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....
This year, Mary's bean harvest was really poor. The delay of
the rains slowed germination, and then the abundance of rain during the time of
harvest caused much of her beans to rot in the pods. (The rains are wonderful
for the other crops; but it has caused a great deal of bean crop
failure.)Nonetheless, when harvest time came, a group of village ladies came to
Mary's house, asking for a job to help sort her beans by hand. Mary (standing
in the blue dress) showed us around, moving among the women sitting in her
courtyard, and talking and laughing. 
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. 
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 
