Former Teams and Volunteers

Lubbock Team-Aldersgate Church—A New OMEGA Project in Dodoma

This team of 5 ladies was the first team to be hosted in Dodoma and work at Safina Street Network. The idea of construction work did not phase them one bit as they jumped in and worked with local skilled laborers in the mornings. Afternoons were spent interacting with the children, serving a daily meal and participating in their devotion time. Working with the Safina administrators, the team took food and paid visits to children living at the dump and bus stand. Even though Safina is an urban ministry, there was still an opportunity to visit homes in a rural village setting. All the members were intent they would be making a return trip. After a photographic safari at Mikumi National Park, they spent an afternoon on the beach.

El Paso Team—Water Project in the Bush

After a whole year of planning, a group of 8 from El Paso, Texas traveled to a remote village to assist in the implementation of a water system for a local Maasai village. They worked on the completion of a building which housed an electric pump and generator and dug trenches to lay pipe to a storage tank. Because the work site was close to a “boma” (group of homes), the group had opportunities to visit in traditional Maasai homes and witness the way they lived. The Maasai community was welcoming and had a great time sharing in song and dance with the team on several occasions. Attending a worship service on Sunday morning with the Maasai was a highlight of the trip. The remote setting provided opportunities to see a variety of African game on a daily basis.

Volunteer from Canada—Playing Games

Tisha Rouse (Toronto, Canada) contacted OMEGA and wanted to come to Tanzania to minister to children through sports activities and get a taste of what mission work might be like. The headmaster of Aldersgate School in Babati was thrilled to have her come for 6 weeks and help with organized sports. At the end of the 6 weeks, Tisha and the teachers organized an all-day, inter-mural sports competition, which included soccer, volleyball, and basketball matches and numerous relay races. Staying for 6 weeks, Tisha found herself immersed in the daily lives of new friends, sharing in a variety of social activities. Some evenings were spent with the children living in the school dormitories. Her career as an esthetician blessed many women as she gave instruction on make-up application and skin care. By the end of her time in Tanzania, many of Tisha’s questions about life in the mission field were answered.

Bailey Team—Continuing OMEGA Work at Sambasha

Leading a group of 7 from Lubbock, Austin, and Houston, Janie Bailey, made her fourth trip with OMEGA. The team continued the work of previous OMEGA teams at Sambasha. Although the primary focus was on construction of the church, members of the team participated in community AIDS awareness training, assisting with the nursery school, preaching, and sharing their faith with the Maasai people. Joining with the members of the church, the team hiked into the hills for a time of prayer and worship. Working, praying, playing, teaching, and sharing all the week, helped form special friendships for both Tanzanians and team members. At the end of the week, Sunday worship was a wonderful time of coming together to celebrate in the Lord. The trip ended with an overnight trip to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area and an afternoon of souvenir shopping in Arusha.

Volunteers from Michigan—Two Friends—Separate Work

Joe Klein and Amanda Mitchell, friends from Michigan, came to Tanzania together and then went their separate ways. Upon arrival, they spent a few days working at Step by Step Learning Center with the OMEGA Red Team from San Antonio.

Amanda stayed on at Step by Step Learning Center in Arusha, working with the special needs children, training teachers in the use of donated equipment and software and supporting the director of the center. Meeting Tanzanians and other international volunteers, she had an opportunity to get a feel for life in an urban setting. Although Amanda had seriously considered leaving the teaching field, prior to her time in Tanzania, she gained a renewed passion for the career to which she was called.

Joe Klein headed south to a small community to teach English at a secondary school in Babati. Classroom time was spent teaching English, but also as a time of cultural exchange. Joe formed friendships with students and his co-workers and was a frequent guest in homes and activities in the community. A two-day field trip to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area, with his students and co-workers was a highlight of his 6 weeks. Since his return to the States, Joe gives his time assisting African refugees in Michigan.

OMEGA RED TEAM (SAN ANTONIO)—Special Teachers for Special Children

A team of 8 from San Antonio, Texas, all involved in teaching special needs children, brought their many skills to Step by Step Learning Center in Arusha. Prior to their arrival, the team raised funds to purchase a laptop, printer, and laminating machine and secured the donation of a popular software program used in special needs classrooms. The Step by Step staff was overwhelmed by the wealth of information and training offered by the team. The director of the center provided an opportunity to visit 2 other facilities which served special needs children. Sunday worship in Sambasha gave team members an opportunity to re-connect with friends made on a previous visit and to visit homes in a Maasai community. A trip to Lake Manyara National Park provided an opportunity to see some of the wild game of Tanzania. The children at Step by Step Learning Center continue to be blessed by the contribution made by these dedicated teachers. These dedicated teachers continue to be blessed by the memories and friends made in Tanzania.

BROOKINGS SOUTH DAKOTA TEAM—Classrooms in the Bush

Started by prior visiting OMEGA teams, a group from Brookings South Dakota came to put the roof on 2 classrooms at a primary school in Mswakini. Because the school is in the bush, on the border of Tarangire National Park, the team slept in tents, used portable showers and latrines, and enjoyed the sites and sounds of the area. The Maasai owners of the land on which the camp was set, welcomed team members into their homes, guided them on a walking tour of the community, and accompanied them to worship in a local church. Students enjoyed the interaction with the team in the classroom and on the playground. Upon completion of the roof, the entire community gathered to celebrate and recognize the team for their work. Plans are being made for a return trip and continued investment in this community.

BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS—Building a Team—Building Classrooms

As part of an apprenticeship program, British Telecommunications sent a team of 45 to build 2 classrooms and teacher housing in the remote community of Lokisale. Although construction was a big part of the team effort, the leaders encouraged the members to participate in every aspect of the project. This involved teaching in the classrooms, participating in sports activities, constructing classroom desks, assisting in preparation and serving a meal for students, and retrieving water from a distant water source. Interacting with members of the community, the team had the opportunity to sleep in a Maasai boma, learn how to make a fire with only sticks, throw a spear, use a bow and arrow, and make traditional sandals, jewelry, and walking sticks. Working together the team not only helped build the community, but built a foundation for teamwork as they returned to the UK.

Mission Opportunities

2010 Mission Trips

OMEGA is currently building teams for trips into Tanzania. Are you interested in joining or forming a team? Call 806-787-9958 or Learn more.

 Photo Gallery

See the impact OMEGA volunteers have had across various projects in Tanzania.
View the Photo Gallery.