Companions in Christ
Faith Lutheran’s visit to kifula parish
Mwanga Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
June 22—July 2, 2026
July 1 Update
Worship, Fellowship, and Saying "Until We Meet Again"
As our time with our companions at Kifula Lutheran Parish drew to a close, each day reminded us that partnership is built not only through projects or visits, but through worship, shared meals, conversations, and life together. We continue to be humbled by the extraordinary hospitality of our Tanzanian neighbors and inspired by their joyful witness to the Gospel.
Saturday: Faith Shared in Community
Saturday morning began with fellowship in the home of Eliwaha Msangi, where we joined one of Kifula Parish's small Bible study groups. Every parish in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania studies the same weekly Bible lesson, but each congregation organizes the ministry in its own way. Kifula has divided the parish into 19 neighborhood groups, each made up of five to eight households.
Led by Pastor Mwanga and Praygod Manang, the hour-long study was filled with thoughtful conversation, prayer, and reflection. Afterwards, we shared a wonderful breakfast together—a reminder that Christian community is nourished around both God's Word and table.
Later that morning we visited the museum dedicated to Pastor Silas F. Msangi (1918–1964), who served Kifula Lutheran and composed more than 300 hymns and songs for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. It was a privilege to learn more about his remarkable legacy while being accompanied by his grandson during our visit, Silas Msangi.
The day continued with another incredible display of Tanzanian hospitality as Mama Mshana prepared a delicious buffet of traditional foods for lunch. In the afternoon, we met with members of the Partnership Committee to reflect on our shared ministry and discuss hopes for the future of our companion relationship. We closed the evening with dinner together in our compound, sharing stories, offering prayers of thanksgiving, and preparing for Sunday's farewell.
Sunday: Worship, Celebration, and Farewell
Our final day at Kifula began with breakfast. Worship began at 10:00 a.m. and was a beautiful celebration of God's faithfulness. Pastor Eric provided prayers, a greeting from Faith Lutheran and benediction. Zach Rohlwing served as accompanist and also sang a duet with Israel Mockray. The congregation welcomed a guest preacher from Kenya, who shared his powerful testimony before serving as the keynote speaker for the weeklong revival Kifula Lutheran would host.
The service was filled with vibrant congregational singing, beautiful choir anthems, heartfelt prayers, and generous giving.
Following worship, we experienced one of Kifula's beloved traditions: the parish auction. Members donated produce, livestock, and goods from their farms and homes—including maize, sugar cane, papayas, bananas, chickens, and much more. With laughter, friendly bidding, and abundant generosity, every item became an offering to support the ministry of the church. We then greeted the children gathered for Sunday School. Their smiles and excitement—along with a few lollipops—made for a joyful connection.
After lunch at the parish center, it was time to say goodbye. There were hugs, prayers, exchanged gifts, and more than a few tears as we gave thanks for the relationships God continues to strengthen between our congregations. While our visit had come to an end, we departed knowing that our partnership in Christ continues across the miles.
The day concluded with a wonderful dinner hosted by Silas and Grace Msuya before we turned in early for a 5:15 a.m. departure Monday morning. The next leg of our journey would take us on a two-day safari, carrying with us memories, friendships, and the deep joy of having shared life with our brothers and sisters at Kifula Lutheran Church.
Participants will offer a brief “Kifula Connection” in worship on July 4 & 5 and will offer a more detailed presentation of our journey and the partnership early this fall.
June 26 Update
Nine members of Faith Lutheran Church are currently visiting our companion congregation, Kifula Lutheran Parish, in Tanzania. Since 2003, Faith Lutheran and Kifula Parish have shared a companion relationship dedicated to strengthening one another for life and mission within the Body of Christ. This visit has provided a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand the blessings that come through Christian friendship across cultures and continents.
Although we have only been in Kifula for a few days, we have already been overwhelmed by the warmth, hospitality, and deep faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms, joyful songs from the children's choir, and countless expressions of love and generosity.
Our days have included visits with church leaders and members, shared meals, prayer, worship, and conversations about the ministry we share as partners in the Gospel. We have also enjoyed opportunities to experience the beauty of the region and visit one of the sub-parishes of Kifula, Mriti Parish. On Thursday we celebrated a service of Holy Communion at a member’s home.
On Friday, we had the opportunity to visit the cathedral church and office of the Mwanga Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. The morning was a special presentation of children’s choirs from parishes across the diocese and worship led by Bishop Daniel Mono. We enjoyed lunch and discussion with Bishop Mono.
In the days ahead, we will continue discussions about the future of our partnership, and worship together before concluding our time in Kifula. Everywhere we go, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God's people and the many ways Christ is at work in the world.
We remain deeply grateful for your prayers and support. Most of all, we give thanks to God for the gift of this relationship and for the ways our churches continue to encourage one another in faith, discipleship, and mission. We are witnessing firsthand that while we may live thousands of miles apart, we are truly one in Christ.
Bwana Jesu Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord)
Pastor Eric Carlson
Participants: Mike Gaul & Ann Taylor, Jim & Judy Heseman, Tom & Judy Quick, Zach Rohlwing, Michelle Wood, Pastor Eric Carlson