My name is Shija Lucas Shilunga. I am from Tanzania, and I was born in 1991 in Shinyanga. I am married to Anuni Daudi Mbatiani, and by God’s grace we have three children: Lemuel, Caleb, and Heavenlight. I hold degrees in Education, Theology, Life Sciences, and Bible Translation.

I grew up in a small village called Nyanh’wiga and was nurtured by the Africa Inland Church in Tanzania. My desire to know Jesus began when I found my father in the forest, on his knees, praying to God while I was watching over the family cattle. That moment deeply touched me and created in me a desire to know Jesus personally. Later, while studying at Kwiro Boys Secondary School, I personally encountered Jesus Christ and came to understand that He is the life, the truth, and the only way out of darkness.

During those years, I also sensed that God was calling me to serve Him as a teaching evangelist and pastor. I struggled with whether I should stop my studies and go directly to the village as a missionary, or wait and finish my studies first. During that season, a minister came to our school for a Christian seminar and said, “If God has called you into the harvest field, don’t rush; wait patiently for His guidance and direction.” I knew those words were for me. From that time, I devoted myself more deeply to Bible reading and prayer, asking God for His direction.

In April 2026, I had the opportunity to sit under Pastor Raul Costea at Biserica Speranța in Craiova, Romania, for a one-on-one discipleship course. This course significantly impacted my spiritual life and ministry. As a result, I have started doing one-on-one discipleship by reading God’s Word with people chapter by chapter. I have seen the value of being deeply rooted in the Word of God.

When I return to Africa, especially Tanzania and Kenya, I desire to continue discipling others through one-on-one discipleship. I plan to use worksheets with questions to help people understand God’s Word more deeply. This is important for building healthy churches in Africa, because although there are many Christians, many lack a solid foundation in the Word of God.