Looking around the countryside, you begin to see people out in the fields, preparing for the short springtime rains. Indeed, there have been hints of the returning rains: a cool breeze and nighttime sprinkles that clear the dust out of the air (though barely moistening the parched dirt).
Even Sofia reports that she and Elibariki will wait to see if the rains come. If the “short rains” begin, they will immediately plant their maize and try for a second harvest this year. However, if the rains do not come, they will not waste the precious seed. They will then wait until next March and the “long rains” before planting a crop.
We have returned to Tanzania at this agriculturally-opportune season, and have begun preparing the material for our next pastors conference. The topic: FRUITFULNESS.
We will discuss spiritual topics related to the preparation of the soil (fallow ground),
the four soils (Matthew 13), the vine and branches, pruning vs. discipline, the harvest, and the rewards of the harvest.
Such concepts will be rather familiar to the very agriculturally-minded Iraqw people. It is our prayer that they will receive spiritual understanding and insight, increasing the fruitfulness of their lives, their churches, and their communities.
