Andy & Margaret Andersen

Pastor Andrew and Margaret have served as disciple makers and church planters in Tanzania, East Africa since 1994.

Their current assignment in Tabora, Tanzania began in 2015, to serve in theological education and church planting among the Nyamwezi people, who largely remain in the stronghold of Islam. The Nyamwezi are the second largest tribe in Tanzania, with a population estimated to be 1.5-2 million. Most claim to be Muslims and follow the five pillars of Islam. They have much respect for their ancestors, "the living dead,” to whom they offer sacrifices and rely on for benevolences. Islam is growing among the Nyamwezi as many are trapped by polygamous marriages and resultant high birth rate. However, more and more are receptive to learn about Jesus, and some are converting at risk to their personal livelihood. They need the Word of God preached to them.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

The Andersens serve under invitation of the Africa Inland Church Tanzania (AICT). Andy, along with AICT church leaders, began Tabora Bible College in 2017 on the church campus in Tabora. In 2020, the AICT church asked the Andersens to help develop eight acres of church property for the Tabora Bible College; now the campus is a bustling center of four levels of Biblical programs year round! Andy serves as a full-time teacher in the three-year program for a Diploma in Theology and as manager of the campus development.

Graduates are placed in strategic areas to serve in churches, using what they have learned to teach others. On Sundays, and between teaching sessions, the Andersens visit and continue to mentor the students and graduates.

At Tabora Bible College, Andy and Margaret teach using the Swahili language. Courses they teach include General Studies, Biblical Studies, Christian Life, Theology, Missions, Evangelism, some Islamic studies with an emphasis on effective strategies for reaching Muslims, Discipleship, and Community Bible Study. They disciple and encourage students towards maturity in serving as church leaders who will start, shepherd, and multiply churches. Each graduate is placed to serve in the body of Christ, reaching far more of the the lost: Africans reaching Africans!

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

The Andersens have a Bible and Literature Projectin the community, sharing Jesus through word and deed through sustainable farming and clean water procurement. Additional ministries among the Nyamwezi include health ministries and Bible translation.

There are opportunities to serve in short or long term teaching the courses mentioned above and other Biblical and life skills subjects, as well as a need for youth and sports evangelism: https://us.aimint.org/explore-serving/

Evangelism methods include showing the Jesus Film, orally communicating Bible stories chronologically, preaching, and Discovery Bible Study. The Andersens encourage churches to be missions minded, and participate with the church in weekly and monthly prayer meetings for the Nyamwezi held on 4th Thursdays at 7pm (PST).

Nyamwezi Breakthrough Prayer

“Lord, remove the veil from the eyes of the Nyamwezi and give them a longing

to know your truth, that they may have new life in Jesus.”

Andy was born to missionaries in Kenya; Margaret served for 3 years in Tanzania before they were married. From 1997-2015, they planted multiple churches on the islands of Lake Victoria and started an elementary school, Lake Victoria Christian.

The Andersens’ three children (Abi, Ben, and Caleb) grew up on the mission field. Abi graduated from Biola in 2020 with a BSN degree, and is married to Morgan Tierney, both serving with Africa Inland Mission. Ben graduated from Biola in 2021 in Psychology, he lives in Virginia, engaged to Jeanie. Caleb resides in Oregon with his wife, Jessica, caring for two boys they are in process of adopting.

If you would like to help with AIM’s development of the Tabora Bible College campus, please click here: Tabora Bible School Development Project

Will you join Andy and Margaret in praying for the Lord to raise reproducing, Christ-centered Nyamwezi churches throughout the Tabora Region?