Zion Tanzanian Ministry

Mhezi

What Is Mhezi?

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS…?

  • The United Republic of Tanzania is an east-African, sub-Saharan country. Swahili is the official language.

  • Mhezi/Mwembe Parishes are in the Pare Mountains in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania

  • The Parishes are part of the Pare Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania

  • Mhezi/Mwembe Parishes have been Zion’s Companion since 2003

ZION MHEZI/MWEMBE MINISTRY TEAM

  • Zion Mhezi/Mwembe Ministry is an official ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines

  • The Ministry is overseen by a volunteer 9-member Ministry Team of current and former Zion members

  • The Ministry Team liaison for disbursement of scholarship funds is a retired Pare Diocese Treasurer; the Team hosted a 2022 Iowa visit by the liaison and his wife

  • The Team conducts fundraisers to fund the education of students lacking sponsors—the sale of a nuts/candy/dried fruit products; the sale of honey products/beeswax candles; Tanzanian fabric sales

MISSION TRIPS TO TANZANIA

  • Zion began sending teams on Mission Trips to Tanzania in 2005—Eight mission trips to date

  • Mission Trips feature visits to schools/meeting students/worship at sub-parishes/home stays/meetings with parish leaders/service projects

  • Mission trips provide opportunity for wildlife photo safaris/climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro/stay at safari lodges and modern hotels/travel to other parts of Tanzania/flights typically go through Amsterdam

SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM/ADD’L EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Tomasa

Tomasa is enrolled in the Mhezi scholarship program.

Education in the U.S seems so easy but over here the kids family must pay for teachers, books, uniforms, any of the essentials for school that is free in the U.S.

Support Mhezi Team

If donated please note (For Mhezi) Thank You

Kazita

Kazita is also enrolled into the Mhezi scholarship program!

Kazita life is a little more at ease as he doesn’t have to focus on how or when he pays for school and he can fully commit to his future career, thanks to Mhezi.

  • In 2010, the 4-year scholarship program for secondary school students of the Parishes was established

  • A 4-year scholarship of $100 per year partners with students’ parents/guardians who can’t afford school expenses (tuition, school supplies, uniforms, hot lunch, etc.)

  • Students are selected for scholarships by Parish leaders and education committee, based on family needs

  • Scholarship sponsors may exchange letters with their students. Students are taught in English.

  • The Ministry has provided some financial assistance, as funds permit, for post-secondary vocationalraining and higher education; students must complete applications for consideration

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

  • Contributed toward Mhezi water project sponsored by Rotary clubs and Rotary International, bringing clean, safe water to some schools and villages of the Parishes

  • Provided community diesel-powered maize milling/hulling machine; funded conversion to electric power

PARISH SUPPORT

  • Hosted Parish pastor, spouse and Parish leader for Iowa visit

  • Helped with construction for some of the 8 worship center buildings; provided motorbike for pastor

HEALTHCARE/GONJA LUTHERAN HOSPITAL

  • Support for Gonja Lutheran Hospital whose service area includes Mhezi/Mwembe Parishes

  • Oversaw donation of/contributed to shipping of used mechanical hospital beds, replacing metal cots

  • Provided two microscopes for Gonja laboratory; Performed service projects--cleaning, painting, repairs

  • Hosted Gonja Hospital Matron, Nurse Dora, for 3-week Iowa visit