Discipleship Training (Part II)

This is the first of two training seminars (the next one to be completed at the end of this month). This training focused on the relationship of a rabbi and his disciples. What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What are the expectations? What does He hope for the end result?

At different times during the training, we divided the room into small groups, asking them to work together (even across denominational lines) to dig into the Word of God together for answers and to discuss options to questions presented to them.

These are new learning methods for them. We were delighted to watch them come alive as they began to apply principles they were learning. Everyone was engaged and animated. They were challenged to use discernment and prayer in order to determine how the Word of God applies to our Christian lives and ministries. When each group was ready, a representative presented their answer, explaining their thought process and reasoning. Our hearts swelled, as we saw them rise to the occasion and "dig deep" for understanding and discernment.

We all learned together, laughed together, studied together, prayed together, praised God together, repented together.

The teamwork approach to their study time was very effective. Every single group worked well together, showing appreciation for each other's insights and specific gifts.

Since we didn't have a chalkboard or whiteboard, we decided to use one of the walls in our room. Each team presented their insights and answers by putting their assigned paper (with illustrations or verses or questions) in the correct category of discipleship, explaining their reasoning to the other groups. Not only did this allow them to think deeply for themselves, but it began the process of them working together for the answers, rather than always looking to the teachers.

The groups bonded well. By the end of the training and many sessions in sincere prayer, they anticipate the second session on June 26-28. They will assemble again with their fellow-laborers in Christ to share how they have implemented what they are learning, and delve again into the deep process of making more disciples! (Matthew 28:18-20)

"Tanzanian Time"

This lovely clock hung on the wall in our classroom during the training.  I just had to laugh--this really illustrates "Tanzanian time." 

It was clear that despite the missing hands,  it had been kept cleaned and polished.  

After all, it is a pretty clock! 

Discipleship Training Group (Part I)

We are so privileged to work with this fine group of leaders. Together we prayed with the Unity Committee to develop the list of leaders to be invited for in-depth, discipleship training. Twelve people accepted and have become a strong unified team. 

This small, concentrated gathering  is receiving the first training of its kind, as we now take them through a very specific study in obedience-based discipleship. It is our goal that each of these leaders will, in turn, take the discipleship model and teaching to their own groups of disciples-in-training.  

Group photo! Here is our Discipleship Group of 4 ladies and 8 men, plus our Unity Committee Chairman and the AIM Team. Every one of these church leaders are committed to both being true disciples of Jesus and also raising up more leaders, who will in turn reproduce others.

AIM Team - Tanzania

Our relationship with Bayo has been further strengthened on this trip. He was thrilled that we arrived with our new team polo shirts...plus one for him!

In addition, we have been blessed to stay a several days in Bayo's home. His family is such a delight! As we sat together for meal times, we filled his entire living and dining rooms, but that was just fine.

His wife prepared a feast for us to celebrate the occasion--rice, beans, chicken, and fried fish, and fresh papaya and avocado from their own trees! 

...But the best part of our time was sharing life together with Bayo, his loving wife, and beautiful children.

Local "Factory" Tour

On our way back, we also had the opportunity to "tour" a sunflower oil factory in Babati. They invited us inside where we observed the unshelled sunflower seeds being loaded into a large hopper.

After going through the press, the oil from the crushed seeds fill a large bucket. 

The by-product of the crushed shells (the black chips seen littering the floor) can be sold as animal feed. Nothing is ever wasted!

The worker who manages the filter then transfers that bucket up to the top drums, where the oil proceeds through multiple filters. The resulting clear, golden oil is then transferred into a large holding tank, where it is ready to be sold by the liter.

Bayo was happy to purchase a 5 liter bottle of fresh oil to take back to his household. He was grateful to be able to buy "factory-direct" at wholesale prices, knowing that the sunflower oil is indeed pure and not mixed with other oils and chemicals. 

Before leaving, I noticed again the multiple large tarps stretched on the ground in front of the factory. With every square inch covered with freshly harvested sunflower seeds, the obvious bumpercrop from the sunflower harvest this year is now drying in the sun, preparing to be made into oil that will end up in markets throughout East Africa. 

It's all part of the adventure!

As we drove our borrowed vehicle back to Arusha after the Unity Committee meeting, we were on the short stretch of unfinished road when we realized one of our tires was rapidly losing air. Due to the very rough stretch of road, the tire blew out a previous patch, necessitating a quick repair in the Tanzanian dirt.

Susan and I helped to unload our gear so that we could get to the necessary tools, and Bob and Bayo quickly changed the tire. Within a few minutes, we were on our way again.

Mount Hanang and the Valley

Mount Hanang dominates the horizon, while in the surrounding valleys we see the evidence of fruitfulness in the land:

maturing crops, 

    lush greenery, 

        water running in the streams,

              and farmers investing in their fields.

We thank the Lord for His gracious response to the churches in the area who have sought God's face and His forgiveness through repentance. Even the land responds, and causes hearts to rejoice! There will be food on the tables this winter, and abundant seed for the next planting in the spring! May our Creator, the Glorious God, the Almighty One receive glory, honor, and overflowing praise for His goodness and mercy!

Unity Committee Meeting (Part II)

Susan has a special place in her heart for the two women on the Unity Committee, selected for their hearts of unity and their dedication to the churches in the area. Margritha and Bearta have been welcomed as co-laborers in the Kingdom, showing fruit and wisdom from the Lord.

During this meeting, AIM was invited to present the strategy that we believe the Lord has been revealing. We all discussed the challenges that would likely face the churches. Although the Unity Committee members span at least 6 different denominations, we were all able to work together, seeing each other as ministry partners rather than ministry competition. The support and respect in the room was obvious, and all were invited to share their thoughts and insights.

We are so grateful to see God filling His people with His vision, as they begin to create early structures to expand the work of training:

--broadening the geographical reach of this ministry's upcoming pastors conferences

--deepening the level of leadership by scheduling several small-group, discipleship training seminars for the very serious, very diligent ministry leaders who have shown great fruit and influence within their villages.

Bayo has been highly effective as both a linguistic translator and a cultural interpreter for AIM. He has helped us to share our initial thoughts with them, and then helps us understand the very practical issues of spreading this essential Biblical training. As the Unity Committee advances, he adds wisdom and perspective that comes from prayer and commitment to Kingdom advancement here.

It has been a joy to participate with them in what we pray will become transformation by the Spirit of God throughout Tanzania. 

Unity Committee Meeting (Part I)

We were looking forward to seeing our friends and fellow-laborers on the Unity Committee members. The chairman, Gabriel Magang  (pictured, center) is a humble, faithful and very capable leader who is such a help to us when we come. Pastor Joseph Sima (left) is one of the newest members of the Unity Committee, and a Barabaig pastor with a servant's heart and a missionary's vision. And Faustin Bayo (right), our faithful friend and translator, accompanied us as well. He is widely respected by all the pastors of the Manyara Region, and is the only pastor in the area who has had any Bible School education.

Of course, before much "work" can be done, culture dictates that you must share some "fellowship" first. As we sat with them for chai (and later, for lunch) at a local restaurant, we enjoyed hearing stories of what God is doing in their villages throughout the region. They are hopeful as they face the coming year.

We walked toward the outskirts of this village, and there found the Lutheran Church, where the Unity Committee was to  meet to pray and to set the course for this year's conference schedule.

Upon our arrival, we were saddened to learn that the former pastor of this Lutheran church (Pastor Gisamay, whom we met at our 2010 conference), had died early last year.  It is the custom here that when a beloved pastor dies, he is buried on the church grounds. We found his grave respectfully cared for and still bearing the tokens of love from the congregants, small packets of earth and plants, tied with ribbon, adorning his grave.

"Downtown" Katesh

We wondered how Katesh may have changed since the newly-constructed road was finished, but what we found was...Katesh is still Katesh! It all remains very familiar, with objects that amuse and confound.

Bayo tells us that this type of "vehicle" is rather common. Made in China, he says. But I've never seen such a thing except out here in the agricultural Manyara valley. Hmmm. I wonder why they want it to be so long. Bayo wasn't able to answer that one.

It is common to see men sitting idly around town. It's culturally normal and acceptable for them to sit and talk with other men while the women hold jobs, manage the house, meals, crops, animals, as well as care for the kids. Churches are trying to encourage men to become strong, get jobs, and work hard. The other night I even heard a political leader on the evening news, urging Tanzanians to work hard and stop being lazy. (I'm certain he wasn't referring to the mamas who work steadily from early morning to late night without much appreciation!)

 

Then, of course, are the oddities that just make you smile and shake your head. A dead tree "re-purposed" into a sturdy stand for a satellite dish.