Here in the Iringa offices of Bega Kwa Bega, we’ve hosted a number of Zoom meetings between companions this month. These digital conversations are a great opportunity for communication in between travel visits, during project planning or monitoring, and at transition points like when there are new pastors in the congregations.

Leaders from the Iringa parish meet at The Lutheran Center to connect with companions over a strong internet signal. The BKB Iringa Diocese (BKB DIRA) office provides a translator for the meeting, the BKB Saint Paul Area Synod (BKB SPAS) office brings the technology. The U.S. companion congregation provides funding for bus transport, an overnight stay and meals. To bring three to four leaders for a conversation usually costs under $100.

The Zoom conversations generally follow the pattern of a partnership meeting. There are introductions, prayers, words of thanks and appreciation, and discussion around projects or student scholarships. The Tanzanians tend to bring a formal report, including project priorities and challenges. There is time to ask questions, to clarify goals, and to agree on next steps for a project.

Living into the goal of being deeply present with one another, good calls allow space and time for sharing on both sides. One congregation prepared a slide presentation showing recent activity, including youth events, a new member reception and distribution of goods to those in need. Another pair of companions discovered that each sponsored a garden project involving youth.

The calls offer the opportunity to strengthen communication and energize companionships. If your congregation would like to schedule a Zoom meeting, please reach out to our office to begin the process.

Asante sana,

Kirsten Levorson
Director of Bega Kwa Bega