ONWARD Page 4 January 2006

We, Ingrid & John Markussen, are missionaries within the Moravian Church in Western Tanzania, Lake Victoria District, sent by the Danish Moravian Mission. In 1970 we studied English for three months in the London School of English and visited the congregation at Hornsey. In 1995 we visited the congregation again.

Since 1970 we have worked for four terms in this province, about 16 years in total. We have been stationed here at Mwanza since August 2003 when we were called by the Western Tanzania Province to return to work with TEE (Theological Education by Extension).

There is a big need for the education of the lay people in the Church, as Bible knowledge is very poor. It is also a way of recruiting evangelists for existing and new congregations. Lusangi Bible College at Sikonge is 440 kilometres away, making it difficult and expensive to go there for two years of study. So it is helpful when people can study in their own area.

At present we have about 18 groups with a total of about 125 students, but about one hundred more have been enrolled, as there is a flow of students. Some stop, some move to other parts of the country. New groups are started. It is a great experience to see how the students mature as Christians. Some of the students are now working as Sunday school teachers or evangelists, others can substitute for evangelists on holiday or away for other reasons.

In this way TEE is giving new strength to the congregations. We also give some practical help in church building. We do give thanks to the Lord that he gives us some years again here in Tanzania with meaningful work in his vineyard. Please remember this work in your prayers.

From the Moravian Messenger – July 200