly equivalent to our grades one through six. Secondary school, equivalent to our grades seven through twelve, is often only available regionally in the rural areas, via boarding schools, while urban areas have a day school option. Most of these secondary schools cost about $300 or more per year. That's a challenge for most families, whose income is often at the subsistence level in the rural areas. Per capita income in Tanzania overall is roughly $400, and that has almost doubled in the past ten years.

When our partnership began, we were told that perhaps ten percent of the population attended secondary school, and that only ten percent of those graduates were able to attend college or university.

Our friends Dan and Sue McIntyre from Peace Lutheran Church in Maple Grove recently spent six months in the Iringa region. Dan taught classes at Tumaini University and Sue worked in healthcare. They blogged about their experiences at http://www.danandsueintz.blogspot.com/. Their final post from Tanzania has a lot of valuable information about the Tanzanian educational system. It's well worth a read!

Shepherd of the Valley currently provides 100 secondary school scholarships for students from the villages that comprise Tungamalenga Parish. In addition, we support 25 students from around the Iringa Diocese, including twelve who are residents of Huruma Orphanage. Finally, we provide scholarships for 15 post secondary students--young leaders preparing to be pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, and community development specialists.

Donations to the Shepherd of the Valley - Tungamalenga Partnership scholarship fund are always welcome.

The Evangelist's Roof

2010-07-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

I had an email from Pastor Naftal this morning. Among other news, he mentioned that the Mapogoro Evangelist's roof had been repaired. He thanked us for all that we are doing to support this partnership and observed that the roof "somehow, it is very nice."

The photo above is Jacob's house as it stood in January 2009. Jacob is the evangelist at the congregation of Mapogoro, a village just down the road from Tungamalenga. Mapogoro is one of the oldest village congregations in the parish, with a couple hundred members, and a church and home built 30 years ago.

Look at that 30 year old roof. It had holes the size of softballs over the living room furniture, and when the rains come each year, no one's bed stays dry.

The iron sheeting had come loose and was held in place by tree limbs and old tires. SOTV travelers have been shown this roof since our first visit in 2002, and it has always been on the congregation's wish list of projects we could help them complete. Yet, when we have asked our partners to prioritize their wish list, this roof has always been bumped out of consideration by more pressing community needs--a clinic ward, chapel construction, bikes, scholarships.

Through all these years, the congregation at Mapogoro has done what it could to prepare to replace the roof. Knowing the cost of roofing materials, congregants volunteered their labor to make bricks. The bricks could be sold to help raise funds for the roofing materials. But it wasn't enough.

Then the women of the parish made baskets and jewelry that they sent to Minnesota with visitors from SOTV. We sold those handcrafted items in Minnesota, at prices that would have been a dream in Tanzania. We sent the money back to the congregation.

And now, finally, the roof has been repaired. I can hardly wait to take some photos of what it looks like now. Asante sana (thank you) to all those who purchased baskets, and Bwana Yesu Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!) for this partnership and the things God is accomplishing through our working together.

Behind the Scenes

2010-07-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

shoes packed for the children at Huruma Orphanage

Some seasons in our partnership are very public, like when we have guests and schedule gatherings and meetings and dinners, or when we celebrate our partnership in worship, or when we make announcements, temple talks, and staff informational tables in the narthex on Sunday mornings.

This is not one of those public, eventful times, but there's still lots going on in our partnership this summer.

We've ordered a motorcycle to be used by the pastors of Tungamalenga Parish, and we're about halfway through the three month wait for it to be delivered.

We're collecting a very few, specifically chosen gifts to distribute among our partners when we visit in August. Often, we are able to take ten or more suitcases full of medical supplies, t-shirts, Bibles, school supplies and other practical gifts for our friends. Limits on luggage for this trip mean we're traveling light and having to choose wisely. We're limited to taking mostly letters, prayers and good wishes, along with some cash to purchase necessities in country.

We're also preparing to host visitors in the fall. For the third time in our partnership, we'll have Tanzanians coming to Shepherd of the Valley. It's such an honor and opportunity for us! And we want to make the best use of the short time they will have here, so there's lots of discussion and scheduling and coordinating involved.

Our university students will be continuing their studies this fall. Some schools start in September, others in later October. Some of our students are ready for internships or will be doing what they call "fieldwork" and so there have been many emails exchanged with thanks and with some requests for additional funding.

And finally, this blog is making its debut. We hope it will be a place where we can share stories and news about the great things God is doing through our partnership. At first, some of the items posted on this blog might sound like old news to those of you who have been involved from the beginning, but please bear with us as we hope to create an archive of partnership information that will help anyone new to the partnership get a sense of what we do and where we've been. And please send us your feedback. Asante sana. Thank you.

Bikes + Roofs = Evangelism

2010-06-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

One of the primary areas of ministry in our partnership is supporting evangelism. Sometimes the families and friends of SOTV travelers assume that means that when we travel to Tanzania, we are going to be doing some door to door evangelism visits. No--because our partners in Tanzania do that work very effectively themselves.

Instead, SOTV supports evangelism in Tungamalenga Parish by providing bicycles for the evangelists and by paying for roofs for newly built chapels.

Tungamalenga Parish is comprised of 20 village congregations scattered across an area with a 25-30 mile radius. There are just two pastors serving all those congregations which are also served by lay evangelists. The pastors and evangelists often spend hours of their day walking from one village to another in order to visit the sick, teach confirmation classes, conduct worship, or hold meetings.

$100 buys a bicycle in Iringa. The bikes are built for the rugged dirt roads, and come equipped with lights. They support evangelism in the parish because they enable the evangelists and pastors to do their work more efficiently.

So how do chapel roofs support evangelism? The Tanzanian church is growing rapidly; many mission congregations meet outside beneath a tree, other established congregations have outgrown their small worship spaces. The members of the congregations volunteer their labor and resources to make bricks, gather stones for foundations, and construct the walls. Some congregations work and save for several years in order to purchase metal sheeting for the roof--but sometimes, the walls deteriorate before the roof is added. Our partners tell us that their members are encouraged when we supply the funding for the roofing materials; our participation gives them the momentum to keep the project moving toward completion.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

2010-06-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

This August and again next summer, and the summer after that, Shepherd of the Valley members will travel to Tanzania to meet, live among, and get to know our brothers and sisters in Tungamalenga. We gather to share stories of our lives, our communities, cultures, and our common faith. For two weeks each year, we live, work and play bega kwa bega or shoulder to shoulder as sisters and brothers in Christ.

You are invited along on one of these journeys. Karibu sana, you are warmly welcomed, as our partners would say.

As you consider taking this journey, we ask you to be mindful of a few things:

This is a mission of the church. As such, the focus of the trip is upon building relationships with our partners. We will need to be culturally sensitive and aware of the difference between being tourists and guests.

Traveling to another part of the world is a challenging, exciting experience. Expect to be stretched--you will not have all the comforts of home at your fingertips. However, you will experience the community of Christ in rich and amazing ways that are far more valuable than the small sacrifices you will make.

Both SOTV and Tungamalenga Parish bring important gifts to this partnership. We work bega kwa bega to achieve God's mission in the world. In addition to building relationships, we work together to support evangelism, education, healthcare and economic development. We bring home to our congregation the gifts of our partners' fervent witness of the Gospel, as well as their hope and joy in faith.

Travelers and travel leaders together discern ways to represent SOTV as ambassadors and to uncover gifts and interests that can be used in service of the partnership.

Our hosts will be very generous and even sacrificial in their hospitality. We travel with the intention to be hospitable guests who put the needs of our hosts and our companions above our own.

Interested in the adventure of a lifetime? Please contact Kirsten or Pastor Diane for more info. Travel applications are available at www.sotv.org.

Our History

2010-06-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Since June 2001, members of two congregations on opposite sides of the globe have been partners through a Companion Congregation Covenant. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is a large suburban congregation of the Saint Paul Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Tungamalenga Parish is a remote, rural parish comprised of 20 village congregations, part of the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

Our congregations are united through the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing ministries of evangelism, education, healthcare, and economic development. Our members promise to pray for one another, to learn about one another's culture and challenges, to visit one another, and to share the gifts God has given each of us.

Over one hundred Shepherd of the Valley members have visited Tungamalenga since our initial journey in August 2002. In 2006, three guests from Tungamalenga made the long journey to Apple Valley, and two more guests visited SOTV in 2008. All these visits serve to deepen the relationships between our congregations and will continue to be a mainstay of our activity in the future.

Our partnership is one of 70 such congregational partnerships between churches in the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese.