“A Tale of Two Lives”

Recently  we witnessed the stark contrast between salvation and rejection, between forgiveness and judgment, between life and death. 

Pastor Petro received news that a man in his village had died. He was 30 years old. Several years ago, this man had a successful business and was doing quite well. However, he started to drink, and before long, he was a slave to alcohol. Because of his constant drinking he started to have various health issues including a serious skin disease. About a week before his death, Petro went to talk with him about the Lord. He became belligerent and told Petro that he wanted to have nothing to do with Jesus. That week after taking medication for his skin disease, he got drunk. The combination of the medication and the alcohol led to his death. Petro attended his funeral and was shocked to witness this scene. This man’s family and friends took a bottle of alcohol and poured it all over his dead body and even poured some into his mouth as a send off into eternity - sadly he got exactly what he wanted, an eternity without Jesus. 

During the same week that this drunk man went out into eternity lost, a 90 year old witchdoctor came to Christ. In the ten years we have lived in Tanzania, this is only the second witchdoctor that has gotten saved through the ministry of any of our churches, so, it is a very rare occurrence! This man’s family are members of our church. They have witnessed to him about Christ on many occasions along with many attempts by Pastors Petro and Pelegrino to give him the gospel. He was never interested until recently. He was an old man in poor health, and he knew that his time on earth was coming to an end. Petro received word that the man would like him to come visit. Upon arriving at his home, the witchdoctor immediately informed Petro that he had turned to Christ and believed on Him for salvation. Petro was shocked and stunned even further by what took place next. The witchdoctor was bed-ridden at this point and could not do anything for himself. Since he was now a believer in Christ, he wanted to disassociate himself from all of his sorcery practices. He asked Petro to cut off the fetishes on his head, wrists, and ankles which he had worn to identify himself as a witchdoctor and to ward off evil spirits. To do this on his death bed obviously testified that he was trusting in Jesus now and not witchcraft. This all happened on a Monday. On Saturday Petro received news that this former witchdoctor had died and went to heaven. Petro preached his funeral and was able to share with the community this man’s powerful testimony.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see 

 life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” 

John 3:36

First Impressions (Guest Post)

Molly is a young lady from our home state of Tennessee. She is a member of one of our supporting churches. Her parents wanted her to have an opportunity to spend some time in Tanzania as she seeks the Lord's will for her life. The timing worked out for Molly to travel back to Tanzania with our family when we returned from our furlough. Its always nice to get a fresh perspective on the people, life and ministry here, so I asked her if she would jot down some of her first impressions...

Mwanza Town:  My first impression of Mwanza was that it felt like the beach. It is sandy and dry, there are palm trees, and the sun is hot since we are so close to the equator.

Driving: The driving is CRAZY! Sometimes I wondered if people here have a death wish - because they often drive like it. Sometimes it feels like a constant game of "chicken."

Church:  The church members are always honored to have American guests, and the kids want to touch your hair and hold your hand and play games with you. I loved going to church services. I loved the difference between how Africans worship and how Americans worship. Much of the music is a cappella, and even if its not, they clap to keep rhythm. Instead of applauding, they twist their tongues - a wildly joyful sound that makes me grin every time I hear it! The whole service is infused with rejoicing and an energy of worship. Church is definitely one of my favorite parts of life here.

The African Way of Life: I also enjoy how laid-back it is in Tanzania. Africans don't schedule and plan out their time like Americans do. Days are slow and easy - we go to town when we need to run errands, we go to church on Sundays, and in between, there's not much else. Housework and cooking take up some time, and the rest is taken up with people. Tanzanian culture is very people-oriented. Relationships are important. So we drop into their homes (or vice-versa) for chai (tea), or go on a walk and talk to those we meet on the street, or fellowship with other missionaries. There is always time for a good conversation.

One day, Pendo - a lady who works for the Brouwers - offered to make us and a visiting team lunch at her home. Abby Brouwer and Hannah Helsby joined me in going to her house to help prepare the food. We sat on a mat outside and chopped vegetables with homemade knives while Pendo and some other ladies stirred giant pots over open fires. The food was delicious - we had beef, beans, rice and vegetables. The team loved it all, and we had a great time of fellowship.

When I go back to my normal life in America, I am going to miss so many things about life here. Pendo, who taught me how to cook African food and helped me practice Swahili; the joyful worshipping in the church services; fellowship with the other missionaries; Tanzanian food, weather, and way of life. I am anxious to come back as soon as possible.

Church building requriements...

Land? Building permits? Surveying fees? Architectural drawings? Zoning clearance? How about a  MANGO TREE...

Back in May of 2012 the church in Fumagira helped Bonifice start a new church plant in the village of Kikano. They began meeting under a mango tree. 

At the beginning of the rainy season we purchased a tarp so the church could continue to meet in spite of the rain. Each week Bonifice arrives early in order to put up the tarp. And at the end of the service he takes it down and carries it back home. (This is done so that it is not stolen during the week.) 

Boniface continues to be faithful.  The church is now averaging 50-60 each Sunday. There are 30 baptismal candidates attending classes in preparation for our next baptism being held on Christmas Day.

Witchcraft in Tanzania: CNN Report

Click here to view an article/video by CNN 

concerning witchcraft in Tanzania. 

Over the years we have tried to express the spiritual environment that we face as we bring the Gospel message into villages steeped in witchcraft. We have tried to describe and explain the nature of the witchcraft practiced in Tanzanian villages.  We found this CNN "Inside Africa" report to be fair and accurate. There is one part in the report where an actual witchdoctor is interviewed, and  she performs a ceremony of spirit cleansing on camera. Listen to her as she talks about the spirits that control her. Satanism and witchcraft are real, and we fight real demons as we seek to bring the light of the Gospel into villages where Satan has held these people in bondage for hundreds of years.

By Errol Barnett, CNN

October 8, 2012 -- Updated 1655 GMT (0055 HKT)

Casting out demons

Today we heard a commotion just beyond our backyard fence. After listening for a moment we could recognize the all too familiar words of "TOKA, TOKA, KATIKA JINA LA YESU, TOKA!" In English this means "out, out, in the name of Jesus come out!" 

Casting out demons is a huge practice in Tanzania. I'm not saying there isn't demon possession and obsession, especially in a  animistic society like Tanzania. However, it is often screamed over and over again, only to be done the following week because it didn't work.

As we heard the lady crying out and the man shouting toka, Bill decided to take Pastor Pelegrino with him to see what was going on. They found a woman tied up and flailing in the dirt. The man casting out the demon was shouting loudly, with sweat dripping down his forehead. This went on for some time when he finally gave up. 

That is when Bill stepped into the kibanda (little open hut) with his Bible. As soon as he began sharing from the Word of God the woman stopped wailing and flailing in the dirt. They untied her and she sat up in her right mind. She was able to listen and answer questions. Bill proceeded to share the gospel with her. She didn't get saved, but she definitely heard the Truth!

Afterward Bill pulled the man aside who had been trying to cast out the demon. He told him, "Brother, you have no power in yourself to cast out a demon. It is the Word of God that has power! You just saw for yourself the power the Word has."

Now we can't say if this woman really and truly is possessed by a demon. However, we do know that God uses His Word and we'll continue to wield the powerful Sword of the Spirit as we fight against our enemy!

Salvation and a charm bracelet

Witnessing in Tanzania is nothing like in America. When we arrive at someone's hut we are offered the best seat available - usually a roughly made wooden chair. We sit outside and neighbors begin to gather. Yesterday was no exception. As Pastor Musa and I opened God's Word to share the Good News of the Gospel about 15 people gathered around to listen. One man in particular was especially attentive. About an hour later this young man said he wanted to receive Christ as his Savior.  

PRAISE THE LORD!

The next thing that happened has never happened to me personally. This young man, without us even talking about it, pulled off his charm (arm bracelet) and threw it down. He said now he didn't need a charm to ward off evil spirits anymore. Shall we say it again...

PRAISE THE LORD!

Please pray for Simoni to grow in his faith.

To bargain, or not to bargain??

Earlier this week our teammate, Lisa Newland, and I had fun shopping at an African Expo. It was interesting to see the different wares they were selling. Some from different areas of Tanzania, and some as far away as Uganda.

We also spent some time talking to a lady who is from Mwanza. She spoke English fluently - something we rarely ever hear. She was quite interesting to talk to. She teaches people how to do handy crafts that can be sold to make a living. She proceeded to tell us that one item may take hours and hours to complete. Then when the person tries to sell their wares people dicker over the price and the person might be left with little or no profit. However, if they've used all their money to travel into town to sell their wares, they have to sell them - even if they are practically giving them away - in order to get home. So they sell their wares far less than they are worth, only to go home discouraged and not wanting to waste their time again.

There is a conflict here. For the most part we bargain over everything we buy except groceries and medicines. (In fact, we've been known to bargain even in America at stores and with dentists!) Typically people start high, even higher for we wazungu (white people). The "rule" is to go about half of what they ask and then go back and forth until you agree on a price. So what are we to do when we are trying to bargain for a handmade item? I guess what we try to do, and will worker harder on now, is to think of how much we think the item is worth before we start the process. Then be happy when we agree to that price.

Below are the items I purchased. Most all of them I didn't even try to bargain because the price sounded reasonable right off the bat.

dress for my granddaughter made of kikoi

$8.13

wall hanging (5 ft long)

$15.63

cow horn (2 ft long) from Uganda

$6.25

Harvesting Rice

Each morning as I go for a walk I pass by these rice fields that are just down from our house. At first I didn't know if they would make it due to the lack of rain. However, when the rains did come they began to flourish. As the stalks began to grow I would watch as old men, women, or even children would stand in the middle of the rice paddies for hours. They had rocks in their hand ready to throw at any bird trying to steal the grains. Then it was time to let the paddies dry out in anticipation of cutting the stalks and removing the rice. This went on for a couple weeks. (Other farmers were happy with the continued rain since it came late this season. However, those wanting to harvest rice were hoping for sun!)

The long awaited day came and as Bill and I went for a morning walk there they were cutting down the stalks. As we returned home they had stalks around their feet and were beating bundle after bundle on a rock to remove the rice. It was quite interesting to watch them as they worked hard with very primitive means of harvesting their rice. (Notice the rock they are using to beat the ends of the stalks to remove the rice.)

I've watched for months the process of planting the seedlings. The carrying buckets of water when the rain was late in coming. The steady growth of the stalks. The patience of the people as they stood hour after hour in the fields protecting the grain from birds. The arduous task of wading through muddy water - oftentimes with snakes in it - to cut the stalks. Then the final task of beating the rice off the stalks. A much worked for and anticipated harvest!

This reminds me of our ministry as missionaries. We plant the seed of the Gospel in the hearts of people. We water those seeds with the Truth of the Word. We then need to be patient and protect these new believers from the lies of the Enemy. We also wait with anticipation for the day when Jesus will return and the Great Harvest will take place. 

And another angel came out of the temple, crying 

with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in 

thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for 

the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Revelation 14:15

People Watching

Downtown Mwanza, Tanzania

Don't you just love people watching?! Maybe at the mall when you sit down for a few minutes before you continue shopping. At a ballgame in between watching the game. Or perhaps it's in an airport. Wherever you find yourself enjoying a bit of people watching, it's always interesting.

Here in Africa I have done my fair share of people watching. Really it can't be helped. Much time is spent waiting. (If you know a patient missionary it's probably because they've done a lot of practicing!) Well, today I wasn't waiting, but rather I was walking. Walking is another thing we do a lot of. It is easier - and safer - to just park the car and walk to all the stops we need to make in town. Today was no different. So since we have to walk, why not enjoy it more by people watching! What struck me today was...

• Two men holding hands. I remember when we made our survey trip to Kenya and I thought, "Wow, I had no idea there were so many g@y men here!" In actuality the custom is for men to hold hands in friendship. You won't catch them holding their wife's hand, but another man's - definitely.
• Neckties for sale. There are street vendors all over the place selling their wares. I saw one guy who had a nice array of neckties. The part that made me smile was the fact that they were already tied and ready to be slipped over the head of the new owner. I can think of a few guys in our sending church who would like one of those!
• Dressed for a wedding. Ladies here wear their nicest clothes when they go to town. I often feel way under dressed in my jean skirt and t-shirt. One lady today had on a bright pink dress with sequins.  
• Seasonal clothing. You would think we don't have seasonal clothing in Africa, but nope. I often see men wearing a tobogon and a winter coat...in 80 degree weather! But then I also break out the sweatshirts when it gets anywhere below 75.
• T-shirts with sayings. It's always interesting to read the sayings on people's shirts here. With the language here being Swahili, and most used shirts being sold in English, it can be quite hilarious to read what they say. One time I saw a man walking down the street with a shirt that had an arrow pointing down and the word BABY above it. 

People watching doesn't start, nor stop with this mzungu (white person). We are watched continuously. From the time I walk out of my gate I have people watching everything I do. I also know for a fact that they find our kizungu ways quite entertaining. 

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:"

Proverbs 17:22a

DETOUR

We were headed to church in the village of Kitongo today when we had to take a detour.  Detours in the bush can be quite interesting. One is never sure where the "road" is going to take them - past gardens, cows, through ditches, or what. It could be a decent detour, or like on other trips we've taken it can be a maze of thinking we'll never arrive at our destination.

Today as we drove down paths in the middle of nowhere I thought about a different kind of detour we had to take in this village. The detour we had to take was dealing with the leader who had lied repeatedly. It was a difficult time of confronting the leader with his sin, and explaining to the congregation the need for him to step down for a period of time. In Tanzanian culture even pastors can just say sorry for their adultery and it is expected that he'll not only be forgiven, but will continue in his current ministry. The church was very young and didn't understand the needed actions. For months Bill gave extra attention to this church. He preached messages on what true forgiveness means, the consequences of sin, and how a leader is held to a higher standard. It was not an easy time for this leader, for the church, nor for us.

Just like a detour that can be like a maze that makes us question the outcome, so did this detour make us wonder what the end result would be. Would the leader repent and eventually be allowed to lead again? Would the church grasp the necessity of him stepping down?  Would this fledgling church survive such counter measures to their cultural ideas?

That was just over a year ago. The detour was long and windy, but I'm thrilled to report that this church is doing great! As we sat in the service with about 100 people present, we listened as this same leader - now  the pastor - as he led the service with a humble heart, and we rejoiced.  We rejoiced that this man submitted to the Lord and repented. We rejoiced that God is full of grace and is using this man again. We rejoiced that through this detour God reminded us again that He is faithful!

Headlights please!

As a general rule we don’t drive at night. Why is that? Well, several reasons really. One is that the roads are full of pedestrians, bicycles, motorcyclists driving like bicyclists, animals, carts, dala-dala (public transportation mini-vans) coming in and out of traffic, etc. Basically an obstacle course! People here have little to no exposure to actually driving behind the wheel of a vehicle so they don’t understand how hard it is to stop on a dime as they dart across the road. They don’t realize how hard it is to see someone walking, or the vendors selling their wares on the side of the road.

People here believe that if they turn on their headlights it will use up precious gas, so they wait until it is absolutely necessary to turn them on – obviously not as soon as I think it is absolutely necessary! Therefore, it is very difficult to navigate the roads and avoid hitting another car, or heaven forbid, a person.

Recently, however, I found myself driving home from a ladies retreat just as the sun was setting.  As I drove the hour to our house I thought of how a simple headlight can pierce the darkness and shed light on the way. If only they would turn on their headlights I could see them and the people walking around. It was then that the Lord reminded me of the verse in Luke 8:16:

"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth 

it under a bed; but sitteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in

 may see the light."

We as Christians have the light of the gospel. Is my light, is your light, shining in this dark world and showing the Way, or is it under a basket? It's good to ask ourselves, "If someone looking at my life were asked if I was a Christian, would they know?" As we examine our hearts, can we honestly say our life exemplifies Philippians 2:15? I surely pray so!

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, 

the sons of God, without rebuke, in the 

midst of a crooked and perverse 

nation, among whom ye shine as 

lights of the world;"