Tanzania Partnership

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

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 ga

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 pro

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