Tanzania Scholarship Ministry
In January we kicked off our renewal of student sponsorships and new sponsorships with the theme: “Change a life!”
In February we matched new sponsors with students and also found new students for sponsors whose previous student graduated. All together we have about 130 Tanzania students receiving financial aid, from about 120 sponsors. We praise God for the financial and spiritual commitment each of these sponsors take in support of these students, often for the four years of their schooling.
The funds we receive from individuals, sojourner groups, Sheridan Women’s groups, are put toward changing the lives of these students who would otherwise not have an opportunity for education that would pull them out of deep poverty. In addition, donations of any size are merged together into supporting as many other students as possible. The Sheridan Sunday School offerings, Noisy Offerings and Magnificent Gifts are examples of these wonderful contributions.
We are also collecting letters written from the sponsors to the students. The deadline for turning these in is March 13. You may leave them in the basket outside the church office. Your handwritten communication with the students is the most endearing part of this wonderful ministry. Tanzania students study English and most can read and write fairly well. The sponsors write a bit about their family and interests and enclose a photo to share with the student. We have been present to watch the students read their letters and help if they don’t understand a word or phrase. The expressions on their faces show such joy and awe that the students have for the families who sponsor them. They are always curious about who the sponsors are and what moves their hearts in love to care for them from halfway around the world!
It is a humbling and deeply rewarding ministry and any type of donation, no matter how small will be used in proclaiming God’s love. Letter writers are welcome to write a student sponsored by the Sunday School or miscellaneous offerings. We only wish each of you could experience what we do, as we watch these young people, with wonder and awe, come in contact with the letters from the families that have made a sacrifice to change their lives. It is amazing to see! We thank all who sponsor and for our entire Sheridan community for the Tanzania Scholarship Ministry which “Changes a Life!”
By Rose Bouvier and Judy Sorensen