Church in the Countryside

Masimike Church  with Sunday School Students

On Sunday February 10, Pastor Don and Eunice invited us to go to Don's preaching assignment at Masimike (Christ Lutheran Church on the Hill Companion Congregation).  It is in the country and the scenery made us feel as if were in the Appalachians or the Alps; it is very hilly with tree-covered mountains in the distance.  Don's interpreter was  Pastor Aikam Chavalla who is interim district pastor for this parish.  The green of the hills and fields against red of the soil are in bright contrast.

Pastor Don and Eunice Signing Register in Pastor's office attached to his home

Pastor Amidu, Loveness, Rachel, and Rayness Msunga

Pastor Amidu Msunga's education was sponsored by Christ the King in New Brighton.  He has been at Masimiki since September 2011.  Pastor Amidu  married Rachel during his second year at Tumaini University studying Theology.  Before the service we were invited to tea served by the women of the church in the pastor's home.  

Lyn noted that Rayness has her Daddy's eyes

Tea, Potatoes, and Rolls for us before church service at Pastor's home

Ushers lead Pastors and Eunice to Church Service

There are 10  Preaching Points for this parish and before the formation of a new congregation there were 17 preaching points. The church service was filled with music and the message given by Pastor Don and interpreted by Pastor Aikam reminded us that we need to be open to God's message for us and for us to be ready to answer calls outside our comfort zone.  Communion followed with individual communion cups, some filled just before distribution.

Church Treasurer and Church Elder filing Communion glasses just before  distribution

 Church Parish announcements:  they are collecting money for a new motor bike; there is a cow coming for the church next week.  There will be an Ash Wednesday service this week.  (All these announcements are subject to my misunderstanding the message.)   That being said, Eunice and I shared a wonderful interpreter Lucas Shija who is from East of Lake Victoria in the Mwanza Diocese.  Lucas is a 4th year Diploma Theology Student at Tumaini University and plans to return to his home Diocese - ELVD - Evangelical Lutheran Victoria Diocese.  I am sad that I don't have his picture.

Sunday School

Sunday School was held before church and Eunice, Lyn and I went to hear them sing while Don and Aikam were polishing up the fine points of the sermon and it's translation.  

Leader of Sunday School Choir in white shirt

Sunday School Teacher Counted Students and Collected Offering

Lyn is playing video of their singing and they like it

Parents of Students

We were asked to say a few words to the congregation during the church service.  I mentioned the wonderful singing and their beautiful children and I think I heard a murmur of appreciation when what I said was interpreted.  Christ Lutheran sponsors seven students and they are in school or away from home, so we thought it would be nice to take pictures of their proud parents.  Four parents came to see us. They all were grateful and happy to have their pictures taken.  They are so happy that Christ Church has given them this generous gift. 

Mother of Dominica Mlelewa .  She is at Ukumbi in Form IV

Father of Dora Mwinuka. She is in Form I at Pommern

Mother of Eliud Tweve.  He is in Form IV

Mother of Ephremu Mdota.  He is in Form IV

After church the Evangelists and the partnership committee shared a meal with us in the pastor's home-more tasks for the Women of the Church.  

Three  Women of the Church who served our meals and accepted our thanks

Church Evangelists

Church Evangelists with Pastor Amidu and Pastor Aikam

Partnership Committee

Partnership Committee

In the closing remarks and before we left for our return trip to Iringa.  Their message to us and to Christ Church was that we came to see them and they loved us.  

There couldn't have been a more gracious reception given us on this beautiful Sunday.