There is no more powerful example of our precept to be spirit-led than the presence of our orphanage; however, when we first arrived in Tanzania, we had no idea that our ministry would be called in that direction. But in 2007 we were prompted by the Holy Spirit to take a more active role in caring for the children of Tanzania in a loving Christian environment.

From our very first trip in 1997, we had supported financially, prayerfully, and logistically several other small orphanages. For several years, we provided food, clothing, beds, blankets, and even chicken coops for struggling homes for orphan children.

Then, God introduced us to Rhema—a beautiful seven-year-old child with HIV. Over an 18-month period, she had moved through three different orphanages because as soon as they found out about her medical condition she was turned out into the street.

She ultimately died of her disease because no one would care for her.

The Holy Spirit placed deeply into the hearts of several of our board members that this tragedy, which was undoubtedly happening to hundreds of other children, was unacceptable.

Furthermore, the majority of orphanages were institutional in nature. While providing fundamental sustenance, they did not nurture children emotionally or spiritually.

Though our resources were already stretched thin, we gave the decision to God. At our fundraiser in 2007, a fleece was laid out for the Lord asking him to affirm the vision by providing an additional $40,000 at that event.

Not surprisingly, God answered boldly by providing us more than that amount.

At every step of the way, God directed our steps and provided the resources. The Siouxland community graciously donated almost $400,000 to begin the construction of an orphanage. After searching for three years, God providentially provided the perfect land and location for our children’s home.

In May 2011, our dream became reality when we opened the STEMM children’s village (SCV).

STEMM CHILDREN’S VILLAGE (SCV)

For over a decade now we have created a loving, nurturing environment for 24 beautiful children, and we are committed to never excluding a child because of his or her HIV status or other maladies.

Our orphanage was selected as the best-run orphanage in our district and the second-best orphanage in all of northern Tanzania. Most importantly, we have transformed the lives of two dozen children who had absolutely no hope into a new generation of loving equipped Christian leaders.

In June 2019, we opened two more orphan houses to double our capacity to 48 children. Each of our four homes is created to nurture the children in a loving Christian environment growing up in a home with mamas, aunties, and their new brothers and sisters in Christ.

A completely unforeseen but inarguably providential blessing has been the placement of our orphanage in a remote, predominately Muslim village. Because of our location, we have been able to engage in community development and spiritual outreach within the community.

The results are multiple souls won for eternity by the light that we are shining in that dark and hopeless village.

The Gospel of Mark states that true religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress. Our mission has an amazing blessing to do just that in Mbuguni, Tanzania.