A Growing Diocese with Urgent Building Needs
The Southeast of Lake Victoria Diocese (SELVD) of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania has experienced tremendous growth. These newly formed congregations have already poured foundations, made bricks, and built church walls as a labor of love from their own members. Having a church building is very important to them and they show their eagerness by their labor. Their next challenge is raising the money needed to purchase wood and steel sheets for roofs. Because many of these church plants are in rural areas and are served primarily by subsistence farmers, financial resources are limited.
Growth Since 2012
When SELVD was established in December 2012, it included 14,371 members, 5 districts, 37 congregations, and 70 preaching stations. By 2026, it had grown to more than 15 districts, 49,700 members, 108 congregations, and 324 preaching stations. Despite this growth, 42 percent of SELVD preaching stations still do not have a church roof. While congregations continue raising funds for roofing materials, many still gather for worship without protection from the weather.
How can we help?
Raising funds for a church is a wonderful project for a Sunday School class, youth group or women/men/ senior group. Maybe a Thrivent Action Team project. You can focus on one church and extend the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters. Can you imagine walking to church each Sunday to worship in a church with no roof? We can because we have personally witnessed this on our mission trips.
Ways to donate
Send your charitable donation check marked “Tanzania Roofs” to: Mid-South District LCMS – 1675 Wynne Road – Cordova, TN 38016 or click on the give now button. Scroll down to Tanzania and put in the amount you want to donate and write Tanzania roofs in the purpose box.
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