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Nov./Dec. response: Deaconesses Reflect on Diakonia World Assembly
Tanzania Event Also Celebrates Consecration
by Megan Hale
Sixteen deaconesses and home missioners from the United States gathered with diaconal ministers from around the world in Tanzania in July for a week of inspiration and the consecration of 15 new deaconesses and home missioners.
Established in 1947, Diakonia World Federation offers an international and ecumenical community of diaconal support and friendship. Deaconesses and home missioners serve in diaconal ministries and are a part of Diakonia World Federation.
Diakonia broadens our worldview and deepens our sense of diaconal vocation. Diakonia also reminds the church of God’s call to service, justice, compassion, and peace for creation.
Every four years, Diakonia gathers for an assembly. The location rotates between the Americas and Caribbean, Asia Pacific, and Africa/Europe.
This past July, for the first time in its history, Diakonia World Federation Assembly met on the continent of Africa. Sixteen deaconesses and home missioners from the United States traveled to Moshi, Tanzania, to represent the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner for this historic gathering. They joined seven United Methodist deaconesses from the Philippines, three United Methodist deaconesses and home missioners from Africa, and 15 Africa Region United Methodist deaconess and home missioner candidates for consecration.
The group participated in a procession to the Lutheran Cathedral to mark the start of the assembly. During the week, they participated in daily Bible study, worship, lectures on Diakonia, environmental and gender justice, workshops, site visits, and evening cultural performances.
Then, on the evening of July 9, another historic moment took place. Diakonia World Federation witnessed the consecration of 15 new deaconesses and home missioners to a lifetime of Christlike service under the authority of The United Methodist Church.
The president of Diakonia World Federation, the Rev. Deacon Sandy Boyce of Australia, welcomed the congregation and led them through a remembrance of their own commitments to Diakonia.
Deaconess Sheila Fay Dayrit Binuya of the Philippines shared an inspirational message.
Home Missioner Christopher Hamera of Malawi and Deaconess Anna Migera Chacha of Tanzania led prayers.
Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala consecrated each individual following their vows.
Deaconess Heidi Careaga, national vice president for United Women in Faith, represented the organization on the stage along with staff member Deaconess Megan Hale, executive for the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner, and Deaconess Leah Wandera, Africa Region coordinator.
For Deaconess Jo Sheetz, the relationships formed within Diakonia are vital to working to build God’s kin-dom.
“When I am asked to pray for the church, I don’t immediately think of my local church … or even the UMC. I think of the worldwide body of Christ that I experience at Diakonia gatherings,” Sheetz said. “I have been able to participate in Diakonia assemblies in Atlanta, Berlin, Chicago, and now Moshi, Tanzania. Each time I am reminded that God is everywhere, working through the hands and feet of these diaconal ministers. When we worship in multiple languages, God hears our praises, prayers, laments, and songs (as well as dancing at this last gathering!). I was especially moved at the first consecration of the DHM of Africa. What a powerful witness that God is doing a new thing in the growing faith community in Africa!”
Deaconess Alicia Mitchell agreed.
“I grew up hearing African proverbs,” Mitchell said. “One fitting one is, ‘However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source.’ Because Africa wasn’t about finding something new; it was about remembering where I come from. Like a stream that twists and turns far from its origin, this journey reminded me that my roots are still speaking, still blessing, and still holding me steady. The faith I carry, the resilience in my blood, the rhythm in my bones, the prayers in my breath—none of this started with me. It was given. Handed down. Planted deep. And now, it’s flowing forward through me.
“God used this opportunity to confirm again that I’m not starting from scratch but starting from legacy,” Mitchell continued. “I am not here to sit quietly. I am here to build. To rebuild faith. To rebuild dignity. To rebuild hope. To rebuild what others said could not be restored. I am grateful for the scholarship and my DHM community.”
MEGAN HALE is United Women in Faith’s executive for the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner.
