The Team

Jack and Jane McAllister,made their first trip to TZ in 1986,met Lutheran missionaries  David and Eunie Simonson and were intrigued by their dedication and compassion  for the betterment of the Masai people. .They're made numerous trips since,forming close friendships with the Simonson family and Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson.We have seen the improvement of Primary health care, surgical procedures, hospice care and outreach of health care into the African bush. Meanwhile,we like to think that our involvement through Bethel's Global Mission projects have significantly improve the education of Masai women, and hence the betterment of their culture and quality of life.   Health care and Education in East Africa have been our focus for 25 years.

Arlene Gavitt

Like many of you I grew up in a church family.  My PappapWhite was a founding member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Cumberland, MD in the 1940s.  Every Sunday Pappap would pick me and my siblings up for church and Sunday School.  To this day, it's one of my best memories, Pappap smoking a cigar and whistling while driving the 4 of us in his Buick.  "Mission work" was a constant theme in my youth, frequently discussed, and explored, with visions of sharing the word and work of Jesus in far off lands.  I viewed them as exotic places, with very little spoken English, minimal housing, little food and residents looking forward to missionaries and their gifts.
When I came to Bethel, I was amazed at the level of "mission work" in our church family.  I came to know Jack, Jane, Howard, Earlene, Todd and Dana and their living passion for improving living conditions, healthcare and sharing the word and work of Jesus.  Bethel lives and breathes to serve, reaching far beyond the bricks and mortar into distant places. This trip to Tanzania is filled with so much emotion, history, and personal reflection and commitment.  I am so fortunate and blessed to learn more and see our Bethel missionaries reflecting Jesus' word and work.





Bruce Lothrop 

"This my second trip to Tanzania to visit our mission partners at MGLSS, Selian, and Arusha Lutheran Medical Center.  When I visited in 2008 ALMC was still under construction, so I’m excited to see the campus in action.  Long term missionaries, like Mark and Linda Jacobson, and Tanzanian people of strength and faith are accomplishing great things every day. Personal connections and witness are important to building as much support as possible for that work.  Witnessing to God’s work in Africa to friends and family when we return home helps our congregation become stronger and more faithful as well" 












Howard and Earlene Kemnitz
 

While living and traveling overseas our eyes were opened to some of the horrific living conditions of the poor who had no means of welfare or other financial support.  Our hearts were opened when we were introduced to an infant found in  the garbage on Valentines Day.

We realized the overwhelming need of others and found ourselves adding more meaning to our lives by helping others who have nothing, and in some cases no one to care for them.  We are reminded of what Jesus said as quoted in Mark 9:37, "Whatsoever you do for the least of these my children you do unto me".  We are all Gods Children.