Festive Dancing
Presenting bicycle to Pastor Damien
July 25 - August 1 logs have been moved to an archive page
August 2, 2005 - special messages from Ann, Pastor Marty, Dick, Zarida and Tom...
Music, dancing and joy! Singing to welcome us! Dancing in worship! Joy everywhere!
Everywhere we went, everyone we met, all around us was music. Sheer, unrestrained
joy surrounded us. In this place, people share their love and thanksgiving,
and the joy of their faith openly and without reserve. In a place where everyone
has so little materially, they give so much spiritually! It's wonderful to
see and be a part of.
- Ann and the Tanzania Gang 8/2/05
Festive Dancing
Presenting bicycle to Pastor Damien
When we presented the bicycles for the preaching points, we explained that Loren Heuer had planned to come with us, that he was a true evangelist in our midst, and that his wife had made this gift of bicycles in memory and honor of him so that God's word could be spread through their villages. The people's response was at first a moan at the word of Loren's death, and then an Aaaaah! at hearing of Eunice's gift in his memory. And then the exclamation and ululation and clapping when the bicycles were handed over. It's a story that will be told over and over around here, and Pastor Ngandango repeatedly referred to the powerful testimony of this woman's gift to them. When we showed them Loren and Eunice's picture in the church directory, the room was filled with glad and proud ah hah!s. It was one of the high points in a village stay that was filled with high-points.
- Pastor Marty and the Tanzania Gang 8/2/05
Today we returned from our weekend at Itungi parish. We visited all seven preaching points (villages) and were greeted at each site with joyful singing and dancing. The villages are very remote and challenging to reach. At each preaching point we presented bicycles to the evangelists, banners and posters made by our Sunday school children, and other small gifts from Como Park Lutheran. We stayed in the Itungi village where there is no electricity - and it gets dark here at 6:30! We have been received so warmly by all the people we have met. What an experience!
- Zarida ("BiBi") and the Tanzania Gang 8/2/05
Itungi Style Welcome
The music and dancing experienced throughout our 3-day visit to the Itungi parish is beyond description. At nearly every function, young and old alike sang and danced with the most rhythmic toe-tapping, hand-clapping African beat. I couldn't get enough of it. My heart is filled with joy with the very thought of the people and their music.
- Dick ("BaBu") and the Tanzania Gang - 8/2/05
Presenting banner at a preaching Point
Pastor Martin Chuma, his wife, and daughter Helena Chuma (the college student we sponsor at Tumaini University).
What a weekend! We were greeted warmly by all. There was music and dancing, but most of all a true joy in living. There is exuberance in everything and the laughter is contagious, one cannot help but feel joy. I am continually touched by how much has been done and how much more is planned. I enjoyed the visit to the school where we saw the children packed in their classrooms and eager to learn. The teachers were thrilled with the supplies from our Sunday School students. It is wonderful to see and hear how our work has benefited this area, but even more wonderful to meet these brothers and sisters in Christ and know that we walk together in spreading the gospel.
- Tom and the Tanzania Gang - 8/2/05
P.S. - We will be going to Ruaha National Game Park Tuesday and returning on Thursday sometime. We will update you then.
We are back from an incredible two night, three day stay at a safari camp in Ruaha National Park. It was quite a contrast from the village stay and a wonderfully restful break in our rather intense trip. Our safari drives consisted of sitting on seats in the back of trucks and being guided around the bush to see and photograph amazing animals. We saw everything we were hoping to see-elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, gazelles, lions, leopards, hippos and more. It was incredible! Our truck was charged by a group of angry elephants, we were feet away from sleeping lions, we looked countless giraffes in the eye…What an experience! It gives a sense of Africa that is ancient, immense, and primal. I continue to feel so grateful for this opportunity. We have met the most gracious and generous people. We have seen so much need, yet so much giving and love. This truly has been, and is, an amazing experience.
- Ann and the Tanzania Gang
The Tanzania Gang
Zebras
Giraffe
Elephant (Saying "Go Away")
Lion
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