Nebraska Synod ELCA

A remarkable partnership has flourished between the Nebraska Synod and the people of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT-ND), rooted in a shared mission of faith, community, and spiritual growth. This partnership, which has evolved over three decades and is part of the ELCA Companion Synod program, is now witnessing a transition in leadership.

Marty Malley, who has served as the Tanzanian Vision Trip Coordinator, reflects on his journey to this pivotal role. His adventure began in 2009 when he took his first trip to Tanzania, initially spurred by a curiosity sparked by Bob Caseworm’s work in HIV research. Marty, a member of Messiah in Ralston, was not actively involved in church life at the time, but a persistent feeling compelled him to embark on this journey.

During that first trip, Marty received a powerful charge: the election of Barack Obama had allowed Tanzanians to be recognized as individuals for the first time. This revelation ignited a passion to build a bridge between his home congregation and the community in Kukati. “I knew I’d go back before I even got on the plane to return home,” he recalls. The following year, he brought his daughters along, and their experience led them to question how they could return to their everyday lives after witnessing such profound joy amidst the challenges faced by the Tanzanian people.

Two years later, Marty left his corporate job to establish Shrinking Borders, a company dedicated to making the world a smaller place. By 2016, he had taken the reins of the Vision Trips, leading countless individuals, 197 total participants, to experience the transformative power of Tanzanian spirituality and community life. “The ELCT church in Tanzania is the fastest-growing church in the Lutheran World Federation,” he explains, “adding hundreds of congregations each year.” Their deep sense of spirituality and degree of joy despite lack of material belongings was something he wanted to share with others.

After years of dedicated service, Marty decided to step down as coordinator to spend more time with his wife and allow new energy to flow into the partnership. “The Holy Spirit was in charge of finding Ronnie,” he says, reflecting on the transition.

Ronnie Green, a newly retired chancellor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is taking over the role of Vision Trip Coordinator. Ronnie and his wife have long been involved in the Tanzanian relationship through their church, Sheridan, and they were eager to deepen their commitment to lay ministry in this new chapter of their lives.

Ronnie’s first trip to Tanzania confirmed the vibrant, appealing nature of the church he had heard so much about. “I was surprised by how deeply the church is involved in social initiatives,” he notes, highlighting the community’s commitment to education, vocational training, and services for individuals with disabilities.

As a passionate musician, Ronnie is also a member of the praise worship team at his church. His love for music became a pivotal moment during his Vision Trip when he visited the Agape Lutheran Junior Seminary. Welcomed with music, Ronnie learned of the school’s desire to expand its music, agriculture, and business programs. “I knew why I’d been called to do these Vision Trips,” he says, as he began discussions with the school’s director, Godrick Lymo, to help bring these programs to fruition.

Marty and Ronnie emphasize the profound impact these Vision Trips have on participants. “People often leave with their eyes opened,” Marty shares, while Ronnie adds, “Their hearts and minds are changed in unexpected ways.”

Despite Tanzania’s economic struggles, Ronnie was struck by its people’s happiness and confidence. “They have so little, yet they have so much,” he reflects. He’d like to encourage others to join the upcoming Vision Trip, scheduled for January 25 to February 10, 2026. “Anyone interested in extending the reach and the work of the church should consider going.”

Register soon at Tanzania Vision Trips.