“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied”.

Luke 6:20-21

We are always reminded how fortunate we are when we see on television the poverty and the needy of the third world countries- it is another thing to be immersed in it.

A group of four women were able to live this vision with Father Paulinus Mangesho by sharing two weeks of their lives with our friends in Tanzania. It is, we hope, one of many trips to follow, where boundaries and barriers will be broken because of people of good will.

One theme seems to repeat itself during our visit, and that is the smiles on people’s faces and the warm greetings we received wherever we went.

We accomplished a lot during our stay. We were able to provide assistance to three dispensaries by purchasing medical supplies. Some of the items we were able to purchase include: medication and equipment (a microscope, one sterilizer, a refrigeration unit, a one touch machine with strips, urine dip sticks, etc.). We were also able to purchase and distribute a significant number of malaria bed nets not only at the dispensaries, but at the parish and community level as well. We brought and improvised some school supplies that actually was in need and quite welcomed from the teachers and school's principals.

Overall, we had a successful trip and it was all made possible by you, our donors. We wanted to share with you the joy that was given to us. We can honestly say that we received more than we have given. As Pam stated so beautifully- “we may be rich materially, but spiritually we’ve received a lot more. We still have a lot to learn from the poor as ‘they are rich in spirit.’”

As we have now established a personal relationship with these communities, we hope to continue our efforts to help the poor and needy.

It is with your ongoing commitment to our cause that dreams will materialize for our less fortunate friends in Tanzania. We thank you for your support and your ongoing trust and prayers to do what is right in the name of the poor, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

THEMission Group

Tanzania Health & Education Mission Group

Father Paulinus Mangesho, Pamella Sullivan, Sherry Cassedy, Sarah Jones and Jehane Jones.