So, while we were in Bashanet, we had the nicest home in town! We were so blessed by Father John, as he graciously hosted us in his home. The rooms were wonderfully comfortable, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Of course, you remember that we love plants and gardening. So, of course, we walked around Father John’s house, admiring the carefully planted garden in the front yard. But,. . .we saw a strange plant that none of us can identify.
Do you have any idea what this plant may be??
Father John is a wonderful testimony of the growing unity among church leaders from many denominations. Denominational segregation is common here, as it is all over the world. However, when we explain that we will not bring any particular denomination’s doctrine, it often causes them to be just a bit curious. . .though perhaps still somewhat suspicious.
The testimony of their experience becomes evident when many come later to greet us with an open heart. . .just as Father John expressed his enthusiastic affirmation for the ministry of AIM. He loved how vibrant and Biblically-sound the teaching materials were. He agreed that when when denominationally controversial doctrines are emphasized, then we will undoubtedly cause segregation; but when we teach strictly the Bible as our authority, THEN we can all stand in agreement, in unity. All pastors throughout the room we were of one heart. . .with the Word of God, not the “bent” of a particular denomination, as the center of our message and our ministries. As brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, we have the joyous privilege to learn and grow together, and to care for one another. As Father John said, "Truly the Holy Spirit is at work here."
Young women tirelessly prepared lunch each day for us and about 120 pastors and church leaders. Each day, a small wagon (pictured here) arrived with water barrels to facilitate the cooking, hand-washing, and dishwashing. The building, on the left emiting smoke, is the cooking “kitchen,” and the large pile of wood that has been collected sits ready as fuel for the open fires upon which the food is cooked. No chimney for the kitchen house means the smoke must find its way out through small spaces just below the roofline.
These amazing women produced cooked beef and goat in a broth, rice (2 varieties: plain white and broth- flavored), beans, cooked greens, and roasted potatos. . .with bananas and oranges for dessert. Yes, we eat right alongside the participants. And surprisingly, right on time for our mid-afternoon breaks they brought freshly brewed tea for refreshment for our training team. There was a tremendous amount of work in very primitive conditions performed by these quiet servants of the Lord.
The pastors showed intense interest as Bob provided instructions on use and capability of each of these devices.
Carefuly laying down Biblical foundations, our training team led the pastors present into the process of development into mature disciple-makers, thereby enabling them to bring transformation to their homes, churches and communities by the power of the Spirit of God at work in them.
What a joy it is for us to work with these devoted church leaders. Men and women, side-by-side, in honor and respect for each other. We have seen a steady increase in the percentage of women in attendance at our conferences. It is a true joy for us to witness their hunger and open hearts as they listen and show visible and enthusiastic responses.
AIM’s teaching on FRUITFULNESS was very well received. We had, perhaps, our youngest ever attendee--this lovely pastor (“Mama Mchungaji” or Pastor Mama) brought her little baby along and did not miss a single session of the training. She followed the notes and scriptures with rapt attention and deep respect.
As we led church leaders through Jesus teaching regarding principles of the Vine and Branches and the Parable of the Sower, they could see how God is at work in their lives and churches. They recognized how our heavenly Vinedresser is faithfully pruning and shaping us so that we will bear abundant fruit. . .fruit that will remain. Times of deep prayer, reflection and repentance were powerfully rich as they aligned their hearts with the will of the Father so that with one heart we can see His Kingdom come and His will done on the earth as it is in heaven.
The music was already beginning and the choir was leading worship and praise for the pastors who had come from all over the valley to be present for the teaching conference. Our good friend Tlanka (pronounced “Danka”) immediately came over to our car to assist in gathering our printed materials for distribution to the pastors.
We were delighted with the music of this well-practiced choir who added some coordinated dance to their repertoire, emphasizing the message in song. This church even had access to a generator which powered a keyboard to accompany this group. They blessed us and the conference participants with their very best.
This is the day we had been working toward since our arrival in Tanzania. Because of some delays (see previous post), we had to make the lengthy drive early on the morning of conference. As we entered the Dareda Valley again, we followed the line of the cliffs, looking for a road that would get us up and over them. (Bayo had left the day before, so. . .we were kind of on our own!) Finally finding the “pass,” we traversed the winding road to the village of Bashinet, at the top of the cliffs.
We were on our way to conference! The pastors were waiting and eager by the time we arrived!
As we pulled into a dirt lot, we saw the impressive Lutheran church building where we would have our conference. Pastors had already arrived, but now were hurrying into the uncharacteristically (and amazingly) “modern” church.
Plans are being made. Lots of work, lots of studying, lots of conversations and brain-storming, because. . .
Next week, we plan to travel to Bashinet for a training conference for pastors from many denominations. They have banded together and resolved to build unity in the Manyara region, and it has been working!
They have all been praying for the rains to come, from which their crops and grasses will grow, ensuring an extra harvest. Indeed, the rains have begun, but they are what Bayo refers to as "warning rains"--warning people to make sure their fields have been prepared and planted. He reports, however, that there have been years in which they receive the warning rains, but the true rainy season doesn't come. That causes huge devastation. So, please continue to pray.
We will also be praying for the “rain of the Spirit” to do a work in their hearts and prepare them for the upcoming harvest! Pray with us that the Lord of the Harvest will send out strong, resolute and equipped harvesters into His harvest field, so that the harvest will be truly great--homes, communities, and eventually the entire nation will be positively affected by the wondrous Gospel of Jesus Christ
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