Shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand, this is how Bega Kwa Bega has grown. Its strength lies in the grassroots network of relationships that links congregations and communities of faith across continents. These relationships, not head office to head office or individual to individual, are at the heart of how this program has been structured.
Since formalizing a companion partnership in 1987, the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania have been walking together to learn more about what it means to be Lutheran in our global church. Through visiting companions, receiving the pastoral team as guests, prayerful support, supporting projects, and living through the values of accompaniment, companions on every end of the partnership have grown more deeply into faith.
In St. Paul, cluster leaders serve as the primary point of contact and support for 10-12 congregations within the synod. Cluster leaders are volunteers based in the United States who assist congregations here to develop deeper connections with their companions in Iringa.
As the Iringa Diocese continues to grow and add new parishes, there is always an opportunity (and a need) to identify new companions from the Saint Paul Area Synod. Currently there are 40+ congregations in Iringa looking for connections. If you or your congregation are interested in learning more, email begakwabega@spas-elca.org to start the conversation!
East Central Cluster
Cluster Leader: Jim Wolf | jimwolf5708@msn.com | 651.459.8148 | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Beaver Lake/Holy Cross | Ikengeza |
Bethel, Hudson, Wi. | Cathedral |
Bethel, Hudson, Wi. | Wilolesi |
Bethlehem, Bayport | Image |
Christ the King White Bear Lake | Masisiwe |
Christ, Lake Elmo | Lulanzi |
Christ, Marine on St. Croix | Ugesa |
Gethsmane, Maplewood | Pommern |
Grace of God, Woodbury | Kitasengwa |
House of Prayer, Oakdale | Ifunda |
Our Savior's, Stillwater | Mlafu |
St. Mark, N. St. Paul | Kihesa |
St. Paul, Stillwater | Mgama |
St. Stephen's, White Bear Lake | Lukani |
Trinity, Stillwater | Mwatasi |
North Cluster
Cluster Leader: The Rev. Dale Stiles | pastor@sharingchristslove.org | 763-245-4006 | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Chisago Lake, Center City | Ilula |
Elim, Scandia | Kivalamo |
Faith, Forest Lake | Kidabaga |
First, Rush City | Kitowo |
Fish Lake, Harris | Wasa |
Immanuel, Almelund | Itonya |
St. Paul's, Wyoming | Migoli |
St. Paul's, Wyoming | Mtera |
Trinity, North Branch | Pawaga |
North Central Cluster
Cluster Leaders: Caryn & Jim Josephson | czjosephson@gmail.com | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Abiding Savior, Moundsview | Makungu |
Christ the King, New Brighton | Nduli |
Galilee, St. Paul | Uhominyi |
Incarnation, Shoreview | Kigamboni |
Incarnation, Shoreview | Mkwawa |
Prince of Peace, Roseville | Bomalang'ombe |
Roseville Lutheran, Roseville | Ng'ang'ange |
Shepherd of the Hills, Shoreview | Kidamali |
St. Mark's, Circle Pines | Wimbe |
South Cluster
Cluster Leader: Birdie Olson | birdie_olson@msn.com | 952-890-4642 | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Christiania, Lakeville | Ihemi |
Christus Victor, Apple Valley | Mlowa |
Easter, Eagan | Nyanzwa |
Family of Christ, Lakeville | Usokami |
Farmington Lutheran | Idete |
Mt. Calvary, Eagan | Ipalamwa |
Our Saviour's, Hastings | Ilambilole |
Our Saviour's, Hastings | Ihominyi |
Prince of Peace, Burnsville | Ilambo |
Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley | Makifu |
Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley | Tungamalenga |
Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley | Usolonga |
St. James, Burnsville | Idunda |
St. John's, Lakeville | Muhanga |
City Cluster (formerly South Central)
Cluster Leader: Karsten Nelson | karstenn@comcast.net | 651.772.2445 | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Arlington Hills, St. Paul | Idegenda |
Christ (Hill), St. Paul | Masimike |
Como Park, S. Paul | Itungi |
Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul | Igangiung'u |
Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul | Kiponzelo |
Immanuel, St. Paul | Magubike |
Immanuel, St. Paul | Mkimbizi |
Our Redeemer | Kidewa |
Pilgrim, St. Paul | Luganga |
St. Timothy, St. Paul | Irindi |
Southeast Cluster
Cluster Leader: Elizabeth Henrickson | echendrickson@gmail.com | 612-210-8013 | |
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SPAS CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
All Saints, Cottage Grove | Kipaduka |
Amazing Grace, Inver Grove Hghts | Magulilwa |
Augustana, West St. Paul | Ipogoro |
Augustana, West St. Paul | Nyamhanga |
King of Kings, Woodbury | Kilolo |
Luther Memorial, South St. Paul | Mlandege |
Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood | Kising'a |
Newport Lutheran | Kimala |
Salem, West St. Paul | Magome |
St. Stephen's, West St. Paul | Ihimbo |
St. Stephen's, West St. Paul | Iwonde |
Zion, Cottage Grove | Kitapilimwa |
Other Congregations
Russ Hilliard | rhilliard@uptonhatfield.com Jo Whiting | tidewatch9@comcast.net | |
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CONGREGATION | DIRA PARISH |
Christ the Lord, Carefree, AZ | Ndengidsivili |
Holy Trinity, New Prague, MN | Ruaha Mbuyuni |
Holy Trinity, Newington, NH | Isimani |