We, the Assumptionists in Africa, serve among the Maasai and Soncho people in the northern part of Tanzania, in the dry and harsh lands of Arusha. These are some of the poorest communities, struggling each day for water, food, and shelter. At St. Augustine of Hippo Parish, our mission is to bring faith, love, and hope to them — not only through prayer but through action. We try to show God’s love by standing beside the people, helping them in their daily struggles, and reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Life of the Maasai People
The Maasai and Soncho people live mostly as herders, moving from one place to another in search of water and green pastures for their animals. Rain comes only once a year, and the rest of the months remain dry and dusty. Families grow small crops like maize, cassava, and bananas for food, but it is never enough. Many still follow traditional beliefs, yet more and more are opening their hearts to Christianity and finding peace and hope in faith.
What We Do
We, the Assumptionists, do our best to bring both spiritual and physical help to the people. We preach the Word of God, teach catechism, and visit the sick and dying. We celebrate Mass in every small community we can reach, even if it means praying under a tree. We teach about cleanliness and good hygiene to prevent sickness. We also help the people get clean drinking water by maintaining a parish water system that serves the villages around us. Every drop of clean water we provide is a sign of hope for the people who often walk miles just to fill one container.
Right now, we serve around 1,800 Catholics and about 500 non-Catholics who come to pray and learn with us. Through faith, service, and compassion, we try to build a stronger, united community of love.
The Struggles We Face
Our mission faces many challenges. The water pump often breaks down, and when the water level drops, we cannot provide enough for everyone. Our parish car, made in 1996, is very old and struggles to reach remote areas. We also need motorbikes to travel to far villages for pastoral work. Out of nine outstations, only two have small church sheds. In the rest, we celebrate Mass under trees, and when it rains, we are forced to stop. Still, we continue to serve with faith and courage, knowing God’s work must go on.
You Can Help
We continue to walk with the people of Arusha, even when life gets difficult. But we cannot do it alone. Your support can help us keep our water system running, repair our old vehicle, and build small church structures where people can gather to pray. Every small gift makes a difference — it brings clean water, comfort, and hope to families who have almost nothing.
Please consider supporting the Assumptionists at St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in Arusha. Together, we can continue to serve the poorest of the poor and keep their faith and hope alive.
