Glen and Dominique Turner

Tanzania enjoys freedom of religion and has been welcoming Australian missionaries for many years. There is an established church and around 30% of the population identify themselves as Christians. Islam is growing in Tanzania (currently around 35% of the population identify as Muslims) and animism is still widely practiced. There is also evidence to suggest that younger generations are beginning to turn away from the established church and pursue worldly ambitions.

The Mara Diocese is located in the North of Tanzania on the Eastern side of Lake Victoria and is overseen by Bishop Hilkiah Omindo Deya. The diocese is committed to holistic mission and desires to help young people respond in a Christian way to the religious, social, and economic demands of our time as well as the challenges of globalisation. The Anglican Church of Tanzania sees that this policy of investment in education and schooling will have a significant impact on the church, as future pastors are prepared for the 21st Century, and are better able to minister to the variety of needs in their congregations.

In Tanzania 43% of the population is under 15 years of age. Religious Education is part of the curriculum in schools, but there is a great shortage of teachers available. Christian teachers have great opportunities to impact these young people.

God has been preparing us for mission through our experiences, with Glen spending time in Kenya as a missionary kid, and Dominique going short-term to Romania after finishing school. We have actively pursued missionary service by completing our university studies, gaining some work experience and studying at Sydney Missionary and Bible College.

We praise God for the opportunity to partner with the Anglican Church of Tanzania. We expect to leave for Tanzania in January 2010 when we will begin five months of language and culture learning. Glen will then be teaching at Mara Anglican Primary School (MAPS)and Dominique will be looking after Judah and seeking opportunities to use her social work skills with children and families. Please pray for us as we seek to encourage and disciple Tanzanian christians for God’s glory.

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