Greetings from Tanzania

Greetings,

It has been a good day in Dar es Salaam. I taught on Transformational Leadership today. The basic message is that a biblical leader promotes positive change and develops others. We studied Matt 5 – the Sermon on the Mount. It was a very interesting section and the interaction was wonderful. I have to talk slowly and be careful with my words as they are used to British English. They brought up real issues that they are struggling with as a church – polygamy, forgiveness, birth control, tribal teachings, politics in the church, etc. I think today I felt like I had a very small grasp on their issues and was able to offer some suggestions.

This ILI material is good. The format and sequence is superb to lead them down a journey throughout the week. At the end of the week, they will have a vision statement, goals and many new strategies for accomplishing what God has called THEM to do. It is really powerful because we have several denominations and demographic areas represented. So, not only is there learning taking place, but networking as well. I really think ILI has a positive strategy. Tanzania can be won for Christ with this plan. Now, I’m praying about how Asbury fits into that picture.

I also shared part of my testimony. I taught how God first transforms us before we can transform others. I got personal and vulnerable, big surprise. They were very quiet and I wasn’t sure how to take it. Later, Grant shared with me that for a man to be vulnerable and real in public is very rare. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but I had several guys pull me aside and thank me and explain how powerful it was. One guy said he saw the redemptive Christ in my story. I trust it was what God wanted.

Mameo and I have become fast friends. He is the acting Lutheran Bishop in the district Grant is located. He is very friendly and full of joy. He and I have laughed a lot. We had a great conversation about America and the crazy roads and stadiums. Now, I can understand how wild those things are to them. We have also had our share of serious conversations. He is a good thinker and a good leader. Grant told me he is national leader in the Christian movement in Tanzania. That doesn’t surprise me because he is a serious man of God. Tom, I gave him some prayer journals. So, now we will have friends reading and praying over the same scriptures - half way around the world.

I have had about 15 initiations to visit churches. Everyone is asking when I am coming back and when I am going to Kenya. Andrew and I had a very serious conversation about this. He was trying to convince me that I have laid the foundation, so I must come back to lay the first row of bricks (other conferences). I have given no commitments, but I wonder if he is right. (Jennifer, don’t freak out. They are also asking when you are coming.) It is hard to describe how close I feel to this group in such a short time. I love these wonderful people. They have such a pure passion for the lost, unending desire to learn, unbelievable worship and commitment to complete this mission. If we had more people like this in America – it would be completely won for Christ. I think I’m learning more than I’m teaching.

Your Servant...Teil