Sunday in Tanzania, June 1, 2008

Closing Ceremonies, We knock 'em Dead, The Strength of Men

The now familiar trip to Mkuyuni took the normal one-hour and we only had four going. Once we arrived we saw two other cars in the "parking lot" and Grant had to squeeze in. I guess it is time to think about enlarging the church grounds! The other cars were for the choir who came from a church in Morogoro and would sing for us. They brought a PA system and tape player so they would have accompanying music to their songs. All the women had matching yellow blouses and skirts with a layer of lace over each. The men had yellow shirts and several bright colors of pants. All had shoes but some of the women took them off when they sang and danced on the hard red clay floor. All the children loved the music and many swayed and clapped during the songs.

Upon arrival Mike and I learned that the morning service would be the closing ceremony for the VBS. He and I were disappointed that we wouldn't have more opportunity to play with the children or make different crafts. As is typical, God had a better plan than we and things were wonderful.

Before we got started we saw that the children had all been able to make their necklace of beads and crosses the previous night. We also saw a few carrying their pictures of a cross, sun, and flowers colored. After we took a picture of one or two kids who were carrying their artwork, many of the other kids pulled colorful, folded papers out of their pockets. Each child gleamed as they presented their pictures. We were able to take a few individual and group pictures before we had to run off to morning tea.

The children stayed in the church and sang and finally the adults entered for the service. Pastors Kirway and Leonard led the service with scripture, and message, intermixed with music. Grant, Mike, and I sat to the right of the "altar" and slowly one or two children would come forward and sit on our laps. After a while one would leave to retake his or her spot on the bench then another would come forward. Mike must have been most comforting as he had one child fall asleep in his arms. One of the other children came forward to take her sister from him. Then another small child approached Mike. Again, the comfort of the arms and the rhythm of the service allowed the child to start taking the slow deep breaths of sleep. Mike carried the child, still asleep, to communion and afterward one of the choir members took him. Although evangelist Jacob came up and told the kids to all return to their chair, a few came back to get a seat on our laps. It doesn't necessarily take a village to raise a child but the village does raise them. Later in the day, I received the same satisfaction as Mike as Pastor Leonard's young son Isaac, fell asleep in my arms on the bumpy ride back to town.

The service was lacking in adults this day as the women were preparing for the All Church Picnic - meaning everyone from the VBS and church would be fed after the service. This had to be at least 100 mouths as almost all the children from Saturday, the choir, teachers, and those who came for the service would be fed. As well, Sunday is one of two days - the other being Friday - for Market. With the market being only a mile or so down the road, many of the men were "making business." However, the church was full and there were many people peering through the open windows to watch and listen. This in itself is an outreach as children from yesterday who are not allowed to attend service were outside the church peering in. Many waving at those who worked and played with them the day before. Many of their parents watched anxiously as their children were excited about the events.

Pastors Kirway and Leonard introduced us from Asbury and allowed us to greet the congregation. They also led the closing ceremonies and had Mike and I join in to present each of the children who attend VBS a workbook, snack, pencil and piece of bubble gum. With teacher Anna, they called each child by name to allow the presentation. Those who came to church but did not attend VBS were presented pencils and gum. It seemed that everyone was pleased.

By the way - we heard from a few people that the VBS is an Asbury idea and it is more than taking root. There is now a small group who is planning the events and expect to have one each quarter. This is exciting, as they will spread the events to other villages - which is why one per quarter is a good idea. The funding goes for the supplies and the food and is a great outreach. One quick note, that when the children are eating they are calling us and saying karibu (welcome) meaning come and eat off my plate - let's share - and they all mean it.

After service there was time for the adults to auction the two goats, two chicken, conga, huge basket of pineapple, sack of coconuts, groups of bread, fruits, and grain. If the people don't have money they will bring these items for donation. The auction was fun and the choir bought several items.

On the trip back to town - This is a great story about - How many Tanzanians can fit into a car? Always one more..... But it will have to come at another time.

I began thinking about the men. As you travel through the communities you see them pushing heavy loads of lumber, charcoal, banana leaves, water, and many other items on their bicycles. In town you would see them pushing carts - the distribution system - for the city. They have sweat dripping down their face and running off their nose. Their shirts are wet with sweat and many are open to try to relieve the heat. Their arms bulge and their chests and stomachs are taut with muscle. They know work and heavy loads from early life. Pastor Raymond related a story to us on our first day here about how as a boy he walked 13 miles to town and carry a 100-pound sack of salt back to his village on a weekly basis. He did this for a single dollar profit. The strength of these men is incredible and they can work diligently throughout the day with little pause for rest. As well, you will see them running on the side of the road - just to get to their next place faster. No wonder they can play soccer without breathing hard.

But the strongest of them are those who take the time to greet us foreign faces and to embrace us. Those who help with the children and spend time in teaching and training. Those like Grant who has spent 8 years of direct service in this area and who is completely engaged and embedded with the villagers. Men like Herb Hafermann who has been in this area for 40 years performing missionary services and who thinks that malaria is simply a temporary setback instead of a long-term illness. The evangelists and pastors here have set a great new future for the villages. They have created a path that several Asburians have followed to create the foundations here and have consistent outreach. I wish I knew each of your names as your spiritual strength is spreading. Men of the villages are catching on as last Sunday several elders of the Maseyu village greeted Mike and I and led the way for their village to become believers in Christ. Their arms are no longer as strong as they once were but their spirits are bringing more people to Christ. - A blessing for all of us and a tribute to all of you strong men.