Tungamalenga - Namelok First Day

Our walk to visit two mothers who were sisters and victims of automobile accident involving eight people

We have been to Tungamalenga twice.  Once on our way to Ruaha National Park with the medical group and once for three days February 26, 27, 28 returning to Iringa March 1.  February 28th we were joined by Pastor Bonnie Wilcox and members of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Carol Sandberg, Nancy Johnson, Katie Madison and also with the Gustavus group were two SOTV members Bob Klefsass and Ben Olson.  This team had a wonderful time and exuded happiness and joy whenever we were together.

Lyn , Mollie, Barnabas, Angelina and Naftal 

On February 26th we arrived at Tungamalenga Camp and were greeted by Pastor Naftal and Doctor Barnabas; Angelina, Naftal's wife joined us.  Alice, Barnabas's wife was in Iringa having some medical tests and with her was her oldest son who was leaving for six months of government service.  Fadili was with her so that Barnabas did not feel so much like he needed to be with her for the medical tests.  After lunch we were introduced to our driver Isiah with  his car that took us to seven preaching points.  Driving on the main road toward Ruaha, we turned right and down a road and path until we reached the Masaai Namelok preaching point chapel which is still under construction; the first chapel had fallen down.  The undamaged metal sheets from the original chapel will help complete the project soon.

We walked to the home of a young mother who had been in an automobile accident.  She was lying on a mat with her head on pillow and her cell phone beside her.  Barnabas examined her and asked questions; she had 21 stitches.  Naftal gave a prayer.  So she received a doctor's visit and pastoral call at the same time.

Anna Mugema victim of automobile accident with Dr Barnabas.

There were eight accident victims and 20 people were away from our preaching point meeting helping care for victims of the accident.  

Rose  Mugema,older sister, also accident victim with Dr. Barnabas.

Barnabas used the back of his hand to check for heat around her swollen knee.  He suspected broken bones.  She should be sent for further examination.  Angelina and Naftal prayed.

Paulo Masinga and Pastor Naftal Ng'amillo 

We were surprised to see Paulo Masinga at the this home.  Paulo will make sure that Rose will be able to get to the clinic for examination.

 This was the first time we had seen Paulo since he had been invited to visit SOTV in October.  He was making a pastoral visit, but we had time to help him celebrate his invitation.  He is very happy to be coming.

The daughter of Rose Mugema was introduced to us.  Below is the picture of Rose we first met her. After only a few minutes she and her sister were ready in traditional Masaai dress for the meeting at the Preaching Point.

Agatha Kyaa, daughter of second accident victim.  

 Ngeshwan Kuyaa and Agatha Kuyaa  Form IV and III

Mother of two sisters who were injured on car accident

 As we left for the preaching point area we could hear singing, and it seemed unusually beautiful to me.  The standing woman in the picture to the left is the mother of the two sisters injured in an automobile accident.  She was chosen to join me in planting a  small cutting of a mango tree.  I felt deeply for her concern for her daughters and I was thrilled to be doing something that will last a long time and was so meaningful for both Lyn and me. Lyn planted a tree with one of the men elders.  They are pictured  below.

The singing was very nice and I asked
Barnabas and Naftal what the songs were about.  The didn't know, because it was in Masaai.

Lyn and church elder planting mango tree.

Evangelist Daniel Kifuko looking a calendar we had given them.  

What a great time we had.  There are 40 to 45 members.  They thanked us for all this partnership means to them.  We left feeling very much a members of this partnership.