How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1-3)

After a weekend in Dar es Salaam, a time of renewing friendships and interviewing several people about the history of Mennonites in the city, we traveled to Arusha, where a seminar was in progress for the five new bishops that had been ordained about one month earlier, along with the two bishops who continue to serve. To many Tanzanian Mennonites, the selection and ordination of these leaders is a source of hope for the future of Tanzania Mennonite Church. We saw a new sense of vision and spirituality as they talked about building peace, unity and love. Their discussions included ways to work towards their vision to grow from the present 65,000 members to 1 million by 2034, which is the 100 year anniversary of Mennonites in Tanzania. They agreed to continue meeting and to visit each other, strengthening their unity and vision.

In Psalm 133, the psalmist compares unity among leaders as the oil of anointing for service, and as the refreshing dew that promises new life. The new vision is aggressive, but not impossible for those who are called and empowered by God.

Tanzania Mennonite bishops, wives, and seminar attendees in Arusha, April 25-28, 2017