The recent messages, greetings, and news coming from our friends in Iringa paint a picture of the church at work, proclaiming the Gospel, ministering to those in need, and sharing God’s love with the world. Here are a few highlights:
Holy Week and Easter celebrations took center stage in the diocese parishes. The head office was closed so pastors could lead worship in the parishes, serve holy communion on Maundy Thursday, and baptize babies and adults on Easter Monday. Brass bands added to the joyful noise in some parishes, and Pastor Rich Larson heard the Ipogolo choir sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus a cappella.
He is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
During Holy Week, staff from the diocese head office paid a diaconal visit to a preaching point of an unpartnered parish. They delivered clothing and household goods to the temporary chapel structure, items which were to be shared with those in need. Accompanying the diocese, our synod’s representative delivered a gift of chairs to be used in the sanctuary.
Several companion congregations and parishes shared greetings with one another. Messages get passed in Swahili to the BKB DIRA office, where they are translated and transmitted to our BKB SPAS office, and then shared with congregational leaders in Minnesota. And then the messaging returns in the other direction.
Some of the greetings arrived with project updates. One congregation recently learned that their contribution toward a fully equipped laboratory for the rural dispensary has increased the average patient counts from 75 clients per month to 250. Another set of messages exchanged the news of pastoral leadership changes in both companion congregations, and the promise of prayers for the transitions on both sides.
We also received reports detailing the activities of the Women, Family, Nurture department so far this year. Objectives like strengthening families, economic empowerment, and improving compassionate services to vulnerable groups were implemented with seminars for elder care, preparing parenting curriculum, and partnering with Dignity for Daughters to teach in the secondary schools. Another message told of five diocese leaders traveling to Arusha to learn how another diocese is supporting recovery from addiction with a residential treatment home.
The Saint Paul Area Synod is privileged to accompany the Iringa Diocese as it shares the good news of faith, hope and love in its proclamations and in its actions. Bwana Yesu Asifiwe!
Asanteni sana,
Kirsten Levorson
Director of Bega Kwa Bega
