For 38 years, Mark and Linda Jacobson have worked in the health field in Tanzania, becoming our church’s longest-serving missionaries. In partnership with Tanzanian leaders, they’ve developed the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, started the Widow’s Might craft project and more. Their powerful story is featured in the new documentary Kuambatana, which means accompaniment in Kiswahili.

Use the discussion guide to talk about what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment.

ELCA missionaries serve at the invitation of global companions to meet specific community needs. They are pastors, educators, advisers, doctors, communication specialists and more. Working in a spirit of accompaniment, they walk together with our companions and follow their leadership. Your congregation can support missionaries doing God’s work around the world! Make a gift today at ELCA.org/MissionaryGiving, take an offering at your service, or sponsor a missionary by filling out the form at ELCA.org/CovenantForm.

P.S. Is anyone in your congregation sensing a call to global service? Explore job openings here.