A partnership of the Saint Paul Area Synod (ELCA) and the Iringa Diocese (ELCT)
|
|
ELCA/ELCT COVID-19 Update
On June 26, nearly 40 leaders from companion synod relationships across the United States and Tanzania gathered via Zoom to continue the discussion around the impacts of the coronavirus in Tanzania. What follows is an excerpt that contains observations from the ELCA’s regional representative in East Africa, Mr. Daudi Msseemmaa.
A full summary of the meeting is available here
and includes commentary from ELCA medical missionaries as well as representatives from other ELCA synods.
Daudi is the regional representative for the ELCA and lives in Arusha with his family. He shared a presentation focusing on COVID-19 in the context of the ELCT, the ELCA, and the other natural disasters facing Tanzania:
- When the virus was first discovered, some churches took extreme precautions, including training of school and hospital staff, and posting lists of precautions that should be taken.
- Some dioceses stopped church services altogether, but most did not.
- Many followed the advice of the president and the need for faith over precaution.
- All dioceses adopted the use of hand washing stations, and some implemented outdoor seating, shorter worship services, and physical distancing.
- Overall, Sunday attendance, as well as giving, are down.
- ELCT radio ministry continues to be widely used as a way to worship and receive COVID-19 information.
- Many ELCT churches, hospitals, and schools are in financial crisis.
- COVID-19 struck at a time when many were facing flooding and hunger, which many churches worked locally to combat.
- A Twitter poll by a prominent East African journalist suggests most East Africans consider COVID-19 the least concerning threat when compared to floods and locusts.
- The health threats of COVID-19 are seen as secondary compared to the economic and environmental aspects of the virus.
- The economic effects of COVID-19 could last years, sending hundreds of thousands into poverty, including those who have worked their way into the middle class.
- ELCT members are also losing income due to lack of tourism, as well as the decrease in funds coming from dioceses.
- The dioceses across Tanzania have varying capacities to address the issues they are facing, so when looking at a path forward, the ELCT is focusing on equity.
Daudi closed by reminding companions, "There is a natural resource that is in abundance in Tanzania. It's hope." He continues to remain hopeful in the ways this virus will strengthen our companionship.
|
|
Tuombe...Let Us Pray
During these days of being together and apart, we pray by name, for the well-being of the people and health of the relationship between: Wimbe & St. Mark; Wilolesi & Bethel; Wasa & Fish Lake; Usolanga & Shepherd of the Valley; Usokami & Family of Christ; Uhominyi & Galilee; and Ugesa & Christ. May God’s presence be known and healing be received.
|
|
Openings on the Iringa Commitee
The Iringa Committee is the governing body tasked with overseeing our BKB companion synod relationship with the ELCT Iringa Diocese. The committee is comprised of 13 voting members, including six cluster representatives and four at-large members. This year, three voting seats are up for new or re-appointment:
- East Central Cluster Representative
- South Central Cluster Representative
- One At-Large Member
Cluster representatives are appointed by the congregations in each cluster. At-large members are nominated by the Iringa Executive Committee with the goal of balancing areas of expertise, familiarity with the relationship as it currently is, and a vision of where it might become. Individuals who are interested in being considered for an at-large seat should
complete this application by August 1.
BKB Ambassador Visits in Iringa
In July and August, Pastor Msigwa and Deacon April Trout will be making Ambassador Visits to DIRA parishes on behalf of SPAS congregations that were unable to visit due to COVID-19. If you would like them to make an in-person visit on behalf of your congregation as well, please email April in Iringa (
begakwabega@yahoo.com) for more information. Their schedule is quickly filling, so please act fast!
Luther Seminary - Student Sponsorship
Thanks to the generosity of a handful of congregations and individuals, we’ve been able to raise a portion of the funds needed to support a student from the Iringa Diocese enrolled at Luther Seminary. While additional gifts are still needed, we are able to proceed with this pilot project. If you or your congregation would still like to join the cause, please contact
peter.harrits@spas-elca.org at your earliest convenience. More details about the student and her/his plans will be available later this summer.
|
|
Give Now
Contributions to support the work of BKB and our general projects can be received online. Both one-time gifts and sustaining monthly contributions are welcome. When you enter your amount, be sure to include a memo to ensure funds are credited appropriately (e.g. Missionary Support or School Buildings). Questions may be directed to
greg.triplett@spas-elca.org
or 651-224-4313.
|
|
Do you have news to share with the Bega Kwa Bega Community?
|
|
Due to coronavirus concerns and the Level 4 Global Travel Health Advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, travel to Tanzania is not currently recommended. For more information and to discuss future possibilities, please contact
peter.harrits@spas-elca.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
