Day Two - Tanzania

Let me preface this entry by introducing to some of you to three main people in our lives this week.

Grant Miller - Our full-time missionary from Asbury who lives here in Tanzania. He lives at LJS and some of us are actually housed right next door to him this week.

Raymond Dunia - an evangelist who serves at Fulwe and is going to school to become a pastor. We have developed a relationship with him throughout the last five years as we have come here on various mission trips for construction and drilling water wells.

Bishop Jacob Mameo - We met Jacob a number of years ago and helped to fund his education in Washington State. He is now the acting bishop over a number of churches in the area and has become one of our greatest success stories as his influence has grown immensely.

Last night we were receiving a synopsis of today's events and the dialogue went something like this:

Team: "What time will we leave tomorrow?"

Grant: "We'll head out about 8:30."

Team: "Oh, that's good, what time will church be over?"

Grant: "Well, tomorrow's service should be pretty short, I think we'll be out by about 4:00."

Team: "Oh, alright; when do we get lunch?"

Grant: "As soon as service ends."

Today we went to a building dedication ceremony for the congregation at Fulwe; two buildings were opened today, an evangelistic center and a church.

These buildings had been funded by Asbury and the people planned the dedication ceremony around our arrival. The morning started with a brass band playing and the people singing songs of praise as everyone entered the area before worship. The congregation sang hymns before the dedication. The singing was beautiful; they must have had five different harmonies, all in perfect pitch. It was quite a sight to witness the music they could produce.

After the singing, we all walked around the church three times to complete the dedication. Our team made many jokes about not walking around seven times and yelling, or else the walls may come tumbling down. After this the church service began, numerous dignitaries were introduced. There were four choirs that came from all over Tanzania to perform for this special occasion. We learned that some of these choirs practice up to three nights a week, and it certainly showed. Their performances would have made Hart Morris and Geoff Logan proud, as the choirs were more animated than I've ever seen any Methodists. Their love of Christ was evident on their faces and they weren't afraid to show it. The people were proud that they know Christ, and it was refreshing to see such energy in worship. Some of us commented that at times the singing was so amazing that it felt as if we had front row seats to a Broadway musical.

We had the privilege of sharing in communion with the people, and they were very warm in welcoming and receiving us throughout the entire service. Some of our group commented that even though the songs were sung in Swahili, some of the members of the congregation tried to help incorporate us by pointing out the words and helping us to follow along with the songs. It was quite an amazing experience to worship with such a passionate and loving people.

I must comment that even though the service lasted over four hours in another language:

1. It was never unbearable for us; at times it seemed a little long but not too bad
2. The children weren't screaming up and down the pews and had no problem sitting still for that amount of time
3. Nobody left early
4. The people were energetic the entire time! When we were losing energy toward the end, it seemed as if the service had just started for these people.

So often it seems as if we take our church for granted, but these people absolutely cherish each and every moment of their Sunday in fellowship with fellow Christians. Without sounding repetitive I just want to note once again how refreshing this is compared to our normal weekly lives at home.

During the offering, many people brought forth items that were to be included in the auction after the service ended. Such items included goats, tea, bananas, watermelons, and cloth. Tom won the bidding on the first goat and then proceeded to donate it to one of the women in the church. Many of us did the same, with Raymond and Grant helping us bid on the various things that were being sold.

Lunch was served (right on time, at 4:00), and we soon returned back to LJS. Dinner soon followed, and then we had worship, reflection, and a devotional. I'm sure we will call it an early night, as our first day of clinic begins tomorrow. Hopefully the men will not encounter the same problem that we had last night - a rooster started to sound off at 3:15 in the morning. Oh the joys of living next to the animals.

Thank you for your continued prayers and also for your emails. I don't think all of the team has checked their email yet but some of us do daily, and words of encouragement are always welcome to find in the inbox.

Ryan