Moshi, Kilimanjaro
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) through the Office of Mission and Evangelism Headquarters organized a special workshop for communication coordinators from all ELCT dioceses. The workshop was held at the Lutheran Uhuru Hotel, Moshi from 20 to 23 January 2026, and involved training, discussions, and field trips for participants.
Workshop Start
The workshop began with a welcome and introduction led by Pastor Anicet Maganya from the ELCT Headquarters. After the introduction, participants received a detailed explanation of the objectives of the workshop given by Brother Erick Kinyanguli, the ELCT Headquarters Communications Coordinator, who explained the expectations of the session and the role of communication in strengthening church services.
Official Opening
The official opening ceremony was led by Rev. Godfrey Walalaze, Deputy General Secretary for Mission and Evangelism, ELCT. In his speech, he emphasized that the information and communication department is the backbone of the church, expressing gratitude to all who strengthen it. He also elaborated on the War on Climate Change project using Lamentations 5:4 as a reference, emphasizing the church’s role as a voice of hope and positive change in protecting God’s creation.
First Topic
Presented by Rev. Hasborn Myenda from the Iringa Diocese of the ELCT. He explained the history of this project, noting that it was conceived in the context of the great challenge of climate change in Tanzania. The Church saw the importance of using its media to promote environmental protection and educate the community. He gave the project’s motto: “Faith in action for our environment”
Topic Two
The second topic was “Biblical Climate Change” also presented by Rev. Hasborn Myenda from the Iringa Diocese of the ELCT. Participants were explained how the Bible provides religious guidance regarding humanity’s responsibility to protect God’s creation. The teachings included reflections on scriptures that emphasize stewardship of the earth, spiritual responsibility for the environment, and the role of the church as a vehicle for educating and mobilizing the community to resist environmental degradation.
Using Genesis 2:15, he explained the project’s goals and biblical teachings on the impacts of climate change, and explained the church’s role in mobilizing communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship.
Topic Three
The third topic was “Climate Change Media Production”, presented by Mr. Neville Meena from Media Brains. In his presentations, Mr. Meena provided detailed information on:
- How to produce engaging and accurate climate change media content.
- How to use simple language and real-life examples to convey the message of environmental protection to the community.
- Methods for using church media (radio, newspapers, social media) for sustainable campaigns.
- The relationship between journalism, church communication, and social responsibility in the fight against climate change.
He emphasized that media content should reflect faith and action, encouraging solidarity between believers and the community in protecting the environment.
Radio Station Tour
In addition to the topics discussed, participants had the opportunity to visit and learn more about the Sauti ya Injili Radio Station in Moshi. This tour gave them the opportunity to see firsthand how church media can be used effectively to spread the message of environmental stewardship and strengthen communication services.
While at the station, participants also demonstrated practical solidarity by raising funds and purchasing a modern laptop for the Sauti ya Injili Radio Station. This action demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening the church’s communication infrastructure and helping the station continue to provide quality services to the community.
Handing over the computer on behalf of the Deputy Secretary General for Missions and Evangelism Rev. GODFREY WALALAZE, the Secretary of the Federation of Lutheran Missionary Societies of Tanzania ZAKARIA MNKAI thanked the coordinators for marking on that old ELCT Radio.
In addition to giving the gift, the coordinators and leadership of the Radio and the church have planted trees to continue to promote environmental protection and adapt to climate change while urging all ELCT believers to follow this example to protect the environment.
Conclusion
The workshop for the communication coordinators of the ELCT held at the Lutheran Uhuru Hotel, Moshi, and which included a visit to Radio Sauti ya Injili, has left a special mark on the participants. Through discussions, training and practical experiences, the participants were given a broader understanding of the role of the church in the fight against climate change through the use of media.
Prepared by
Rev. Christian Nakoli
+255 769 628 082
nakolichristian@gmail.com