MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2026
Joanne Miya, Tanzania
Greetings from Tanzania,
I hope this finds you well and able to remain hopeful. With the increase in uncertainty and chaos in the world, I cling to knowing that there are a lot of good people out there – including YOU!
Teens on Retreat enjoy some time crafting
My main ministry focus is now the Lake House of Prayer retreat center. What a blessing it is to be a part of the team. During Advent I ran a two-day retreat for teens. I managed to include some craft activities which was fun. Before long we were preparing for Lent. We cleared the path for our outdoor Stations of the Cross, refinished the wooden crosses and planted flowers in front of each station. It’s not uncommon for people here to pray the Stations of the Cross privately and I’m happy that we were able to create a nice environment for that. Preparing retreats in Swahili has proven to be a good mental and spiritual exercise. I am enjoying being able to offer my head, my heart and my hands to this ministry.
Meanwhile I remain connected to Uzima Centre. Abdon, the new director is doing a great job. In December he completed the registration process for local NGO status. This will help facilitate more networking and fundraising opportunities. It will also enable us to reach more people. Meanwhile there is a lengthy process for closing our previous registration as a CBO (Community Based Organization). God bless Abdon for dealing with all the bureaucracy!
Metusela works on a motorcycle as his teacher watches.
Our Learn and Earn Apprenticeship program is a great example of how a little help can change someone’s life. Metusela had been living in a village south of here. Having only gone as far as 7th grade, his options were few. He asked an uncle in Mwanza if he could try his luck here in the city. This typically doesn’t work out well for young men who lack both skills and education, but his uncle agreed. Upon arriving, Metusela spent his days doing housework for his uncle, then he heard about our Learn and Earn program. Metusela chose to do an apprenticeship with a motorcycle mechanic. Recently he shared, “My trainer has offered to extend my training for two more months at no cost. If I do my work well, he pays me a bit which I use to help my uncle.” Metusela is motivated and making the most of this opportunity.
All our students who completed secondary school last year passed their exam to go on for advanced studies. We are so proud of them. The school supplies, tutoring, school lunch assistance, and on-going visits are having an impact. We are excited to see what the future holds for these young people.
February was a challenging month. We were notified by the owner of the house we are renting for office space that she plans to sell the house. In mid-March we will have been at this lovely location for one year. Abdon is now running around looking for another place to rent. Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 15th the office was broken into.
Children spell Uzima Centre with their blocks.
Thieves stole three laptops, a tablet, a printer, and some school supplies. Several neighbors had chickens stolen that same weekend, so someone was hitting up the neighborhood. The local police have been less than helpful so there is no hope that anything will be recovered.
Abdon is now also needing to deal with this. There are challenges that we choose; others life just throws at us. Those are the difficult ones and of course there is never a good time for bad things to happen, but they happen, nonetheless.
At times like these I am so grateful for your prayers and support. There will be unexpected costs resulting from the robbery and the move. These are expenses that our designated grants can’t cover. I know that together we will carry on, ensuring that our services aren’t interrupted. God always makes a way.
Pope Leo XIV encourages us to use Lent as a time to “let the Lord cleanse you, purify you and transform you into a unique masterpiece.” Imagine if we looked upon everyone (including ourselves) as a “unique masterpiece.” Just imagine.
Peace, deep breaths and gratitude,
Joanne
Please consider supporting my mission work at the Uzima Centre with a donation through the link below.
I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Joanne Miya joined Maryknoll Lay Missioners in 1983. She is the director of the Uzima Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, whose mission is to provide hope, healthcare and education to adults and children living with HIV.
