The Sukuma Tribe 

The Sukuma people are the largest ethnic group in Tanzania , numbering more than five million. The majority of Sukuma people follow their traditional religion and are un-churched. They do not know the Good News about Jesus Christ. The Sukuma people are raised to believe in the one true God, Mulungu, who is creator and sovereign. They are also raised in the belief, however, that he is distant and unconcerned with the daily affairs of people. In this situation, the Sukuma must turn to many lesser spirits, ancestral spirits and impersonal magic to guard from the malevolent forces working against their lives. 

Past Missionary Work 

Although many mission groups are present in Sukumaland, few are planting new churches or establishing strong local leadership. Two families from the Church of Christ , the Newtons and Bentleys, arrived in Mwanza , Tanzania in 1991 to begin a church planting work among the Sukuma. They lived in Mwanza, but worked in the rural areas south of the city. Having finished their commitment, they left the country in 1998 and 1999, respectively. In the eight years they worked among the Sukuma they began a strong people movement that is still growing and being led by national leaders. Today, there are over 3,500 Christians worshipping in over 70 churches. The news is exciting, but sobering—there are still many Sukuma who have not heard God’s message of grace and forgiveness.

Vision Statement

Our vision is for God to use us to create a people movement in which vibrant communities of faith bring praise and glory to Him. We envision churches where individual lives are changed and where whole communities are transformed, as God works His process of sanctification through his grace. Our vision is that these Christians be known as people of God’s word, who live holy lives of faith through the power of the Spirit, and who passionately share their faith in Christ. We envision a church where Christians of this region—northern and southern, urban and rural—stand unified in Christ to work together for the glory of His Kingdom. We envision a mature body of believers with strong local leadership that works in partnership with all Churches of Christ to continue to fulfill Christ’s mission and calling to evangelize the people of Tanzania .  

Mission Statement
 
We are called by God and Empowered by His Spirit to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ—Making disciples through the power of His word—Creating vibrant communities of faith by God's grace and for His glory—Churches that are indigenous, redemptive, and who share a burning desire to pass on what they have received.