July 2026
Yes, Now: How God Called Me to the Mission Field
The idea took root in 2021, but God's answer was "not yet" until the spring of 2025 turned it to "yes, now."
Read the story ->Serving in Tanzania, East Africa
Equipping the Church in Tanzania
LCMS Missionary -- Academic Support Specialist, teaching, writing, and walking alongside the Tanzanian church.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."
Sent by Hannah Potantus
Preparing to serve -- departing January 2027
Where the work is
East AfricaThe Mission
Serving the Tanzanian church, and the families who serve it
In Tanzania, Hannah will homeschool the children of missionary families, teach writing classes at the Bishop Makala Training Center seminary, and write articles that keep U.S. congregations connected to the work God is doing across Africa.
At the seminary, women train as deaconesses and men study to become evangelists and pastors -- and strong writing helps them proclaim the Gospel clearly to the people they serve.
Homeschooling missionary kids
Teaching the children of missionary families so their parents can stay in the field.
Teaching at Bishop Makala Training Center
Leading writing classes for the deaconesses, evangelists, and pastors in training.
Telling the story back home
Writing articles that keep U.S. congregations connected to God's work across Africa.
Where in the world
Tanzania, East Africa
Sent from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Parma, Ohio -- to the people and pastors of Tanzania.
From the field
Latest Updates
Stories, prayers, and news as Hannah prepares to depart and begin the work.
June 2026
Why Tanzania? Meet the Bishop Makala Training Center
A look at the seminary where I will help build a bachelor's-level writing lab for future deaconesses, evangelists, and pastors.
Read the story ->June 2026
Support Update: Getting Ready to Go
Before I head overseas in January, I am traveling and speaking at churches and schools -- here is how you can partner with me.
Read the story ->Join the work
Ways to Partner
This mission moves forward through the prayers and generosity of God's people. Here is how you can walk alongside Hannah.
Give
Your gift funds Hannah's training, travel, and daily life in Tanzania so she can teach and serve full-time.
Give a giftPray
Pray for safe travels, for the students at Bishop Makala, and for open hearts across Tanzania and Ohio alike.
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Hannah Potantus
Academic Support Specialist
Meet Hannah
From Cleveland to the mission field
Hannah is from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her M.A. in English from Case Western Reserve University, where she tutored in the writing center, and she has worked as an elementary school teacher and librarian in Lakewood, Ohio.
She enjoys reading, writing, and singing -- gifts she now carries into a classroom half a world away, teaching the writers who will one day serve the Tanzanian church.
Role
Academic Support Specialist
Serving in
Tanzania, East Africa
Sending church
Bethlehem Lutheran, Parma, OH
Status
Departing January 2027
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