The ELCT-North Eastern Diocese will celebrate 30 years of partnership with the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) covering the period 1996–2026.These celebrations, which will be observed across all parishes of the Diocese, will be celebrated at the Diocesan level on August 2, 2026, at the Handeni Lutheran Parish, in the Western District.
The Five Pillars of Partnership:
The partnership between ELCT-NED and UEM is built on the following core pillars:
Advocacy: Defending human rights, supporting peacebuilding and maintenance efforts, encouraging good governance, and protecting the environment.
Diaconia (Diaconic Services): Improving community livelihoods through the provision of healthcare services, capacity building for individuals and institutions, and providing humanitarian aid during disasters and emergencies.
A recent example of this service was seen when, in collaboration with the ELCT–North Eastern Diocese, UEM provided building materials, food, and other essential supplies to 180 households in Lunguza Village affected by heavy rains and strong winds that damaged and blew roofs off many houses.
Development: Building local capacities, such as recent agricultural enhancements at Irente Farm, empowering people toward self-reliance, providing opportunities for education and international training, and participating in poverty reduction efforts.
Evangelism: Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, conducting programs to nurture the Christian faith, and promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace and harmony.
Partnership: Building relationships of equality and mutual respect, exchanging experts, and strengthening international partnership networks.
Through various programs, leaders and church workers have received training, churches have been strengthened, and many development projects have been achieved. We thank God that for three decades our shared mission has continuously evolved and thrived through these foundational commitments.
Key Partnership Achievements: Over three decades, this collaborative framework has produced tangible, historic achievements across several diocesan institutions and programs:· The Diocese has benefited through agricultural projects, including the improvement of Irente Farm with the assistance of a tractor and modern equipment.· Other benefits include clean water projects, women's training in entrepreneurship and financial management, and education for Maasai women who were provided with goats and empowered with training on modern livestock keeping.·
Furthermore, youth exchange programs (Volunteer Programme) have continued to enhance the capacity of participants and serve as a pillar of support for the Church.· Besides, the Diocesan Children's Home (Orphanage) has benefited through solar power system upgrades, building renovations, and visits from UEM leaders who came to comfort the children and witness the center's progress. These steps have enhanced the children's well-being and improved their upbringing environment.
Lutindi Mental Hospital has also continued to benefit from equipment support, washing machines, infrastructure renovations, medical assistance for needy patients, and contributions toward improving hospital transportation.These achievements represent just a small glimpse into thirty years of blessings.
As we look forward to the future, we remain dedicated to deepening this connection, serving our communities, and expanding God’s kingdom together.
To mark this historic milestone, the ELCT-North Eastern Diocese warmly invites all partners, friends, and the faithful to a joyful day of thanksgiving on August 2, 2026 at Handen Parish, to praise the Almighty through a Special Anniversary Service, lift a Thanksgiving Offering to directly sustain ongoing missional work, and formally acknowledge the exceptional support received from UEM throughout this fruitful journey.
UEM (United Evangelical Mission) is an evangelical mission communion established 30 years ago by German missionaries from Rhenish and Bethel who traveled to Africa and Asia to establish religious activities.
In Africa, they served in 7 countries: Tanzania, DR Congo, South Africa, Botswana, Cameroon, Namibia, and Rwanda, comprising 15 church members. In Tanzania, UEM is represented by 4 ELCT Dioceses:ELCT North Eastern Diocese ELCT North Western Diocese ELCT Eastern and Coastal Diocese ELCT Karagwe Diocese.
Under the dedicated leadership of Bishop Dr. Msafiri Joseph Mbilu, the bond between UEM and ELCT-NED has grown exceptionally strong. Bishop Mbilu's deep roots with UEM have infused this friendship with renewed energy, allowing it to bear rich fruit across both spiritual and social spheres.
The Diocese has benefited immensely from this structural and spiritual unity, reinforcing its capacity to serve The Diocese continues to express its heartfelt gratitude to UEM for a long-standing partnership that continues to strengthen the Church's ministry and community development to the glory of God.
