Monday in Tanzania, June 2, 2008

The Bishop and the King

Monday was the last work day and even though a few days ago I remember being home sick I am sad this is our last day in the villages.

Again Grant used his trusty chariot to carry us to Morogoro for supplies of the day and we stopped to be introduced to Bishop Mamao (sp). He was very cordial and happy to see Mike once again. He gave me a short lesson in Swahili and gave numerous points on why and how Grant has been so helpful here. Mike and I agreed as during Mike's previous visits and this my first, we have seen the comfort and genuine community Grant shares with the villagers.

Our work or painting the freshly reworked walls and replacing mosquito screens on the windows of Pastor Jeremiah's house was intermixed with some fun. We had time to visit with the kindergarten children and provide them some small gifts and receive their thanks in song.

Pastor's Leonard and Raymond had lived in this area (I can't remember the name of the village but it is the one where the first water well was drilled and the first church built. Many Asburians will remember it) and still know several of the people. As the school let out Pastor Raymond cast his net and drew them over to meet us and to speak with him about their lives. He is great with the youth and his warm, smiling, yet deep method of engagement is a huge asset to the area. I learned that Raymond started the school here and after three years built it large enough that the government now supports it with teachers and books. What a great testament! This is the sustainability that growth requires and there is much evidence of this type of sustainability in many areas.

Pastor Leonard also has a wonderful way about him. While not as ready with the smile, he can also bring fun and laughter to a conversation and he does easily engage with the people of all ages. At one point he even learned to yo-yo with us. He was more quick to learn the techniques of yo-yoing than I was in able to speak the word mchungaji (pastor or shepherd.)

Both the pastors as well as Luka and Thomas worked hard each time we went to someone's home. They are servants in more than just preaching and evangelizing.

Pastor Jeremiah assisted us with tea and food and engaged the walkers-by. Grant, Raymond, Mike and I walked to the water well and Raymond pumped a bucket full of water for one of the locals. The walk was through tall grass and shrub some towering well above our heads. We could see several stick and mud huts along the way and a few brick houses in the distance. The day was bright and clear and it was good to feel the Tanzanian sun. Other than last Monday when we worked with concrete, most of our events had been inside or at least under a canopy of trees. Today we felt the heat of the country and the closeness of the sun.

The day in the village concluded with a game of hackey-sack with a tennis ball and we all laughed at our bad skills. We said fairwell to Pastor Jeremiah. Driving back to Maseyu we left Pastor Leonard with warm hugs and joyfully sad good-byes. In a short time it is easy to come to respect him, his leadership, and his vision.

We were able to spend time with Luka and Herb tonight and with Grant recalled the week and enjoyed hearing stories of previous visits by Asburians and the hopes for the future. Much has been done in this region and more work is required but there are intelligent and inspirational people willing to take on the responsibility. They will need to continue to cast the net and draw more workers into the fold. And for this we should all pray.

I can't say enough about the hospitality we have received here nor enough about Grant and Herb's efforts. They have been more than helpful to Mike and I and have been more than wonderful to be around. I will always remember this trip and their guidance.

No one may ever know if Mike and I really made a difference here during this week. But it is not for us to know. We enjoyed serving and being with the children and learning more about the people. We have certainly been blessed and we hope we have shown the Christian spirit that flows from our people in the states. Again we thank all of you for your support and prayers.

In all, may the glory be to our King, God in heaven.