July 14, 2015 in Bishop, Global Vision
Highlights from 2015 Tanzania Visit
Bishop Burkat travelled to Tanzania in July for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of our companion North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. While there she participated in a jubilee anniversary service, attended by President Jakaya Kikwete. She preached at a celebration at Kana Church, Tanga, and dedicated a nursery school at Mikanjuni Parish. She also visited the Head Office of the Diocese and toured its new radio station.
Ms. Joanne Carlson, assistant to the bishop for global vision, also represented our synod.
Below are some highlights of the trip. Click on thumbnail photos to see larger versions. See a full gallery at the bottom of this page.
Anniversary Worship Service
On Sunday, July 5, a jubilee worship service celebrated the long history of the diocese, which was founded in 1890. The bishop shared her thoughts on Facebook:
Bp. Munga (center) and retired Bp. Jai (left)
Bp. Burkat with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete
Almost 3,000 people attended the worship service for the 125th anniversary of the North Eastern Diocese of the ELCT. Joanne Carlson took away my iPhone so I couldn’t take photos DURING the service but I got a few after 🙂
The president of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete arrived toward the end of the service and thanked the NED for their good work promoting peace and education, as well as social ministry institutions.
The service from start to finish was 5 hours! Lots of singing, praying, preaching, and congratulatory speeches. I preach at tomorrow’s service.
Worship At Kana Church
The next day the celebration continued with an anniversary service at Kana Church in Tanga:.
Bishop Burkat preaching at Kana Church.
Bishop Stephen Munga presents a gift to Joanne Carlson.
I preached at today’s service at Kana church in Tanga. Joanne Carlson was honored for her long and special relationship serving as synod liaison to the NED. Bishop Munga presented gifts and appreciation to Joanne.
125 young people were at the service preparing to walk for three days from Tana to Lushoto doing service projects and raising awareness of the ELCT along the way. German, Swedish and Finnish partners brought greetings. The Germans who started the diocese in 1890 also brought a brass ensemble.
Dedication of St. Luke Nursery School
The St. Luke Nursery School.
Bishop Burkat participates in the dedication.
July 6 in the afternoon, Bishop Munga, Pastor Zacharia and I dedicated the new building at Mikanjuni- named St Luke Nursery School after their companion parish St Luke in Devon.
Head Office
Greetings from the Diocese staff.
Studios of the new radio station.
Day 2 in Lushoto, Tanzania. Joanne and I will travel to Tanga today to get ready for three day celebration of 125th Anniversary of the Northeastern Diocese.
Lunch today with Vice Chancellor Anneth Munga. New Diocesan Radio Station and welcome from Diocesan staff yesterday.
Heading Home
The NED Head Office staff says farewell.
Young adults heading to service projects.
Farewell and Godspeed from the NED staff as Joanne and I travel to Arusha for our return trip. On our way we passed the 125 young adults walking 125 miles from Tanga to Lushoto, and doing service projects along In celebration of the Northeastern Diocese’s 125th jubilee. I hope you can sense the joy and enthusiasm of these young people!
