Day of Grace

Day of Grace was a  one and one-half day retreat for Pastors and their wives which was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Benjamin Ngede.  Last year the pastors were invited to a similar retreat.  This year's retreat provided medical assessments for the pastor's spouses and for pastors who did not have a medical assessment last year.  The first evening was registration, fellowship, a welcome, announcements, evening music, and early dinner.

 The following morning, there was diabetes testing, followed by breakfast.  The featured speaker for the morning session was Professor Muta on "Marriage Relationship."  The stress on pastors and their wives is a big concern and it is hoped that this retreat will enable the family to understand and deal with the everyday crises for the pastor and his family.

 At lunch time, the medical staff from Ilula arrived to do checks of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, visual screening, personal medical history and physical examinations.  At check out each person was given a follow up with special directives for serious medical conditions.  Some serious issues were addressed, but due to confidentiality, I am not giving details.  At least one person was referred to the hospital for urgent attention.

Pastor's seminars included  Entrepreneurship, a presentation by Barclay's Bank, and a Bible Study centered on the family.  The spouses had seminars on Water Hygiene, Self-Breast Exams, and a presentation by Pamela Gavile whose husband Dean Blastone Gavile is part of the Leadership Team for the 2013 Day of Grace.  

Lyn and I helped take pictures of all the pastors and their spouses.  Lyn continued to take pictures and I helped with measuring weight and height and also folded gauze for the diabetes check.

The second day ended with a light meal, prayer, and sending.
Here are a few highlights:

Rev. Lusungu Msigwa and Rev Tom Hansen Opening Worship

Dr. Saga and Dr. Hurley giving presentation regarding diabetes test.

                                      Dr. Ann and Interpretor Irene

Dr. Rik - Check out and follow up

Rev. Paulo Masinga and family from Tungamalenga with Mollie

 Rev. Naftal and Anjelina Ng'amilo from Tungamalenga

 Rev. Barnabas and Elice Kahwage form Tungamalenga

The Iringa pastors came to one of three sessions.  The first session was for pastors very near to Iringa Town.  The Tuesday - Wednesday session was for pastors farther away and the Thursday - Friday session was for those farthest away.  Our village pastors came on Thursday except for Paulo Masinga and family who came on Wednesday and Thursday.  

Buffet Line for Day of Grace

Special times I will remember fondly.  Opening Worship on the second day with Rev Tom Hansen giving a message based on the Prodigal Daughter with a skit including the blonde prodigal daughter (Rev Msigwa) trying to make friends with  a pig (Rev Tom Hansen)-a powerful message about forgiveness.  I was amazed at the catering service provided by Emery Kiwanga.  Food was prepared almost a block away and brought up hill, down steps and then up steps for the buffet line.

There were many happy reunions of pastors and their wives.  The group gained new knowledge of how to deal with the stress of being a pastor and pastor's wife.  The health screenings provided valuable advice and provided follow up where needed.  Six days of caring by pastoral, medical, and lay people gave the message that we thank the pastors and their wives their ministry.