This morning started as most days here in Kasulu with a hardy breakfast of eggs, japati, pineapple (SO good), chicken soup, toast, etc… We then moved on with Bishop Makaya to worship at Murusi “B” Church. As you have guessed, it’s called “B” church at the moment since it’s the second church in Murusi district of Kasulu. The church was planted 7 months ago and in a short time grew to over two hundred in attendance. We had more than that today. People were lined up outside the doors. There was no particular occasion for the Bishop’s visit. He just wanted to go there and encourage this new church. It was and excited time to say the least. In particular I was impressed with the choirs, who sang songs that were heart felt and deep. You don’t always get that sense when listening to choirs here in Tanzania. There is often an element of “performance” in what is written and done by the choirs I have seen. But in this case, their songs were simple and easy to follow. 
Even though I only recognized about 10% of the words, it was evident that there were singing TO the Lord and not just about him. When we found out that they had to borrow money to purchase instruments for their group, the Bishop told them that he would make a donation to help them pay for the instruments. I followed up by telling the Bishop that I would make a donation as well. I really want to encourage them to continue to make music and sing to the Lord as I witnessed today. I’m uploading a video tonight of the choir in action. Hopefully I’ll have it ready to view by tomorrow.
During the service Shaw preached, Cathy and I sang two songs and at one point Bishop Makaya had Cathy and I give our testimonies. It was a privilege to do so and I hope that our words touched their hearts. I enjoy worship here. Hours can go by and I rarely notice it. It’s not that I’m count minutes back at home either, but somehow time just disappears when we are in worship in these churches. The service started at 9:30 AM and then it seems like in no time we are processing out at 12:30. The thing that strikes me is how people treat church as their major event for the day. No one it seems is looking to get through it quickly so they can have the rest of the day for whatever. In a lot of ways, I’ve learned to do that even in our context of worship back home. I really enjoy our times of worship together and don’t mind if things run over a bit, but also I find that I like to treat the rest of the day differently than Saturday or some other day off. Quick frankly I love to exhaust myself in worship and then go home and relax, rest for a while, even take a nap to refresh and then let the rest of Sunday be…… well….. the Lord’s day!
This is our last night here. I’m going to miss it I know. One of these trips I’m going to make it for a much longer time. I love the environment and the work I’m doing here. I love seeing what the Lord is up to with my friends here and being a part of that. I love the pace of things as well. Even though I am still a “driven to work hard” American in their midst, I also like the balance that this less aggressive work culture brings to my day. There is always time for the work to be done, but there is always time for each other as well.
It’s time to pack a few more things now and then get ready for the morning drive to Kigoma. Thank you all again for standing by us with your prayers the past two weeks. I’ve not had a smoother upgrade or install here starting with the very first time we put computers in at KBC. Everything is working great and I’ve got all the things in place to remotely support them with the new equipment. As I mentioned to our friends tonight at dinner, all we have done is offer the Lord our ordinary and He makes it extraordinary.
Lala Salama. Until tomorrow. Peace!
Bill
Today, just after breakfast, we took a trip to Matyazo. It is a village in the higher elevation hills near the Burundi border and Lake Tanganyika. It’s a place I’ve been to several times over the years and have really fallen in love with it for several reasons. First there is the beauty of the land scape. Next, there is the church there that is large and worshipful. Next there is the climate which is normally cool and dry, even when it’s wet outside. Then there is the German mission there which runs a hospital and orphanage. It’s just remarkable work that these folks do to care for the people in this region. In particular, the care that is given to the infants at the orphanage is extraordinary. 
I admire them very much for the work they are doing here.
Lastly, there is the COFFEE! Yes, they grow coffee here, and as many of you know I love coffee. To be honest, I’ve not tasted coffee directly from Matyazo before, but it just the idea of being around all these coffee plants that are shaded by banana trees. With the rolling hills, it makes for a pastoral scene. All in all, it’s a soothing environment. I was grateful to have the day off from computer work and enjoy the views there and along the way from Kasulu. I hope you enjoy the pictures posted here. As I’ve mentioned before you can click on any photo to view a larger version of the picture.
At this time, Cathy and I are sitting at the table of the guest house we are in while Shaw is down at the Bible College linking up with his students from Belize through the on-line education site. It’s pretty amazing to be out here in rural Tanzania and still be able to be in direct contact with people in other countries, in this case South America. I praise God that we are able to be a part of this project. It is our hope and prayer that it will serve KBC, the Diocese of Belize and others well in their leadership training and spiritual formation.
Tonight we will spend the evening with Bishop Makaya and then get ready for a morning of worship followed by a get together and celebration together tomorrow night at the compound. I’m particularly looking forward to worship tomorrow. We will be going to Mususi “B” church which is the second church for the Musuri area of Kasulu. It is a recent church plant. Cathy and I will sing and give testimonies. Fr. Shaw will deliver the sermon. It should be a good morning together with the people of that parish. My hope is that we touch lives and hearts by the Holy Spirit and bring a blessing of hope and encouragement to that community.
It’s time to go for dinner now so I will say goodnight to you all and hope to do one more post from Kasulu tomorrow night.
Bill
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