Our History

We are sometimes asked why we have chosen to work in Tanzania, a country that is literally half way around the world!

"Isn't there enough need locally to keep you busy?" is the most common question.

"Wouldn't it be easier to work somewhere that is less expensive to get to?" is another.

The answer to both the questions is YES. Both are valid. However, there IS a reason we chose Tanzania.

Before Tanzania Partners was formed, St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Ames began a partnership with a church in Hedaru. Five members of St. Andrew's visited Hedaru in January of 2006 to meet our new companions, and there were four more visits in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  In June of 2007, the water project began, and in February 2008 Phase 2 of the water project was completed.

We quickly realized that with the many local connections we have made in Tanzania, our companionship was going to be about both our relationships, AND the projects that came out as a result of the relationship, so Tanzania Partners was formed to handle the project side of things.

As Tanzania Partners takes shape, we hope to broaden our community support, enlist participation of larger sponsors, and expand our humanitarian efforts in to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Tanzanians.  People often ask if we are overwhelmed by the tremendous needs in Africa, and our answer is, "we don't try to work in all of Africa.  We have this one little area, and our job is to do our best.  To these people in this village, our work matters."