STEMM Brings Hope to Tanzania School Bus Crash Survivors
SIOUX CITY, Iowa, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, May 6th marked one of the most tragic events in Tanzania history. Careening off a slippery Highway, a school bus carrying 39 passengers crashed into a deep ravine killing all on board instantly (33 children and 3 adults). The only survivors were three 7th graders with multiple injuries and barely a breath of life.
Providentially, the third vehicle to arrive on the scene carried seven missionaries from the U.S. working under a non-profit called STEMM (Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries). With heroic effort they were able to stabilize the three survivors and arrange their transport to local medical facilities. Convicted to refuse allowing these three miracle children to languish in a third world medical environment, a commitment was made to bring them back to the U.S. for treatment.
With frenetic fervor, the founder and president of STEMM, Dr. Steve Meyer worked with his local congressman and was able to collaborate with the U.S. and Tanzanian government, the local Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, IA and Samaritan's Purse to bring these children to America.
Today, just over two weeks from their arrival in America and addressing nearly 20 broken bones between the three of them, the final child Doreen is ready for Hospital discharge. The miraculous rescue and dramatic recovery of these children will allow them to serve as a living Memorial to the 32 fallen classmates and the entire country of Tanzania. Crossing the chasm of color, creed, and culture is this amazing collaboration that has brought a ray of sunshine into a deeply tragic situation and creates a legacy of love and compassion for the ages.
STEMM changes lives for Christ through compassionate caring. Our vision is to develop Tanzania into a Vibrant Christian Community. STEMM was founded in 1996 and organized in 1997. The founders, Dr. Steve Meyer, Rev. Jon Gerdts, Mike Boose, and Lazaro Nyalandu, led a group of 10 Siouxland residents on the first trip to Tanzania in 1997.
Contact: Steve Meyer
Board President
STEMM
(712) 251-0118
[email protected]
SOURCE STEMM
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