A chicken, an auction, and a Maasai kwaya ya watoto!

We celebrated our Tanzania Partnership in worship at the end of January.  This was the fourth or fifth time we've done this over the last dozen years, so things that were once really new and unexpected have come to be almost routine.  Like having the kwaya [choir] sing accompanied only by drums, and dressed in a collection of Tanzanian dresses, shirts and kitangas [fabric lengths] given to us by our partners.

We've become accustomed to the auction at the end of worship, and there are people who show up on Sunday morning bearing items to be auctioned -- bananas, beans, eggs.  There was a chicken who made a little noise when the choir sang, but who stayed in her cage (unlike the chicken of 2013).

The Kwaya ya Watoto [Children's Choir] added a new element this year, leading the singing of a Maasai song.  The children dressed in Maasai clothing and jewelry.

Pastor Chris introduced the song to the congregation.  The text goes something like this:

Leader:  I believe in Jesus, do you believe?

Response:  I believe in Jesus, do you believe?

Chorus:  Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth.

With video of Evangelist Yohanna Tunyoon and the people of Mahove on the big screens, the children and congregation joined in.  Pastors Chris and Randy showed their enthusiasm for the Maasai style of dance.

The children led the song at three worship services.  It was fun to catch a few of them between services, hanging out in their Maasai dress, playing duck duck grey duck to pass the time.

At the end of worship, the Kwaya carried the auction offerings into the narthex, to the tune of "We are Marching in the Light of God."

Pastor Randy was our auctioneer.

The auction items are largely symbolic, a nod to the humble gifts that are brought to Tanzanian auctions.  Firewood, a dozen eggs, bananas, sugar cane.  Yet, to encourage the ones who brought the gifts, and to make the point that every gift matters, those who attend the auction bid extravagant prices for these humble gifts.  A couple hundred dollars for the firewood.

Count on Pastor Randy to provide a little silliness.

The chicken brought in $400!  And the bidder really only gets to take home its photo.  Thanks to Amy Nicolai and her dad Dave for providing the chicken.

Dawn bought a fabric 3-D star made by women in Idodi.  Thanks to all who contributed -- the auction raised $3500 for partnership projects.

The chicken was the center of attention.

One of our drummers was so enthusiastic, the drum head cracked.  It was a joyful morning!

We are so grateful for the gifts we receive from our partners -- their hospitality, the example of how faith is at the center of their lives, the tangible gifts of clothing and song, the invitation to dance with joy as we worship together.

We are so grateful to have the opportunity to share these gifts with our congregation in Minnesota.