A Journey in Storytelling: Hannah Strayer’s Mission to Togo and Beyond

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Capturing the journey of resilience and growth: Hannah Strayer interviews Samweli Chacha in front of the home he built through hard work and dedication to farming. With the invaluable support of Apollo Mazengo, Samweli’s agriculture teacher, this conversation is made accessible through Swahili translation, showcasing the power of education and community.

I first met Hannah Strayer in 2015 during our Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop in Romania. At the time, she was already deep into her missionary journey. Hannah had a passion for photography, and this workshop introduced her to the world of storytelling, where words and visuals come together to create compelling narratives.

During the 2015 Storytellers Abroad Workshop in Romania, Hannah Strayer received guidance from storyteller coach James Dockery while Jon Franz worked diligently on his project beside them.

Her enthusiasm for storytelling led her to attend several more ABWE’s Storytellers Abroad workshops, traveling to places like Nicaragua, Peru, and Togo. With each experience, Hannah grew in her craft, eventually attending language school to learn French in preparation for her move to Togo, West Africa, where she would serve as a full-time missionary media specialist.

However, Hannah didn’t join a large missions team with on-field mentors. To continue improving her skills and gaining valuable feedback, she kept participating in more workshops, working closely with coaches who helped refine her storytelling abilities.

Hannah Strayer conducts a video interview with Samweli Chacha, capturing his story with the help of missionary Aaron Boon, who translates from Swahili to English for the storytelling project in Tanzania on September 7, 2024.

One of the stories we worked on in Tanzania revolved around a key challenge facing missionaries there: securing visas from the government. A vital part of that solution was the new farm established by the local missionary team. The farm helped with visa renewals and trained pastors in farming techniques, providing them with the tools to support their families while leading their churches.

One of the pastors we featured was Samweli Chacha, who attended The Biblical Center for Pastors. He was thrilled to discover the bonus of learning agriculture alongside his studies. His story is familiar in Tanzania, where many pastors are called to lead churches with little formal education. Often, pastors need a secondary job to support themselves, and without proper income, they may have to abandon their role in the church to care for their families.

Samweli’s story is a testament to the holistic approach the missionaries are taking—addressing both spiritual and financial needs.

Watch the video to see how these efforts are making a difference for Samweli and other pastors striving to serve their communities in Tanzania.