It is about the half way point in our East African visitation. We have been here for just under two weeks and have about two weeks to go. Today was also our last full day in Tanzania and was reserved for wrapping up loose ends and discussing the beginning of a temporary Pre-theological institution for the training of pastors here in Arusha.
I had scheduled a meeting with a representative from a bus/shuttle service at 8:00am this morning to purchase tickets for our bus trip to Nairobi tomorrow morning. I decided to go with the Jamii Shuttle since they said they would pick us up right here at the hotel. This shuttle was a little more expensive than the one we rode down on, but it would save us paying for a taxi to get to the bus station. The cost was $25 each.
After breakfast we met with some of the men from the area and discussed some of the matters facing our congregations in this area. We met in the front gathering room of the Eland Hotel. We sat in padded chairs that were very low to the ground at tables that were also low to the ground. They were so low that you couldn’t put your feet flat on the ground and get your knees under the table. You had to extend your feet straight out under the table, or bend them back behind you along the side of your chair. They were very uncomfortable but we appreciated having a nice place to meet that we didn’t have to pay extra for!
Thinking back on our visits so far we recognize that there is much which could be done. The drought that is afflicting the people in Kenya and Tanzania and the hardship of the people here tears at your heart. As a Christian I want to help these people, but there are so many who are struggling in different ways. As the Missionary, my primary responsibility is to preach the Word and assist in the spiritual growth of the pastors, teachers, and members. The primary purpose of the Mission Board is to assist our fellow Christians here in the proclamation of God’s Word. And with the funds that are available, even that work has its limits. I continue to remind myself of Jesus’ words, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our focus as a church must remain on the preaching of the Gospel, first and foremost.
With that in mind, we also met with three of the leaders in the CLCEA regarding the beginning of a theological training center in Arusha. The purpose is to prepare the young men of this area for the public ministry here in Tanzania. The cost of putting together such a program is high, primarily due to travel costs for both students and teachers. The teachers all have theological degrees and teaching experience, but some come from quite a distance. We discussed curriculum, schedule, costs, and other items of importance. We were able to brainstorm a bit and come up with some beneficial and cost saving changes. One thing that was discussed was the possibility of buying motorcycles for some of the men who live at a distance. The purchase of motorcycles would greatly reduce transportation costs, as well as assist them in their congregational visitations and pastoral work. In several cases the motorcycles would pay for themselves in one year! This would certainly be a worthwhile investment.
After our meeting we had a late lunch at the Eland and spent the afternoon preparing for our trip back to Kenya. I worked on reports and on my paper for the upcoming conference in Kisii. Larry reviewed proposals and considered different ways we could help the people of our congregations.
I was very glad to have been able to visit the two different Maasi stations this year. It was my first time visiting both of them, and it was very valuable. It would have been nice to be able to spend a few more days here, but with our upcoming visits to Uganda and Mois Bridge, we had to cut some other visits a bit shorter. It is always disappointing to leave an area with so much more to do, but in the end I tell myself that there would always be more to do – no matter how long we stayed. That is just the nature of the ministry. Still, it is my hope and prayer that some day soon the CLC will call a full time Missionary to East Africa. There is more than enough to keep one busy....
In His service,
Nathanael Mayhew
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
No comments:
Post a Comment