Monday, November 3, 2008
Finally we are in Moshi to stay for a while. We had a meeting scheduled with Pastor Angowi at 10:00 am this morning, so we decided to go out and get a few things done before our meeting. We stopped in at the internet café and uploaded some blog pages, checked prices for some computer equipment, check Bible prices at the book store, and even exchanged some money. We then returned to the hotel for our meeting with Pastor Angowi. Pastor Angowi is the leader of the LCEA, and the dean and primary teacher of the seminary in Himo. He also serves a congregation of about 100 members in Uchira along with one other pastor.
In our meeting we talked about updates with the congregations and new stations of the LCEA, work at the seminary, graduation, our schedule for the week, and a few other details. He took us to see his old Land Rover which was currently undergoing repair. It was a truck from the 60's which was being completely overhauled. The truck was completely broken down to its frame. The engine, interior and wiring had been removed and the body was being filled and sanded smooth. The repairman said that when they were finished it would be a new vehicle! The cost? 2.1 million shillings. Now that may seem like a lot, but when you convert it, it comes to about $2,000 for a complete overhaul. That is a pretty good deal! And all that in less than three weeks! I wish I could get my Oldsmobile over here to get its transmission fixed!
After seeing the Land Rover we returned to the hotel for lunch. At 1:30 pm we left the hotel for the trip to the seminary. Pastor Angowi said that we could go to the seminary and teach afternoon classes there beginning at 2:00. When we arrived we were greeting by the students who filtered out of their rooms and activities. Most of the students I remembered well from last year, but there were 6 new students to get to know as well.
It was a bit discouraging, because their were several students absent, and our tentative interpreter had not yet arrived! We began anyway. Bruce started with an explanation of how to teach a Bible lesson. This was valuable in two ways: 1) this info can be taught to Sunday School teachers so they know how to teach lessons to their students, and 2) this can be used by the pastor as a reminder of how to teach Bible studies and preach sermons.
Next I reviewed the Church year calendar going through all the seasons of the church year and pointing out the purpose of each season of the church year and showing how they point to Christ. I also gave them a church year calendar which listed the seasons of the church year and the texts for preaching every Sunday throughout the church year. At about 4:30 we closed with prayer, and returned back to the hotel.
It was a shorter day than usual, but we are not complaining. We used the extra time in preparation for the graduation service tomorrow, and in writing reports and blog updates. We hope that everyone back home is enjoying them.
May our gracious Lord be with you all,
Nathanael
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