Missionary Support

Dr. Stephen and Jodi Swanson, Tanzania

While the family’s needs are completely taken care of through the ELCA, there are many needs at the hospitals in which the Swansons serve. If you would like to support the needs of the hospitals through a financial gift, checks can be made payable to Immanuel with “missionaries” in the memo line or donate directly online.

News & Updates

• November 2022
• October 2021 Newsletter
• June 2021 Newsletter
• May 2021 Newsletter

About Stephen and Jodi

Stephen, a board-certified pediatric and infectious disease physician, serves in the care of children at Arusha Lutheran Medical Center (ALMC) and Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha; is active in educational and research efforts and mentorship; helps to develop pediatric medical curriculum and ongoing training of Tanzanian nursing and medical students, assistant medical officers, interns and international residents; and serves as an intermediary to the international global health community.

Jodi participates in the care and management of acute childhood malnutrition in the hospital and community, as well as being active in nursing and health education and training community health workers.

Contact: Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, PO Box 17047, Arusha, Tanzania

Watch the video introducing the work of Dr. Steve and Jodi

Development of a life-saving NICU

A NICU's Journey in Tanzania, and Baby Blessing from Dr. Stephen J. Swanson on Vimeo.

Update from Steve and Jodi - 2017

Update from Steve & Jodi - 2015

On July 8, 2015, Steve and Jodi shared their joys, struggles and challenges of medical missionary work in Tanzania. Watch their presentation...



In the following video Steve & Jodi respond to the following questions:

• What equipment do you need? (40 seconds)
• Are there water quality issues? (2:08)
• What cultrual issues impact working with the Masai? (3:45)
• Tell us about your daily life and life as a mom. (6:00)
• How do you manage & process your grief? (9:15)
• What diseases persist in Tanzania? (13:35)
• Does polio still persist in Tanzania? (15:53)
• Tell us about your worship life. (16:50)
• What is the literacy rate? (18:45)