Tanzania Missions
Maasai Girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS)
Established eight years ago as the first secondary school for girls among the MaaSai, Bethel has had the privilege of being a partner with the school since the very beginning. 
In 1997, the congregation funded the construction of the chaplain’s residence, and, in 1998, began to sponsor the full tuition, room, and board for Neema Landey. Neema graduated in the spring of 2004 and is currently enrolled in a teacher’s college.
Selian Lutheran Hospital
In 1986, the Lord led Dr. Jack and Jane McAllister to an interesting relationship with Dr. Mark Jacobson, an ELCA missionary and director of the new Selian Lutheran Hospital near Arusha. The McAllisters eagerly raised money and materials for the construction of what has become a state of the art hospital, one of the most widely recognized hospitals in East Africa. The hospital is unique in its intimate connection of faith and health. “Doctors are remiss if they don’t pray with their patients,” Jacobson says. Today the hospital is raising money for the construction of another facility in downtown Arusha.
Timazaeli Sumuni
Timi is a medical student at the Kilamanjaro Christian Medical College, and is fully sponsored by members and friends of Bethel Church. 
He is a life-long Lutheran, having previously taught Kiswahili in preparing new missionaries to Tanzania. Identified as someone with particular gifts and “a determination to serve God” (Timi’s words), he was selected as one of 50 applicants to pursue medical training in a partnership program with Selian. Upon graduation, Timi will work at Selian for a minimum of five years. He believes that being a Christian makes a difference in patient care, because “I am encouraged to serve the patients as if I am serving Jesus himself.”
In the Mail...
We recently received a letter from Timi that arrived after he was notified about the results of our Tanzania Missions auction held in November. The auction raised over $7,000 – most of which will fund the full tuition, room, and board for his medical school education. We'd like to share Timi's letter with you...
Grace and peace to you!
In thinking about your latest letter it took me some time as I was asking myself as to who am I that people at far places are not only thinking of me but giving of their time and possesions to see to it that I go to school nicely.
I feel very previledged and I fear a lot more when I am reminded that to whom much is given much shall be required of him.
I do believe in miracles as this is one to me and it makes me feel the service of the Lord to me at an even closer distance.
I am very thankful to Bethel Lutheran Church. There are no words enough to express my thanks and feelings about this particular thing, but I am sure you will try to understand me in the simplest expression: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
—Timizaeli, your son in Christ and the bond servant of Jesus Christ.
Kirika Lutheran Church
Kirika is one of the fastest growing churches in Arusha. From its beginnings in an abandoned 8’x12’ government shack, the congregation now worships in a sanctuary that seats over 700. After members of Bethel visited Kirika in 2002, it was agreed that Kirika and Bethel would join as sister congregations. Members of Bethel paid for the foundation work of the congregation’s expanded sanctuary, and, this past summer, paid for all of the new pews at Kirika.
Concordia Children’s Services in The Philippines
Several years ago, Howard and Earlene Kemnitz began a mission of love with children in The Philippines. Living and working in Hong Kong, the Kemnitz’s were introduced to the enormous number of street children, particularly in Manila. That’s when the Lord led them to a struggling Lutheran orphanage there. After numerous visits and prayer, they helped begin a day program for the homeless children, with special emphasis given to older children in school. The program has grown to include nearly 100 children.
In the fall of 2004, with the help of Bethel’s Servant Ministry Board, the Kemnitz's initiated The Philippines Missions Team at Bethel, with hopes of raising additional interest and funds. In June 2005 the director of CCS in The Philippines, Beth Caces, visited Bethel, leading Sunday School and a special Global Missions dinner that evening.
A missions trip to The Philippines is scheduled for March 2006, led by Howard and Earlene. For more information, contact them at hekemnitz@verizon.net.
Another Global Mission Project emerging at Bethel...
The India Orphanage Project
In 2003, one of Bethel’s members, Todd Heidelberger, was invited to serve on the Board of Directors for Bethania Kids. Bethania is a Lutheran-affiliated foundation that funds and supports orphanages, day care centers, and after school programs in south India. (Visit their website at www.bethaniakids.org.)
After making two trips to India in 2004, including an October trip with Pastor Rhodes, we began the process of introducing Bethania to the members of Bethel – something that reached a dramatic climax once the December 26 tsunami devastated portions of southeast Asia. Members of Bethel initiated a fundraising project that eventually raised $100,000 and built three orphanages for children newly orphaned by the disaster.
In October 2005 Bethel welcomed Bishop John Suthyikumar to Winchester. Bishop John directs Bethania Ministries in India and was in town to update the congregation about the new orphanage projects.
A mission trip to India is being scheduled for 2006. For more information, contact Todd Heidelberger at todd.heidelberger@thrivent.com.
