Challenged by the devastation of the AIDS pandemic on Tanzania, and moved by faith, love and Christian commitment to make a difference, Father Robert Mbinda and his wife, Mariam, a nurse midwife, determined to change the lives of children who have been orphaned by AIDS. They began Good Samaritan Orphanage in 1996 by taking eight children into their home, raising them along side their own four chil
dren. In 2000, they acquired a parcel of land south of Mbeya and worked to expand the number of children who could benefit from a safe, healthy and loving home, support for education, spiritual and emotional guidance, and hope for a better future. By 2006, there were 79 children onsite and a dedicated team of staff and local volunteers. Since that time, with the financial support of congregations and committed individuals, GSO has grown capacity to serve 200 children between the ages of 6-18 years of age. They have developed a welcoming and effective home environment that is becoming a good source of learning and training. The overall goal of GSO is to nurture future leaders for their community; young people who will grow to self-sufficiency, just as the leaders of GSO seek to be wise and self sufficient. The children raise much of their own food and they care for one another as siblings of a much larger family. In recent years, with the help of their US based financial supporters, GSO has built girls and boys dormitories, a gathering hall, a deep well and water storage, administration and education space. Land has been purchased and planted to grow timber for long term financial support and crops for short term sustainability. Last year, electrical power lines were built to bring electricity. to GSO and the surrounding community
The local community recognizes the positive difference the Mbindas and GSO are making for the children and the community itself. Local leaders are working with hand in hand with Robert and Mariam. Current goals include development of trade education that will also serve students from GSO and those living in the surrounding community, as well as an expansion of agricultural development. What began as a vision to change the lives of children is truly changing the lives of many beyond those living on the GSO campus. St John Lutheran Church in Columbia, MD began it's financial support to GSO in 2006 with the hope of building a global ministry relationship. Church leaders are so impressed with GSO's effective work that they now coordinate US based contacts and financial supports for GSO. You can be part of this remarkable vision and see how the gifts God provides be greatly multiplied and fruitful. Please prayerfully consider a donation. The Good Samaritan Orphanage
Mkapa Road
PO Box 3529
Mbeya - Tanzania, East Africa
TEL: (011) 255-25-2502874
FAX: (011) 255-25-2500202
EMAIL: [email protected]
STATESIDE: [email protected]
Contact St. John Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD, attention Karen Heist.
