Makambalala Dedication & Tungamalenga Worship

Written on October 18 for October 1st and 2nd

As we traveled out for the second dedication, we stopped first at Namelok. The chapel they had worshipped in was torn down because of a poor foundation and they had used some of the bricks to rebuild these last two months.  The walls were up beyond the window sites and they were happy to have us see all the work that the parishioners had done. Again gifts were exchanged and we heard from some of the village elders and Evangelist Shukuru Mubeya. Many were photos taken.

When we arrived at Makambalala at almost 5pm, it was another enthusiastic welcome with drums for singing and dancing including our pastors and Evangelist, George Kioniani. 5 youth sang and danced for us to a song "I love Jesus, Redeemer of life."About 70 members gathered for us out of 153. Evan. George gave us statistics and led us on a tour of the building. There are parts of it still needing to be finished including enclosing part of the roof, the altar, and putting finish on the outside.  Members were carrying water to "paint" the walls.

We had the typical introductions and then the dedication ceremony took place with the  plaque being nailed to the wall. Our gifts were given and then Pr. Diane received 2 stools, one from Makambalala and the 2nd from Tungemalenga along with a basket.  After all the ceremony the singing and dancing began. A little later we were treated to a small meal of potatoes, meat, and sodas in the study room. As we left, many shook our hands and wished us God's blessings and Kwa heri ( good-bye), and with them singing, we drove back to the Lodge where dinner was waiting! Lots of discussion happened this night from all the  experiences of the day.

Sunday morning and the energy from yesterday was still with us. A big group from Mahove came in a trailer pulled by a tractor! We waited until Bishop Mdegela arrived with his family and guests. Then the procession began with the Tungamalenga choir followed by the Mahove choir, guests and pastors and Bishop. Today was a special service so the children were right up in front of the choirs.

Luke 9: 3... was read about not taking anything for your journey, but relying on God.  A little hard for us in this new environment. Announcements and reports made, recognition of pastors, evangelists, leaders and guests, also. Songs by the Maasai, the Mapagoro choir, a traditional song of local tribe by a single man, and Hymn 350 followed.  A prayer led by Pastor Yusto and reading of the sermon text for Pastor Diane, Phil. 4:1 and 4-9. We rejoice together as children of God. Following a summary of our preaching point visits, she again asked us to rejoice and thanked all for their joy. Next came prayers, and the processional offering while a children's choir and the Tungamalenga and Mahove choirs sang. The children were allowed to go outside (without a new soccer ball!) while we participated in Holy Communion. After prayers and the Blessing, we weren't through yet.

Many thanks and a review of the 10 years of Partnership with SOTV followed.  Some gifts from Mahove to Pastors Diane and Yusto with a response from Pr. Diane from all the pastors at SOTV and the prayers of the congregation. Partnership Committee priorities were read. We gave gifts to the three Tungamalenga pastors and Idodi school. A commendation and thanks came from the Bishop to SOTV for all  we do for the parish. Gifting continued as we three were dressed in new outfits-zebras (punda melias) in blue and black. The Bishop was given a shirt and a goat!  After 3 plus (maybe 4) hours we were ushered out with singing and dancing to the Auction out in front of the chapel.  Some people can't give money into the offering plate, so they bring items for the auction and those bids are counted as their offering.  Richard bid on a bowl of ground nuts. We're not sure where they went.

Just a little more.  Richard's prayer partner found him and mine found me. It was good to meet in person. After a late lunch(nothing new about being late for lunch), we said Kwa heri and Asante sana many times with hugs and left for Iringa at 4:30 arriving about 6:30 at the Lutheran Center. We unloaded (no goats), debriefed, had dinner and wishing Pr. Diane a safari njema (safe journey) home early the next morning, we were driven "home".  We thanked God for a blessed week-end with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Guess we had a super day and were on our heads on the way home.

Update for Oct. 18:    Richard now has met both of his classes and is pleased with their response to his teaching. And they say they can understand him.  More of daily life and our visit to Kising'a next time.