The adventure of a lifetime

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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.

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