Companion Congregation
USANGI Parish? Who are these people we pray for at worship every weekend? How did we get teamed up with a congregation in a country we have to search for on the map?
Some time ago, our congregation made the decision to enter into a congregation-to-congregation relationship with a church in the Pare Diocese of Tanzania in East Africa. After we notified the Southeast Iowa Synod office of our decision, we were partnered with the Usangi Parish as our Companion Congregation. The purpose of the Companion Synod Program is to build relationships with people of the Pare Diocese through which we will be mutually strengthened for life and mission in the body of Christ.
In January 2005, Pastor Patti and Dick Webb, Barb and Nate Woodard, and Asta and Arlen Twedt went on a Synod sponsored two-week trip to Tanzania.
In Summer 2007, Pastor Mshana & his wife and the Choir Director visited us here in Ankeny. We have also been visited by the General Secretary of the Usangi Parish in June 2004. As these visits continue, we grow in our understanding of each other’s lives and cultures that deepens our caring for each other.
  As our relationship with the Usangi Parish continues to grow, we need to keep in mind the concept of mutuality, that is, keeping a sense of equality between the two congregations. We will refrain from giving gifts that our companions cannot match and be willing to share about life, work, concerns, prayer needs, and ways of mutual encouragement in Christ. While in Tanzania, the Holy Trinity team plans to worked with the Usangi people on a covenant agreement between the two congregations.
We are blessed to have the Usangi Lutherans praying for us. Please join us in praying for support for all members of the Usangi Parish in Tanzania.
--Asta Twedt, Small Group Leader
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