Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Marty Malley, Tanzania Ministries Coordinator volunteer

In 2009, I somewhat reluctantly joined a Nebraska Synod Tanzania Vision trip led by Pastor Martin Russell (he was an Assistant to Bishop Dave DeFreese at the time).  The trip was a huge eye-opener for me and significantly impacted the trajectory of my life.  In 2012, I decided to leave my 2^nd career (the first was in the Navy) as a railroad IT guy and create a company called Shrinking Borders – with the mission of making the world a smaller place.  That has been my project since then.

Over the last 15 years, Tanzania has nearly become a second home to me. I’ve led many groups there, traveled as a Country Director for an education-focused nonprofit, made many friends, and seen firsthand the power of connection.

I love watching people experience Tanzania for the first time, especially Tanzanian hospitality.  Witnessing the impact on both Americans and Tanzanians reinforces my belief in the importance of bridging cultures. Most travelers quickly become a bit guilty about the lifestyles of consumption and excess we tend to live here at home.  All travelers are amazed by the pure joy, humor, and sharing that are characteristics of the people there.  Shared experiences create an environment where everyone grows.

The many things people in our Synod do working together with partner parishes, sponsoring students, welcoming Tanzanian visitors to Nebraska, and even sharing in the struggles of COVID and the grief of lost loved ones have made these bonds even stronger.

Being in nearly daily communication with my African friends through WhatsApp brings a deep sense of connection and fulfillment. They always ask about my health and my family.  It’s remarkable to feel so close despite the physical distance. Whether we’re sharing updates, offering encouragement, or just checking in, these exchanges remind me that our relationships are alive and thriving.  This frequent connection reinforces the bonds we’ve built and keeps my heart firmly tied to a place that has become so much more than a distant land.

The partnership between my congregation, Messiah Lutheran in Ralston, with Nkuu Kati parish on Mount Kilimanjaro is a rich part of Messiah’s identity.  It’s not about “us doing for them” it’s about mutual respect and collaboration. We’ve tackled projects together (on both sides of the ocean) that we couldn’t have done alone. We’ve exchanged ideas, hosted one another, broadened perspectives, and formed bonds that transcend distance.

Through these connections, we continuously learn that the more we give, the more we get back. And I’m not talking about money here, but about the vulnerability and love we offer each other.

Love is the most powerful force there is. It heals, transforms, and unites. It’s the core of our faith and what makes us human. By fostering connections, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond us.

I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the love I’ve received. I’m a better human as a result.  I encourage everyone to travel, especially to places that are not like the places we live.