GLOBAL MISSIONS

Tanzania

The focus for international mission has three primary elements currently centered in walking alongside our Tanzania mission partners: our Companion Congregation relationship with the Mwatasi Lutheran Church in the rural high country of the Iringa district; providing Secondary School and College Scholarships for students from Mwatasi; and the medical ministries started by the late Dr. Mark Jacobson in Arusha. We also maintain involvement with partner organizations such as Iringa Hope (savings & loan, agriculture cooperatives), St. Paul Partners (water engineering), water projects in Mwatasi village as a whole, and Global Health Ministries (more information at www.ghm.org).

​

Scholarships are a critical need and are welcomed throughout the year in any amount. Secondary school scholarships average $450 per student per year. We have been committed to sponsoring about 26 students each year from our partner congregation in Mwatasi. Scholarship payments are made each December for the coming year​. Please contact Michele Hermansen.

Kuambatana: The Mark and Linda Jacobson Story
For 38 years, Mark and Linda Jacobson have worked in the health field in Tanzania, becoming the ELCA’s longest-serving missionaries. In partnership with Tanzanian leaders, they’ve developed the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, started the Widow’s Might craft project and more. Their powerful story is featured in the new 30-minute documentary “Kuambatana,” which means accompaniment in Kiswahili. You’ll hear the Jacobsons’ story and see how your support for ELCA missionaries is making an impact.

A brief message from an Evangelist during the ambassador visit to Mwatasi, Tanzania in August 2020.