Critters in the Church

We have attended church in a variety of settings in Tanzania - buildings, under trees, roof shelters with no walls, tents, etc.  The variety of these worship settings is enhanced by the variety of "creatures" who attend also.  We have had dog fights break out, cows, goats and sheep "wander" through our gatherings, chickens, monkeys, baboons, and cats "add their input" to our services.  


 Once we were attending a worship time at our church at KIA (near Kilimanjaro International Airport hence KIA) and noticed that we had had an early visitor before we started.  There on the dusty dirt floor was a perfect "S" pattern in the dirt that started at one wall and went across the structure to the opposite wall.  A small bit of skin was still clinging to the bottom of the metal roof sheet that formed one of the walls.  Needless to say, all were very "alert" during our service as everyone kept an eye on the wall and floor to see if our visitor would return during our time together.  Fortunately, it never showed up, and we continued using our "object lesson" as we talked about the fall of man with Adam and Eve and how Satan took the form of a snake to make the fall complete.  Several wondered if Satan had not returned to our service to "check out his ongoing work".  

Another interesting day at church: While worshipping at Emunge Baptist Church one Sunday it was the first time one of the young Maasai herders actually brought his herd of goats to the service. There were around 20-25 goats climbing all over the huge rock hill that forms part of Emunge's tree church. They were so close that I could reach out and pet them. They stayed around for the singing then meandered off to the area right below the church. One never knows what you will encounter when you meet under a tree.


Never a dull moment here!  Karibuni Tanzania worship services!!