God Got Their Attention

These two stories come from one church in our area that has a mix of Maasai and some other people groups.  The pastor related these 2 separate incidents that occurred within the last month.

Story # 1

A man riding his bicycle passed by this particular church every Sunday.  The pastor and members invited him to the worship time consistently.  His response was always "I have to go work in my shamba - shahm baa (garden) and work on the fereji - feh reh gee (irrigation ditch) which brings water into my shamba. I am expecting a large crop and need to work instead of coming to church".

This scenario was repeated for several months.  Then one day, the pastor received a cell phone call from this gentleman.  He was in a panic.   Some other Tanzanians had bought the property adjoining his shamba.  One planted a large crop and the other built a house.  Both of these men had diverted the fereji so that the water could be used only by them.

His anticipated "large yield" from his four acre shamba would now only produce about 1 bushel of corn.

The pastor prayed for him and invited him to the worship service the next Sunday.

The hard working farmer who had put his work, shamba, and fereji before God was there Sunday morning.


Story # 2

This same pastor and church members had been inviting a woman to attended their worship time for serveral months.  She refused their invitations saying that "she had to tend to her goats and no one could tend them like she could so she could not leave them".

This continued for several weeks.

Then one Sunday morning, this lady came to the worship time.  When a time for testimonies was opened up for the members to share, this goat herder was the first to speak.  She related her story that one day as she was watching her goats, one of them stood straight up from grazing, stopped eating, and then fell over dead.  This scene was repeated several times in the next few minutes.  None of the animals were sick or had eaten anything toxic.   She then cried out to God, asking her to forgive her for neglecting Him and His church and promised to be at worship the next Sunday.  She followed through on her promise and was there to share her story.  She said that she would not miss another Sunday barring any unforeseen circumstances.

God works in unique ways and in unique circumstances to get our attention and show us what is really important in life -- a relationship with Him in worship and service.

What is God doing in your life?
Any of your "ferejis" been diverted or blocked off lately?
Any of your "goats" mysteriously died in recent days?

Dirty Feet

During devotions while the Black Forest Academy (BFA) team from Kandern Germany was working in Longido, the focus that night was serving.  This theme was visually demonstrated by the leaders of the group washing the feet of the students who were participating on this trip.  Then they encouraged the students to follow the example of serving in their everyday lives.  As the students were planning the activities for the Abernathy Primary School the next day, one of the students suggested that they wash the feet of the teachers at the school in front of the entire student body during the daily worship time.  The rationale was that they could demonstrate serving to the teachers and students symbolically and then admonish them to go and serve their fellow students, their homes and the surrounding community in various ways.  The idea was embraced and plans were made to do this the next day.

On the following day, the head master was presented this idea and consulted with on whether or not this would be appropriate culturally as well as within the school setting and also to get permission from the teachers for their participation.

All was authorized and the day's activities began in earnest.

The worship time came, the BFA group led out in singing.
The announcements were completed.
Then the all the elementary teachers were asked to come to the front of the assembly, which met under a very large acacia tree in the school yard.
The teachers were seated on benches.

The the BFA group leader told the story of Jesus washing the disciple's feet and how this was an example of serving others.  He then explained that the BFA students would wash the teacher's feet as an example of how Jesus showed us serve others.
The BFA group removed the teacher's shoes (and socks if any), washed the teacher's feet, prayed individually for them.

The students watched in awe and speechlessness (which is rare) as these "white visitors" performed this service for their teachers.







The service concluded with a song and an admonishment from the BFA leader that the  elementary school students should follow example and be servants in their school, homes and community through their words, actions and work.
Silence prevailed as the students were dismissed to their remaining classes

Later, the BFA students related that they were able listen to and answer many questions that the students asked concerning this most "unusual event" which occurred at their school.

Needless to say, this was the topic of conversation in many bomas (bow mahs -- homes) that night and on into the following days.
The community impact will be realized in the days and weeks to follow.
Let us pray for these students as they serve in their school, homes, and community