Final Approach

Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania

You have heard the pilot say, as you near your destination, “We are now beginning our descent and final approach and we will soon be landing.” That is how we are feeling as we approach the end of our term in East Africa. This last portion of our flight has been smooth and satisfying. A lot of our time has been overseeing translation of some materials into Swahili and writing study materials. With these projects completed or nearing completion, we have reached another important goal.

Translation Review Team (from the left):
Frida Magai, Joe, Mafuru Neke, Pastor Michael Lubingu

Our time at Morogoro Mennonite Church has been profitable. We meet regularly with a group of 10-12 local leaders and we enjoy good discussions. It is encouraging to see persons serious about understanding the Bible and how it applies to them. The church is moving forward under the faithful leadership of Pastor Michael Lubingu.

Pastor Michael Lubingu and his wife Selestina

We have enjoyed living in the town of Morogoro. Our house has been provided by a missionary couple from Africa Inland Mission who is on furlough, so we are “house-sitting” for them. From our back yard we see the beauty of the Uluguru Mountains, and we enjoy watching the changes due to clouds, shadows, etc.

The first weekend of June we will attend an interdenominational and interfaith Peace Seminar in Dar es Salaam, sponsored in part by Mennonite Central Committee. The last week of June we will leave Morogoro and drive to Arusha, then leave from the Kilimanjaro International Airport July 2. As we enter our “final approach,” we are reminded of the many people who have contributed to make this time possible. Thank you sincerely. We feel so blessed.