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.

As noted in the April edition of the NWIM Synod Newsletter, our synod has pledged to provide 100% of the funding for a new SOLAR ELECTRIC COOKING SYSTEM at the Tumaini Lutheran Seminary, a secondary school in Malinyi, Tanzania, overseen by the Ulanga-Kilombero Diocese. Over 250 students and staff are fed from this kitchen three times daily when school is in session.

“Bega Kwa Bega” is the Swahili term for mutual support between partners, and describes our relationship with our sister-synod, the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese in Tanzania, a partnership going back 35 years. This year, a delegation of 12 individuals from the NWIM Synod will travel to Tanzania, leaving June 5th.

NWIM Synod Council has authorized the Companion Synod Team to raise funds towards the purchase of a Solar Electric Cooking System (SECS) to replace the hazardous combustion system. In addition to producing on-site electricity for stove-top and oven cooking, the SECS would power a water pumping system and water purification system. A reputable supplier and trustworthy installation contractor have already been identified, and preliminary discussions with them are underway.

NWIM Synod Council has authorized the Companion Synod Team to raise funds towards the purchase of a Solar Electric Cooking System (SECS) to replace the hazardous combustion system. In addition to producing on-site electricity for stove-top and oven cooking, the SECS would power a water pumping system and water purification system.

Here is a photo of the scholarship students as well as their headmaster, Pastor Frank Mauyo, and the vice principle. This is 27 girls and 11 boys. You have changed the life of these students. Asante Sana!

We 12 travelers are getting excited about our upcoming trip to our sister synod in the UKD (Ulanga Kilombero Diocese). We will be flying out of Portland, Oregon on June 5, and arrive in Dar es Salaam on June 6

Lugala Hospital is the only medical facility operating in a large geographic area. They try to address all the medical needs for the area. One thing they have not had is a well-equipped dental office. When asked, they requested $5000 to repair the office and get a dental chair. With the generosity of the people of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, we were able to fill that request and the funds are in transit.

Our companion synod, the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese (UKD) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, has a Secondary and Bible school as one of their ministries: Tumaini Lutheran Secondary School. This is a boarding school for boys and girls as they get their first 4 years of secondary education. The school is well regarded and the NWIM Synod has shown great support for the school. As you talk to the leaders throughout the UKD, many have their roots at Tumaini. It is a school that is teaching the leaders for the diocese as pastors, doctors, teachers, evangelists, and business owners. Our support over the years has made a huge difference for the UKD and for the entire country.

I hope you had a chance to meet these remarkable pastors and engage in our relationship with the people of our companion synod. They ask that I pass along their deep appreciation for the time they were with us!

Funds are being raised for future travel expenses due to unexpected circumstances.