Tanzania Partnership

Pastor John Mhekwa sent us photos of his daughter's baptism last week.  "Little Patricia," as she is called, was baptized April 21, Easter Monday.  Here she is, looking pretty serious, with her Baba [father]. LP with her Mama, Addy. Blessings on this precious child of God and her family.

April 23, 2014 Dear Friends at Shepherd of the Valley: A few months ago I asked for donations for a new milling machine at the Huruma Center, the orphanage in Iringa, Tanzania.  You responded....so I send this note your way to say a large thank you for your gift! This week I received word that the needed funds have been wired from the Saint Paul Area Synod to our bank in Iringa and that Mama Chilewa was told to purchase the milling equipment...word has it that she was very happy. Not only will a new machine mean that the Huruma Center can save money by milling their own maize, they will also be able to generate some income by milling for those in the neighborhood. Thank you for your gift!  Thank you for your generosity!! You have made a difference for the children, staff and Mama Chilewa.  Life does not get much better than that!! In appreciation, Gary Langness, Chairperson Iringa Committee -- Saint Paul Area Synod

This is the quiet season of our partnership.... Summertime brings all kinds of news, with our visits and meetings in Tanzania.  Last fall this blog was full of Rev. John  Mhekwa's visit to Minnesota. Since then, this blog has been pretty quiet. As always, there's lots going on behind the scenes. We have 27 travelers preparing to visit Tanzania in July/August.  Yes, 27!  That's an all time high for our congregation.  There are so many people we are taking two groups. Travelers made their commitment to the trip last October.  Since then, every two months, the group meets to get to know one another, to learn about our Tanzanian partners, and to plan for our journey. In November, the group met while Rev. John Mhekwa was visiting us.  He helped with basic Swahili lessons and helped us begin to understand the cultural differences between Americans and Tanzanians. In January, Bega Kwa Bega's new Director, Rev. Peter Harrits, joine...