 |
| Carrying water by bicycle from Lake Victoria. |
We were reminded of these words in the last several weeks
through the experiences we’ve had in a visit to Dar and Nairobi. Despite the
sweltering heat and the severe dryness of the earth in most of East Africa, we hope in knowledge that there is a time
when the refreshing rains will come. People, cattle, and the earth are
suffering from the lack of rain. Every effort seems to be focused on
surviving--getting water, finding food for cattle and for children and fending
off disease.
Churches too are struggling to survive, trying to find ways
to build buildings and develop programs with the scarce funds that can be
gathered from here and there. And yet, amidst the drought, new congregations
are being formed, new vision is being developed for people outside the normal
circle of Mennonites, and a new way of partnering together is being birthed.
 |
| Bishop Steven Mang'ana and Pastor Abner Mathube, pastor of Upanga Mennonite Church, at the opening of the new Kisota Mennonite Church |
Bishop Steven Mang’ana and churches in Dar es Salaam are
looking at ways to serve the people of the coastal areas. Bishop Albert Randa
in Mwanza is making plans to bring services to rural villages. We recently
heard of the growth of Mennonite churches in Uganda. And we are challenged by
the spiritual vitality we are seeing among youth and young adults in Tanzania,
even as some churches and leaders seem focused on programs and prestige, rather
than true spirituality.
We believe God is doing a new thing among us. He has
promised, “I will pour water on the
thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon your
descendants, and my blessing on your offspring. They will spring up like a
green tamarisk, like willows by flowing streams.” Isa.44:3-4
 |
| "Clouds without rain, blown along by the wind." (Jude 12) |
Pray with us for refreshing rains for this dry land and for
the rain of the spirit to wash and refresh the people of the church. We trust
God knows the season we are in and in time will bring us into a fruitful, more
abundant season.
