“Driven by the same vision for half a decade.”

TALES OF TANZANIA

Our Vision: To see hearts and bodies restored by His healing, and every life anchored in the everlasting hope of His Word and Spirit

Happy 2026!  A little history and ambitious hope for the future!

Established in 2020 with a vision to glorify God through service, this ministry began with a two-year mission teaching English and life skills at Mwadui Lutheran Secondary School. This initial outreach focused on holistic mentorship, resulting in the construction of a regulation basketball court that fostered student leadership, confidence, and lasting spiritual growth. During this same period, the ministry expanded into Wizunza Village, replacing a makeshift gathering spot under a baobab tree with the Tree of Life Lutheran Church, a fully equipped sanctuary for 300 congregants.

Though the initial commitment concluded after these successes in early 2022, a subsequent request from Bishop Nzelu to help build a hospital in Shinyanga revealed a continued calling. Driven by a deep affinity for the Tanzanian people and a commitment to God's lead, the ministry transitioned into a new chapter with the formation of STHKP Inc. Now entering its sixth year, the mission continues to evolve from educational and spiritual foundations toward critical healthcare infrastructure.  Our goal in 2026 is to build a specialty care hospital, equipped with state of the art medical equipment, and employ highly qualified medical professionals.  Shinyanga, Tanzania greatly needs this quality of health care.

Below, the very small dispensary is pictured.  Tanzanian government requires much larger spaces for health clinics to operate.

W  hat is STHKP Inc?  Seed Time Harvest for Kingdom’s Purpose, a nonprofit corporation, was quickly formed prior to my return to Tanzania in 2023. I wanted to ensure quick responses, tax deductible giving, and assurances the money is used as intended. Retired Lutheran Pastor, Richard Mayerhoff has resigned from the board leaving a vacancy that will be filled soon. Because mail was being sent to his home office address, we need to announce a new mailing address for STHKP INC.

STHKP INC., 3000 SOUTH HULEN STREET, 124-183

FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76109

Thanks to Richard for two years of dedicated service.  He is missed and we wish him and Marilyn many joy filled days at their retreat in Mason County.

2026 Outreach: We are driven to be a beacon of God’s glory by transforming lives through radical kindness, bold evangelism, and selfless service.

Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.   See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs ups; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland?”

The fall newsletter outlined the building project for the specialty hospital in Shinyanga. The goal for the first quarter of 2026 is to raise $345,000 for the substructure and walls.  I will be scheduling personal visits to churches and organizations while seeking grants and foundations that can help.

The STHKP budget for 2026 is given below. Even though I reside in the states now, I still must depend on financial support.  While living expenses here are more costly, I am not requesting more than I needed while in Tanzania.  

Missionary Monthly Annual

Charitable gifts  150.00       1,800.00

Consumables- food, etc.  250.00       3,000.00

Insurance

Medicare Health and prescription   228.00       2,736.00

Auto  205.00       2,460.00

  Rent (inc., water)        1,331.64     15,979.68

Utilities

Electricity     50.00 600.00

Phone & Internet   115.00       1,389.00

Vehicle - gas and maintenance   200.00       2,400.00

Office Expenses     25.00   300.00

Total Missionary Expenses      $2,554.64  $30,664.68

Fundraising Expenses - estimations

Travel

Airfare         $400.00   $4,800.00

Car rentals, gas  150.00     1,800.00

Personal car use (IRS rules)    250.00      3,000.00

Hotel  100.00     1,200.00

Meals        25.00.           300.00

Total  Estimated Fundraising        $950.00    $11,100.00

STHKP, Inc.  - Annual Expenses

Accountant/Legal fees                $ 300.00

Taxes - State and Federal        0.00

Non Profit Accounting and CRM software        348.00

Total Nonprofit Expenses  $648.00

Total Annual Operational Expenses             $42,412.68

Major Projects

   Tree of Life Church Fence.        $8,000.00 estimated cost

          -3,250.00 donated

         $4,750 balance needed

Fence to surround the two-acre campus of Tree of Life Church.  Our vision is to build a primary care school on this campus; the security fence is definitely needed in this remote area.

   Specialty Hospital in Shinyanga        $988,668 Total Cost

Phase One $344,474

Phase Two   164,276

Phase Three   251,341

Phase Four   228,667

This is a year for exceptional growth, outreach, and maturity as a mission. Still a novice missionary, I believe the Lord is stretching me in many directions.  Knowing He is alongside me, I believe He clears the paths for success.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

What comfort I feel in His Words, “. . . with my loving eye on you.” Your prayers, encouraging words, messages, and gifts also give me great comfort, and sustain me through so many challenges.  So again I ask, please pray for this ministry, the people at Tree of Life, the dispensary, for perfect healing for the sick, and that lives will be transformed according to God’s Will.  We pray together:

“Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for this ministry in Tanzania, for the people to draw near to you, and take comfort in the hope Jesus Christ brings.  May the Holy Spirit help us to be bold, yet humble servants, as I ask for divine favor to bring lasting spiritual fruit.  Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done.” Amen.

Are you being called to become involved in this ministry? The joy I have in serving my Lord this way is immeasurable, and I wish the same for you. Please let me know if:

. . . you’d like to serve in Tanzania with this ministry for any period of time.

. . . you can help with marketing, networking, mission outreach, grant writing, etc.

. . . you can develop videos, visuals, etc. for marketing.

. . . can help in other ways.

. . .

This year we will seek funding in many ways, and welcome any way you can help direct our efforts.  Although grants and foundation gifts will certainly be needed to reach this goal, your individual gifts and prayers are vital to us.