We have been looking forward to this day for a while. We were headed to the Moshi area to visit with the congregations that have been working to retain the seminary building and property in Himo, Tanzania. It has been a long and difficult year for many individuals and congregations, so we were eagerly looking forward to meeting with them. Pastor Jeremiah picked us up at around 10:30am and we all loaded into his 5 seat, four wheel Suzuki. It would be the equivalent of the Suzuki Swift in the US. Since we didn’t have the room to seat all of us in the car, one of us had to pile in the back with Stephen and Russ’s luggage. They were going to be staying in Moshi, while Todd, Mike and I went to Tanga. Part of the reason for this was that we wouldn’t be able to get all six of us plus all our luggage in Pastor Jeremiah’s vehicle. So we decided to do it in shifts. Since we were going to the Moshi area, we decided to drop those two off after we had completed our visits for the day. We will then meet back up on Tuesday night.
The members of the Machame Congregation Our first stop was at the congregation in Machame, which is West of Moshi. One of the men in this congregation has been deeply involved in the seminary building situation. He was arrested and had charges filed against him by Pastor Angowi and the LCEA. He was released, but has not been able to travel until the suit has been settled. He and others have stood up against the LCEA and have protested the selling of the seminary building. This is why he was arrested and why a number of lawsuits have been filed by the LCEA against these individuals. It is a very sad situation, but we it seems that this may work to serve the Lord’s purposes. It looks as if through the process of taking these men to court that the courts are beginning to realize that the LCEA doesn’t have the right to sell the seminary property since it was purchased by the CLC. This will be coming to a head very soon and we pray that the Lord would bring this to a quick conclusion so that our churches here may re-focus on the work that is at hand – preaching the good news of sins forgiven through Jesus.
Pastor Makundi, and others of the Himo church standing in front of the Himo seminary building.Following our visit there we went on to visit the pastor at Himo and look over the seminary building. They have the classroom and dormitory part of the building closed off while the matter is in the courts, but they are allowing the congregation to worship in the chapel area. We are thankful for that. The building is in a state of disrepair with it not being in use, but doesn’t look too bad. It is really a shame that this building is sitting empty is not being fully used for the Lord’s glory.
We were invited to the home of one of the elders of the congregation. As we walked up to the home we were greeted by screaming women who hugged and squeezed us! You could tell the pain that they had been through and the joy and hope that came over them, knowing that we were finally here and may be able to bring this to a conclusion. We were led out the back of the house where we met the men of the congregation, and after exchanging greetings, we came back in the house to sit down. Introductions were made and then we were invited to eat what the women had prepared for us. Many of the members spoke up to express their thanks and hope for the future. They also asked for our help with the funding of the Kindergarten supported by the Himo congregation. They asked for $200 a month to help with the feeding and salary of a teacher for more than 30 children. Not only do they teach math, reading and other basics, but they also teach Bible stories, giving them a foundation in the Word of God. We hope that KINSHIP might be able to assist in funding this. What a wonderful opportunity!
Enjoying food and fellowship with the Himo members.
After sharing some words of thanks and encouragement, we got back on the road for Moshi. We checked Russ and Stephen into a hotel in Moshi, then Pastor Jeremiah, Pastor Malyi, Todd, Mike and I returned to Arusha. It was nice to have the extra room in the car after dropping those two off in Moshi! There were times today where I felt like I was reliving my high school and college days – cramming as many people as possible into the only car available!
Tomorrow will be a bit of a down day, as we get ready for our trip to Tanga. We continue to thank the Lord for his blessing on our trip which is now half over.
In His service,
Nathanael
“He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered..” – Psalm 40:3-5
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