First Presbyterian Church
Tanzania Mission Trip
2005


Sent: July 10th, 2005
From: Judy
Subject: God was speaking to both American and African the same word!!

Jambo! We have returned from church this morning--7:30-12:00 and lunch at Micah's. Happiness is such a good cook! Beans, rice, ugali (like a cold porridge), cooked spinach (with green pepper, onion, and tomato), cooked cabbage, and tilapia ( a delicious fish found in Lake Victoria). We usually have a bowl of fresh fruit as well--papaya, banana, and pineapple this afternoon. Yummmm. Rick preached again this morning as he did last week--2 services. As he spoke Micah translated. It was really awesome to listen to the sermon in 2 languages, but more awesome to know God was speaking to both American and African the same word!! Rick used Ephesians 4 and reminded everyone we are all part of the body of Christ. It is not our color, works, background, etc that brings us to a saving knowledge of God but through His grace. Then he had the TCRC boys sing a song I've been teaching them "Though we are many, we are one body, we are one body in Christ." They sang it in English then a portion in Swahili. It was beautiful. The boys have such an incredible sound. Kay says it gives her goose bumps! It's a very straight, almost barbershop sound. That's kind of funny because I expected a big vibrato like the African-American quality in the states. Also, the sound is very resonant, as Rick's vocal quality. It's they only time he had a hard time being heard over someone else!! The boys are quite amazing. Paulo, Micah's son, arranges their music on a keyboard. He layers the sounds, sometimes 5 or more layers to complete a very professional accompaniment trak for the boys to perform with. We're bringing home tapes of their music. Only a small group of the boys sing on the team. They must earn the right to sing and have a gift for singing as well. They are delightful to work with . We have laughed much together. Withing the last week they have begun erecting a brick wall (bricks made by the boys) to begin the building of the dining hall/library--two floors. Kay, Judy H., and Nancy spent many hours hauling water in buckets to fill up the barrel to wet down the dirt for the foundation in order to level it and cover with cement--a long process but so exciting to see the progress daily! Some have been able to listen with Jane to the story of the boys individually. The stories are heartbreaking but also a testimony of God's grace. Well, I'm out of time. We love and pray for you all. Keep Micah and TCRC and Happiness in your prayers!