In this section:
Katrina
Relief
Habitat
for Humanity
Tanzania
Mission
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In July of 2004, 7 people of
our congregation traveled to Tanzania to connect with our partner
congregation and see the many other initiatives of the St. Paul
Synod taking place in the Iringa Diocese. At the time of our
departure we were sharing a partnership in Magililwa with Peace
Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights. Our visit to Magililwa was
wonderful, fulfilling and rewarding, but it became apparent that we
needed to partner with a parish that was awaiting a sponsor.
We, here at Family of
Christ, could offer so much to a parish in need. At that time, Don
& Eunice Fultz, St. Paul Synod representatives in Tanzania,
matched us with the Usokami Parish. Our visit to Usokami followed
the next weekend.
(scroll down for
more of the story)
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The need was
very evident upon arrival and our hopes were confirmed. We were
welcomed with joy, thanksgiving and the love of Christ at every
gathering. Prayers, song and dance were offered freely and we were
blessed to be with them.
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Other rewarding visits were to
the Huruma Orphanage, a safe harbor for orphaned children and the
Illula Health Center which is striving to become a hospital. We also
visited a new secondary school at Image, full of students anxious
and willing to learn.
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In 2005 we
began planning for a 2006 mission trip. This year long
planning process helps one to prepare mentally. spiritually and
physically for the trip. After a successful and rewarding 2006 trip for 16 parishioners, we continue to support and
pray for our partner parish and Deacon Wihale in Usokami.
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Family of Christ is sponsoring 16
secondary school students from Usokami, raising money to build new
wells, helping fund the Huruma Orphanage and the Illula Health
Center.
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We've enjoyed visits at
our church from Dr. Richard Lubawa, the assistant bishop for the
Iringa Diocese, who was a great help to us during our initial visits over there. Until
we return, we will continue to correspond, support and pray with the
members of our new sister congregation.
[click
here to see the entire slideshow from the trip last summer]
[click
here to see the same slideshow with a musical soundtrack]
Soundtrack provided by the Bethany African Choir.
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> Features > Tanzania Mission
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