Mary Onyango and her family are members of a local church that has been leading community dialogue and inclusive change in partnership with World Renew Tanzania. Through this collaboration, the role of the church in Mary’s community has begun to shift—from a place focused only on personal faith to one actively engaging with everyday life and relationships.

“People have been going to church to learn only to be saved and to stop sinning,” Mary says. “But it has come to the point that a Christian has to be different, has to take positive steps.”

Rethinking Families, Roles, and Respect

One of the changes with the greatest impact has been revisiting marriage and family roles, particularly the treatment of women and children. Through gender justice discussions and church‑led activities, long‑held assumptions have been challenged and new perspectives shared.

In one memorable moment, the church hosted a “children’s party” where children were served first. This simple act represented a significant cultural shift. “According to local traditions and customs, children and women should not be the first at all when items are being received,” Mary explains. “But because we are in the church, there should be changes. What does Jesus state about women? What does he state about children as family members? Our Lord Jesus valued them and used them greatly.”

Faith in Action, Community Transformed

As these conversations continue, church members are viewing ideas like respecting girls and treating them fairly in a new light. “When they are taught or empowered,” Mary says, “their minds are opened up to see that everyone is created in the image of God.”

Through leadership rooted in faith and lived out in practical ways, the church is helping to shape a more just and caring community—one conversation, one example, and one changed perspective at a time.