Washiriki Katika Kristo—that’s Swahili for “Partners in Christ” and the slogan of Southwood's global mission team working with the ELCT-Northern Diocese in Tanzania. The Northern Diocese is located on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro in north-central Tanzania, East Africa. Southwood established a sister-church relationship with the Uswaa parish in 2002.
You don't have to be a "Super Christian" to join a mission trip. The only requirements are a loving heart and a desire to serve God. Most members of the mission teams will tell you that they joined to help others, but found that they received back more than they gave.
Learn about Southwood's Guidelines for Global Mission Trips when it comes to youth under age 19 and recommendations for adults in case of medical emergency.
Southwood has been contributing to the construction of a second church for Uswaa parish. Many people walk up to six miles on dirt roads to get to church. Uswaa has purchased land and started construction of a new church to better serve these people. Southwood will continue to provide financial support for this new facility.
The Machame Mission Hospital is a 150-bed facility operated by the Northern Diocese of the ELCA in Tanzania. This hospital is in need of westernized personnel and techniques to assist in the advancement of medical care in the region. Interested physicians, nurses and allied health professionals who desire to minister to and serve our Christian brethren should strongly consider participating in the opportunity.
This group will assist in the teaching of English to secondary students. We will work with the Uroki Secondary School, which will have students from the Uswaa parish. Our teaching will give the students extra practice with writing and speaking of English. Students in Tanzania are required to take national exams in English. Due to their limited contact with people who are fluent in speaking English, this poses a challenge and can have severe consequences (elimination of their schooling). The Education Team will assist in the teaching, understanding, and application of the English Language to secondary students and teachers in Uroki Secondary School. Uroki is located on beautiful Mt. Kilimanjaro near the Uswaa Parish. Spending time at the school will not only benefit the students that attend Uroki, but because of its location, the families of our sister church in Tanzania will also have a better opportunity to develop a relationship with Southwood Lutheran members.
Education is the key to a bright future. But in Tanzania, secondary education isn't free. HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases are orphaning students, or leaving their parents too weak to work. When parents can't pay tuition, students are forced to leave school, and without an education the are nearly assured a life of poverty.
Through scholarships Southwood is working to change that the situation in Tanzania! Education Scholarships make it possible for children to stay in school. Help break the cycle of poverty today by enabling hopeful dreams of a better tomorrow. Share your compassion, talents and resources to help provide educational scholarships for AIDS Orphans and Needy Youth in Lutheran Secondary schools.
P.O. Box 22767
Lincoln, NE 68542
Phone: 402-423-5511
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Worship is held at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. each Sunday morning.