Biography

Pastor Protas Aloys Makimu

I was born on April 7, 1960 in Tanzania (East Africa). I was born in a Christian family. My father died when I was three years old. Thus I was raised by a single parent (mom). I am married to Rudy Makimu and we have two kids; Fadhili (a boy) and Kundani (a girl) both attend Ruth Murdoch Elementary School.

Education

After finishing my secondary school, I went to Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology where I did Electronics and Telecommunication. While I was there I realized that God was calling me to be a pastor in order to be full engaged in the gospel ministry. After finishing at Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology, Southern Highland Conference assigned me to lead Mbozi District as a pastor. In 1992 I joined Arusha University in Tanzania to do BA degree in Theology and in 1996 I went to Solusi University in Zimbabwe as transferred student to finish a BA degree program in Theology. I finished this program in 1998. In 2003 I joined The Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University (U.S.A.) for Master of Divinity and graduated in 2006.

Work Experience

I have been a pastor since 1991. I have worked as a pastor at district level at Mbozi District (Mbeya Region) which by then it had five churches and several companies, and Temeke District in Dar-Es-Salaam which had seven churches and twenty companies. Also I worked at Conference level as a director of several departments such as publishing, education, communication, voice of prophecy, religious liberty and global mission coordinator. I was ordained in 2000 as a Minister of the Gospel.

I like to conduct evangelistic campaigns. I have done several evangelistic campaigns in different parts of Tanzania and one in Kenya. When I was working as a pastor in district my goal was to do at least two campaigns a year.

My Philosophy

I concur with Ellen G. White who wrote that “in high sense works of redemption and education are the same.” I believe that through wholistic and holistic education we can eradicate poverty, use of drugs, theft, corruption, AIDS/HIV, prostitution, and liberate young people from the power of the evil one. As a pastor and an educator I believe that school is a moral community. It is a place where honesty, integrity, beauty, care, justice, truth, and courage can be emphasized to build good foundation of good citizens of any nation. It is my feeling that it is difficult in many ways to reach people who do not believe in Christ except by means of education. I hope that we Christians in Tanzania can do much better in extending Christian service to Muslim, Hindus, Janis and African Traditionalists easily through education than any other way. Furthermore, I would like to be practical on a statement that “to educate is to redeem.” It is my great desire to educate youngsters through Christian education.

Doctoral Program

After graduating at The Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University with Master in Divinity I decided to do a doctorate in Leadership and Education Administration in School of Education at Andrews University. I decided to do doctorate in Education so that I can reach many young people as many as possible through wholistic and holistic education. I believe that Jesus was able to reach many people because of his ability of preaching and teaching.

I am hoping to finish my class work next year and start writing dissertation. After finishing my education (2011) I will immediately go back home to serve people whom I think they will need and benefit from the education I acquire here.

As self sponsored student since I joined Andrews University, God’s hand has been with me throughout my stay in U.S.A. It is not easier to be self sponsored nowadays in this country. God has blessed me for being in school without missing a single semester since I started school in 2003 at Andrews University. However I owe the school about $10,000.00 and I need about $30,000.00 in order to finish my class work.

I hereby appeal to anybody who can be a God’s channel of blessing to make a donation for the cost of my education. Any amount of contribution will be highly appreciated. You can wire money by using the following instructions:

Fifth Third Bank

38 Fountain Square

Cincinatti, OH

Credit to: Fifth Third Bank- Southwest

ABA# 042000314

Swift Code: FTBUCUS3C

Andrews University

Account# 0002112175

Student’s name: Protas A. Makimu

Student’s ID#: 116818

You may write check to Andrews University, Berrien Springs MI 49104. Indicate student’s name (Protas A. Makimu) and ID # 116818.

Or if you want to use credit card or master card, call cashier (Andrews University) at (269)471-3326. Working hours are: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday - Thursday) and 9:00 AM to 12:00 N (Friday). Please use student’s name (Protas A. Makimu) and ID # 116818.

When you send your contribution, please contact me by email makimu@andrews.edu or pmakimu@gmail.com or call (269) 861 – 2216 for information.