Safe Arrival in East Africa

We had a wonderful time upon first arriving in East Africa. We began our trip with some solid time to rest, to study, to listen to God, and to prepare for the coming ministry time.

We all woke early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise, as we walked with our cups of coffee in hand, getting sand between our toes.




God began to show us His "big picture" of some of the specific training direction that will help equip African pastors to take their next steps.

The Green Hues of the Rainy Season

   

As we caught the early morning bus across into Tanzania, we enjoyed the green hue that blanketed the landscape. Yes, the rains have come to East Africa!



We drove past fields of pineapple plants....




...and even some "safari animals."

(You  may notice the unusual red coloring of the elephants. No, this is not a new, undiscovered species. The soil in this part of East Africa is particularly red; and when the rains create the red mud, the otherwise-gray elephants rejoice for the relief. They roll in the mud and coat themselves...and stay that color for the rest of the rain season.)

Strategy in Missions (Part 2)

What a wonderfully strategic place to be! We didn't know or understand all this when we began ministering here in 2008; however, we have come to see why God has called us to be right here...right now.

Northern Tanzania has several notorious warring tribes--the Maasai, Barabaig, to name a few. 

However, right in the midst of all of these warring tribes, the highly-agricultural Iraqw tribe inhabits the fertile slopes and valleys of Mt. Hanag. Because they are farmers, not warriors, they pose no threat to neighboring tribes. Rather, they are generally known as a peaceful and friendly people, and are in the unique position to openly trade goods and livestock with all the other tribes. 

When AIM began to minister in this valley, we were a bit surprised that the majority of the pastors who accepted our invitation to the training were of the Iraqw tribe (pronounced Ee-RAH-koo). We knew that there were many other tribes in the area, but for some reason they did not want to be trained together. However, over the past 4 years of ministry in Manyara Region, we can now observe how strategically God had nestled us in exactly the right place. 

Now, as Activation International focuses on the spiritual growth and empowerment of the Iraqw Christians, and as we have discipled them to learn the ways of God and to follow His direction, they have now begun to realize their "missionary calling" to reach their neighboring Barabaig tribe. 

Yes, the Barabaig who have historically been resistant to the "foreigner's religion" are now listening to the Gospel from their trusted friends in the "bush" and in the marketplace. This previously-"unreached" people group are being deeply impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ! 

God is full of surprises! We were unaware of the strategic dynamics of God's direction. In fact, it has taken us years to recognize what God knew all along. We simply remained obedient to His calling. He sent us to the exact place He had prepared. The time was right. The people were prepared. The land was waiting....   

Strategy in Missions (Part 1)

It's true: the Activation International ministry team is heading back to East Africa this weekend.

While we had made plans not to return until August, we always give God permission to change our plans,...and He did. 

We will once again be driving through the African plains on our way to the beautiful Mount Hanang area of northern Tanzania.

 

  After leaving the sprawling plains, we drive over a mountain and down into the Hanang valley, a fertile agricultural area that many consider to be the "breadbasket" for this part of the country. Maize, beans, lentils and vegetables that are grown here make their way hundreds of kilometers away, to the markets in Arusha, Mwanza, and even into southern parts of Kenya

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In addition to the fertile crops, there is also a seemingly-contradicting industry occupying the Hanang Valley: salt mines (pictured on the left in the low valley). During the dry seasons of the year, migrant workers from throughout the surrounding region are employed to scoop salt from the  lake bed, creating large mounds which are then graded for quality and potential use. Because of the high quality of this lake's salt, even exporters buy from this area.