) Love is stronger

April 18 – May 13 we were in East Africa to follow up our four year efforts to develop a training program for Tanzania and Kenya Mennonite church leaders. What we encountered was beyond our expectations. The day after we arrived in Dar es Salaam, Friday afternoon, we were walking along a busy street with a wide sidewalk. Without warning, a motorcycle approached us from behind and skillfully grabbed Gloria’s purse from her shoulder, and soon disappeared by weaving through the traffic. Others on the sidewalk saw it happen, but were unable to do anything to stop him. However they were concerned, thankful that Gloria was not injured, and offered to help us go to the police to file a report. Fortunately, we had left our passports at the hotel, but she did have cash we were carrying for unexpected travel expenses.
Two days later, Sunday, Joe was invited to preach the two worship services at the Segerea Mennonite Church in Dar es Salaam. At each service, Pastor Emmanuel Hagai announced what happened and invited the congregation to give contributions to help make up the loss. After the services, we were handed an envelope with the equivalent of about $90, which we humbly and gratefully accepted, knowing it was given by persons who are not wealthy financially, but willing to sacrifice to show their love and concern for us. They gave “not out for their wealth, but out of their poverty,” as Jesus said of the widow in the temple (Mark 12:44). Their generous love helped to heal our feelings of loss and violation.