Fall 2013 - Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

Tungamalengasotv.org/tanzania | tungamalenga.blogspot.comUpdate on Fall Guests from TanzaniaBy Kirsten Levorson, Partnership CoordinatorUPDATED: August 29, 2013 – In the fallnewsletter mailed to homes we stated thatour guests this fall would be Pastor JohnMhekwa, Pastor Paulo Masinga, andMfaume Kisakanike. Just last week, wewere dismayed to learn that both Pauloand Mfaume were denied visas to travelto the U.S. Due to the complicated andcostly process involved, they will not bereapplying for entry. John will be our onlyguest this fall, and we will invite Mfaumeand Paulo another year when US embassyconditions are more favorable.Many people made very generousdonations at our Tanzania auction backin January to pay for travel and hostingcosts for our guests. So how do we usethese funds in a way that honors boththe donors and the originally intendedrecipients? We are currently pursuingthree options:1. Retain the funds for the next time wehost guests from Tanzania2. Give a gift toward the Mpalapandeprimary school in Paulo's village anda gift toward a roof for the chapel inKisilwa, Mfaume's home village.3. Invite two other guests for this fallwho are more likely to be approvedfor a travel visa.The Tanzania Steering Committee willmake a decision at an upcoming meeting.Donors are invited to give us a feedbackon these three options. Please watch theweekly News for the Flock for moreupdates. In the meantime, we are veryexcited that Rev. John Mhekwa (top left)will be with us from October 24 throughNovember 11.John is a longtime friend and “son” tomany SOTV members who have traveledJohn, Paulo and Mfaumeare great examples of howyour gifts to the TanzaniaScholarship Fund change livesand make a difference forwhole communities.You can be part of that!A gift of $380 provides onesecondary school scholarship,including tuition, room andboard for one whole year.More informationtungamalenga.blogspot.comto Tanzania. We first met him in 2002on our first trip to his country, whenhe was a high school student sponsoredby SOTV. Two years later, wesupported him as he studied theologyat Tumaini [Hope] University. In 2009,SOTV members attended his ordinationinto pastoral ministry. He served aparish for three years and is currentlycompleting a master’s degree in publicadministration. He has served as aninterpreter for many SOTV travelersand is a dear friend. John is from thevillage of Mahuninga in TungamalengaParish, where his father was thefounding evangelist of that villagecongregation. John was recentlymarried, and he and his wife Addyare expecting their first child.John is eager to experience life atShepherd of the Valley and wouldwelcome invitations to meet withgroups, formally or informally. Wehave plans for him to be in Godzoneon November 3 & 6, involved inConfirmation services on at least oneweekend, and speaking at the AdultForum on October 27. He will also be aguest of honor at the Saint Paul AreaSynod's Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festivalon November 9 and have several othervisits around the community.Bringing Tanzanian guests to Minnesotais a wonderful way Shepherd ofthe Valley can reciprocate the gracioushospitality that our partners provideevery year to SOTV travelers. Thankyou to all who have supported thiseffort! Please watch the weekly Newsfor the Flock for opportunities to meetour guests.20 | FALL 2013 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church | Main office: (952) 432-6351 | www.sotv.org