Along the remote southwestern shores of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania, over 30,000 Zinza people reside on Maisome Island. Many are fishermen, working at night and living a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The remainder are agriculturalists, growing a variety of crops such as millet, beans, plantains, and a wide range of tropical fruit. They also raise cattle, sheep, and goats. Although Swahili is used as the main language of communication between the different people groups in Tanzania, the Zinza are proud of their mother tongue and interested in learning to read and write in Echizinza (the language of the Zinza people).

The Zinza religion is rather secretive, following traditional animism. Outsiders are rarely invited to their religious ceremonies. Their faith, which attempts to appease actual beings, is one of the strongest traditional faiths in Africa. Many of these beings are admittedly demonic. Although there are some churches in the populated towns, many in the villages and rural areas have never heard the Gospel! Traditional religion, rooted in ancestral worship and witchcraft, still has a grasp on much of the population.

On this expedition, we will work alongside local believers to show Christ’s love to the Zinza people. Through hut to hut evangelism, sports clinics, and public health education, we will have the opportunity to meet some of their most basic needs while sharing the Gospel along the way.

This expedition is considered to be an "Extreme Mission" because the team will pitch tents and set up camp in the very area in which we will be working. On this expedition, you will have the opportunity to spread the Gospel and make disciples on the Island of Maisome. Along with the American team, the Kara people from Ukara Island will be mobilized to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with this unreached people group. They've been training, as well, and are preparing with the same purpose as those of us in the United States...to "go therefore and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..."(Matthew 28:19-20a).

The opportunity to walk alongside other Tanzanian nationals as we spread the gospel is a realization of the vision to be a catalyst for indigenous church planting movements. What an amazing time to be involved in the Great Commission! Come and join this work on Maisome Island!

Are you ready for the adventure to begin? If you have any questions, please contact Yusuph Emmanuel. He can be reached at yusuph.emmanuel@e3partners.org.