Mount Olive Lutheran Church

Tanzania

During the month of November (2011) a small delegation from Mount Olive, led by Pastor Laura, visited central Tanzania and worked to set up some computers and networking which will allow the people there to have better access to Internet resources. This will enhance their educational opportunities and their personal connections with the rest of the world. You can read about the mission and see reports and photos from the trip at the new Mount Olive blog.

At nearly every Mount Olive worship service the Mount Olive sister congregation at Kijota, Tanzania is remembered in prayer. The Mount Olive travelers were privileged to worship at Kijota on Nov 13! In the photo above Pastor Sarah of Kijota and Pastor Laura are standing together outside the church there.

World Relief

Mount Olive has celebrated a 40 year partnership with Kijota Lutheran Church, Kijota, Tanzania.  Reverend Grace Sima, director of the school, gave us a review of its history and an update on its progress. Vivian Gulleen Center was started in 1968 by the church and was named after a Diocesan Women's director from Augustana Lutheran Mission in the United States. Vivian Gulleen was a hard working woman who supported poor women by educating them. The center was initially a training center for women in leadership and the vision was revised to empower girls, mostly those who had missed other opportunities, to further their studies.

In 2001, the Board of Vivian Gulleen and its staff developed plans and strategies to make their institutional programs remain relevant for the coming decades. The plans were tried in 2003, but the institution found that it was lacking resources to provide modern housing, computer technology and skilled trainers. The budget to build the program and remodel the institution was $60,000 and the Institution was being threatened with closure. However, the vision to keep the plan in place was renewed. In 2008, the church collected $90,000 from various sources (including fiscal and computer donations from Mount Olive). The Institution completed renovation work on the old buildings, constructed one office and the program for the high school girls was started. In 2010, three classes were developed with aid from the government and the school grounds were fenced in.

Since its high school program began, two groups have graduated and out of 30 who graduated, 20 of the girls went on to the University. The school now has 51 girls enrolled and it costs about $2000 in tuition and fees for these girls to attend. The Dean Riesen Foundation in the US pays 60% of this cost. The remainder is paid by the parents and/or the Church. Reverend Sima indicated that the Institution also operates a dispensary (which needs enhancements), has vocational training programs for underprivileged girls, and a kindergarten program which is doing well.

In addition to the sister congregation relationship with Kijota, Mount Olive has a long and vibrant history of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) work by supporting three appeals. LWR quilters meet every Thursday to work on the quilts to be sent around the world. LWR Baby Care Kits and Personal Care Kits are two appeals that are done annually. Members of the congregation donate the various supplies needed. The Baby Care Kits are then assembled in February by the Sunday School students. The Personal Care Kits are assembled by confirmation students. After assembly, the kits are delivered to the LWR warehouse in South Saint Paul, where they are then shipped to those in need around the world. For more information on LWR, please visit their web site.

• Service Opportunites

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News

• "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampshade, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
  Matthew 5:14-16

  Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits:
  
  The confirmands will be assembling the Personal Care Kits this fall, but we will need supplies to complete the kits. Please pick up a card of information on the table by the sanctuary entrance. This card lists the items in the Personal Care Kits (please note LWR has made changes to the contents from last year). There will also be cards posted on the LWR bulletin board (located near the Library). After you are done shopping, please drop off the items in the LWR box in the gathering area.

  Attention all Garage Sale Shoppers (and other donators to LWR)!
  
  The items needed for layettes and health kits have changed somewhat from last year. Pick up a list of items that can be donated and dropped off in the LWR box in the gathering area at any time.

  Attention LWR Baby Care Kit Sewers:
  
  There will be“grab and go” bags in/near the LWR box in the gathering area (watch for signs on the box). Each package will contain either five jackets to be sewn together or five blankets to be hemmed. Please take a package (or two) as you have time and return to the LWR box.