27th October update: a total of £9,604.45 has now been sent out to Mpwapwa Diocese to help with their bank loan repayments. Bishop Jacob sends grateful thanks to everyone who has donated to this Appeal saying:
"I'm overwhelmed with joy of thanks for your generous support toward Loan Payment at CRDB. This will help us in the repayment process and hopefully, decrease the deadline of the loan payment and meet it before the planned time frame. On behalf of the Christians in the Diocese of Mpwapwa, I would like to thank you and ask for God's blessings upon all brothers and sisters who have made contributions. (Bishop Jacob Chimeledya)
Our friends in our Companion Diocese of Mpwapwa, Tanzania have been through challenging times recently - suffering from a drought in 2019 and a significant loss of income this year as congregations stay aware from Sunday services because of Covid-19.
In addition, their Bishop, The Right Rev Dr Jacob Chimeledya, had an operation recently, which has left him in need of rest and recuperation.
They are struggling to meet an upcoming financial commitment and have sought our help.
In 2018 Mpwapwa Diocese bought the block of buildings around their Diocesan Offices. They did so in faith, as an investment that would help the diocese become increasingly self-sufficient. The rent received from the shops, offices and other buildings would provide an annual income, helping reduce the burden on the parishes and provide an income-stream to fund other diocesan projects.
Whilst the Diocese raised over half the cost of the buildings, the balance was borrowed from a bank. The diocese has been able to meet all the repayments to date. The remaining three instalments (TSh30m each - approx £13,000) are due on 20 July, 20 January 2021 and 20 July 2021. Bishop Jacob has written to Bishop James seeking support from Rochester Diocese, perhaps by contributing half of each instalment. However Rochester Diocese does not have such funds available.
Mpwapwa Diocese took on this project with the best of intentions, with faith in God’s provision. Events have conspired against them: a drought in 2019; and then Covid-19, which has severely impacted parish contributions to the Diocese as congregations, fearful of the virus, have stayed away from their churches.
We do not wish to see Mpwapwa default on their loan.
If you, your parish, or anyone you know would like to make a contribution - however modest - to support Mpwapwa, donations can be made in the following ways:
- Online: https://www.give.net/Mpwapwa
- Or by filling in this form and sending to: finance@rochester.anglican.org with a copy to at mpwapwa.cdsg@gmail.com sending any donations, if possible, by bank transfer. Please mark the donation for Mpwapwa Diocese, with the purpose “Contribution to bank loan repayment”.
Sylvie and Stephen Barbor, Chair of the Diocese of Rochester Mpwapwa Companion Diocese Group say:
"We would love to send some funds to Mpwapwa Diocese before the next loan repayment is due, so responses by Friday 10 July would be most welcome. We know this is a tight timescale: of course any funds received after that date would still be much appreciated and will be sent out in due course.
"Many thanks for your prayers and for whatever action you feel able to take."