The Recent Seminar

We recently had a seminar with the church. It was to help encourage and build up its members. Attendance was great and it was a really encouraging day. We had a break at lunch and we went to one of the members homes. We had bananas, rice, meat and sauce, bottled water and even  sodas - which usually signifies a special occasion among the Tanzanians because sodas are seen more as a special treat.  The Tanzanian people provided the location and all of the food. The only thing that they asked for was for Charles, George, and Carey to teach. This was encouraging because it means that the missionary doesn’t have to provide everything. These members would not be considered as being wealthy or “well-off.” One is a carpenter, another has a french fry stand, and another is a widow. Simple people bringing together what they have for the benefit of the church.
Having lunch in one of the members homes was nice because it gave more of a personal feel of fellowship among us. I believe this is the same principle applies in Africa as it does in America, just being in someone’s home just makes you feel closer. I suppose that is why the Bible tells us that we are suppose to be hospitable.

Read More

The Church Building

As you know, the church is the people and not the building. So I wanted to take a minute to talk about the Church and the building they meet in. We have been worshiping with the church of Christ in Iringa, Tanzania. It is about 25-30 min. from the house. The congregation, the church, is a small group of men and women. They each have their own story on who taught them the gospel (good news of Christ) and it is going to be encouraging getting to know them better and making new friends. They have expressed excitement in having two missionary families work with them, to encourage them and help build up the congregation. This congregation has been worshiping each Sunday on their own and we also find this encouraging. The plan is not to come in and take over what they have already been doing for themselves (by preaching and teaching every Sunday for them) but to do occasional preaching/teaching, home Bible studies, and seminars. Carey has preached once already and did a great job encouraging them in personal growth.

The building, as you can see from the picture above, it is very simple. I was at the back with Ryan (my youngest) when I snapped a shot of this picture, without the flash, as not to cause a distraction during worship. It is actually a pretty decent building, for Tanzanian standards. It has no electricity, no running water in the (outhouse style) bathroom,  and no padded pews. Just picture all five us on on one tiny wooden bench. The kids are now 5,4,and almost 2. Believe it or not, it can be done. We just have to be careful that the weight isn’t just at one end of the pew in case someone on the other end has to get up. It works like a see-saw and someone goes flying.

 Until Next Time,
Bonnie

Read More