Tanzania: Tumshukura Mungu

We give thanks to God!

On Sunday our group from Sheridan visited our sister congregation in the Karansi parish of Tanzania.  We arrived early and after tea, we walked back to the church for the second service.  The men sat on one side and the women on the other side.  It was inspiring to hear the choirs and members sing because they sing with such joy and enthusiasm.

I was able to follow the liturgy and Bible readings on because our interpreter, Mose Mangi has an iPhone.

That Sunday a deacon gave the sermon and I was fascinated by his style of preaching.  Needless to say, the one hour sermon was not boring. His message was on giving.  One point was that we ask God for things but after we have them we forget God.

The highlight was that 144 first year confirmation students received Holy Bibles.  A few of the students were in high school but most were around twelve years of age.  The students were from Karansi, Neema, Subuka, and Kardishi.  Every week, they will attend class to learn about the Lord on Wednesday andSaturday.

After Pastor Joshua blessed the confirmation students, our Sheridan team passed out the Bibles. We stood behind the communion rail with with all these hands reaching up to receive a Bible.  They were so eager to receive the Word of God.

I spoke a few words advising them to read their Bibles and memorize Scripture. When I am thankful, I read Psalms and when I am discouraged, I read from the Apostle Paul.

During our time here with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania we have become so thankful for many things – more than we can name.  At the Karansi Church, members who have a personal  thanksgiving come forward to the altar and offer thanks to God.

The passage was from Psalm 40:5
You have multiplied, O Lord my God.
Your wondrous deeds and
Your thoughts toward us;
None can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
Yet they are more than can be told.

Linda Gapp