EVANGELISTIC WORK IN CHUNYA DISTRICT – ELCT Southern Diocese Date: 01–10 August 2025
Introduction
In carrying out the call to spiritual service and sharing the Good News of salvation with the community, the Leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Southern Diocese, organized an Evangelism program in Chunya from 01/08/2025 to 10/08/2025. The Southern Diocese through its strong leadership under Bishop Dr. George Mark Fihavango, the diocesan Leadership through the Department of Evangelism and Missions led by the Assistant Bishop Dr. Johnson Gudaga, has shown solidarity and enthusiasm to fulfill the command of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This service also had a special significance for the Bishop of the Southern Diocese, who used this event as part of the 30th anniversary celebration since he was given the pastoral rank.
The Origin of the Idea of Evangelism
The Bishop of the Southern Diocese of the ELCT explained that the idea of doing Evangelism came to him last year (2024), when he was celebrating 30 years since he was blessed as a pastor. He wanted to celebrate the milestone in a spiritual way, by spreading the Gospel instead of holding a regular ceremony. However, due to the tight schedule, the activity was postponed last year. This year, 2025, the idea finally came to fruition with great success, and became a blessing to many people.
Watch the Bishop speak: click here https://youtu.be/bpkrPlh8b_0?si=qLrA7DOWnhLAUL-6
This unique activity was led and coordinated by Pastor Chengula and has involved more than 120 ministers from various areas including pastors, evangelists, and other ministers dedicated to the work of preaching the Word of God, praying for the community, and collaborating with them in spiritual and social needs. Throughout the ministry, these ministers have reached more than 70 villages, participating in various ministries with a heart of love, patience, and unconditional dedication.
The journey began on 01/08/2025 with several convoys including a convoy from Njombe – Makambako – Chunya, a convoy from Njombe – Kidugala – Ilembula – Chimala – Chunya led by the Chief, a convoy from Chimala – Chunya, a convoy from the Head Office, a convoy from the Chimala Office, a convoy of staff from the Here is Life service, a convoy from Dar es Salaam – Chunya.
Service Areas
The service was held in the villages and towns of Chunya Province, where the spiritual needs and church infrastructure were indeed found to be great.
Activities Held
- Gospel preaching in public meetings
- Intercession and healing services
- Teachings of the Word of God for new believers
- Baptism of new believers
- Marriage ceremony
- Laying foundation stones for the construction of churches, offices and the inauguration of houses
- Construction of churches and other church infrastructure
- Testimonies of those who received salvation
- Call for donations of roofing sheets for various churches
- A personal call for every Christian to evangelize – The ELCT Head emphasized that every Christian should participate in evangelistic work by finding at least two new believers.
To watch some of the servants who decided to build a church: click here https://youtu.be/OdhRU-S7s0k?si=hdtIh-HtgzWDhQqZ
Blessings of the Head of the ELCT
The best thing about this evangelistic service, the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Dr. Alex Gehazi Malasusa, participated directly for about 4 days, from 04/08/205 to 07/08/2025. The head of the ELCT managed to visit a total of 9 streets; and during his visit he managed to lay the foundation stones for the construction of churches, congregation offices.
The areas that the ELCT Head visited included Chunya Street, Kambikatoto and Bitimanyanga Streets (Sangawana Congregation), Upendo Street (Mtande Congregation), Makongolosi Street, Sarepta, Miembeni and Patamela Streets (Mkwajuni St. Congregation of Saza), and Kanga Street (Kanga Congregation).
Wherever he went, the main message of the Head of the ELCT was an evangelistic activity for each congregation. Speaking in various places, he explained that the plan of the church is to increase the number of believers. Therefore, each congregation should strive to find, preach to and attract at least two people to join us in the church.
To watch the Head of the ELCT speaking: click https://youtu.be/5gf0VJlyfNQ?si=Z-zFJJkbtrtXj-Rl
Leaders’ Message
“Every Christian should be an evangelist. If each of us seeks out at least two new Christians, we will have fulfilled the command of our Lord Jesus Christ in action.” – Head of the ELCT
“I wanted to celebrate 30 years of ministry through evangelism, not through a traditional ceremony. I thank God for fulfilling this idea this year.” – Bishop of the Southern Diocese
“I congratulate and thank all the servants for their heartfelt dedication. It is time now for people from various places to share in the blessings of the donation of tin and the construction of churches.” – Assistant Bishop of the Southern Diocese
To watch the Bishop’s Assistant speak: click https://youtu.be/DyA8JgUhyRo?si=nJrmYVoYJ7NrknRR
Annual Plan for Evangelism Week
In his closing speech, the Bishop of the Southern Diocese promised that due to the success of this ministry, “ Evangelism Week ” will be an annual event to be held every August.
“Since this has been deemed good, then every year, especially in August, we will have this Evangelism Week activity.” – Bishop of the Southern Diocese. This commitment aims to promote the spirit of Evangelism, strengthen church services, and promote spiritual cooperation among believers.
Recommendations
- Organizing longer evangelistic services
- Continue the tin donation campaign until all churches can be roofed.
- Increase training for service staff
- Strengthening service resources
- Establishing strategies to monitor the implementation of the personal calling to Evangelism
- Preparing an official calendar for “Evangelism Week” every August with the cooperation of the entire Diocese
Key Participants
- Head of the ELCT
- Bishop of the ELCT Southern Diocese
- Assistant to the Bishop of the Southern Diocese
- More than 120 servants of God from various regions and countries
Conclusion
The Evangelism work in Chunya Diocese was unique, touching the lives of the people spiritually and socially. The participation of the senior leaders of the ELCT brought great inspiration, and this ministry has left a lasting mark. We thank God for the fruits of this ministry, for fulfilling the Bishop’s idea, and for officially launching Evangelism Week as an annual event.
To watch the Evangelism summary: click here https://youtu.be/LCfEvbcKSAA?si=HLIckpyxfdeteldh
For further contact:
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ELCT Southern Diocese
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