Tanzania Trip Day 4 - June 21st

June 21, 2008

Greetings from the Churches in Tanzania to the People of Faith Lutheran in Moline,

Pastor Mushi picked me up around 8:15 a.m. and we headed to church for morning daily devotions. While it was in Swahili, Pastor translated for me. We sang in Swahili which was good for me in learning pronunciations. Pastor gave me his chair as the pastor in charge, as he left for a visit his staff read written reports prepared for me ahead of time. They contain a lot of helpful information that I look forward to sharing with you: statistics, struggles, and potential solutions.

I was given a chance to ask questions, which helped me notice particular cultural differences.
They highly encourage self-independence of both men and women.
They encourage entrepreneurial motivation, for individuals to start their own businesses for an income. Whether that be in tailoring, cookery, or hair salons to name a few.
Vocational training of both boys and girls.
They have a greater vision for boarding schools versus day schooling. Their reason or goal is to do more concentrated and in depth education and to reach out into their region.

This day I visited the school campus and class rooms. Over 190 students were gone a field trip or safari to Goro Goro Crater. Initially I was to go along, however, they acknowledged my tired body; my spirit was willing but my body checked out.

At 10 a.m. every day they have tea with all the staff together. How different. What would that be like at Faith Lutheran Church? Mama Mbasha took me around to class rooms and to a debate (mjaradala) which was quite fascinating. This well organized debate was done by 12 year olds – what an excellent skill to teach children: you could see that they truly develop a thinking process, which encourages self independence. The question they debated was, “What is more important education or money?” The children were very demonstrative and passionate in debating their assigned position. They were very respectful of each other as well. When they approved of what their classmate said, they would stomp their feet momentarily. Everything they do is to affirm the importance of education. How different the culture and attitude is toward education here. While there may be some hesitancy on some students, they are taught to respond positively toward education – even if it is a subject they may not like or be good at.

Like us, there are many financial needs, however, they do not see them as obstacles but find creative solutions. For example the choir is responsible for renting out mattresses, chairs, and tables to the community for special functions. They too have someone run canteen daily in order to raise funds for the church.

I too visited Bethania Lutheran Church, which is their smaller congregation of four years and 600 members a brief distance away. The Engarenarok Parish is now 3000 members, from 1500 when we were last here, plus a growing school. I too, met Evangelist Mama Mbasha’s family: six children, three of their own and three adopted from families whose parents died of AIDS. Two of her children remember Jonathan and I from our last trip, infact the girl spoke of Jonathan by name, she was only 8 years old at the time. She remembered we gave them t-shirts and candy.The needs here are so many and yet the people are so very happy! We have laughed and laughed at learning to speak each others language, however, they do much better than I do. I too hope I can figure how to get these letters and pictures to you before I return to the states.

In His service and yours, (kwa heri – good bye for now)

Pastor Mark