THE DIOCESE OF RUAHA

The Diocese of Ruaha was established on 1st July 1990. It covers the Districts of Iringa Town and Kilolo in the Iringa Region with a population of around 600,000. There are 36 churches served by 42 pastors, 80 evangelists and 6 Catechists for a church membership of 12,000 Anglican Christians.

The vision of the diocese is that the poor who have been forgotten and all those who do not know God will be made able to recognize their needs and problems of Spirit and Body and be able to make progress which will answer their questions completely so that they are able to achieve a better life and hope for themselves.

The diocese is involved in

Evangelism : For three years we have been involved with the Jubilee project. Our target was to open 10 churches in each of three years (2001/2002 - 2003/2004). We are happy that now in 2004 we have succeeded in opening 28 churches in the Jubilee decade.

Community Development : The diocese has contributed to community development in the following ways :
* Water - in 6 villages.
* Health - Health Centres in 2 villages
* Education
- the Amani Centre - a youth craft centre
- education for deaf children: Mtwivila Primary School
- Secondary school to be opened in January 2005.
* Combating HIV/AIDS - community education and help for orphans (food and education).
* Combating Poverty
- small credit facilities for poor families
- education about development in churches and in the community to build the ability and a wide understanding about ways of fighting poverty; also to enable the church to connect with community development in preaching the Gospel.

Ministry : The diocese continues its work of ministering to new Christians as well as older ones in order to build up their ability to respond to the great commission of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.

'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'