1950s - Immanuel began ministering in Tanzania

Early 1990s - Immanuel made a "signature" quilt that hangs in the Southern Diocese office of which Kidugala is a part of. Tanzanian Bishop Mgeyekwa visited Immanuel in October of 1994.

Late 1990s - Pastor Heather Ploen (Harlan) and Pastor Isaac (Kidugala, Tanzania) became seminary friends. Pastor Isaac currently heads a youth ministr for the Southern Diocese.

2002 - Pastor Isaac visited Immanuel and we were officially partnered with his home congregation in Kidugala

2003 - Monies were collected for a well drilling rig, which is currently in operation

2004 - Immanuel adopted Mariam through Compassion International

Summer 2005 - Cheryl Chipman spent 3 weeks in Tanzania as part of the ELCA Mission Trip

Fall 2005 - Tanzania subcommittee formed to expand our relationship

May 2006 - First care package sent

Present Relationship...

Kidugala is a community of 5600 people, of which 4066 are Lutheran
The Lutheran church is centered in Kidugala with 11 parish preaching points in the vicinity
Immanuel continues to sponsor Mariam with financial support for her health and education

Bi-monthly worship services emphasize Tanzania with song, prayers, creed, food, etc.

Offerings of medical supplies, school supplies, material, buttons, caps & bandanas, shoes, etc. are collected and shipped directly to Kidugala

Pen-pals with students have been arranged

“The importance of the companion synod relationship has been stated many times”, quotes a church leader about his recent visit. “There is a lingering fear that we are not in this for the long haul. Village officials give thanks for the well, but in the same breath say the next village also needs one. Some have to walk 5 miles for clean water.”

Future Ministry...

Assisting in Heifer International connection for Kidugala

Providing agricultural assistance in soil testing and crop advice

Assist with women’s health issues—midwife kits and layettes

Provide travel assistance for Kidugala student exchange

Provide education assistance with text books & teaching aids, assist in construction of school expansion

Develop an effective irrigation program

“Here in the villages is a body of people whose faith in Christ as loving Savior bring a joy to worship that is uncharacteristic of anything in Iowa. These people pray for us daily and fear we are not prepared to walk with them in the long haul . . . .. How can we turn our backs on such people? How can we say we’re not concerned about the quality of water they’re drinking, about a culture that has diminished the role of women and victimized them. It is the church that is leading the change."

Immanuel is a church that can become a player in shaping the future of Tanzania!

From the coins saved to sponsor Mariam by Taylor, one of our 6 year old boys,

...To the homemaker who gave material and buttons so ladies in Tanzania could learn how to sew,

...To the man who gave up his farm caps to keep the sun off our Tanzanian friends’ faces,

...To the person who donated bandaids and gauze for the Kidugala Health Center . . .

You have a gift to share!

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us ...if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously."

~Romans 12:4-8a