A LITANY FOR SEKOMU
by The Rev. Dr. John Hougen
(SEKOMU, which used to be known as SEKUCo, is Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University. The name change represents a higher status among Tanzanian educational institutions and indicates progress in the school’s ability to offer a wide selection of degree programs. Lutherans in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod have been partners with the Northeastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania in founding, funding, and growing SEKOMU.)
Asante sana, Yesu = Thank you, Jesus (Swahili)
Leader: Gracious God, who inspires us to see divinely created dignity in all, to set prisoners free, and lift up those who are bowed down: hear our prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and hope.
Leader: We praise you, O God, for sending a vision to The Rev. Dr. Anneth Munga in Tanzania, that life for people with intellectual, physical, and emotional challenges might be revolutionized by educating and inspiring teachers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs to serve people with special needs.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: We praise you, O God, for energizing Bishop Stephen Munga and the people of the Northeastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, for giving them courage and hope, enabling them to establish a new university to realize Dr. Munga’s vision.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: We praise you, O God, for partnerships among Africans, Europeans, and Americans, providing prayers, good will, financial support, faculty, books, and computers for SEKOMU.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: We thank you, Christ Jesus, for making us sisters and brothers with the children and adults with special needs in Tanzania who, too often, have been hidden away from society for lack of resources to integrate them more fully.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: We thank you, Christ Jesus, for making us sisters and brothers with the graduates of SEKOMU who are using their knowledge and skills to enhance the lives of people with special needs and develop their God-given potential.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: We thank you, Christ Jesus, for making us sisters and brothers with all who serve SEKOMU as administrators, teachers, staff, and supporters. Your gift of sacred fellowship fuels cooperation marked by good purpose, endurance, and effectiveness.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu
Leader: Holy Spirit, bless all who are touched by SEKOMU: those who are served, those who serve, those who support, those who pray. Bless us and all with life-giving hope. Give us the will to love you with heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbors as ourselves.
Congregation: Asante sana, Yesu. Amen.