Mission Tanzania 2009

Tanzania 2009 trip dates set
Trip 1: July 29 – August 12
Trip 2: First two weeks of October

Plans for the two trips in 2009 are to assist the Bomalangombe school in their construction of the staff quarters and multi-use hall, and possibly some extensions to the water and electrical system. We will worship with our companion congregation in Mwatasi, and discuss the progress of the water system extension. We’ll also explore the progress the Mwatasi congregation has made with their plans and fundraising efforts to remodel the old church into a kindergarten/pre-school. Two nights spent at the Foxes River Lodge in Ruaha National Park will show us the animals of Africa during morning and evening game drives. For trip costs and additional information, please contact Tom Thiets at 651-439-7400, ext. 146 or via email.

Submit an electronic application for the July/Aug. trip  (pdf document)
This pdf document allows you to type in the fields with your information, then click on "submit" when you are finished, The application will automatically email to Tom Thiets.

Submit an electronic application for the October trip  (pdf document)
This pdf document allows you to type in the fields with your information, then click on "submit" when you are finished, The application will automatically email to Tom Thiets.

Download a 2009 Tanzania brochure

Download trip information and intinerary (pdf document)


Mission Tanzania: Continuing to Build Great Things

When you plant a seedling, you may know what species you’re planting, but you’re never sure how fast it will grow, what shape it will branch into and what obstacles to growth it will need to overcome.

Mission Tanzania is such a seedling. But seven years after its planting, Mission Tanzania has grown in many unexpected, and wonderful, ways—and will continue to do so with the support and enthusiasm of the Trinity Lutheran Church community.

In 2008, two groups of missionaries visited Tanzania. The June group consisted of 30 people, half of which were college-aged students. The fall group consisted of a dozen adults. Here is how these groups—along with the spiritual and financial support of the congregation—helped Mission Tanzania grow.

MWATASI
Trinity became the companion congregation of Mwatasi Lutheran Church in 2002. Since then, Trinity has contributed matching funds to help build a new church and establish remote preaching points. One unexpected outgrowth of this relationship has been the water project, which began three years ago. Since that time groups from Trinity have helped establish a water system that now delivers clean, safe water to two-thirds of Mwatasi and adjoining villages.

In 2008 water pipe and water taps began being installed to bring water to the remaining one-third of the area residents. If the project moves forward as planned, the system will be functioning by the end of 2009. Trinity continues to work with Mwatasi villagers to convert the former Lutheran church into a preschool. The wonderfully inspiring tradition of worshipping with our Mwatasi brothers and sisters during the course of each mission trip continued in 2008. Members of Trinity also provide scholarships that allow nearly 20 Mwatasi students to continue their secondary school education.

BOMALANG’OMBE SECONDARY SCHOOL
This secondary school, located five miles from Mwatasi, has become an important focus of Mission Tanzania. Two years ago, members of Trinity began helping install a water system to provide clean water for the 350 students at the school and install poles for the electrical system and foundations for new buildings. Both Trinity mission groups spent a substantial amount of time at the school in 2008 helping to move these initiatives along. The first group helped complete the electrical system, which was energized last fall. This group also continued work on the boys dorm, pouring floors, finishing walls and building windows. Additional work on the dining/ assembly hall was also done, including the installation of three more lung-saving, energy-efficient wood burning rocket stoves.

The fall group continued work on the assembly hall and also helped dedicate a tree farm, in memory of former school chaplain, Bethuel Mponzi. An agricultural test plot, financed by a member of Trinity, was also established.

SELIAN HOSPITAL
Selian Lutheran Hospital and Arusha Lutheran Medical Center in northern Tanzania is supported in part by contributions from Trinity and other Lutheran churches and continues to serve over 50,000 patients a year. Both facilities work with local residents afflicted with Malaria, AIDS, TB and bone deformities.

Arusha Lutheran Hospital, a three-floor, 120-bed hospital opened its doors in 2008. The driving force behind all three facilities is Dr. Mark Jacobson, a native of Stillwater who grew up as a member of Trinity. More information on this remarkable story can be found at www.selianlh.habari.co.tz. By volunteering their time, talents, financial support, and prayers members of Trinity continue to nourish the rapidly-growing tree of Mission Tanzania.