A "road" trip to our sister parish. — Report and pictures were received Tue July 20.
Monday July 19th, in Iringa, Tanzania:
The trip to Lukani was an interesting one, both dusty and bumpy, and we think we have it bad with road construction! On the way, we had to completely backtrack and find a new path as a bridge on our planned route was washed out during the spring rains. The picture above shows how we had to get out and walk for fear the bus would tip over going up this hill. The trip took us three and one-half hours to go approximately 35 miles. We sang, slept, read, and just looked at the beautiful scenery and the people. It is especially fun to see the smiling faces as we pass by on the bus. Everyone waves and they appear to be genuinely happy to see Wzungu (white people). Some of the little children run away crying because they have never seen Wzungu.
Our arrival at Lukani was not as we expected, nor as they expected, since they weren’t expecting us!!! Saturday left us frequently confused as members of the congregation went to find Pastor Msigwa and begin preparations for our two night stay, not a small undertaking when 14 of us descended on this small village. Throughout the afternoon and evening, we saw villagers hauling mattresses and beds from their homes to the locations we were staying. There was no schedule so we hung out and made our own connections, had devotions and sang for the gathering group of children. Saturday was a much more "laid back" experience than we had in 2001. In the evening the stars shine so bright because of the altitude and the total lack of light due to their having no electricity in this area. Shooting stars are abundant.
Pastor Jim is seeking a call in Tanzania where he'll finally be tall! Pictured above are Pastor Kiponda, our translator and Pastor Msigwa, pastor of Lukani with P.J. The group is in front of the altar at the main preaching point in Lukani. Behind Pastor Jim is the banner we brought in 2001.
Sunday was filled with a 4 hour worship service and visits to several preaching points. We were once again thrilled with the African music and dance we experienced at all the preaching points we visited. Pastor Msigwa is a young, dynamic preacher only three years out of seminary. Her husband is an evangelist and they have a 2 year old son named Rigote.
Pastor Jim was honored to receive, on behalf of St. Stephen, this rooster we named PJ along with four hens, named Lisa, Margery, Peggy and Jerri (sorry for the spelling, Jerry, but it IS a female!) The quote of the day "How do you hold a chicken?" Pastor Jim. This particular rooster and one of the hens, on the day we were leaving Lukani, made a spectacular dash for freedom. This resulted in a five minute chase in which Cheryl wholeheartedly jumped in to begin the action. After running wildly through the corn stalks the rooster was finally captured by our Lukani hosts. The chickens were taken back to Iringa and given to the Ngedes.
The long hours on the bus led to some interesting activities. Corri Manning (Pete and Mary Lou Linder's granddaughter) helped Jim have a "hair raising" experience on the way back to Iringa.
Finally, our brothers and sisters in Lukani send their prayers and greetings in Lukani to the whole St Stephen congregation!
