In September, a diverse team made up of ordained, licensed, and lay members from the Diocese of Leicester, embarked on the first intercultural and intergenerational visit to our link dioceses in Tanzania - a journey that proved to be both formative and deeply moving.
The visit was not a holiday or casual trip; it was a shared learning experience across cultures, generations, and communities of faith. The team sought to strengthen links with the dioceses of Kiteto and Mount Kilimanjaro, engage in a mutual learning exchange, and return home with new perspectives and tools for mission in our diocese.
The visit began at Munguishi Bible College in Arusha, where the team met students of theology from across Tanzania.
Drawing on this wealth of experience, Revd Dave Rollett led team-building games, sparking reflection on how learning from shared activities could be applied to ministry contexts.
Revd Dave studied Biblical and Intercultural Studies at All Nations Christian College and trained for Ordained Ministry at St Hild College, later gaining an MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership there. He is currently serving his Curacy at St Mary in Charnwood, having previously ministered in Hinckley, Iringa (Tanzania), and Colchester.
With a long-standing interest in short-term mission and its impact on participants, context, and the sending church - an interest that began when he first joined a mission in 2008 - Dave has since helped prepare and lead teams, especially in Tanzania.
During the visit, team members also offered insights. Michael Ravuri, Intercultural Ministry Enabler from the Diocese of Leicester, spoke on the Ubuntu of marriage and family; Shobha Gosa, Intercultural Pioneer Minister from Leicester’s Church of the Martyrs, talked about conflict resolution and reconciliation; and Sangeetha Malladi, a MES participant and young adult leading and learning in our diocese, encouraged seeking first the kingdom of God.
Later in the day, Pastor Joseph Bea, Principal of Munguishi Bible College, guided the group on a tour of the college grounds, showcasing developments.
That evening, the team met the Rt Revd Dr Stanley Hotay, the Bishop of Mount Kilimanjaro. His words left a lasting impression when he said, “If you keep living in the past, the future won’t belong to us.”
Each day of the visit was framed by morning devotions, where the team gathered to seek God’s wisdom and strength for the challenges ahead. These times of prayer and Scripture not only grounded the group spiritually but also helped them discern God’s leading in their encounters and service.
In the evenings, the team ended with debrief sessions, reflecting on the day’s experiences. These honest conversations gave space to process cultural learnings, share encouragement, and pray together. Over time, these rhythms became a source of deep fellowship, building trust and forming new friendships that will last well beyond the visit.
The team also spent time at St Paul’s School and Christ Church International School, leading activities, sharing stories with James Rogers leading the story of the Good Samaritan and singing in worship. Despite limited resources, the children displayed remarkable ambition and eagerness to learn.
During the visit, they travelled to a small village where they watched the Jesus Film under the stars - a powerful moment of sharing the gospel. The local pastor showed them the village church, which could hold only nine people, yet the community’s faith was strong and growing.
Later in the week, the journey continued to Kiteto, where the diocese welcomed the team with music and dance - a vibrant expression of hospitality.
They assisted with construction at the Cathedral building site, while Ruth Fryer, President of Mother’s Union Leicester, spent time at the Anglican Eye Health Care Centre with David and Sarah Shepherd.
Here they met Sister Saraweki Mbelwa (Sister Sara), a renowned eye nurse dedicated to serving communities in remote areas. Bishop Bethuel and his wife, Mama Bishop Agnes, inspired the team with their vision of uniting Tanzania’s people - particularly the Maasai - through Christianity.
Visits to Maasai villages revealed joyful worship marked by singing, dancing, and drumming—sounds that lifted both hearts and spirits heavenward.
Guests were honored with traditional gifts such as kangas, symbolizing cultural exchange and mutual respect. One poignant moment came when Michael, responding to the Spirit’s prompting, called the Maasai men together. His words carried a prophetic challenge to cultural norms, affirming that the gospel is for all. What could have been a cross-cultural risk became a Spirit-led call for transformation and unity in Christ.
The team also visited the SAFI organisation. SAFI stands for See Ability First International, founded by Ben and Katy John Ray, who have committed their lives to helping people with disabilities grow in faith and skills. SAFI is now expanding to open a café in Kilimanjaro, offering opportunities for dignity, creativity, and community.
The whole visit was filled with joy, challenges, and growth. As Revd Dave reflected, short-term mission is not about “trips” but about formative, cross-cultural learning experiences.
For him, leading an intercultural team was both a new risk and a blessing, requiring discernment between holding unity and encouraging boundary-pushing.
Shared meals, worship, and cultural exchanges became spaces of learning, where gospel and culture met - affirming what uplifts and challenging what keeps communities in bondage.
Revd Dave said: “It was a privilege to help lead the team. I'm still reflecting on and learning from the experience of journeying with this microcosm of the Church. I would encourage people to join in this expression of short-term mission for the following three reasons:
“If you are serious about your own discipleship, then this immersive experience is faith-stretching and relationship-building. It is formational.
Returning, as we have done to DMK and Kiteto, we have the opportunity to keep developing meaningful relationships with our brothers and sisters, learning from one another. And when we travel with others through a formational experience, we return to our sending churches with new resources and perspectives to bless the local church in mission.”
This visit to Tanzania was not only about strengthening diocesan links but also about opening eyes and hearts to new perspectives of mission. It was a powerful reminder that when Christians cross cultures in humility, they are both givers and receivers of grace. As the team prepares to share their personal experiences through video reflections, one truth stands clear: this visit was a journey of faith, fellowship, and transformation - for both the visitors and the communities they met.
By Sharon Paul, Communications Officer, Diocese of Leicester.