At St. Philip the Deacon there is a strong sense of commitment to reach out in Christian love to our brothers and sisters all around the globe. Our commitment takes the shape of sharing resources, building relationships, and developing ministries.
- In the year 2000 the congregation funded the building of a church in Mananjary, Madagascar. The previous structure was destroyed by a cyclone in 1996. Since most of the villagers live in palm branch and stick homes, the church, made of brick and stone and strong enough to withstand a cyclone, is a dream come true for this faithful community.
- In 2002, the congregation made a commitment to financially support the construction of a medical facility in Orkesumet, Tanzania. People no longer have to travel 150 miles or more on foot to seek medical attention.
- In 2003, the youth of St. Philip the Deacon raised enough money to put a roof on a church being built in Nabererra, Tanzania. Previously, worship took place under the canopy of a circle of Acacia trees . . . beautiful, but not always practical.
- In 2003, a team from St. Philip the Deacon traveled to East Africa to meet the people most directly connected to these projects. We worshipped, ate, talked, and lived together for 17 unforgettable days.
- In 2004, the congregation made the commitment to build new classrooms and a laboratory at Morogoro Lutheran Junior Seminary in Tanzania. This residential high school had not had any capital improvements in 40 years. These new classrooms enabled the school to provide a Christian-based education for more of the country's future leaders.
- In 2005, a team of 10 people from St. Philip the Deacon traveled to Tanzania for the dedication of the Orkesumet medical clinic. This dedication was so important to the people that it was attended by an ELCT bishop, high ranking government officials, and representatives of the Muslim faith. The team also visited the Morongoro Lutheran Junior Seminary to meet with the faculty and view the building site for the new classrooms that St. Philip was funding.
- In 2005 after an appeal by the mission team, members of the congreation provided the funds to complete the church at Naberera, Tanzania. These funds provided the doors, windows, an altar, and benches for the church. Now the donkeys no longer can get into the church to escape the heat of the day.
- In 2008, St. Philip the Deacon began building a dormitory for 80 boys without proper living quarters in Dumka, India.
- Also in 2008, as part of the church's 50th anniversary project, St. Philip the Deacon will underwrite the construction of a new church in Africa.
To learn more about these projects and others, visit Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry, which has been our partner for most of our overseas mission projects.
