Nebraska Synod ELCA

The 2026 ELCT/ELCA Consultation participants

Walking Together in Tanzania: Nebraska Synod and Northern Diocese Deepen Partnership

The Nebraska Synod recently participated in Partnership Consultation Meetings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) and the ELCA, held August 25–September 2. These consultations, held about every five years, bring together ELCA synods that share companion relationships with ELCT dioceses. Nine of the 22 ELCA–ELCT companionships were represented this year, the first gathering since 2018.

In addition to Nebraska, synods from Southeastern Iowa, Northern Illinois, Northern Great Lakes, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Metro New York City, Arkansas-Oklahoma, and Greater Milwaukee took part. Each delegation included its bishop along with synod staff, pastors, and lay leaders. Bishop Scott Johnson led the Nebraska delegation, joined by Dr. Ronnie Green, lay leader and partnership coordinator, Synod Director of Finance Stephanie Lusienski, and long-time Machame Hospital administrator Bob Kasworm.

A Long and Deep Companionship

Nebraska’s companion is the Northern Diocese in the Kilimanjaro region, the synod’s longest and most active partnership in Tanzania, dating back to the mid-1990s. The Northern Diocese is one of the strongest dioceses in the ELCT, with 350,000 members among the church’s 8.5 million members across 28 dioceses.

The Northern Diocese delegation included Bishop Fredrick Shoo, General Secretary Eng. Zedediah Moshi, Pastor Neema Massawe, and Pastor Andrew Munisi. The joint group met in Arusha for three days of worship, fellowship, and planning before spending several more days together in local dioceses.

Worship, Fellowship, and Shared Learning

The consultation opened with joyful worship featuring children’s, adult, and Maasai choirs. Bishop Stacie Fidlar of the Northern Illinois Synod preached, and ELCT Presiding Bishop Rev. Dr. Alex Gehaz Malasusa welcomed the ELCA guests.

Under the pine trees at an EcoPark on the slopes of Mt. Meru, the group spent an afternoon in workshops designed to deepen relationships and mutual understanding. In the days that followed, partners revisited the history of their companionships, gave thanks for what has been fruitful, and discerned together how to strengthen and grow these relationships in the years ahead.

Pictured: Bishop Frederick Shoo of the Northern Diocese addresses the Consultation.

Layers of Partnership between Nebraska and the Northern Diocese

The Nebraska–Northern Diocese companionship includes many expressions of shared ministry. There are sister parish relationships between 18 Nebraska congregations and Northern Diocese parishes, supporting facilities, kindergartens and primary schools, pastoral exchanges, and students attending secondary boarding schools such as Agape Junior Lutheran Seminary.

The partnership also extends to education and health care through ministries such as Hai Vocational Tech Center, Angaza Women’s Training Center, Mwika Bible College, Machame Nursing School, and KCMC Hospital and Medical School in Moshi.

Health care has been a significant focus. Through the work of Bob Kasworm at Machame Hospital, more than 200 Houses for Health have been built for families with long-term health needs. Machame Hospital, founded in the 1880s, continues to have wide-reaching impact, with expanded capacity in orthopedic care, nursing education, and HIV prevention in infants.

A unique element of the companionship involves Mosaic International’s support of children with physical and intellectual disabilities through the Building Caring Communities programs of the Northern Diocese, including support for students at Farajah Primary School.

The Nebraska Synod and Northern Diocese delegations in conversation

Vision Trips and Shared Ministry

Since 2001, Nebraska Synod Vision Trips to Tanzania have introduced hundreds of Nebraskans to this companionship, helping participants gain “vision” and deepen relationships with ministry partners. The 26th Vision Trip took place this past year. The 27th is planned for January 29–February 15, 2027, with about 25 participants expected.

Leaders also discussed inviting younger generations more fully into the partnership. The Northern Diocese has asked Nebraska to consider organizing a second Vision Trip in August focused on youth and young adults, with a goal of launching that first group in 2028.

Planning for the Future Together

During the consultation, partners reflected on these shared ministries and considered how to sustain and grow the companionship. They agreed to identify priority areas of need in the Northern Diocese and to invite broader support from across the Nebraska Synod. They also committed to establishing a regular quarterly communication rhythm to share brief updates from both sides that can be distributed widely.

A closing worship service, led jointly by Bishop Becca Middeke-Conlin of the ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and ELCT Deputy General Secretary the Rev. Lazaro Rohho, brought the consultation to a joyful and prayerful close.

Nebraska Synod delegates with staff from Building a Caring Community

Visits in the Northern Diocese

After the joint sessions, the Nebraska delegation spent time in the Northern Diocese. Highlights included worship at Moshi Cathedral, where Bishop Shoo serves as presiding pastor and where Bishop Scott Johnson preached; a lawn dinner at the home of Bishop and “Momma” Shoo with diocesan leaders; dinner with Sister Mlay at Usharika wa Neema, a convent whose name translates “cooperation in grace”; and a visit to a Building Caring Community center in Moshi with Deacon Kaaya.

The delegation also visited the new Stefano Moshi Memorial University College campus, where buildings are taking shape under the leadership of Provost Prof. Andrew Mmbwambo, and traveled to Machame to visit Machame General Hospital and the Nursing School.

Time with Bob Kasworm included a home-cooked meal in one of the original mission homes “under the trees of Machame.”

Renewed Commitment to Walking Together

Following worship and a joint leadership meeting to outline a shared vision for the years ahead, the Nebraska delegation returned home with renewed gratitude and commitment to walking together in Christ with sisters and brothers in the Northern Diocese, parting with the blessing Mungu awe nanyi daima, “God be with you till we meet again.”