For more than 20 years, Dr. Steven Kiruswa’s leadership, relationships and deep commitment to his community have helped make FAD’s work in Tanzania possible.

I traveled to Tanzania for the first time in 1999 to visit one of my students, Steven Kiruswa.

Since I first set foot on Tanzanian soil, I was drawn to the people, culture and beauty of this country. Steven, his family and the community leaders were so warm and welcoming that I felt compelled to return and support the people of Tanzania.

Fun fact: Steven’s youngest son is my godson.

William J. Brown, Ph.D., is a Regent University professor who first traveled to Tanzania in 1999 with Ben Fraser and Ben’s brother, Ken, to visit Steven Kiruswa’s village and family. He helped establish FAD to support Maasai education, faith and physical well-being. His most profound experience was seeing his grandson Solomon healed during corporate prayer in Tanzania in 2025.

Why I’m involved: I believe in helping people in remote areas of Tanzania meet basic needs that many of us take for granted, including access to clean, fresh water and education.

Fun fact: I play guitar in a bluegrass band.

Traveling to Tanzania deepened Lee’s commitment to meeting practical needs in ways that preserve dignity and build lasting self-sufficiency.

Fun fact: Lee’s favorite African animal is the wildebeest.

My first trip showed me how much lasting change can come from simple, practical support. Clean water, education and strong local churches can transform a community, and I wanted to be part of that work.

Fun fact: Long before I ever visited Tanzania, its flag was my favorite because of its bold colors and design.

What began as a Kilimanjaro climb to honor my brother became a calling. Seeing a well change daily life for an entire village showed me the power of simple, faith-driven work that creates lasting impact.

Fun fact: I’m a Marine dad of two USMC officers, still train hard at 50, and recently published my first book, You Are NOT TOO MUCH.

Raised in a pastoralist family, Stephen Sironka Sankeni understands the challenges facing Tanzania’s rural communities. As FAD’s Tanzania Project Director, he combines development experience, environmental stewardship and local knowledge to guide sustainable projects on the ground.