Tumaini Lutheran Secondary School
Our Companion Synod: The Ulanga Kilombero Diocese in Tanzania
The NWIM Synod has been in relationship with the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese (UKD) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania for 38 years now! We walk Bega kwa Bega (Swahili for Shoulder to Shoulder) with the people of the UKD. Yet, not everyone knows the life-giving value of our relationship with siblings in Christ so very far away. Many congregations have become very involved, but others scarcely know this relationship exists. No matter where you fall on that continuum, there are people willing to come to your congregation and share information about the wonderful people of the UKD and how NWIM Synod supports their ministries and how they support ours. Those who have had the opportunity to travel to the UKD have many stories to share.
There are many ways to be involved. Beginning in 2027, our synod will begin having a Companion Synod Sunday with lots of resources available to help us celebrate our relationship (more information will come later). There will be synod trips to the UKD in the fall of 2027 and the summer of 2028 – 10 to 12 people being led on a trip to visit our UKD siblings. Unfortunately, we are unable to host guests from the UKD at this time due to travel bans – but we look forward to when that is again possible. A congregation or an individual can financially support Tumaini Lutheran Secondary School scholarships or the Solar Kitchen Project.
If you are interested in hearing more about the UKD in your congregation and hosting a person to share more information, please reach out to Deacon Heidi Cryer, chair of the Companion Synod Committee (hacryer@gmail.com or 509-539-0449). She will put you in touch with someone from your area that can come and make a presentation. Lars Clausen was part of the June 2026 trip and will be back in the UKD this fall. He is willing to travel to visit your church and share more. You can contact Lars directly at LarsCClausen@gmail.com. He is one of many who found that a visit to the UKD brings great joy and changes how you see the world.
Consider how you might learn more about our partners in ministry in Tanzania as we walk Bega kwa Bega!