History:

In 2001, Father Laurenti Magesa, an African priest and leading African Theologian came here from Tanzania to serve at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville, NY and to finish writing his latest book, Anatomy of Inculturation - Transforming the Church in Africa.

My husband, Trevor Schneider, who was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and now practices as a pharmacist, quickly befriended Magesa due to their love of Africa and its people. They conversed about politics, wars and leaders of Africa and over dinners together Dr. Magesa would share about the hardships of his people.

Tanzania is the fourth poorest country in the world. The Friends of Musoma Society wasborn 3 years ago during our last supper together before he left to go back home. It was just an idea formed after our Indaba together. Indaba is a Zulu word meaning a friendly free exchange of ideas.

Out of this Indaba, Trevor came up with the name Friends of Musoma, with a stress on the word, Friends, for the name of a charitable organization. We have always dreamed of doing missionary work in the continent of Africa. Father Magesa invited us to come and see his home. In June of 2004, Trevor and I made a trip to Musoma and fell in love with the people!