Day Eighteen: Worship & We Begin to Say Farewell

Sunday morning at worship -- more baptisms.

John greets the congregation.  He thanked us for inviting him, for feeding him well, for keeping him warm all the time.  

He thanked us for the many things we have done with our partnership in Tungamalenga -- the Mahove water project, the dispensary ward, the many chapels we help to roof, the goat project, the mosquito project, the piki piki [motorcycle] provided for the pastor of the new congregation at Makifu.  He thanked us for the scholarship program, noting that Shepherd of the Valley provides more scholarships than any other congregation involved in the Bega Kwa Bega partnership between St Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese.  He noted that we don't stop at providing secondary scholarships, but also college and master's degree scholarships.  He reminded us that he was one of our first six scholarship students back in 2002, and that he would not have been able to continue his education without our assistance.

John said that while he has known for a long time about our congregation's generosity to the people of Tungamalenga, he was glad to learn of our work in our own community.  He spoke of visiting the food shelf and being surprised to learn that we give that food away freely.  He noted the kindness of the volunteers. He mentioned the generous hearts of the children in Godzone who have raised the funds for the piki piki.

"I really, really appreciate all that you are doing."

Pastor Chris thanked John for his visit and said that he looks forward to meeting John again next summer, when 27 Shepherd of the Valley members in two groups will be in Tanzania.

Pastor John delivered the benediction in Swahili.  

One of our members (someone who has not traveled to Tanzania) wrote on the church's Facebook page: "Pastor John's blessing today brought tears to my eyes. In Swahili, or English, or whatever, we are in His presence.  Thanks be to God!"

Many people wanted a word with Pastor John after worship.

Many, many people greeted John after worship.

John greets Barb Schulz's family.

Three services this morning -- John brings his greetings to the 11 AM assembly.

Pastor Mary thanked him for being with us. 

John was among the pastors distributing Holy Communion at 11.

John spent a quieter afternoon at the home of Richard and Nancy Nonini.  He said he wanted to watch American football.  He took a nap and emailed with Addy.

At 6 PM, we shared a meal with an intimate group who each brought a dish to share.  Some were from Shepherd of the Valley, some from other congregations.  Some had met John in Tanzania, others met John here.

Pastor Diane and Pastor John led worship. 

We sang with drums and a little dancing.  

Listen, listen God is calling.

We are marching in the light of God.

Baba Yetu.

Bwana U sehemu yangu.

Pastor John preached, or as he described it, spoke from the heart.

He offered a word of thanks, elaborating on the topics he had spoken of earlier in worship, but with no time constraints.  He made us laugh, he made us cry a little.  He made us so grateful for knowing him and seeing events through his eyes.

Asante sana, Pastor John.

After John spoke, we had an offering.  Instead of an offering of money, the assembly was asked to offer stories of how John has touched our lives, either stories from our time together in Tanzania or of our time together here in Minnesota.

I told of the many times John has assisted us on our visits, translating, carrying our bags, rescuing us from trouble, accompanying us on our journeys, even setting aside his plans to come to our aid.

Everyone has a story about John, and many, many of us count him as "best friend."

We celebrated Holy Communion. 

Pastor John gave the benediction in Swahili.

Rafiki.  Ben Kilgore, John, Char Kilgore.

John with the Miller family -- Susanne, Sam, Seth, Brad.

Brad described John's smile as being like the Mary Tyler Moore show's theme song, one that can "turn the world on with his smile."

Rev. Gary and Carol Langness blessed us with their presence.

All in all, another great day with John.

Tomorrow:  John has a new laptop computer, and Ben has been loading software on the hard drive.  Ben and John will meet early in the morning to get oriented.  Judy Anderson will be taking John on a few last sight seeing jaunts.  There will be lunch at Mim Campbell's.  In the evening, John will meet for dinner and a meeting with our Tanzania Partnership Steering Committee.  We will be asking John to help us debrief or evaluate his trip, we will make notes for future visits, we will be considering several requests for funding, and take care of other partnership business.  We invite John to observe and advise, as a way of learning how we make partnership decisions on this side of the ocean.

We keep Addy and the baby in our prayers, grateful for the time we have had with John and trusting that she is well cared for while he is here.