The Swahili word REHEMA means MERCY. These projects seek to help the poorest of the poor in Tanzania. Read some stories from our Rehema Projects below. If you would like to help with our Rehema Projects click here to donate.

Helping the Poor in Tanzania

During the Christmas season, the Hidden with Christ Ministries team, through its “Rehema Projects,” took to heart the true meaning of mercy by reaching out to those in need. In this season of giving, we were privileged to perform three significant acts of mercy that touched lives, brought hope, and reminded many of the powerful presence of God’s love. These acts of compassion reflect the essence of what it means to give selflessly and bring light to the darkest places.

Blessing the Prisoners of Karanga

HWCM truck loaded with Christmas gifts for the Karanga Prison in TanzaniaOne of the most humbling acts of mercy took place at Karanga Prison, where the Hidden with Christ Ministries team visited 900 prisoners, including both remand prisoners and those serving out their sentences.

Among them were 850 men and 50 women who received gifts that brought joy to their hearts. The gifts we brought may seem very meager and unimportant to those outside a prison setting, but they spoke volumes to the recipients.

900 pairs of rubber sandals were distributedWe had received information that many of the prisoners had no footwear of any kind. So, our Project Manager, Sunday Joseph, traveled to the big commercial city of Dar es Salaam, to purchase 900 pairs of rubber sandals from the wholesale District. He also purchased 900 packages of chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookies so that each prisoner could receive something sweet for Christmas. The final gift was one designed to help the staff of the prison, who are tasked with keeping the prisoners' heads shaved for hygiene purposes. Three professional hair shavers were purchased, two for the men’s side and one for the women’s side of the prison. (We had been informed that the ones they were using had recently broken.)

For many, these simple items were more than just gifts; they were symbols of God’s love and mercy, a reminder that no prison wall can hinder God’s loving hand from reaching them, as the love of God knows no boundaries. They expressed their gratitude, acknowledging that while they may be physically confined, their spirits were uplifted by the kindness shown.

The head prisoner was allowed to address us, and he shared some profound words that touched our hearts. He said, "When you leave, we must remain behind these prison walls...but today we saw that God's love is able to penetrate those walls. We are prisoners with you; the only difference is that you are prisoners of God's love toward us."

They thanked all those who contributed and asked God to remember and bless those who made this Christmas a little brighter for them.
Spreading Hope at the Juvenile Detention Center

Spreading Hope at the Juvenile Detention Center

Former TOA resident now college graduate Innocent Msisi spoke to teens at the Juvenile Detention CenterIn another act of mercy, the Rehema Project team visited a local Juvenile Detention Center, where teenage offenders are housed. We brought rubber sandals, chocolate and vanilla cookies, and candy to 8 young residents, seven boys and one girl, all between the ages of 13 and 15. One of our own Treasures of Africa TOA College students Innocent and Samweli carrying Christmas gifts for the Juvenile Detention Center in Moshi TanzaniaKIDZ, Innocent, spoke to them about how God had transformed his life from being a street child to a college graduate. His message was simple yet profound. He encouraged them to believe in the possibility of change. He assured them that, with God’s help, they too could leave their difficult circumstances behind and step into a new life as productive, positive members of society. His words brought smiles in their faces and served as a powerful reminder of God's ability to change hearts and transform lives.

Answering the Call for the Vulnerable

The final act of mercy was an urgent intervention to help victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. A Municipal social worker reached out, sharing an emergency need for food at a safe house that was running out of supplies. The team acted swiftly, providing enough food to sustain them for an entire month. The women and children at the safe house expressed their deep gratitude, as they had not eaten anything since morning and had no resources to prepare a meal. The food provided not only satisfied their physical hunger but also nourished their spirits, offering a glimmer of hope that they were not forgotten and that someone cared for their well-being.

Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40, where He calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, and care for the needy. In these acts of mercy, we are not only helping those in need, but we are also serving Christ Himself.

These three acts of mercy are a powerful reminder that, no matter the situation, kindness, love, and compassion have the power to bring hope to those who feel forgotten and overlooked. We are so thankful to all our donors who have partnered with us on this journey of mercy! Your generous donations allow us to reach those in need and share the love of Christ with those who are suffering.

Faith Kaluse presenting emergency food supplies to the Women's Safe House in Moshi, TanzaniaDuring this New Year of 2025, please prayerfully consider contributing toward our outreaches of mercy in the Kilimanjaro, Tanzania community, and together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most. Let us be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and joy to those who need it most. May God bless you as you bless others. Click here to donate.