HE HAS CONTRIBUTED FIVE EUROS TO UEM—WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

 

“There is no big church that cannot receive, and there is no small church that cannot contribute.”

 

 Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

 

Various religious institutions have traditionally focused on their core faith-based activities. However, over the years, these institutions have increasingly expanded the scope of their services into other important areas of human life—including healthcare, medical services, education, agriculture, livestock keeping, and various forms of community development.

 

This is something I, Mwanakwetu, understand very well.

 

For a significant part of my higher education journey, I studied in institutions owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). I obtained both my bachelor's and master's degrees at Tumaini University in Iringa, now known as the University of Iringa. My primary and secondary education, as well as my teaching diploma, were obtained from public institutions of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Therefore, when I speak about religious institutions and their contribution to society, I am not speaking merely from what I have heard. I have experienced this journey closely.

 

But there is one issue that has continued to make me think deeply.

 

OUR RELIGIONS AND EDUCATION

 

For a long time, many educational institutions owned by religious organizations have tended to give priority to members of their own denominations.

A Catholic is given preference in Catholic institutions. A Lutheran in Lutheran institutions. A Seventh-day Adventist in Adventist institutions. An Anglican in Anglican institutions. And a Muslim in Islamic institutions.

 

In one sense, this is understandable.

But there is another side of the coin that deserves much deeper reflection.

 

When education reaches a person, it does not remain confined to that person's religion.

 

When you educate someone today, you are also giving that person the ability to think, analyze, make decisions and influence the lives of others tomorrow.

 

Therefore, when a religious institution supports someone from another faith, it may be making a far greater investment than it realizes.

 

My reader, you may ask:

 

What does Mwanakwetu have to say today?

The answer is coming.

 

MWANAKWETU'S FIVE EUROS

Early on 10 August 2026, I, Mwanakwetu, did something that may appear small to another person, but to me carries a much greater message.

 

I contributed 13,000 Tanzanian shillings to a programme known as UEM – United Evangelical Mission.

 

UEM carries out mission work from a broad perspective. It is not only about preaching the Gospel; it is also about serving people, developing communities, advocating for justice, and building partnerships among churches and communities.

This year, UEM marks 188 years since its establishment in 1838.

 

Its work focuses on five major areas:

First, Evangelism.

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, developing evangelism programmes, and promoting Christian communication and cooperation.

 

Second, Diakonia or Community Service.

Supporting people in need and building communities where people can live with dignity, love and solidarity.

Third, Development.

Supporting education, volunteer programmes, scholarships and various development projects.

Fourth, Advocacy.

Advocating for human rights, peace, reconciliation, women's rights, combating discrimination and protecting the environment and God's creation.

Fifth, Partnership.

Connecting churches from Africa, Asia and Germany; facilitating the exchange of ministers, professionals and young volunteers; and working together on various projects.

These are the responsibilities of UEM.

But to me, UEM is not merely these five names.

UEM is a story of people whose lives have been touched by its work.

And this is where my story becomes even more interesting.

A CONTRIBUTION THAT STARTED WITH FOOD MONEY

 

My intention was to contribute 15,000 Tanzanian shillings, approximately five euros, to UEM.

However, at the time, my phone account was short by 2,000 shillings.

 

Later, I sent the additional 2,000 shillings to fulfill the commitment I had made in my heart to UEM.

And here is something my reader should know:

 

That money was part of my food allowance for that day.

I did it because I wanted to contribute—not because I had a large surplus, but because I believed in the message behind the contribution.

 

In my contribution, each euro had a meaning.

One euro was mine, Adeladius Francis Makwega.

One euro was from Archbishop Dr. Alex Malasusa—who, with all due respect, gave me my wife.

One euro was from Bishop Joseph Jally—my late elder and mentor.

 

The remaining two euros were from two people whose names I will not reveal.

 

But about one of them, allow me to tell you a story.

“I AM A CATHOLIC, BUT UEM EDUCATED ME”

 

Before writing this article, I spoke to one of these individuals.

 

I asked her about his relationship with UEM.

Her answer made me pause for a moment.

She said:

“I am a Catholic, but UEM educated me through my master's degree. They paid for everything—from tuition and books to accommodation and food. I remember how much they helped me. Otherwise, to this day, I would probably still have only my bachelor's degree in journalism.”

My reader, think about that statement.

A Catholic.

Educated by UEM.

And today, she holds a master's degree because of the support she received from that institution.

This lady, who was busy with work at the time we spoke, continued:

“UEM paid my tuition at St. Augustine University of Tanzania in Mwanza. I am very grateful to them. May God bless them. I have heard that they are asking people to contribute one euro. I have not contributed yet, but I will contribute more. I am not someone who should contribute only one euro; I am someone who should contribute more.”

Those were her words.

 

I spoke to her without telling her that I had already contributed one euro on her behalf in my transaction of 10 August 2026.

 

And there is an even more interesting fact: today, this lady is a public servant in the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

 

This is where I say:

Education knows no religion.

MWANAKWETU IS A CATHOLIC—BUT HE CONTRIBUTED TO UEM

My reader, look at this picture from a broader perspective.

One person is a Catholic, yet he/she was educated by UEM.

Another may be a Lutheran, yet he/she can benefit from the contribution of someone from another faith.

Another may be a Muslim, yet he/she can benefit from the services of a Christian institution through education, healthcare or development.

 

This is where we should ask ourselves:

Does the contribution of a religious institution end with its own denomination?

 

My answer is no.

That is why I, Mwanakwetu, a Catholic, decided to contribute to UEM.

 

I was not educated by UEM.

Part of my university education was financed by my father, while another part was supported by the government. But I have followed the work and services of religious institutions, and I understand the importance of what UEM is doing.

And that is why I ask you:

Mwanakwetu has contributed five euros. What are you waiting for?

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE

According to the information I have, a one-euro contribution to UEM Africa can be sent through:

 

Bank: CRDB BANK PLC

Branch: 3319

Account Number: 1950299692300

SWIFT: CORUTZTZ

For UEM Asia:

Bank: Bank BNI

Account: 0128002447

SWIFT: BNINIDJAMDN

For more information about online payments or other digital micro-donation options, you may contact the relevant UEM support service.

But my reader, do not look at this as a bank advertisement.

 

This is a call from the heart.

 

“THERE IS NO BIG CHURCH THAT CANNOT RECEIVE…”

 

That is why, on 9 August 2026, the Bishop of the North-Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Rev. Dr. Msafiri Mbilu, while speaking at the North-Western Diocese of the same church, said:

 

“I am grateful to be here celebrating 30 years of UEM Africa. We share many things here. In the past, we were mainly recipients. Let it be clearly understood that there is no big church that cannot receive, and there is no small church that cannot contribute. I appeal to everyone who receives this message and urge you to support us in this.”

 

These words carry a powerful message.

Giving and receiving are both part of a life of partnership.

Today, you may be the recipient.

Tomorrow, you may become the giver.

And another day, you may become the bridge that helps someone else.

 

THE CONTRIBUTION DOES NOT HAVE TO BE LARGE

Therefore, through this article, Mwanakwetu encourages all those who have benefited from UEM's services—and even those who have never directly benefited—to look at this initiative through the eyes of love and solidarity.

 

Do not think that Mwanakwetu contributed because UEM educated him.

Absolutely not!

I contributed because I believe that an institution that helps a child receive an education, supports young people, serves communities, advocates for justice and brings people together deserves to be supported.

 

And the story of the Catholic lady who was educated by UEM has made me even more determined to emphasize this point.

One person received support.

She studied.

She graduated.

She found employment.

Today, she can be part of serving others.

That is the chain of service.

Your small contribution today may become part of someone's much bigger life story tomorrow.

AND TO THOSE WHO WILL TALK…

I know this article may provoke comments.

There are always those who cannot resist a little nongwa—those who will always find something to say.

They may say:

 

“Ohhh, Mwanakwetu was given a wife by Archbishop Dr. Malasusa, and then he contributed only one euro!”

 

Let me make one thing absolutely clear:

 

This is only my contribution for today.

I have chosen to make it public to demonstrate that supporting UEM is possible.

 

I will increase my contribution again, but I will not announce it publicly.

Because not every good deed we do needs a camera, praise or applause.

 

Sometimes, when the right hand gives, the left hand does not need to know.

CONCLUSION

 

My reader, at the end of the day, this is not merely about one euro.

It is about one person remembering another.It is about one church helping another church.

It is about someone who has received being willing to give.

 

It is about recognizing that when we invest in education, healthcare, development, justice and human dignity, we are investing in the next generation.

 

Mwanakwetu has contributed five euros.

Now the question remains:

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Remember:

“THERE IS NO BIG CHURCH THAT CANNOT RECEIVE, AND NO SMALL CHURCH THAT CANNOT GIVE.”

 

I wish you a blessed and wonderful day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649257