Evangelism Mission in Chunya District – ELCT Southern Diocese
Date: August 1–10, 2025
Introduction
In fulfilling the spiritual calling and sharing the Good News of salvation with the community, the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Southern Diocese organized an evangelism mission in Chunya District from August 1 to August 10, 2025. Under the strong leadership of Bishop Dr. George Mark Fihavango, and through the Evangelism and Mission Department led by Assistant Bishop Dr. Johnson Gudaga, the Diocese demonstrated unity and commitment to fulfilling the command of Jesus Christ: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This mission also held special significance for the Bishop, marking 30 years since his ordination into pastoral ministry.
Origin of the Evangelism Vision
The Bishop of the Southern Diocese shared that the idea for this evangelism mission came to him in 2024, during his 30th pastoral anniversary. He wished to celebrate this milestone spiritually by spreading the Gospel rather than holding a conventional celebration. Due to a tight schedule, the event was postponed to 2025, when it was successfully realized and became a blessing to many.
Watch the Bishop speak here.
Leadership and Participation
The mission was coordinated by Pastor Isaac Chengula and involved over 120 ministers from various regions, including pastors, evangelists, and other consecrated servants. These ministers reached over 70 neighborhoods, offering spiritual and social services with love, patience, and selfless dedication.
Travel and Outreach
The mission began on August 1, 2025, with several bands from Njombe, Makambako, Kidugala, Ilembula, Chimala, Dar es Salaam, and other areas. Services were conducted in villages and towns across Chunya District, where spiritual needs and church infrastructure gaps were evident.
Activities Conducted
- Public Gospel preaching
- Prayers and healing services
- Bible teachings for new believers
- Baptism of new believers
- Marriage ceremonies
- Laying corner stones for churches and offices
- Church construction and infrastructure development
- Testimonies from those who received salvation
- Fundraising for roofing materials
- Personal evangelism challenge: each Christian was urged to bring at least two new believers
Watch the church builders in action here.
Participation of ELCT Presiding Bishop
One of the most remarkable aspects of this evangelism mission was the direct participation of the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Dr. Alex Gehazi Malasusa. He actively joined the mission for approximately four days, from August 4 to August 7, 2025.
During his visit, the Presiding Bishop successfully toured a total of nine neighborhoods. In each location, he laid foundation stones for the construction of churches and parish offices, marking a significant step in strengthening spiritual infrastructure across the region.
Watch the ELCT Presiding Bishop’s message here.
Areas Visited by the Presiding Bishop
The areas visited by the ELCT Presiding Bishop included Chunya neighborhood, Kambikatoto and Bitimanyanga neighborhoods (Sangawana Parish), Upendo neighborhood (Mtande Parish), Makongolosi neighborhood, Sarepta, Miembeni, and Patamela neighborhoods (Mkwajuni St. Saza Parish), and Kanga neighborhood (Kanga Parish).
In every location he visited, the Presiding Bishop’s central message was the call to evangelism for every church member. Speaking to various congregations, he emphasized that the church’s mission is to increase the number of believers. Therefore, each member is encouraged to seek out, preach to, and bring at least two new people to join the church.
Leaders’ Messages
“Every Christian should be an evangelist. If each of us brings at least two new believers, we will have fulfilled the Lord’s command.” – ELCT Presiding Bishop
“I desired to celebrate 30 years of ministry through evangelism, not a regular party. I thank God for fulfilling this vision.” – Bishop of the Southern Diocese
“I commend and thank all ministers for their dedication. Now is the time for people from all regions to share in the blessings of contributing roofing materials and building churches.” – Assistant Bishop
Watch the Assistant Bishop’s message here.
Annual Evangelism Week
In his closing speech, the Bishop of the Southern Diocese announced that due to the success of this mission, “Evangelism Week” will become an annual event every August. This initiative aims to sustain evangelistic zeal, strengthen church services, and foster spiritual unity among believers.
“Since this initiative has proven to be fruitful, we will hold Evangelism Week every year, especially in the month of August.” – Bishop of the Southern Diocese. This commitment aims to sustain the spirit of evangelism, strengthen church services, and foster spiritual unity among believers.
Recommendations
- Extend the duration of evangelism missions
- Continue the roofing material fundraising campaign
- Increase training for ministers
- Strengthen service resources
- Implement strategies for personal evangelism follow-up
- Establish an official calendar for “Evangelism Week” every August in collaboration with the entire Diocese
Key Participants
- ELCT Presiding Bishop
- Bishop of ELCT Southern Diocese
- Assistant Bishop of the Southern Diocese
- Here’s Life
- Over 120 ministers from various regions and districts
Conclusion
The Evangelism Mission in Chunya District was extraordinary, touching lives both spiritually and socially. The involvement of top ELCT leaders gave the mission great momentum, leaving a lasting impact. We thank God for the fruits of this ministry, the fulfillment of the Bishop’s vision, and the official launch of Evangelism Week as an annual event.
Watch the mission summary here.
“Bringing Light to Chunya – One Soul at a Time” Join us in the mission to transform lives through the power of the Gospel.
Evangelism Week – Chunya District, hosted by the ELCT Southern Diocese. This annual outreach brings together passionate ministers, believers, and leaders to share the love of Christ across villages and towns in Chunya. From healing services to church construction, this mission is a living testimony of faith in action.
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