St. Stephen's Monday Update

(This is written by Dean and Tracy}

Well it is Sunday morning we are getting ready for church this morning. Dean and I have to both do the sermon (yes you can all stop laughing now!) The village is a place filled with much joy, singing and a love of the Lord. On Thursday we had quite a welcome….we were met about 1-½ miles from the church by children with signs and singing. Dean and I hopped out to walk, OK dance with them. A little further up the road teenagers joined us, then the Mama’s then the Baba’s. When all were gathered there was traditional dancing of praise and thanksgiving!  Pastor John and Garrett when you see the  videos and hear the music that we have experienced Dean and I may need more movement in church….we cannot wait to show all of you the video’s (with sound) of the musical experience we have had. On Friday we went to all the preaching points that make up the Ihimbo area. Our Pastor Zabron must get to the points on foot or bike----it took us over 1-½ hours by Land Cruiser to get to the farthest point! Pastor Zabron has not asked for (but the head of the south area has suggested) how much easier it would be if he had a motorbike. That is certainly something that Dean and I also see the need for after our travels.  Each preaching point (Mtaa Wa) is very different. We traveled into the mountains (rocky hills) and saw churches that were constructed by the church members by making bricks, carrying stones and than making the structure as a congregation. Each was different and unique. At each of the stops we were fed and had Chai tea. Yes 6 times we had to eat and drink!!!! WE will certainly share in more detail about each point and how the Bega Kwa Bega money has helped and what the future plans are for each point.  Today is the day that gifts are given during service.  The bikes will be presented. The alter cloths given and then crosses handed out to the children! I am sure we are in for quite an experience. I must get out into the common area as they are preparing for breakfast. We cannot wait to share the pictures (thousands by now!) videos (many!) and audio that we have taken. We think that you will enjoy the experience as much as we have! Blessings to all back home and see you in about a week.

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Today (Sunday) was a happy day and a sad day. After a quick breakfast we walked to Ihimbo church for the last time. First, we presented to each sponsored student in attendance a bible, a sponsor letter and the other items sent to them. We reminded them to keep working hard! We also gave the crosses to the Sunday school kids that were there. Word must have spread quickly through the village about the free crosses and candy. We gave out more after the service and ended up running out!

The church service was very emotional. It was filled with the sweet sound of Swahili worship! Every once in a while, Tracy and I would recognize the notes of what was being sung or the cadence of what was being read. Their worship book must be similar to ours.

At one point in the service we presented our gifts. Perhaps the highlight of the gift-giving was the presentation of the six bikes to the Evangelists. The Bibles and altar cloths were also well-received by the Evangelists. The large bags of rice and beans were given. Also, Pastor John’s gift of a Pastor’s shirt was presented to Pastor Zabron.

After Pastor Zabron delivered his message, Tracy and I were invited to preach. We were worried about how well we would do, but we managed without too much trouble.

The choirs sounded wonderful. Tracy and I have some ideas for Garrett!

After the service, people gathered outside the church to auction off items offered during communion. Items for sale included eggs, vegetables, baskets and a chicken. Tracy and I successfully purchased the chicken for 5000TSH and presented it to the pastor!

Following the auction we met with Pastor Zabron, the Evangelists, and several other important Ihimbo church members. We were presented with a plan for Ihimbo moving forward. Tracy and I did not agree to anything, but a few of their requests seemed quite reasonable if not downright necessary for them to gain forward momentum as a Church. We told them we would communicate their requests to St. Stephen’s for consideration.

When we walked back to Pastor Zabron’s home, we knew our visit would soon be over. We ate another meal and packed our bags.

Tracy’s 91-year-old preaching point dancing partner was a special guest at the Pastor’s home for lunch. Someone had recognized that Tracy had formed a bond with him and had invited him inside. This man had walked several miles to the Ihimbo service JUST because Tracy was so kind to him the other day. Before we left, Tracy insisted that our driver give the old gentleman and his wife a ride home before we left for Iringa!

Our goodbyes were not easy. We had made new friends and now we had to leave them. We assured Pastor Zabron and the people gathered outside his home that we would come back, somebody would come back, to continue our relationship. In our hearts we wished it to be a certainty.

There are several Swahili phrases that begin with the words, “God willing”. The words seem appropriate here. God willing, Tracy and I will return. God willing, someone from St. Stephen’s will return, to visit the small piece of Heaven called Ihimbo and continue our “bega kwa bega” journey.

The last two pictures I took at Ihimbo:

-Baba Joel and Mama Aaron  (A name puzzle for you!)