Oloipiri Village is in northern Tanzania near the Kenya border. It is a very poor community that struggles with survival every day of the year.
The Maasai who live there are pastoralists – they raise cattle and, by necessity, plant crops.
They are a proud people who are known to be fierce in battle.
Most live in traditional mud & dung huts within homesteads called bomas.
Bethel received a Thank You from Bob Hansen sharing the status of the projects Bethel funded with funds from the Pancake Breakfast in April 2024.
“Hello Bethel Lutheran Church!
I just returned from Tanzania where I spent time in Oloipiri so I could make absolutely sure that your funds are being used wisely….I had no doubt that they would be, especially when Israel Kioki was leading the efforts. I wish that all of you could have been there when the village celebrated your two newest projects — bringing electricity to the church and preschool with solar power and building a kitchen to feed the kids and the church members on special occasions.
The photos show the blessing of the solar panels, lights and microphones being used in the church, and the new (under construction) kitchen. You will see three large wood-fired openings where the big pots will be placed.
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I continue to hear the same refrain — “how do these people at Bethel know that we exist?” and “why do they care about us?”
I tell them that they are “neighbors” and that God calls upon us to love and care for our neighbors. They shake their heads in wonderment and tell me over and over again to thank Bethel for all they have done.
Please thank your congregation for their ongoing support of Oloipiri Village — your congregation has saved lives, enhanced the quality of lives, and have given them hope, and of course, your love.
Best regards, Bob”
Bob Hanson is the administrator for Humanity for Children.