Reflections from the first group
Time in Tanzania is winding down for the first group of Tanzania travelers. Here are a few reflections they have offered.
A Gospel text came into my mind last night as I was reflecting on our experiences these past ten days. It is the text where a Pharisee asks Jesus which is the greatest commandment. Jesus replies to love your God with all your heart, soul and might, AND to love your neighbor as yourself. I saw Jesus' words being lived out this past week in tiny remote villages in Tanzania. It was amazing to see such a diverse group of people from various tribes and cultures -- Hehe, Maasai, Barabeig, Africans and Americans, rich and poor, coming together in one place in song and dance and fellowship to give praise and thanks to the God who created this beautiful and diverse world. A very diverse group of people who are all one people in Christ where there is no distinction between race, status or heritage. The love for God and neighbor is evident in this place. Giving praise to God and sharing table fellowship with one another in this place was a beautiful experience. I think this is how God intended us to live with one another.
-- Ken Loher
On Friday, August 1, we drove out to the Huruma orphanage. We gathered in their auditorium and the children greeted us all. We introduced ourselves to them in our limited Swahili. Then the children began to sing. It was here I had my first "weeping moment" of this trip. They stood and sang a song of blessing and as they sing they raised their arms and waved a blessing toward us all. It came across the room like the breeze of the Spirit and filled my heart with love of God. These orphans, possessors of little, gave us the greatest gift. Love flowed from them to each of us and the room was filled with joy.
After the blessing we all joined the children on the playground becoming children again ourselves. We played soccer, jumped rope, tossed a ball, and with some we just sat and held hands with a child who had come to us.
It was a blessed day.
-- Judy Anderson
A Gospel text came into my mind last night as I was reflecting on our experiences these past ten days. It is the text where a Pharisee asks Jesus which is the greatest commandment. Jesus replies to love your God with all your heart, soul and might, AND to love your neighbor as yourself. I saw Jesus' words being lived out this past week in tiny remote villages in Tanzania. It was amazing to see such a diverse group of people from various tribes and cultures -- Hehe, Maasai, Barabeig, Africans and Americans, rich and poor, coming together in one place in song and dance and fellowship to give praise and thanks to the God who created this beautiful and diverse world. A very diverse group of people who are all one people in Christ where there is no distinction between race, status or heritage. The love for God and neighbor is evident in this place. Giving praise to God and sharing table fellowship with one another in this place was a beautiful experience. I think this is how God intended us to live with one another.
-- Ken Loher
On Friday, August 1, we drove out to the Huruma orphanage. We gathered in their auditorium and the children greeted us all. We introduced ourselves to them in our limited Swahili. Then the children began to sing. It was here I had my first "weeping moment" of this trip. They stood and sang a song of blessing and as they sing they raised their arms and waved a blessing toward us all. It came across the room like the breeze of the Spirit and filled my heart with love of God. These orphans, possessors of little, gave us the greatest gift. Love flowed from them to each of us and the room was filled with joy.
After the blessing we all joined the children on the playground becoming children again ourselves. We played soccer, jumped rope, tossed a ball, and with some we just sat and held hands with a child who had come to us.
It was a blessed day.
-- Judy Anderson
Comments
Post a Comment