The group is visiting from the Azania Front Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – the country’s largest city with a population of over seven million people. Azania Front is a companion synod with Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette, and the two have sent congregations to visit between Tanzania and America over the years.

This year’s congregation included Pastor Joseph Mlaki – who serves at the Azania Front Cathedral in Dar es Salaam – Gloria Mushi, Dr. Janet Mwambona, Linda Njoolay, Heriel Nkya, Matungwa Nkoma, Janeth Laizer and her husband Jackson Loivotok, and Bertha Semu-Somi. Dr. Michael Coyne, a retired physician and member of the Bay Cliff Board of Directors, showed the group around the premises of the camp, explaining the history of Bay Cliff and the purpose of each facility. The group was accompanied by Dave Blomquist and Mary Lou Flearl, both members of Messiah Lutheran.

Bay Cliff Health Camp is a year-round, nonprofit camp that serves both children and adults living with disabilities. Each year, their biggest program is their Children’s Summer Therapy Camp, which began in 1934 and has been held every summer since then. The camp is a seven-week stay in Big Bay where the kids are able to receive therapeutic treatment and build a greater sense of independence while also participating in traditional summer camp activities. Their programs accept volunteers and seasonal positions across different disciplines and skillsets, including doctors and dentists, activities instructors, kayaking and canoeing instructors and supporting staff such as kitchen, laundry and maintenance volunteers.

During the Azania Front congregation’s time in Marquette, they’ve also visited various places and participated in activities planned by Messiah Lutheran’s Global Missions Outreach committee. After all members of the group had arrived in Marquette on September 20, the past 10 days have been filled with experiences for the Azania Front crew such as touring the Marquette Regional History Center, visiting classrooms in local schools, sharing meals with other congregations in the area and participating in worship services at the Room at the Inn homeless shelter.

A congregation from Azania Front in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania toured the Bay Cliff Health Camp’s facilities as part of their time in Marquette on Friday. Front row (left to right): Dr. Michael Coyne, Matungwa Nkoma, Heriel Nkya, Janeth Laizer, Bertha Semu-Somi, Gloria Mushi, Linda Njoolay and Dave Blomquist. Back row (left to right): Mary Lou Flearl, Janet Mwambona, Pastor Joseph Mlaki and Jackson Loivotok. (Journal photo by Abby LaForest)

“This is my first time here. I have seen a sense of togetherness, especially among the church members. I know people in the U.S. are very busy, but here they know one another and express concern for each other. This trip has more than met my expectations,” shared Pastor Mlaki about the congregation’s trip. The last of the group will depart from Marquette on October 1, returning to Dar es Salaam later this week.

If you would like more information about Bay Cliff Health Camp or are interested in volunteering, they can be contacted at 906-345-9314, emailed at baycliff@baycliff.org, or information can also be found on their website at baycliff.org.

More information on Messiah Lutheran Church’s Global Outreach Committee can be found on their website at messiahlutheranmqt.org/ministries/community-and-global-outreach.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.