Meet Our Staff: Seth and Anna Borchard

In Genesis chapter 12, the Lord says to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” And since the beginning of time, God hasn’t stopped commissioning His followers to go and make disciples of all men. He challenges people by sending them to leave the comforts of home and family to further His kingdom.

Getting to know Seth and Anna

Seth and Anna Borchard are the latest addition to God’s network of disciples. This faithful couple decided to take an amazing leap of faith and move to Tanzania full-time and become our In-Country Directors.

Much like Abram of Genesis, they’ve left their familiar life behind and answered God’s call to serve.

Seth comes from Orange City, Iowa, and has an extensive background in ministry and leadership; Anna hails from Bloomington, Minnesota, and brings with her years of nursing experience, which she has already utilized in the few weeks they’ve been living in our village.

Seth first came to know STEMM through his father who has been a long-time friend of our founder, Dr. Steve Meyer. A mission trip he took in 2015 to STEMM village when he was a college student at Dordt University only confirmed what he already knew—Tanzania was a special place where he could make a difference. It was during this 15-day experience that he realized he would someday return and continue serving.

Answering the call

Seth’s fascination with and love for the country and the people of Tanzania quickly rubbed off on his wife, Anna, and they both decided to answer the call and make the courageous move to Tanzania.

“When we received a call in the spring of 2020 recruiting us to move over here full-time as in-country directors, the Holy Spirit made it very clear to us this was the move he wanted for us - even though my wife Anna had never been to Africa before.”

Seth and Anna both agree that this life-changing move has caused them to “be more reliant on the Lord” in their daily lives. Through the transition from Midwest life to East African living and the divine provision of their Heavenly Father, the Borchards have developed a distinct peace, joy, and broadened worldview.

The Borchards in action

The Borchards have taken over the day-to-day operations of our village and are integral in our ability to effectively care for our orphans, serve the local community, and spread God’s love to the people of Tanzania.

We are so blessed to have Seth and Anna bring their experiences and skills, their strong faith, their love for each other and the Lord, and their desire to change lives to the STEMM village.

Please join us in welcoming Seth and Anna to our team, and help us by praying for guidance as they take on these important leadership roles.

Want to see more of their journey? Follow them on social media!

@sethborchard

@annaraeborchard

@theborchards