We have power again!
As we left Idodi on the last few kilometers to Tungamalenga, the excitement was growing especially for Pr. Diane and Joan since they were returning visitors. Richard wasn't sure what was to happen. People came running from various areas when we pulled in at about 1pm. It was so exciting to see our brothers and sisters again and greet them and receive the hugs, smiles, and welcomes. Pastor Naftal pulled in just before us on the pikipiki and had parked it by the Big Baobab tree. Other evangelists bicycles were parked there, too.
Right away they took us over to see what was going to happen to the old chapel. A new roof is needed after part of the end walls are taken down. It will be a Youth Center and Education building. Also, they were proud of the choos (toilets) that were being built for the visitors at the chapel. Barnabas arrived and we had a tour of the dispensary rooms that had been finished and met the intern nurses that were there. Much improvement in care for the patients from the one or two rooms of 5 years ago. Later Barnabas told us about the government requirements for a health center.
Soon it was time for lunch prepared by the women of the parish in the education room. The table was set, the food waiting for us. Many dishes were on the buffet table, but first we had a delicious cucumber soup. As soon as that course was finished, we all went to fill our bowls of rice, pasta, tomato sauce, cooked vegetables, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, plantains, and bananas and papaya. And of course, there was maji (water) and sodas. All the available evangelists were able to share the meal with us.
Now it was getting late to start reaching the preaching points, but off we went at about 3:45. (If you didn't know, it gets dark at about 6:30!) First stop was at Makifu, at the pastor's house if this village will be a new center with 8/9 preaching points. The parishioners had made bricks already. This change is under discussion.
We passed Isanga and continued on a road that became smaller and smaller to drive past Kisilwa to where the holding tank stood that may have the water diverted to Mahove. There was definitely some fixing needed as a lot of water was spilling off from the pipe.
Then back to the village to meet Evangelist Isaack Mgalilwa and his wife and sons. The congregants have created a plan and laid the foundation for a 6m x 17m chapel with 2 offices. They are building it on their own to have space for more members. Still need cement to cover the office area. Will continue making bricks in January and February and want prayers of support from SOTV. We stood on the corners and prayed for God's work to be done here.
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