We are settling into Arusha. Last night was the first night that the five of us have spent together since our trip began and we enjoyed being able to sit down and discuss our work. This morning we again all met for breakfast in the dining room and enjoyed coffee, tea, watermelon, and Spanish Omelettes together before the day began. We had a seminar today with the Arusha men, so I had some work to do to prepare. I also had to get to the money exchange center to get money exchanged for Tanzania. I had a little left over from last year that I had saved and brought back, but it was only about the equivalent of $14, so it wasn’t going to get us very far. Jeremiah came by at about 10:00am and took Mike and I into Arusha to get money exchanged and to pick up some pens and notebooks for the seminar. It was a pretty good deal. I purchased a dozen notebooks for less than a quarter each and the same number of pens for less than 15 cents a piece.
Some pastors from the Arusha area stand outside Pastor Jeremiah's Church waiting for the seminar to begin.
From there we returned to the hotel to pick up the other three guys and then made our way to Jeremiah’s church where the seminar was to be held. We were met at the church by many pastors that I had met in the past, but a few new pastors as well. After everyone was introduced we began. I presented a study on the difference between the way that the Reformed and Lutheran churches view the Sacraments. There are many “reformed” churches in this area: Baptist, Methodist, Adventist, Presbyterian, and non-denominational. While there are some differences between them, they all strip the sacraments of God’s power and turn them into a work of man rather than a work of God. We had some good questions and profitable discussion during the presentation.
After a quick lunch prepared by the women of the congregation and brought right to the church, Mike presented a similar study. His presentation focused on the distinction between Sanctification and Justification. This too is an area that is misrepresented by the reformed churches and should be helpful to our pastors here.
Pastor Jeremiah and his family invited us into their home for refreshments following the seminar.
At around 4:00pm we wrapped up the seminar and drove the short way to Pastor Jeremiah’s home. He has a beautiful home that is made even more beautiful by the plants that are nurtured by his green thumb. His wife greeted us and welcomed us in. After some visiting we enjoyed drinks, nuts, bananas, and more. It was very good and we enjoyed getting to see Pastor Jeremiah’s family more. Sadly, Pastor Jeremiah’s niece passed away yesterday, so the family will be busy making plans for the funeral which will be on Saturday. She had been sick and in the hospital for a while, and finally was taken home by the Lord. Please keep Pastor Jeremiah’s family in your prayers during this time of their earthly loss. May He give them the comfort which only He can give.
Tomorrow we will be visiting the congregations that have been immersed in the seminary building turmoil with the LCEA and Pastor Angowi. We look forward to meeting with them as well, and we pray that the Lord would bless our meetings and visitations.
In His service,
Nathanael
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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