GNJ campaign and new Tanzanian church both near completion

May 7, 2024 |

Greater New Jersey’s For Tanzania campaign is nearing its goal to fund construction of the Bamia United Methodist Church in Dar es Salaam, pictured here, and also pay a living wage for two years to 80 struggling United Methodist pastors. Their average annual pay is only $63, while a living wage in Tanzania is $1200.

Nearly $85,000 has been given as of May 1. Of the 143 donations, 58 are from individuals and 85 are from congregations, including five from beyond Greater New Jersey.

We are only about $15,000 short of our $100,000 goal. Just like our campaign, the Bamia church sanctuary is also nearing its completion, as busy workers engage in their labors of love. Please help us reach our goal so they can reach theirs. We want to help United Methodists in Tanzania welcome new generations of believers.

Visit our For Tanzania campaign website at https://www.gnjumc.org/fortanzania/.  Join one of our giving circles at https://www.gnjumc.org/fortanzania/giving-circles/.

A GNJ team of conference leaders and pastors will return to Tanzania May 23 to June 4, to attend its United Methodist Annual Conference and to once again teach in their school for pastors. Our visiting representatives will include Bishop John Schol, Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Eric Drew, Rev. Eunice Vega-Perez, Sam Perez, Rev. Leslie Houseworth and Rev. William D. Carter, III. They will teach on Wesleyan theology and understanding of the sacraments, evangelism, preaching and a study Luke’s Gospel.

The Greater New Jersey Conference continues to strengthen relationships with our United Methodist siblings in Tanzania through these yearly visits to share in their pastoral education and encourage development of their churches and leaders.

Photo:  Bamia United Methodist Church under construction.