2019 BKB Endowment Grants Awarded

The BKB Endowment Fund was established to strengthen and extend God’s mission through collaborative initiatives of the Lutheran Churches in the USA and Tanzania. Projects are funded annually that are in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese. Two projects received partial funding from the first annual Endowment Grant program:

Ambassador Visits

Approximately half of the parishes in the Iringa Diocese are partnered with congregations in the Saint Paul Area Synod. There is a need to reach unpartnered villages to share the love of Christ and describe these needs with unpartnered congregations in our synod. While periodic visits are an essential aspect of the BKB partnerships, many of our U.S. congregations have difficulty traveling frequently to Tanzania.

While making an ambassadorial visit, Pastor Karsten Nelson received a certificate of appreciation to carry back as a gift to the people of St. Paul Lutheran in Wyoming. For several years, volunteer ambassadors from our synod have visited these parishes. The Endowment Grant provided $500 of in country transportation support for this initiative. This grant is an example of expanding congregational involvement.

Saint Paul Partners Vehicle Replacement

Saint Paul Partners, a BKB affiliated organization, has been operating with an old, high mileage Toyota Hilux to carry out the work of water development and training in hygiene and sanitation. The Endowment grant provided $500 toward a replacement vehicle fund. This grant is an example of strengthening relationships with BKB affiliates.

Growing the BKB Endowment Fund is a top priority for the Admin & Finance Team on the Iringa Committee. Doing so will enable us to make more sizable grants toward worthy projects that advance our common goals. To that effect, the Iringa Committee will be matching the first $7,000 of funds collected at the Fall Festival in offering plates and through a silent auction – directing all of it toward the Endowment.

Looking to the future, applications for the 2020 Endowment Grants will be be available at the BKB Fall Festival on November 9 and are to be submitted by February 15, 2020. Please consider areas for projects as we accompany each other through this extended network of relationships.

– Linka Holey
Member of the Iringa Committee and BKB Endowment Working Group