Photo: Overseas Celebration Service at St Stephen's Tonbridge
Bishop Given, Bishop of Kondoa, and Bishop Luzineth, Bishop of Mpwapwa, from our overseas link dioceses in Tanzania, have been enjoying hospitality and friendship as part of their visit to the Diocese of Rochester in October and November.
While here, they joined with many of the churches who have links with parishes back in Tanzania.
From services to coffee mornings, the bishops had opportunity to socialise and to update churches on projects and issues facing their communities back home.
At St James’ Church, Tunbridge Wells, Bishop Given took part in a vibrant Sunday service which included a Tanzania marching worship song.
He was also able to share with the congregation developments that had taken place thanks to their donations to the Church and Community Mobilization Program in Kondoa Diocese.
Photo: Bishop Given at St James, Tunbridge Wells
He also underlined how important the prayers and friendships between churches here in Rochester Diocese are to church congregations back in Tanzania, as it helps them realise they are not alone, but are part of whole world-wide Christian family.
A highlight of the visit was the Overseas Links Celebration Service held at St Stephen’s Church, Tonbridge on 2 November.
Bishop Jonathan, the Bishop of Rochester attended, alongside the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Louise Bryant and Mary Yates, Head of the Mothers Union, which has strong links and support in Africa.
The Rev Christine Allen, Overseas Link Coordinator said:
“It has been a very uplifting time for all of us with both the bishops speaking at the Celebration Service.
“Many people contributed to the service including Bennet Memorial School who visited Tanzania earlier in the year."
Photo: Bishop Luzineth with the Rev Christine Allen
She added:
“These links are a true blessing and bring so much shared richness and fulfilment to all those involved."
To find out more about our Overseas Links visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/about-us/overseas-links/
You can also support the Diocese’s Annual Poverty and Hope Appeal, which supports a number of projects in our overseas link dioceses in Tanzania and Harare, Zimbabwe.