eliona

Reverend Dr. Eliona Isaac Kimaro is a deeply devoted servant of God, called to minister under the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Eastern and Coastal Diocese. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Kijitonyama Parish, his life is a living testimony of unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and compassionate service. For over three decades, Pastor Kimaro has given himself wholly to the calling of nurturing souls and proclaiming the gospel—faithfully planting seeds of hope in both sacred pulpits and everyday hearts. Humble Beginnings and an Early Call to Serve Born on September 25, 1975, in the modest village of Kondeni Matala in Marangu, Kilimanjaro, Pastor Kimaro grew up in a rural setting rich in moral values and religious teachings. Even as a young boy, his love for church service was undeniable. His friends often referred to him as “Mchungaji” (Pastor) long before he was officially ordained, because of his deep involvement in church activities and his natural leadership among peers. That divine calling, rooted so early in his life, never left him. Instead, it grew stronger with each passing year, until it fully blossomed into a life of ministry and impact. The Path to Pastoral Leadership Reverend Kimaro’s journey in ministry began in 1990 as a passionate evangelist and preacher in Kana Parish, Tanga. After years of faithful service, he pursued theological studies at Stephano Moshi Memorial University College in Mwika. He was officially ordained as a Lutheran pastor on September 6, 2009—a dream come true for a young man who once could not afford secondary school. He began his pastoral leadership at Kariakoo Parish, where his innovative spirit started to shine. He introduced “Morning Glory” praise services and pioneered the use of YouTube to broadcast worship—revolutionizing how many Tanzanians experienced church. Today, this digital approach has become a model embraced by numerous congregations nationwide. In 2016, driven by a vision to reach more people, he pioneered founding of Upendo TV, a church media under ELCT Eastern and Coastal Diocese, by securing media equipment worth over TZS 200 million by then. The channel was officially launched in 2017 at Kijitonyama Lutheran Parish and continues to thrive as a vital church communication platform. He also led the acquisition of a 120-acre plot in Chasimba, Bagamoyo, where he envisioned and began developing Bethel Retreat Centre—a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and spiritual renewal, with aspirations for it to become the largest of its kind in Africa under ELCT Eastern and Coastal Diocese. In 2017, he was transferred to Kijitonyama Parish, where God continued to use him mightily, healing broken hearts and transforming countless lives. Trials that Shaped His Testimony Like many called by God, Reverend Kimaro’s journey has not been without trials. He has faced seasons of hardship, including two pastoral suspensions. The most notable occurred in 2023 when he was suspended for 60 days from his duties at Kijitonyama. This event sent shockwaves across denominations and drew national attention. Billboards of support were erected, and discussions filled media platforms. Yet through it all, God’s grace remained evident. Upon his reinstatement on March 17, 2023, he returned not with bitterness, but with thanksgiving. On April 23, 2023, he held a powerful thanksgiving service at his home parish of Kondeni Matala. Accompanied by friends and well-wishers, they raised over TZS 400 million to complete the church building. They also presented a heartfelt gift to the then Presiding Bishop of ELCT, Dr. Fredrick Onaeli Shoo—a brand-new 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport, valued at over TZS 500 million. His heart for the wider body of Christ extended even further. On November 19, 2023, he led a fundraising event for the construction of St. James Anglican Church in Arusha, successfully raising over TZS 300 million. A National Voice of Wisdom and Integrity Reverend Kimaro’s influence has expanded beyond the church walls. For over three consecutive years, he has been a keynote speaker at Tanzania’s National Tax and Investment Forum organized by the Ministry of Finance. His counsel on ethics, productivity, and leadership has been sought by government and private institutions alike—helping to inspire meaningful reform and renewed commitment across sectors. From Poverty to a Pledge: His Sacred Vow Reverend Kimaro’s life is a remarkable story of resilience. After excelling in primary school, his dreams of further education were nearly crushed due to poverty. Unable to pay his secondary school fees, he stayed home for two years. When an opportunity to study in Tanga finally came, his mother—completely unable to afford his fare or tuition—gave him a handful of coffee leaves, spit on them, prayed over them, and said, “These are all I have. May God turn these leaves into money and make a way for you.” That simple but profound act of faith etched a promise into his heart. He vowed that if God ever blessed him, he would ensure that no child around him would miss school due to poverty. Today, he has fulfilled that promise beyond imagination. For over 10 years, Pastor Kimaro has supported the education of more than 200 youth. Over 180 have completed their Bachelor’s degrees, more than 20 their Master’s, and four have earned PhDs. These young men and women are now professionals—pastors, doctors, pilots, lawyers, entrepreneurs—changing the world because one man chose to believe in their potential. In recognition of his compassion and impact, Pastor Kimaro has been awarded three honorary doctorates: Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism (Zimbabwe) Honorary Doctorate in Divinity (Los Angeles, USA) Honorary Doctorate in Religous Economics (California, USA) Creative Ministry and Church Innovation Pastor Dr. Eliona Kimaro has not only served the church with his heart and soul but has also become a visionary force in transforming how ministry is done—ushering the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania into a new era of relevance, engagement, and technological embrace. He was the first pastor within the ELCT to pioneer online worship services, launching virtual platforms long before they became a necessity in modern ministry. Through YouTube broadcasting, he extended the church’s reach beyond physical walls—allowing Tanzanians in the diaspora, the homebound, and those in spiritually dry areas to remain connected to God. What started as a daring innovation is now standard practice for many parishes nationwide. Pastor Kimaro also introduced large digital screens inside churches—a rare sight in traditional Lutheran settings. These visual aids help the congregation better follow sermons, scriptures, and worship lyrics, especially in large gatherings. It has enabled a more engaging and participatory worship experience, combining spiritual depth with clarity and modern accessibility. Understanding the power of sound and music, he formed Praise Teams dedicated to leading worship with excellence and consistency. His vision ensured that every service was vibrant, organized, and spiritually uplifting. He went further to redefine church audio systems, ensuring parishes own their Public Address (PA) systems, which were previously choir-owned. This gave the church autonomy over its worship environment and significantly improved service delivery. One of his boldest moves was introducing tithing as a deliberate act of worship in a denomination that traditionally did not emphasize it. He educated congregants about Biblical stewardship and linked giving to spiritual growth and church development. Moreover, he implemented mobile and digital giving platforms, allowing worshippers to give tithes and offerings via mobile money—removing logistical barriers and encouraging consistent generosity. In a bid to serve Christians scattered across the globe, he launched online catechism classes for Confirmation (kipaimara) students, especially those living abroad. This ensured that even young Lutherans in foreign countries could receive foundational Christian teachings, be nurtured in their faith, and remain connected to their roots. He also birthed the idea of “Big September”, a powerful pastoral care initiative where, every September, multiple pastors gather for a month-long ministry of counseling, healing, prayer, and restoration. People from all walks of life attend to receive guidance, emotional support, and inner healing. This initiative has restored marriages, rekindled spiritual lives, and brought mental and emotional peace to many. Through all these innovations, Reverend Kimaro has shown that creativity in ministry is not about theatrics—it’s about removing barriers to the gospel and reaching people where they are, with love, truth, and relevance Author and Teacher At the heart of Reverend Dr. Eliona Kimaro’s ministry lies a profound calling not only to preach but also to educate, enlighten, and empower through the written and spoken word. His gift for teaching goes beyond the pulpit. He is a man who carries a deep well of insight, distilled from years of spiritual experience, personal hardship, academic learning, and divine revelation. As a teacher, Pastor Kimaro has become a source of guidance to multitudes—mentoring individuals, training church leaders, and equipping believers with practical and theological tools to navigate life. His teaching is not abstract or overly theological—it is life-oriented, deeply Biblical, and filled with wisdom that is immediately applicable to the challenges people face every day. Recognizing that not everyone may have direct access to his teachings through church or conferences, Pastor Kimaro has authored two highly impactful books: Kutoka ndoto mpaka hatima – (From Dreams to Destiny) Kujitunza Nafsi – (Caring for the Soul) Through his books and his gift of teaching, reverend Kimaro is raising a generation that not only knows the Word of God—but lives it, breathes it, and uses it as a compass for life A Father to the Youth of Africa Reverend Dr. Eliona Kimaro carries a profound burden for the youth—not just of his parish, not just of Tanzania, but of the entire African continent. He deeply believes that the future of Africa depends on its youth being spiritually grounded, economically empowered, and mentally strong. To this end, he has committed himself to becoming not just a pastor, but a father, mentor, and visionary guide for young people. Recognizing the complex challenges young people face—unemployment, poverty, identity crises, addiction, and mental health struggles—he has created safe spaces and impactful programs that provide more than just inspiration; they offer tools, mentorship, and transformation. One of his most influential initiatives is the Youth Overnight, an all-night event that goes beyond prayer. It’s a gathering of minds, hearts, and dreams—where accomplished speakers from diverse fields (business, arts, health, education, and faith) come to share their stories, answer questions, and engage in real talk with youth. These nights feature interactive discussions on: Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship Mental health and emotional resilience Spiritual growth and identity Purpose discovery and personal discipline Talent development and creative expression The goal is not just to motivate, but to unlock inner potential and instill long-term values. Young people leave these events with renewed confidence, clarity, and community. Another signature initiative is the Youth Vision Camp, also known as “Mtoko wa Mchungaji na Vijana” (The Pastor’s Getaway with Youth). These are retreat-style camps, held outside urban areas, where youth disconnect from daily noise and distractions and reconnect with themselves and with God. In these camps, participants: Engage in deep personal reflection and journaling Learn Biblical principles on economics and stewardship Receive practical training on investment, budgeting, and financial literacy Participate in group sessions and mental health workshops Discuss self-leadership, time management, self-discipline and self-worth Enjoy sports, games, and fellowship, reinforcing joy and social bonding The camps are designed to spark transformation from the inside out. Many young people who attend these camps have testified of being “reborn” in their mindset, inspired to go back home and make a difference in their communities. Reverend Kimaro’s investment in youth also includes long-term sponsorships—not just one-off support. Many of the students he sponsors have gone from slums to universities, from hopelessness to purpose. He walks with them and mentors them. He is a father figure who sees beyond circumstances, calling out greatness even when a young person cannot yet see it in themselves. Through these youth programs and his everyday interactions, Reverend Dr. Eliona Kimaro is cultivating a generation of young Africans who are spiritually alive, intellectually sharp, financially empowered, and socially responsible. He is planting seeds for an Africa that will be led by the healed, the wise, and the God-fearing Conclusion Reverend Dr. Eliona Kimaro is more than a pastor—he is a father to many, a voice of wisdom, and a light in both the church and society. His life is a testimony that with faith, resilience, and love, even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact. Through the storms and the celebrations, he continues to embody the grace, power, and compassion of Christ.