Pare Diocese ministries
On our first day in Tanzania, we visited the Pare Diocese offices in Same (Sah-May). Unfortunately, Bishop Charles Mjema and many staff members were called away by an emergency. But we were able to visit with Gilead Mkumbwa and Kristin Mshana of Compassion Tanzania; Rosemary Kijo, the Secretary of the Women's Department; Pastor Elisa Mrudu, the Secretary of the Projects Department; and Pastor Nahana Mjema, Angelina Thomas, and Pastor David Tendwa of the Same Counseling Center.
We brought gifts to Gilead Mkumbwa from First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids--handmade pottery communion chalices. First Lutheran has a companionship relationship with three parishes in Same, and Gilead is the chairperson of their companionship committee. First Lutheran tried mailing the chalices but they broke in transit. We were glad to carry them safely, and to make a connection with First Lutheran.
Compassion Tanzania is part of Compassion International. They're currently serving some 200 young people, to free them from poverty.
Rosemary Kijo oversees the Diocese work with women and children. This involves projects for education, human rights, leadership development, financial support for medical care, soap making and bee keeping. Kirangare Parish's Zion Daycare is one example of the kind of education work Rosemary oversees, ensuring that all children, including the poor, have access to schooling. Bee keeping is women's work, and many in Kirangare Parish are interested in starting to earn an income selling honey.
Pastor Elisa Mrudu shared about the Diocese avocado project. It's intended to address climate change and create economic opportunity, since there is high demand for avocados. The harvest from a single Haas avocado plant could bring as much as 300,000 Tsh or roughly $110 USD. Ten parishes are already involved. Kirangare could become the 11th.
Joseph and I visited with Pastor Nahana Mjema and Angelina Thomas in 2022. Pastor Mjema is a remarkable woman, who with Angelina does hard work. You can read what I shared after that visit here. In November 2022, Zion's Christmas in Kirangare fundraiser raised over $10,000 for the daycare, vocational training center, and supporting future travelers. A portion also supported Same Counseling Center and their Safe Houses, which provide sanctuary for girls, women and children fleeing abuse, forced marriage, rape, and incest.
Next year, 2025, is a big year, we learned during our visit. It will be the fifth anniversary of Pare Diocese. It'll also be Pastors Fue and Mjema's 30th anniversary of ordination. And Same Counseling Center's 10th anniversary. Finally, it will be the 25th anniversary of Kirangare and Zion's companionship.
Praise God for these special milestones!