What's a Cluster Meeting?

You are invited to attend a gathering TOMORROW, June 7 at 7 p.m. at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St Paul. If you can’t make the in person gathering, join us on Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8. 

The agenda includes news from Iringa about the work of the Iringa Diocese, success stories of work being done and lives changed by Bega Kwa Bega, and updates from many of our affiliate partners. You’ll hear about students, school construction projects, and how a Zoom meeting can jump-start a congregational project that brings a source of revenue to a Tanzanian parish community. 

We’ll talk about the timeline for a transition of program coordinators; you’ll hear how you can thank Ryan and Astine and welcome Susan. Affiliate partners will share their news – what’s happening at Huruma Centre, the latest Dignity for Daughters presentation, Iringa Hope’s expansion, Millions of Trees’ avocado harvest, and the latest water projects from St. Paul Partners. You might see a video clip from Radio Furaha’s coverage of a widely attended diocese seminar for widows.

We’ve got updates on the exchange rate for TShillings to U.S. dollars, calculating administrative fees, and the latest financial account reports to distribute. You’ll hear about opportunities to participate in the work of Bega Kwa Bega or put your skills to use on behalf of one of our affiliates.

Finally, we’ll break into groups of congregations to meet with Cluster Leaders*. It’s your chance to visit with other BKB enthusiasts from neighboring congregations. Compare notes – who’s traveling and when? Who’s got room to carry gifts or supplies? How does your congregation recruit travelers? How does your group raise funds for projects?

When you meet your cluster friends, be sure to share your own success stories. Tell us how your life has changed, all because of Iringa.

Asante,

Kirsten Levorson

Director of Bega Kwa Bega

*Cluster Leaders are volunteers who have generously volunteered their time to assist communication and coordination of BKB work among Saint Paul Area Synod congregations. Each Cluster Leader relates to a group of eight to 15 congregations. Many thanks to Jim Wolf, Dale Stiles, Caryn & Jim Josephson, Karsten Nelson, Birdie Olson, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Russ Hilliard & Jo Whiting!

BKB Updates & Cluster Meetings This Week:

Tuombe…Let Us Pray

We give thanks for the gift of this relationship between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese. We celebrate the ways in which we accompany one another, both through friends we know by name, and others we have yet to meet. This week we pray specifically for the congregation of Kihesa Mgagao. May God bless, strengthen, and sustain its people and its leaders. Amen.

Come & See! Tanzania Trip Jan. 23- Feb. 6, 2024

John’s Gospel invites the initial disciples to "come and see," an invitation to explore the unknown and meet Jesus himself and to be transformed by his ways. We are inviting clergy and congregational leaders to "come and see" the work of the Gospel in Tanzania. Together with Tanzanian siblings in Christ, we’ll explore evangelism, vitality, accompaniment and more. Click here for details. Interested? Contact [email protected].

Zoom!

Does your congregation need to have a conversation with your companion parish leaders? Contact us at [email protected] to arrange a Zoom meeting.

Education Pledges

Last fall, congregations pledged $350,000 in scholarship funds to support secondary students in the Iringa Diocese. Some congregations also pledged to the Equity Scholarship Fund, Post Secondary Scholarship Fund, and Infrastructure Project Fund. Has your congregation sent all pledged funds to BKB? Members of the Scholarship Committee will be making follow-up calls soon. Thank you for your generous gifts!

Sudan Mission Centennial: July 8/9, 2023

ELCA Global Mission is holding the Sudan Mission Centennial to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Lutheran missionaries in the Sudan Region, which includes Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The celebration and conversation will also celebrate the current work being done in the region and look forward to the possibilities for future ministry. Learn more.

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 note to ensure funds are credited appropriately (e.g. ‘Missionary Support’ or ‘School Buildings’). Please consider covering the 3% processing fee to help your gift go further.

To avoid processing fees, you may send a check made out to the Saint Paul Area Synod and mail it to the attention of David Roinas, 105 University Ave., St. Paul MN 55103. In the memo line indicate the BKB and detail where your gift should go. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 651-224-4313.

Do you have news to share with the Bega Kwa Bega Community?

Email [email protected]g!

Planning to travel to Tanzania? Check out resources and give us a heads up about your plans here.

JUNE 2023

Bethel, Hudson

Ambassador Visit

JULY 2023

Day of Grace

Christ, Lake Elmo

Salem, West. St. Paul

BKB Director Kirsten Levorson

AUGUST 2023

BKB Director Kirsten Levorson

St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi

SEPTEMBER 2023

BKB Director Kirsten Levorson

OCTOBER 2023

Gloria Dei, St. Paul

Christ, Marine on St. Croix

Trinity, Stillwater

NOVEMBER 2023

Multi-Congregation Group

Bishop Lull & BKB Director Kirsten Levorson

phone 651-224-4313 | email [email protected]

website spas-elca.org/tanzania

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