GRACE NOTES - MISSION PARTNER: AN AFRICAN CONNECTION

Of the 78 million Lutherans around the world, 31 million are in Africa. 8.6 million of the Lutherans in Africa are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), which is the second largest Lutheran Church on the planet (The largest is the Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus in Ethiopia). By contrast, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (of which we are a congregation) has about 2.8 million members. While congregations shrink and denominations struggle here, the African church is growing and becoming more vital.

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The Usangi Lutheran Parish of the Mwanga Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania has been our companion congregation for many years. Located in view of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro along the Kenyan border, the Usangi Parish runs a school, has a vital worship life, and brings hope and healing to the world. Members of Holy Trinity travelled to Usangi in 2005, and we have sought to maintain a relationship.

Our relationship is, at its most basic, a covenant of mutual prayer, encouragement, and an expression of Christian unity. It is a way in which the body of Christ is manifest in its largest sense. We are currently working to renew and revitalize our companion congregation relationship. We have been able to reconnect with the pastor of the Usangi Parish, Rev. BillyGraham Msangi and he quickly wrote to greet us:

June 3, 2025
Dear Rev. Timothy V. Olson, and all brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Warm greetings to you from Usangi, Tanzania! I hope this message finds you well and joyful in the Lord.
It is a great joy for me and our congregation here to send our love and friendship to you. Even though we are far apart, we feel close to you through our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
We thank God for the good work you are doing in your church and community. Your love, service, and commitment are a blessing and an encouragement to many—even to us here in Usangi.
May God continue to give you strength, peace, and joy in everything you do. We are praying for you, and we look forward to staying connected as brothers and sisters in Christ.
With warm regards and blessings,
 
Rev. BillyGraham Msangi
Parish Pastor – Usangi Congregation
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT)
 
Pastor BillyGraham asks that we, “Kindly remember us in prayer for: Spiritual revival and steadfastness in our faith, Youth and children’s ministry development, Economic empowerment for families in need, Continued peace and harmony in our communities, Wisdom and strength for church leadership.

If you are interested or sense a calling to help renew and deepen our companionship with sisters and brothers who live and love 8,400 miles from here, to show the power of Christ’s bonds of love, to promote peace in a conflicted world, contact Grace Zarway or Pastor Tim in the church office.

Please include the people of the Usangi Parish in your prayers.

Pax Christi,
Tim Olson – Lead Pastor