Living a Courageous Life

Pastor Mark with Pastor George,
who translated.

What another wonderful day! We worshipped from 6:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It included the reading of the Word, the preaching of the Word, giving, giving, and more giving. Four offerings were taken: a first and second general offering, the third offering for special projects like their church renovation, and gifts of thanksgiving for blessings like healing, a new job, a wedding, and other special things. After the service is over, they auction off gifts that people have brought -- to turn them into cash for the church. Things like vegetables, clothing, and live chickens. What is powerful about this is that it gives everyone an opportunity to give something to God, even if you do not have the money physically.

This morning we too gave some of our gifts of the laptop computer and $1000 to Engarenarok Lutheran Church. They were so appreciative! Well done good and faithful servants...these gifts were from YOU!

In every service that they welcomed us...they commented on we as a church standing on the Word of God and for our courage to leave our former church body in order to be "faithful." Pastor Mushi said that we are living up to our name of Faith Lutheran Church. He even went so far as to call us "heros" of the faith. They (the people and leadership of Tanzania) have never spoke more openly about what is happening in mainline churches. It truly brought tears to my eyes. They do not understand the whole progressive theology that is happening in the United States.

While I was doing the third service, the rest of the team visited with Evangelist Gladness Mhabasha. After church we were hosted to a special luncheon with the elders, staff, and other leaders of the church. We all introduced ourselves and ate. By the way, we are being fed extremely well, I am eating better here than I do at home (as you know, I find eating and sleeping as a waste of valuable time).

Then we returned to our home in Tanzania, the Tumanni Cottage. Soon it was time for our Sunday supper and a night of rest.