Summer 2026 newsletter
Susanne Beentjes, Tanzania
Looking back on the past three months, it has been an intense and eventful period filled with many different activities. Balancing ministry work with raising three energetic boys can make life quite hectic at times. Living here in Tanzania also comes with its own unique challenges. As I often say, “every day is different,” and unexpected situations are simply part of daily life. While this unpredictability gives life here its beauty and charm, it can also be exhausting at times. Nevertheless, there are enough moments to be grateful, especially when you do not expect it.
Raphael Peter Elisha
Visioning a Mental Healthcare Facility for All
One of the most meaningful developments over the past months has been the opportunity to collaborate on a new mental health initiative within the Archdiocese of Mwanza. Mental health remains a major challenge in the region, where stigma, lack of awareness, and limited services leave many people without proper support or care.
My colleague Raphael Peter Elisha has been leading the vision for this initiative. Raphael holds a degree in Health Systems Management from Mzumbe University and currently serves as Executive Secretary in the Health Department of the Archdiocese.
Raphael shares: “Through my work in the community, I have become aware of the serious mental health challenges affecting many people in the Mwanza region. Individuals living with mental health conditions often face stigma, discrimination, and neglect. My vision is to establish a Mental Health Support Center that will provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly share their struggles and receive guidance without fear of judgment. The center will focus on counseling and psychotherapy services, mental health awareness programs, and follow-up support for patients and families.”
Over the past two months, Raphael and I have met with several stakeholders including government representatives, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. These conversations have strengthened the vision and helped us build important relationships for future collaboration.
I feel grateful to walk alongside passionate local leaders like Raphael, whose dedication to improving mental healthcare is truly inspiring. I would kindly ask you to keep us in your prayers as we continue navigating this important development process. We pray for wisdom, guidance, strength, and meaningful collaborations.
Susanne’s neighbor shows off her Rosella flowers.
Receiving Grace Through Others
After an intensive day, I picked up the kids from school and we drove back home. The roads leading to our house are in very poor condition because of the heavy rainfall we have had recently. I was not in the best mood, as we are facing several setbacks with the development of the Work&Shop Center that still need to be solved. I felt exhausted.
Then someone knocked on the gate. My first thought, honestly, was annoyance: “Who could that be?” When I opened the gate, I saw my neighbor from a block away. She smiled warmly and offered me fresh Rosella flowers (Hibiscus) from her own garden. She was so excited and proudly told me it was the first time she had harvested them. “Come, I will show you,” she said. I took my youngest son Nelson with me, and together we walked to her garden. With so much joy and pride, she showed us the beautiful rosella flowers she had grown and even offered to dry them for me so I could use them for tea or juice.
It was such a beautiful and unexpected gesture. We had never really met before, yet there she was, sharing the harvest she had poured so much love and effort into with a neighbor who was still a stranger to her. It reminded me again of Jesus’ words: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Especially in the world we live in today, with so much news about war, violence, and suffering, it is often the small acts of kindness between people that shine the brightest. And my “bad day”? Within a few moments, it had completely changed. What started as a day filled with frustration ended with gratitude, connection, and a reminder that Grace lives in the small, ordinary moments of life.
Smiles all around as children pause their football (soccer) game for a group photo.
