It's Who You Know and Who You Are With

On 03 November 2012, we attended the graduation ceremony at Mount Meru University (MMU), near Arusha Tanzania.  We went primarily for the seminary branch (tawi) graduates.  Several who are and/or work with Maasai were finishing well and were receiving top honors for all their studies and hard work.

Pam and I arrived early.  We greeted many people who we had seen recently and not so recently, as well as the graduating tawi class.

We went to find some seats since the graduation was outside, chairs had been set under tents, and a light rain was beginning to fall.

Many seats were available so we made our selection, placed some things in our seats, and proceeded to visit with several acquaintances.  After a few minutes, we were informed by ushers that our first seat selection was in the graduate seating section.

We promptly moved our things to other seats as the crowds were starting to arrive.  As we sat down, several groups of Maasai, who were there to support their graduates, sat all around us.  We greeted many of them and had a great time visiting with them.

An usher came up to us and asked us if we had "formal printed invitations" as only those with these in their possession could sit in the chairs.  If you did not have an invitation, you had to stand until seats became available.

We knew 14 of the graduates but had not received one actually printed invitation.  They all invited us through phone text messages and face to face.

So, Pam turned to the usher and said, "We are with all of them", pointing to all the Maasai who were already seated.  They certainly were distinguished with their festive clothing and jewelry.

"Oh, " the usher replied, "Ok, you all can stay here"

No one was going to question us with all our Maasai friends there.

No one was going to question or challenge the Maasai either.

It truly is who you know and who you are with that helps in certain situations!

Mountain of God

Recently, I went to the Engaresero area to finalize some logistics for a volunteer coming to work there.
I spent several days there getting things ready, visiting with officials, asking people to publicize our coming visit, and making new friends.

One lady, Naomi, who owns a small eating establishment, asked when I was leaving and if she could have a ride to Arusha.  I did have room so I said yes.  In kind, she gave me a free breakfast the morning of our departure and a banana on the way.




On our 6 hour trip, she related this story concering a female American tourist.  This tourist had visited the area and learned that the Maasai still climb Oldonyo L'engai (The Mountain of God) to offer sacrifices for different things -- protection of their herds, increase in their herds, victory over enemies, etc.  They usually offer a sheep, goat, or cow as the sacrifice.  This American tourist had never had any children although she had tried over the years with her husband.  This woman proceded to buy a sheep and goat and then climbed up Oldonyo L'engai with some Maasai men and women to offer sacrifices on her behalf to have a child.  After her safari and sacrifices, she left the area and returned the to the USA.

Naomi then related that the woman returned to the Engaresero area 1 1/2 years  later with an small child!  This woman, shortly upon her return to the USA, had become pregnant and delivered a healthy baby.  She came back to the area of her "sacrifice" to show her child to all who had helped her in her efforts to offer a sacrifice and plead for a child.  She sponsored a big sherehe (Shay ray hay) or celebration commemorating the birth of her child and the answer she received from God evidenced in her new baby.

What do you think about this?

Tawi Graduates -- at Last!!

There are several students at the Mount Meru Seminary Branch or Tawi (Tah wee) who graduated on 03 November 2012.  The students I am referring to are Maasai students as well as those who work with Maasai in various areas.

These male students attend the tawi four years, earning a certificate in theological studies.  These students attend 4 times per year for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, traveling from their homes to the tawi campus. Then they return home to study and complete practical assignments.  During the next tawi session all students give a report of their activities and completed assignments .

The tawi days are long -- 8 am until 5 or 6 pm -- with breaks for tea at 10:30 am and 4 pm along with lunch from 12:30 - 2 pm.  This schedule runs Monday through Saturday.  The evenings and nights are spent studying for classes and tests.  Sundays are spent in practical ministry in areas close to their campus.

Another requirement of the tawi is that the wives of the male students attend tawi for 3 years.  They attend 3 to 4 times per year for approximately 7 to 10 days at a time.  The husbands must sign a commitment that they will care for their children while "mama is away studying".  This agreement separates those who are serious about their training from those just looking "to get some more education".  This provision in the tawi program ensures that the wife as well as the husband is prepared and well equipped to serve in a church and the community.   This training ensures a balanced ministry where men, woman, and children are ministered to by these graduates.

We were pleased and very proud when we learned that the top male student was one of "our" guys and the top female student was the wife of one of "our" guys. We are blessed to be able to serve along side these godly men and women.

Our congratulations (Hongera Sana - Hohn ger ah  Sah nah) to our proud 2012 tawi graduates!
May you serve God greatly in the places He has prepared for you all!!