Tarime is a small city in northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya. It is a place of stunning views and breathtaking beauty and is home to the Kuria people group. Until about 50 years ago, the Kuria people were semi-nomadic warriors. They were mostly ignored by missionaries and institutional churches in Tanzania due to their fierceness, though Catholic and Seventh-Day Adventist missionaries had seen some limited success.

However, the Kuria have remained largely unreached until today, especially in the rural areas, where most Kuria prefer to live. They reflect God’s glorious image in their strength, courage, and unbelievable tolerance for pain. We hope to see them redeemed and freed from FGM, witchcraft, domestic violence, alcoholism, polygamy, adultery, and human sacrifice as they come to know Christ, the one who makes all things new.

Residents will live together at the Wesley House, and, as the disciples did in the book of Acts, will be sharing life together. Believing strongly in incarnational ministry, we try to live simply as our neighbors do, and share our lives with them, teaching and mentoring them in gospel living and starting house churches. We endeavor to be true entrepreneurs, taking risks to try different approaches and strategies to do this work. Over the years, we have had many failures, but each was an opportunity for residents to learn and grow as disciples themselves, as we learn how to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Becoming like Jesus and making disciples who multiply is our goal here in Tarime. Each day, from morning to evening, we do our best to live like Jesus, as He is described in the four gospels. “Living like Jesus” is a common phrase, but it is only as we intentionally try to do it day after day that we learn how radical and challenging it is. And it is here, as we choose to take His truth radically, that we are each transformed.

For residents, ministry in Tarime is actively engaged with the Kuria people. Since the site was launched in 2021, 149 Kuria disciples have chosen to leave behind their old lives and enter into a new life of following Jesus. These disciples make up 26 house churches, and they continue to share their testimonies with their relatives and neighbors as God adds more to their number each day.

In 2022, we saw the launch of an FGM Rescue Camp for young girls aged 9-16. That year, we rescued 95 girls from the horrific ritual of female genital mutilation (FGM). In 2023, 175 girls participated in the camp. Both camps created opportunities for us not only to protect the girls and educate them but also to connect with their families, clans, and villages. Residents will participate in this established ministry as well as pioneer new ministries to engage with boys and young men.

We believe that God has a special place in His kingdom for every people group and continue to work and pray that they would participate with Him in His redemptive story.