Nebraska Synod ELCA

A delegation representing the Nebraska Synod returned recently from a two-week vision trip to Tanzania. This vision trip is designed to deepen the relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Northern Diocese and the Nebraska Synod.

The 24-member delegation visited organizations affiliated with the ELCT Northern Diocese to learn about the important work being done. Lutheran organizations visited were primary schools, secondary schools, a college, hospital, orphanage, women’s training center, and convent. While in Moshi, the group stayed at the Lutheran Uhuru Hotel and Conference Center, owned and operated by the ELCT Northern Diocese.

The highlight of the vision trip was attending Sunday church services at area Lutheran parishes. Worship was two to three hours in length with loving, caring congregations who participated fully in a vibrant spiritual service.

Zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hippopotamuses, elephants, and black rhinoceros were discovered on a three-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area. Many other wild animals and exotic birds were sighted during the safari.

The goal of Martin “Marty” Malley, trip leader is to make the world a smaller place for the trip participants. His goal was accomplished with this 2024 delegation.

The Nebraska Synod has had a partnership with the ELCT Northern Diocese since approximately 1995. The headquarters of the ELCT Northern Diocese is in Moshi, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are over 7.9 million Lutherans in Tanzania, more Lutherans than in the USA.

At this time, the Vision Trip for 2025 is at capacity, but the Nebraska Synod is accepting waitlist registrations HERE. The 2025 registration cost is $3,100 which covers travel, lodging, meals, and safari fees while in Africa, plus airfare. Be on the lookout for the 2026 dates. For more information, please contact Martin Malley at (402) 452-6441 or mjmalley[at]gmail.com.

In the photo: The 2024 Nebraska Synod delegation to Tanzania included people from across Nebraska, Minnesota, and Washington.