Ordinations in Iringa

On Sunday, February 24th, the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania gained eight new pastors in a moving and joyous service of ordination held at Mkwawa Lutheran Church in Iringa Town. In attendance, in addition to the Bishop, Dean-Elect, General Secretary, DIRA Treasurer, numerous district and parish pastors and other DIRA staff, were family members of the ordinands and a variety of guests, including Rev. Gary Langness (who was guest preacher) and wife Carol, myself,, and representatives of each parish to which the new ordinands have been assigned. There were also a variety of choirs from all over the diocese, adding beautiful music to the day.

The eight ordinands were presented as a group and then individually each stepped forward and declared their willingness as a pastor in the ELCT to serve wherever they are sent. They professed belief in the teachings of the church. Then each knelt at the altar railing to be blessed by the laying on of hands. They each received a stole which was made by the Rev. Sarah Mdegella, wife of the retired Bishop, who also made their albs – as she has done for many years of ordinands.

The newly-ordained pastors and the parishes to which they have been assigned are:

• Enock Mahenge – Masukanzi (a preaching point of Ilula, soon to become a separate parish)
• Geosseah Mpalanzi – Lukani
• Miriam Chavalla – Kitasengwa (Rungemba CDTI)
• George Mhina - Ruaha Mbuyuni
• Majaliwa Uhagile – Makungu
• Rehema Mbuma – Mtendeule (a preaching point of Kimala, soon to become a separate parish)
• Alfaksaid Mkwama – Kiwele (finishing his internship there, then will be assigned elsewhere)
• Subira Lihweule – Kihesa Mgagao (a preaching point of Pommern, soon to become a separate parish)

Together, let’s join our friends in celebrating and praying for these new pastors, their families, and the communities that they are called to serve.

-April

Deacon April Trout, BKB Program Coordinator