Welcome - Arrival of companion dioceses from South-West Tanzania
In a remarkable display of global unity and cultural exchange, a delegation from the South-West Diocese of Tanzania is set to visit five German towns as part of a partnership with the Kirchenkreis Ostholstein. This partnership, established on shared Christian beliefs, aims to foster deeper understanding and mutual support between the two regions.
The visit, scheduled from May 14th to May 22nd, will see Tanzanian guests participating in public events and joint services in Schönwalde, Grömitz, Heiligenhafen, Grube, and Neukirchen bei Oldenburg. Highlights of the visit include the "hope services" taking place on May 18th at 9:30 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM, offering an opportunity for both communities to come together in faith and unity.
The cultural exchange aspect of the partnership promises to be enlightening. Tanzanian guests will share aspects of their culture, such as music, dance, and traditional clothing, during their stay. Additionally, they will engage in activities like a city tour of Lübeck and a visit to the Neustadt Hospital Church, with a focus on agriculture.
Workshops and seminars are also planned, providing a platform for discussions on topics like faith, community development, and mutual support. The partnership may also involve outreach programs, where both sides work together on projects that benefit local communities.
The benefits of this partnership are manifold. It offers cultural enrichment by providing both regions with the opportunity to learn about each other's customs and traditions. It strengthens the bonds between different Christian communities worldwide, promoting religious harmony. Furthermore, collaborative projects can lead to improvements in community services and support, contributing to community development.
Moments like joint prayers and singing help build trust, transcending language barriers. The shared faith fosters a genuine partnership, enabling learning from each other – Germans from Tanzanians and Tanzanians from Germans alike. The visitors will have shared experiences like a visit to the Grube scout group, a dance tea in Kellenhusen's community center, and a visit to Neustadt's senior afternoon.
One of the most poignant moments of the visit was an impromptu sing-along of "We Shall Overcome", ending with everyone hand in hand in a circle under the sun. This partnership serves as a testament to the power of unity, understanding, and shared faith in fostering global cooperation and enriching the lives of individuals in both regions.
During their visit, the Tanzanian guests will not only attend public events and joint services in the German towns, but also showcase aspects of their culture, such as music, dance, and traditional clothing. This will take place alongside visits to home-and-garden related venues, like the Neustadt Hospital Church and agricultural workshops, offering an insight into Tanzanian lifestyle.
