Tales from Tanzania

News from Muheza Lutheran Church, our sister parish.
Newsletter Articles

• February 2008 - A Message to Paula Campagna from Andrew Boimanda of Tanzania
  
  Dear mama Campagna.
  
  Hujambo? Habari za siku nyingi? Sisi wa Muheza hatujambo. I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. First of all let me apologise for not responding to your e-mail earlier. In fact I did respond but for reasons not known that e-mail disappeared in the air.
  
  Indeed I was very much delighted to receive your greetings to me personally and to my fellow members of the Muheza church. On my side I am ok and continue praising the love of our living Saviour.
  
  I presented your letter to Rev. Mahonge. He and his family were so happy to receive your greetings. Lydia was so happy to hear that you are still practicing Swahili and that you are also trying to be a Swahili teacher to St Paul Sunday school. She says if you stayed for two more weeks she would have made you speaking fluent Swahili.
  
  Your letter was also read to Muheza congregation. It was received with great joy. They all pray that your visit to Muheza parish strengthen more and more the brotherly relationship between our two churches.
  
  How nice to hear that your presentation of your Muheza visit to your congregation was received wholeheartedly. Though we are miles apart, the Holy Spirit has joined and feels the oneness among us. You have seen our efforts not only in spreading the word of God to the needy, but also in building churches. We are continuing with the brick making. But in order for these efforts to move fast, some assistance is required from friends. The Kwabada church building, which you had a chance of visiting, was officially opened by our bishop, Stephen Mung, yesterday the 20th Jan.
  
  Please pass our sincere greetings to Rev Mark. Say hello to him. Nisalimie wrote: Tunakupenda. Karibu tena Muheza.
  
  Asante Andrew Boimanda.
  
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  • October 2007 - The Start of the Adventure; From Arusha to Lushoto
    
    Writing from my heart and experiences has never been particularly difficult for me. I have to tell you that this is not the case now. Traveling to Tanzania, and Muheza in particular, has been one of the most powerful, emotional, and deeply spiritual experiences of my life. I feel a pressure to convey the significance of this place and people using skills that I do not possess. I trust that God will help me, and that you will be able to feel and understand the beauty, wonder, and spirit of this trip
    
    When putting this article together I started out trying to pick one or two experiences to write about. That effort proved futile. There was just too much that I experienced, too many wonderful situations for me to choose only a couple. So, I will be presenting this Tanzania piece as a series, that will run in multiple newsletters over the next couple of months.
    
    After departing Philadelphia at 12:30 p.m. on October 22, our group of ten arrived at our hotel in Tanzania at about 9:00 on October 23. The next day we went on safari to Arusha National Park. There we saw many animals, and much scenic beauty. Prior to leaving the USA, a safari was what I most identified with Africa. And while the safari was a lot of fun, (I got to ride standing up in the jeep throughout the trip!), this is no longer my defining picture of Africa.
    
    On Thursday, October 25, we traveled to Lushoto to attend the dedication of Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo). Our trip to Lushoto contained many stops and starts due to a couple of flat tires, but we eventually made it to our destination in one piece! Prior to the dedication on October 28, we had several days where we made some social ministry visits. We visited three Irente institutions, a school for disabled children, a school for blind children, and a children’s home that takes care of orphans. All three facilities were places where I experienced profound emotion, places where I encountered the face of Christ in the teachers and students. I will focus on the school for children with disabilities, as it was the first place we stopped, and the place where I realized that every preconceived idea I had about Tanzania and its people were incorrect. This is where I began to understand that it was not so much about affecting change, as it was about being changed. It was not about what I was going to give to them, but rather what they were giving to me.
    
    When we got out of the van, the children were lined up waiting for us, welcoming us with a song. Children with disabilities are often shunned and hidden away. Many never leave their house. In some places, there is still an attitude that when a disabled child is born, it is a punitive action from God based on the sins of the parents. This wonderful school started out going from village to village, pulling the children out of hiding, encouraging the parents to let their children attend the school. The teachers work long and hard, with very little money. I am happy to report that the students seem to be thriving there. They have been able to create a loving atmosphere for these special children to learn, grow, and to become a part of society. They are now included. While there, the children sang for us. They played music for us. And in their faces I saw the face of Christ. And through their voices I felt the love of God.
    
    On Sunday, October 28, we attended the dedication of Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo). There were 600 people in attendance. It was a very exciting experience. The major aim of this university is to provide training and education to teachers in reaching children with disabilities. The entire service was done in Swahili, but I was very lucky as a Tanzanian man saw me looking perplexed, and came and sat next to me. He then proceeded to translate the entire program for me in English. (I found the Tanzanian people to be consistently warm, friendly, hospitable, and always willing to take the time to help you.) We heard from Bishop Munga (the presiding bishop of the Northeastern synod), the prime minister of Tanzania, along with many other dignitaries. We were treated to music and song from various choirs. A group of Masai women sang, and one male did a traditional dance, which involved a lot of hair swinging! (The women all wear their hair very short, cropped close to the head.) The highlight of the musical program for me was the singing from the Irente Children’s choir. These children are blind, and after meeting with them a couple days prior, and seeing the changes being affected by the school and a woman named Mama Ruben, who has devoted the last 34 years running it, their angelic voices moved me deeply. Finally, Pastor Mark was blessed to be able to offer an intercessory prayer for the success of university itself.
    
    After the university dedication our group of 10 dispersed to visit our individual sister churches throughout Tanzania. Pastor Mark and I headed off to Muheza, a town closer to the coast, about 40 kilometers from the Indian Ocean.
    
    
    
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  • October 2007 - Arriving in Muheza
    
    Samwel Mahonge, the pastor of Muheza Lutheran Church, attended the SEKUCo University dedication on October 28. After the dedication, Pastor Mark and I got into the car to start the trip from Lushoto to Muheza with Pastor Mahonge and the driver. We were to spend the week at his home, with him and his family. He spoke very little English, and it was then that the realization of spending a week with people from a completely different culture, speaking a completely different language, hit home for me.
    
    Upon arriving at his home in Muheza, a group of people from the congregation met us singing, clapping, and welcoming us. As I got out of the car, a child came up to me to carry my backpack into the house, (something done all week as a sign of respect and hospitality by the Tanzanian children). We entered Pastor Mahonge’s home, and a group of people was waiting inside to greet us. I was more than a bit nervous, as the language barrier loomed large and I had no idea how I was to communicate with these people. The first bond I formed was with the children in the house. There were about six kids there, and I began to play a game with them. I hid something in my hand and asked them to guess which hand the item was in. Before long they were heavily involved, and we were all having fun. I had forgotten there were more ways to communicate than just using words. (I am not sure how often the adults play with the children in Tanzania, but I got the impression it was not often.)
    
    We sat down at the dining room table for tea. Pastor Mahonge’s wife Rose sat down, along with his oldest daughter Lydia, and several women from the church. I pulled out my Swahili to English dictionary and took the plunge. I began to try to communicate with them using individual words and a lot of pointing. My attempts to communicate were warmly welcomed by the women. They then began the process of teaching me, and before long, my mind felt like mush. More important than the Swahili lesson was the fact that I had begun to bond with the women. At some point in the evening, I realized that I no longer felt nervous, I felt like I was with family.
    
    While in Muheza, we started each day at 6:30 with morning devotions in the church. The church is located next door to Pastor Mahonge’s home. The service and hymns were done in Swahili, but the spirituality was not lost on me despite the language barrier. Our first full day in Muheza was spent touring the local hospital’s AIDS clinic. A member of the congregation Christopher Mnsava, works at the clinic and took time out of his day to give us a tour. Princess Diana started the hospital, and many of the patients they treat there are HIV positive or have full blown AIDS. This is a problem in Tanzania. A lot of it has to do with people not being tested, because there is still a stigma attached to the disease. Christopher said they are making progress in that area, and the hospital has taken all kinds of steps to protect the privacy of every person that goes there. I was impressed with the dedication of the people who work there.
    
    Later that day Pastor Mark and I met with the Muheza Women’s Group. There were about 40 women there, and with the help of Liz Shauri, who translated for me, we were able to converse about a variety of topics. I told them about the various women’s groups at St. Paul’s. We talked about Women of Faith, the Crafters, and our Social Ministry team. The women at Muheza perform the same functions as the three groups mentioned above. If someone is sick, they visit and prepare meals for him or her. (If you have to go to the hospital in Muheza, the hospital does not provide meals for you. It is up to your friends and/or family to bring you food.) They make a variety of craft items; things like baskets, doilies, etc. They get together each week to support one another both socially and spiritually. They asked many questions about the women at St. Paul’s, and seem very eager to form a partnership with us. I am hopeful that this is something we will be able to accomplish.
    
    Our first day concluded with a visit to Gideon Senghenge’s widow. Many of you will recognize the name, as we had Gideon on our prayer list at St. Paul’s since September. Sadly, Gideon passed away October 24, the day after we arrived in Tanzania. We walked about 20 minutes to get to her house, getting the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset on the way. We visited with Mrs. Senghenge, listened as she talked about her husband, and prayed with her. I was struck by how despite her loss she seemed to be at peace. As we said our goodbyes, I left thanking God for the opportunity to have met her, and so many other deeply spiritual people.
    
    On Tuesday, October 30, we visited four sub-parishes of Muheza: Mapinduzi, Lewa, Kwabada and Mbambara. These are satellite churches in Muheza district that were built because it is too far a distance for the people there to travel to Muheza Church. Many of the churches are nothing more than a hut with a dirt floor and thatch roof. Inside there may be wooden benches and a table with a cloth and crucifix on it. Many are in the process of building sturdier structures. As we pulled up to the various sites the people, who worship there met us. Many were in the process of building as we visited. We saw men and women working together to literally build their churches. A couple of women were working with babies strapped to their backs. Pastor Mark and I were asked to offer prayers at all of the sub-parishes. Tanzanians pray often, spontaneously, and from their heart. Sometimes there were translators, and sometimes not. I was moved by the deep commitment these people have in constructing these buildings, along with the joy and pride they exude while doing it. Nothing seems to be done out of duty or obligation, but instead out of joy and gratitude in servanthood to God for the blessings they receive. They are truly inspiring. As we at St. Paul’s are in the process of expanding our own church building, I think it would be wise for us to remember these people. To appreciate all that we have, and to remember that it is not about the biggest or the best, but rather giving back to God for all that he gives to us. The church is not a man made building, we are the church, we are the body of Christ.
    
    Later that day we stopped in to visit the Confirmation class that was meeting for a lesson. They recited a prayer for us and Pastor Mark talked to them about what they were learning. He talked to them about Luther’s explanation of the 2nd article of the Apostles Creed. He recounted experiences he had memorizing the same prayers they were learning, and I could not help but notice the rapt attention they paid to what he was saying. Pastor told them that what they were learning was more than memorization, it was more than just “churchy” stuff. It was information about who God is that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
    
    Finally, we met the Uinjilisti choir, one of the choirs at Muheza Church. They played and sang for us, and I was amazed at the amount of natural talent the Tanzanian people have. It is truly a remarkable gift. We talked about the St. Paul’s Worship and Music ministry and all the talented people we have here working here. We talked about how we have so many people here that give freely of their time and talent, in order to give our congregation a truly wonderful worship experience. I felt very similar things at Muheza. They do not have money as we do. They do not have instruments as we do. Many are old and in need of repair or replacement. They do a great deal with very little. What they lack in up to date equipment, they more than make up for with their God given talent, intensity, and drive. The singing in Tanzania is one of the things that I will remember always. Just another thing I was thanking God for at the end of the day.
    
    Every day ended in Muheza the way it began, with prayer. These nightly devotions were done in Pastor Mahonge’s home. The family and friends (and there were always other people there) gathered in the living room, on sofa’s, chairs, the floor, wherever. We took out our Bibles and someone read from Scripture. Most often it was one of Pastor Mahonge’s children that did the reading. We sang hymns in Swahili. Sometimes people fell asleep while the devotions were going on, and that was okay. God is a part of everything they do, it is a fiber of their very being. Their deep spirituality permeates everything they do. It is the reason for the joy they exude. That was one of the things I loved the most about Tanzania, Muheza, and the Mahonge family.
    
    
    
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  • October 2007 - Blessings, Opportunities, and Good-byes
    
    Tanzanians are an extremely hospitable people. They look at guests as a gift. Wednesday, October 31, they treated us to a day in Tonga. Tonga is a coastal city about 35 kilometers from Muheza. We toured a place called Amboni Caves, we visited another Kana Lutheran church in Tonga, and had a delicious lunch at a very nice hotel, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
    
    Pastor Mahonge had asked me to lead a Bible study for his congregation. Upon returning, we met with the Bible study group. I did not have a lot of time to prepare, and after much prayer, I chose Paul’s conversion from Acts as the topic. Not knowing what to expect, or how their Bible studies were traditionally run, I decided I had no choice but to be myself, and conduct the study the way I would at St. Paul’s. I talked about the light of God, and how when it strikes us we are forever changed. I witnessed to them as to how God has worked, and is working in my life. After giving my testimony, I saw people begin to raise their hands. They stood up one at a time and told their own stories. They began asking questions. At one point Pastor Mahonge had to take out his Bible to begin looking for answers to some of the questions they were asking. (As those of you who know me will testify, “Stump the Pastor” is one of my absolute favorite games to play?) Pastor Mahonge was very pleased with the outcome, and the fact that it was participatory. He was very appreciative. The wonder and joy I felt at the Bible study had little to do with any skills or techniques I may possess. I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in the room, in the people, and working through me. I will be forever blessed by this experience, and forever grateful to God for bringing me to this wonderful land and people. At the end of this study, I asked the members to participate with St. Paul’s in mutual prayer. Their Bible study meets on the same day and time as the St. Paul’s Women’s Bible study I attend on Wednesday morning. Every Wednesday we at St. Paul’s, and they at Muheza will pray for one another. We have truly started a prayer partnership with them. Bwana Jesu Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!)
    
    If I had to choose which Tanzania experience affected me most, it would be the day I am about to describe. We visited another sub-parish comprised entirely of one Maasai clan. The men were not Christian, but some of the women had converted. (This was possible only because the clan leader allowed it.) The men had never been inside the church. I am giving you this information in the hope that it will increase your understanding of the experience Pastor Mark and I witnessed while visiting this sub-parish.
    
    The Maasai are famous as herders and warriors. Maasai community politics are embedded in age-grade systems that separate young men and prepubescent girls from the elder men and their wives and children. When a young woman reaches puberty, she is usually married immediately to an older man. In order for men to marry, they must first acquire wealth, a process that takes time. Women, on the other hand, are married at the onset of puberty to prevent children being born out of wedlock. All children, whether legitimate are not, are recognized as the property of the woman's husband and his family. The Maasai’ religious beliefs are indigenous to their culture. They have not been a part of any traditional church. The cow is slaughtered as an offering during important ceremonies marking completed passage through one age-grade and movement to the next. When warriors complete this cycle of life, they exhibit outward signs of sadness, crying over the loss of their youth and adventurous lifestyles. (Very reminiscent of the American custom of bachelor parties?) Maasai diviners are consulted whenever misfortune arises. They also serve as healers, dispensing their herbal remedies to treat physical ailments and ritual treatments to absolve social and moral transgressions.
    
    I had received some information from people on our trip so I would know what to expect when meeting the Maasai. For example, women do not mix with the men. The Maasai do not like to have their pictures taken. The men will not enter the church. Upon arrival, the Maasai men were gathered under a tree. As we approached, I hung back a bit based on the information I had received. I was then invited to sit. Then someone asked if we could take their picture. The clan leader responded (in Swahili), yes but could we wait until he got changed. Off he went into his hut, and came out wearing a beautiful fuchsia colored wrap, and they all posed for pictures. (Pictures of the Maasai are displayed on the Tanzania bulletin board.) The Maasai women and our group from Muheza then made our way into the church, (a bamboo hut with a thatch roof). As Pastor Mark began to pray, the clan leader entered the church. He stood for a couple of seconds, then sat down on the bench. Pastor Mark continued praying, and the Maasai women began to sing hymns. When we were done worshipping, the clan leader stood and introduced himself. Then he introduced his wives. (I thought I had misheard the interpreter until four women stood up.) Pastor Mark then presented him with a copy of our St. Paul’s stained glass window, (a gift he brought to all the sub-parishes), and explained the pieces in the picture that depicted Paul’s conversion.
    
    This entire experience was surreal. I kept thinking this could not possibly be happening. Everything we experienced directly contradicted everything we were told. As I watched and participated in the small worship service in the Maasai hut, I knew that something extraordinary was happening. We were blessed to actually witness and be a part of this man’s first attempt at embracing Christianity. When it was time for us to leave, they did not want us to go. As a gift to us, the Maasai leader presented Pastor Mark with a live, squawking chicken. He graciously accepted it (again picture on the bulletin board), and we said our goodbyes. Unfortunately, Pastor Mahonge had not accompanied us on this trip. When we returned to Muheza, he asked me how it went. I told him about our experience, and how the clan leader came into the church. He was shocked and overjoyed. He is now looking forward with hope to being able to guide this man further on his Christian journey. Bwana Jesu Asifiwe!
    
    Prior to leaving for Tanzania, the 4th and 5th grade Sunday school class participated in a special Tanzania Sunday school session. We learned a bit of Swahili, played African games, and the children brought in school supplies for the Upendo Pre-Primary School students at Muheza church. The kids also wrote cards (in Swahili) for the Muheza students, and I attached a picture to each card of the child who made it. On Friday, November 2, Pastor Mark and I got to meet with the Upendo class. We spoke with the teacher, heard from the children, and presented the supplies to the class. They were very excited to receive these much-needed items. After the class, we gave one of the cards we brought to two Upendo students. (Unfortunately, we had not made enough cards for each student to get one.) I took their pictures with the cards and brought them back to the St. Paul’s children, so they could see who benefited from the results of their work. I watched as the Muheza children received the cards. I saw the smiles on their faces as they saw that the cards were written in Swahili, and they could understand them. I saw the Upendo students looking at their counterparts in America. What I will remember most about this experience, are the smiles on the faces of my Sunday school class here, as I relayed my experiences to them. I saw how my class connected to these children through the stories and pictures that I brought back. I saw how excited and energized they were at the prospect of starting a relationship with the Muheza Sunday school class. (They meet every Sunday, and have over 200 students meeting in one classroom, with the overflow spilling outside.) With the help of God and the St. Paul’s congregation, I hope to continue building this relationship through emails, letters, and future visits, so we can work hand in hand with these wonderful children and teachers.
    
    Sunday, November 4, was our last day at Muheza. They have two worship services each Sunday. Other than the service being in Swahili, it is much like ours. One difference between our churches is the offertory. The congregation members who are able, contribute money to the offering. Many cannot afford cash, so they will bring fruits, vegetables, chickens, whatever they can from what they have. Those people brought their gifts to the altar, and were blessed by Pastor Mark and Pastor Mahonge. During the service, as a gift to Pastor Mahonge, Pastor Mark gave him the stole he wore when he was ordained. I was asked to read the Gospel, and then addressed the congregation. I was very nervous, as I did part of my talk in Swahili. I told them what the trip meant to me. I told them how I felt about meeting all of them, and told them how they had affected me. I told them a little bit about myself and thanked them for all of the ways they had blessed me. Pastor Mark gave a powerful sermon on a reading from Revelations, (the passage about the 144,000 getting into heaven). His sermon was thought provoking, informative and powerful. I prayed that the power of what he said was not lost in the translation. After the second service, we packed our bags, sadly said our goodbyes, and left to meet the rest of the group in Moshi. It was very difficult to leave. Pastor Mark understood how I was feeling, and he summed it up by saying that it’s like having two families and we were saying goodbye to the one in Tanzania.
    
    This was a life changing experience for me. I will be forever grateful to have had this opportunity. I pray that it is God’s will that I will get to see these people again. I learned very quickly what most missionaries understand, that it is not about affecting change, but being changed. It’s about accompanying, not leading. It’s about discovering, not enlightening. We go not to bring Christ to them, but to encounter Christ with them. It’s about embracing simplicity, and discovering humility.
    
    Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience with you. May God continue to bless Muheza and St. Paul’s Lutheran Churches. Bwana Jesu Asifiwe!
    
    Mungu awabariki (God bless you all),
    Paula Campagna
    
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  • October 2006
    Exciting and fun way to help raise money for Tanzania
    
    
  • June 2006
    
    Tales from Tanzania
    For those who may be unfamiliar with ongoing Tanzania Events, the Sunday School children and their teachers created two quilts this spring. One is hanging in St Paul’s while the other was sent as a gift to Muheza Lutheran Parish, our mission partner parish. They received the Sunday School quilt and responded with the following message of appreciation:
    My dear brother, Pastor Mark, and all the sisters and brothers in Christ at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    As the Apostle Paul said “Give thanks in Jesus Christ”. I am writing this letter to give thanks to the Lord who enabled this partnership. It is through His victory over death that all the people will be one body in Christ.
    I also want to thank you and all the Sunday School children who created the squares of the lovely quilt which we received recently. It is a beautiful quilt, with inspiring pictures. We are preparing a special occasion on Sunday which we will bless the quilt before the Congregation. We shall take some pictures and send them to show how the journey of the quilt ended at Muheza.
    I wish you all the best from God.
    Your brother in Christ,
    Rev. Samweli Mahonge
    
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  • May 2006
    
    Tales from Tanzania
    Work on a new university in Tanzania is underway! The Northeastern Diocese (NED) – equivalent to our Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod ( note: NED is the diocese of Muheza Lutheran Parish, our mission partner parish) – has begun renovations to open the Sebastian Kolowa University College of Tumaini University (SEKUCo) in 2007. The university will offer studies in Special Education, Neurology & Psychiatry, Nature Conservation, Tourism (including Eco-tourism), Swahili, Business, and Law. Emphasis will be placed on guiding students to become leaders who will include the disabled as “legitimate citizens”. This emphasis will be reflected in a core curriculum that will make the proposed university unique in Tanzania, and an inspiration for many other countries.
    Because of the currently shortage of trained teachers, only 1% of all disabled children receive an education. This shortage is a direct result of the lack of universities. Existing universities are only able to accept 12% of secondary school graduates. Instead of continuing their education, many graduates must take unskilled jobs. There is a great need for more places of higher learning.
    There are plans for SEKUCo to occupy 2 campuses: Magamba, the main campus, consists of 390 acres, and Tanga, the secondary campus, which may attract investors and places of business. One of the key aspects of choosing the main campus location is its proximity to The Irente Rainbow School for the Disabled. This school, which specializes in teaching autistic children, has been a leader in providing education to teachers of disabled students. A university close to the Rainbow School would be able to provide practical skills for dealing with special needs children.
    Renovation has begun. The staff and students from the Irente Rainbow School have begun clearing three dormitories formerly used by secondary students for the new university. What a truly inspirational group!
    Latest Break News! Bishop Munga will be presenting and answering questions regarding the new university.
    Come to the gathering with Bishop Munga regarding the SEKUCo Project
    Thursday, June 15 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
    Upper Dublin Lutheran Church
    411 Susquehanna Ave.
    Ambler, PA
    More details to follow.
    
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  • April 2006
    
    Tales from Tanzania
    The Sunday School students along with Julie Miller, Deanne Garver, Wilma Alfieri, Dot McKee, Wendy Voloshin, and Shirley Deist undertook the industrious community effort of creating two quilts. Each quilt is a wall hanging displaying 40 different scenes representing Christianity. One of the creations was sent to the Muheza Lutheran Parish, our sister parish in Tanzania, while the other will remain at St Paul’s, to be hung in the Fellowship Hall. Deanne Garver sees our gift as a reminder of our love and support for them. What a wonderful way for our youth to reach out to our friends on the other side of the globe and connect our two communities. This is especially important now, in light of the destruction of the heavy winds there.
    Below is an excerpt from two e-mails. The first was received on March 30 from Dean Mwamboza, of the Northeastern Diocese staff (before they received the quilt):
    “We thank all the partner Parishes in the SEPA on behalf of the NED partner parishes for their kind regards. Also may be it will be a good way to inform you that on the 1st March 2006, the very beginning of the lent, some of our church buildings in some parishes were stricken by a strong wind accompanied by heavy rains and therefore they were destroyed. Among the seriously stricken building is at Muheza Parish at the sub Parish [Lewa subparish] which was newly built recently. It was a great blow to the congregants because they were about to worship in this big and new church. Probably the Partners of Muheza Parish, Pastor Mark Singh Heunter, could get this sad information and probably he know that Sub Parish of Muheza Parish, so that they can put one another in prayers.
    I went there just to console them, and they are preparing themselves to start a new one.”
    …and the following is from Mr. Gideon Seng’enge (a member of our Mission Partner Parish – this was also written before receiving the quilt. The thanks are in reference to the result of the Tanzania Dinner):
    “It is true that we had heavy rains at last from early February instead of mid March. Most of the whole country was very, very dry and I am not sure if your trees you had planted to mark your (Pastor Mark’s) historic visit to Muheza had survived. I shall check with Pastor Mahonge and will inform you. The drought has also affected the national (hydro-electric) power generation to the extent that there is now a national power rationing. It is terrible. We have power on Mondays to Thursdays from 7.00 pm to 6.30 am, the whole is without power. Only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays is when we get power from 7.00 am to 2.00 pm. Now that the rains have started we hope they will continue to fill the dams again, short of this power rationing will continue.
    Thanks for the gifts from your Sunday School. Our congregation and the children will love them. As for the contributions raised during the dinner, oh I cannot get the right words to express our appreciations, just a big ASANTE SANA will do until Pastor Mahonge writes you after I give him the two emails.
    Shalom,
    Gideon. ”
  
  
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