A great evangelist, pastor and leader, Rev. Emmanuel Masanja Mbaaga passed away on 8th January 2024 after a long fight against cancer and a severe heart problem that developed later on. Rev. Emmanuel rested at only 60 years of age and a full life of service to God. 

Emmanuel served as the National Team Leader for African Evangelistic Enterprise Tanzania from June 2022, offering leadership and direction to the National office, resultantly causing great impact in the communities in Tanzania and uniting churches for the great commission. 

Reverend Emmanuel also served with the Africa Inland Church for over 33 years and he grew in responsibility to the role of General Secretary of AICT Coastal Diocese. He always had a big place in his heart for Children’s ministry, something he did for all his life. It is therefore not a surprise that Emmanuel’s house has always been crowded with children, 19 of which are orphans who have grown to know him as a dad. 

He will be greatly missed, most especially by his wife Deborah Masanja, his 3 biological children, 2 grandchildren, the many orphaned children that he took up as his own, his friends in African Enterprise and countless thousands across the world who witnessed his ministry.

Tributes to Rev. Mbaaga

Rev. Mbaaga was so selfless. Despite being unwell, last year, he joined us for the closing rally of AEE Tanzania mission. Spent quite some good time with him. I had no idea that was our last time together. 

Additionally, he opened his home for us(AE staff members) to visit and share devotion over dinner. Interestingly, we found out that he has adopted a couple of orphaned and vulnerable children especially boys – many referred to him as ‘dad’. He truly evangelised in Word and Deed both at personal and corporate levels. 

The brevity of life! May the Lord teach us to number our days and gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

A gallant soldier gone home.  Comfort to the immediate family, Church and AE

Mrs. Janet Mwendwa – AEI, Social Action Director

This was not the easiest news to receive. For a while now, God’s people in Australia have been praying for Emmanuel’s health. Although we are deeply saddened of his passing, we take comfort in the Lord Jesus, the one who defeated death. May the love and peace of God comfort Emmanuel’s family now and into the future. 

Rev. Simba Musvamhiri
Chief Executive Officer 
African Enterprise Australia/New Zealand

Sad news of the passing of Rev. Mbaaga of AEE Tz. May God comfort his family and close friends.
Edward Mubiru – AEE Member

Saddening to hear of departure of NTL-Tz. May the LORD Himself minister Comfort to Rev Mbaaga’s family, AE Tz and global and body of Christ at large. We bless the LORD for the ministry Rev Mbaaga undertook in his time.
Can. Moses Nambale Bwire 

It is sad to hear our brother has departed from us. We celebrate his life and ministry and pray for special grace for his family and AEE Tanzania
Richard Nuwamanya Butamanya – AEE Member

May the Lord comfort the family at this time of bereavement. We bless the Lord for finishing the race well.
Dr. Eseza Kakudidi – AEE Uganda Member

Rev. Emmanuel, my heart is warmed by the your heart to open your home to the broken. What a life to emulate from you Emmanuel! May the Lord comfort your families. Amen
Queenie Uganda

Greetings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. 
I was invited in the same Pannel with Rev. Emmanuel Masanja Mbaaga when he was a General Secretary of the African Inland Church in Tanzania (AICT- Coastal Diocese) to teach young people on the aspect of Youth and Leadership in the Church in 2020 one day before COVID pandemic in Tanzania. He drove me in his car for almost 10 hours from the conference area to my residence. Thereafter he was appointed as a Team Leader of AEE Tanzania when I was a Youth Program Coordinator of AEE TANZANIA.

To me Rev. Emmanuel was a leader, father, mentor and inspirational.
Nothing more to say but he has been a transformational leader in a diversified City Dar es Salaam. Many of them who met with him can testify to the kindness and humility he had with people especially people with special needs and all abled ones.
God had given him a time to be with us, but now has taken him from us

May his soul rest in heaven.
Anania Ndondole
National Youth Chairperson-ELCT

Words seem inadequate to say to you dear families of our departed fellow soldier. Wishing you the courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever. To the AE Family, with a heavy heart, I send my sincere condolences to all the country team leaders and our International Team leader for the great loss of one of your teammate whom you worked with very closely. May the Lord grant comfort and peace to the families and to the AE fraternity. Shalom.  
Rev. Capt. Joel Soti