Partnership Sunday

The UEM Africa Department visited the Kettwig congregation on Sunday 21 July 2019. It was the celebration of the Partnership Sunday which focused on “love between sisters and brothers” as all created in God’s image. After the service, 25 participants shared on the current developments in Tanzania and in UEM member churches. The highlight was on “What brings partnership to Christians in Tanzania and Germany” and how “African Churches contribute to addressing poverty in the community”. UEM accompanies member churches in the partnership work and in community project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

It is a very active partnership with visible symbols. The Kettwig congregation is very committed to knowing the situation of their partners, praying for them and visiting them. A stone brought from Bwagura (Tanzania) is placed in the church hall garden and a sign indicating kilometers from Kettwig to Bwagura is in front of the church hall.

In April 1984, the Ruhija Music School leader, Mr Blasio Mulyowa (Afro-Arts teacher and trumpet Repairer) visited Germany on a private invitation organised by the Gottschling couple, members of the Kettwig congregation. The teacher was introduced to the United Evangelical Mission in Wuppertal and the family introduced him to their congregation. Through the congregational ecumenical group, the guest from Bwagura/Tanzania was invited for an evening sharing in the Kettwig church center. The shared on many questions about support, assistance and possible partnership.

The partnership relationship encouraged a mutual support strengthening the local participation in Bwagura. Both sides were involved in putting up a church building. In Bwagura, several community projects were implemented, for example: a dispensary, small pharmacy, support of schools and to the sick and old people in emergency situations as well as school fees for orphans.

God bless Kettwig and Bwagura partnership and all committed sisters and brothers.

Rev Dr John Wesley Kabango (Executive Secretary Africa)