The Establishment of ASI Chapters in Tanzania

Statement of Project. The purposes of this project were first, to study the multifaceted aspects and the importance of ASI (Association of Privately Owned Seventh-day Adventist Services and Industries) in the United States of America, and second, to develop an approach for the establishment of ASI chapters in the Tanzania Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists. Method. To accomplish the above purposes, primary sources of information were consulted, such as a survey of ASI and other relevant literature including ASI audio and video tapes in order to discover the historical background and cultural setting of ASI. The development of the self-supporting movement of the Seventh-day Adventist church from 1904-1947 and the recent trends from 1947 to the present have been described using the primary sources and supplemented through interviews and discussions with ASI leaders. Furthermore, the contributions of ASI to the Seventh-day Adventist church in the areas of home and mission projects and denominational structure (the means of revival) have been investigated. The second part of this study outlines the national and church conditions that justify the establishment of ASI chapters in Tanzania. Study has been given to the ways ASI chapters in Tanzania could help the Global Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Such areas include health projects, improvement of the Tanzania Seminary and College, creation of scholarship funds by businessmen, improving small farms, nutrition seminars, training of lay people in witnessing techniques, and developing appropriate social centers. Summary, conclusions, and recommendations complete the whole study. Expectations from the Project. The foremost expectation of this project was, is, and will be (1) the development of ASI chapters in Tanzania, (2) the involvement of more members in Global Mission projects and activities, giving Adventist lay people a sense of identify outside of their usual business associations and clubs, (3) increasing the public's awareness of the Seventh-day Adventist church, and (4) the development of another resource for the furthering of God's work in Tanzania. And last, but not least, this project has helped me to develop and refine my skills, making me a resource person to help with the development of ASI chapters in the Tanzania Union Mission.