A Word of Encouragement
Today is Wednesday, my third day in Tanzania. I am staying at the Sophia House Hotel, which is a step up from the hostel in Kinshasa. Located in downtown Dar Es Salaam, I am able to spend time walking the streets, mingling with the locals and absorbing the culture. It reminds me of my time in Cairo, six years ago. The people are friendly and much less aggressive than the Congolese. The hagglers actually take “no” for an answer.
Today I had the privilege of visiting with and speaking to a group of 50-60 widows. When I was invited to give them "a word of encouragement", apart from feeling inadequate, I asked Enoch (the mission director for AE Tanzania, and a new friend) how much time he wanted me to speak for. His response was, “Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time. They will be with you for two and a half hours.” I thought to myself, “That’s exactly what I was worried about.” So I ended up speaking to them for about an hour and a half, and we had some time sharing prayer requests. Their stories were heart-breaking. They were all women, and most of them have lost their husbands to AIDS, which means that many of them are HIV positive. Most of them also have kids and they are very poor. After the deaths of their husbands, the majority of them were left with nothing and no ability to survive on their own. In this culture, men are the bread winners and women are usually uneducated and inexperienced. Of course, that’s not always the case. There are a select few who advance, like Grace for example, who is the Team Leader for AE Tanzania. She has a Master’s Degree from Wheaton College in Illinois.
Anyway, I was sitting in Grace’s office this morning, thinking, “What in the world do I have to offer a group of 50-60 African women, who are widows, most of whom are suffering and have been neglected by the church, and only speak Kiswahili? Why should they believe anything I have to say? I feel totally inadequate.” So I looked at Grace’s bookshelf and noticed a book that was written by a professor of mine from Fuller Seminary, titled, "Theological Foundations for Ministry", by Dr. Ray Anderson. So I capitalized on the opportunity to breeze through the writings of my theological hero, and within one minute, I came across this quote: “We are worthy of being believed only as we are aware of our unworthiness.” Thank you, Ray, your encouragement gave me exactly what I needed. The response from these women was wonderful and encouraging. I spoke on Malachi 4:2, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings”, and connected that with some other passages and thoughts, and some personal stories, etc. It was a blessing for me.
And, I was blown away listening to their beautiful voices as they sung African hymns with great volume and passion together. Their voices were amazing! And they’ve never sung together before…they just showed up, a bunch of widows, and belted out these mind-boggling melodies…I just can’t believe it! It was an encouraging time for everyone.
Tanzania is wonderful and there are definitely opportunities for mission trips here. Those can be discussed later. African Enterprise is doing incredible ministry work here. I am so impressed. I will save those pages for another posting. A quick word about the food: there isn’t really anything exotic here that I’ve found, except for mangos. Most of the time, I eat chicken or beef with either rice of fries. By the way, instead of serving ketchup with the fries, they serve mayonnaise. So for the first week, I ate fries with mayonnaise for two meals per day. You can imagine what that might do to one’s mid-section. There are a few interesting items that I tried, and probably won’t try again. One is called fufu, which is like a tasteless type of cornmeal, and is served in very large portions because it is easy to come by, very cheap, and it fills you up! Because of the level of poverty, foods like fufu are a necessity to prevent one from starving. (Gas prices in Dar Es Salaam are more than $4 per gallon, and the average daily income is less than $1). The other type of common food I tried is called manioc. I like to think of it as manna, because they sound the same and probably taste the same too. Manioc is some sort of a root from some plant. It tastes like…hmm…a root, I guess. That’s all I really know about that. Lots of bananas though. Emmanuel is a big fan of bananas. He eats like six per meal.
Thank you thank you thank you all sooo much for commenting. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate it all your thoughts, jokes, and encouraging words. I’m sorry I can’t respond to them individually. The internet connection is just horrible. It’s a dial-up that just doesn’t work most of the time, and when it does work, it takes an extremely long time to load each page. I have to bring a book with me every time I post a blog, just to keep myself from staring at an hour glass for 10 minutes at a time. It’s like “Office Space”, when Peter’s trying to cut out of work a few minutes early on Friday in order to avoid Lumberg. Okay, bye
Today I had the privilege of visiting with and speaking to a group of 50-60 widows. When I was invited to give them "a word of encouragement", apart from feeling inadequate, I asked Enoch (the mission director for AE Tanzania, and a new friend) how much time he wanted me to speak for. His response was, “Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time. They will be with you for two and a half hours.” I thought to myself, “That’s exactly what I was worried about.” So I ended up speaking to them for about an hour and a half, and we had some time sharing prayer requests. Their stories were heart-breaking. They were all women, and most of them have lost their husbands to AIDS, which means that many of them are HIV positive. Most of them also have kids and they are very poor. After the deaths of their husbands, the majority of them were left with nothing and no ability to survive on their own. In this culture, men are the bread winners and women are usually uneducated and inexperienced. Of course, that’s not always the case. There are a select few who advance, like Grace for example, who is the Team Leader for AE Tanzania. She has a Master’s Degree from Wheaton College in Illinois.
Anyway, I was sitting in Grace’s office this morning, thinking, “What in the world do I have to offer a group of 50-60 African women, who are widows, most of whom are suffering and have been neglected by the church, and only speak Kiswahili? Why should they believe anything I have to say? I feel totally inadequate.” So I looked at Grace’s bookshelf and noticed a book that was written by a professor of mine from Fuller Seminary, titled, "Theological Foundations for Ministry", by Dr. Ray Anderson. So I capitalized on the opportunity to breeze through the writings of my theological hero, and within one minute, I came across this quote: “We are worthy of being believed only as we are aware of our unworthiness.” Thank you, Ray, your encouragement gave me exactly what I needed. The response from these women was wonderful and encouraging. I spoke on Malachi 4:2, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings”, and connected that with some other passages and thoughts, and some personal stories, etc. It was a blessing for me.
And, I was blown away listening to their beautiful voices as they sung African hymns with great volume and passion together. Their voices were amazing! And they’ve never sung together before…they just showed up, a bunch of widows, and belted out these mind-boggling melodies…I just can’t believe it! It was an encouraging time for everyone.
Tanzania is wonderful and there are definitely opportunities for mission trips here. Those can be discussed later. African Enterprise is doing incredible ministry work here. I am so impressed. I will save those pages for another posting. A quick word about the food: there isn’t really anything exotic here that I’ve found, except for mangos. Most of the time, I eat chicken or beef with either rice of fries. By the way, instead of serving ketchup with the fries, they serve mayonnaise. So for the first week, I ate fries with mayonnaise for two meals per day. You can imagine what that might do to one’s mid-section. There are a few interesting items that I tried, and probably won’t try again. One is called fufu, which is like a tasteless type of cornmeal, and is served in very large portions because it is easy to come by, very cheap, and it fills you up! Because of the level of poverty, foods like fufu are a necessity to prevent one from starving. (Gas prices in Dar Es Salaam are more than $4 per gallon, and the average daily income is less than $1). The other type of common food I tried is called manioc. I like to think of it as manna, because they sound the same and probably taste the same too. Manioc is some sort of a root from some plant. It tastes like…hmm…a root, I guess. That’s all I really know about that. Lots of bananas though. Emmanuel is a big fan of bananas. He eats like six per meal.
Thank you thank you thank you all sooo much for commenting. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate it all your thoughts, jokes, and encouraging words. I’m sorry I can’t respond to them individually. The internet connection is just horrible. It’s a dial-up that just doesn’t work most of the time, and when it does work, it takes an extremely long time to load each page. I have to bring a book with me every time I post a blog, just to keep myself from staring at an hour glass for 10 minutes at a time. It’s like “Office Space”, when Peter’s trying to cut out of work a few minutes early on Friday in order to avoid Lumberg. Okay, bye
posted by Chris Pritchett | 10:46 AM
7 Comments:
Hi Chris,
I was reading from Isaiah today on the same subject (specifically 54:4-17) and, while God was speaking to Jerusalem here, we as believers can be comforted by His words, especially those of us who (like the women you spoke to in Tanzania), are experiencing great affliction. Through their trials, they will draw near to our compassionate God and be spiritually strengthend. How my heart aches for them, but as the priestly prophet Malachi conveys to us in the passage you spoke to, God's faithful people will receive the ultimate blessings of salvation and healing. I'm sure you did an awesome job and I know you have many "moms" around the world now who love you as we do sooo much! We are so blessed by your writings and your love for the Lord as you continue to experience the world "through the eyes of compassion." God be with you. Love, Mom
Hi Chris
God sure works in amazing ways for an example with that book being on the book shelf and that it gave you inspiration. I also wish we could be just as thankful toward God as the women you have talked to even though their situation is much worse than ours or anyone there for that matter. Because I know that I normally complain a lot about school but when I hear about people like those women I feel like I have a pathetic excuse to complain and that I should be more thankful for the life I have.Also thank you for answering our question about the exotic food or not so exotic food which ever you choose. I can't wait to hear more of your adventures first hand when you come back. It is neat to hear about all the people you are meeting and becoming friends with. We are still praying for you to be safe. I will write more later.
From, Courtney
Hey Mr. Pastor Pritchett...Your growth is seemingly explosive and huge. I had lunch with Jack (at his request)Monday. I know he would be so pleased and proud of what you are doing there, and he surely wants a long term relationship with AE. He had many very complimentary things to say about them, Emmanuel (and you also). It is beyond my ability in words to convey to you my respect and admiration for what you are doing, the way you are doing it, the heart with which you are doing it,the maturity I see in you, the man you have become, the servant of God you have become. I know you miss your bride and that it is very lonely for you there sometimes. We ache for you about that. Your writing is outstanding, and all of us here value it so much, to be able to be with you there at least in this way. Sorry you are having so much trouble with the internet stuff, but it's working for us.
The food stuff kind of reminds me of poi the way you talk about it. I would guess you can get some cooked veggies every once in a while. Nutrition is improtant all the time, but more so when you're traveling so you don't get sick. (Dad showed up again). We are still excited every day for your time there. Any thoughts about long term opportunities with AE for the church or you and Devon? Are you getting any opportunities to get out into the countryside? I've heard that Tanzania is incredibly beautiful. Paul Eschelman just called as I was writing you and he sends his regards. He also has been to Kinshasa and remarked on what a grimm and depressing place it is.
Keep on doing what you're doing, I don't think it could get better. We're praying blessings on you and those with you, and for your safety and health. Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. Love HenryP
P.S. I hope they don't serve kava with their manioc...we don't want any whacked out preacher men. Oh the joys of travel. I'm so glad you're "comfortable and healthy". Be safe! Love you lotsssss!!!
Chris, thank you again and again for your communication to all of us back home! It is so good to hear of your realization that God is there with you. From your talk without notes or the Word because of a power outage, to the recognitation of a book on ones self to give you inspiration, it is absoultly awsome and encouraging to me! Jesus is alive and well in all the world!
Keep writting and know we are with you in prayer always!
Russ
What a day! I absolutely love God's timing. He is awesome; He is faithful; and He is and will continue to be present with you during your journey in Africa.
SIDE NOTE...THE SPARE BEDROOM DOORS JUST CLOSED AND FREAKED ME OUT. MY HEART JUST HIT THE FLOOR. NOW THE DOGS ARE BARKING UP A STORM AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO...WE'RE COOL! I THINK THEY WERE BARKING AT THE SHADOWS OF THE PALM TREE DANCING ON THE GARAGE DOOR. THE SANTA ANA WINDS ARE AT IT AND NOW AT 10:45 PM IT'S STILL 85 DEGREES OUTSIDE.
Back to what I was trying to say. It's amazing how God was able to use you today in an incredible way. Obviously you have no clue what it is like to be a widow, or to be completely abandoned and without hope; however, He spoke through you and these beautiful women were deeply touched. I wish I could have heard them sing. I bet it was something else.
I look forward to hearing all about the "opportunities" there in Tanzania and insist that we work it out so I can go with you next time. I was telling Bedsworth tonight at Club about your experience in Tanzania and the relationships you've developed there and how optimistic you are about future trips where you can take a few High Schoolers. With wide eyes and a huge smile on her face she said, “Take me!”
Oh...at Club we watched an animated moving called "Robots". So cute and taught a good lesson too. Good times, good pizza, not-so-good heartburn. :)
Speaking of heartburn...Dude, how's the mayo. Thinking of you eating that makes we want to hurl. You know I don't like mayonnaise. I asked Mark Nelson (part of the Iowa Surf Team) if he has ever eaten fries with mayonnaise instead of ketchup and surprisingly enough he ate it all the time during his heavier days. Don't clog your arteries and take Henry's advice about getting some greens in your body (now the wife it talking).
I've been rambling and should catch some z's. I hope to get up early enough to take the pups for a walk in the morning before work. You know I try to do that every morning but the success rate is low. When the alarm(s) go off…over and over and over again…in the morning it’s still dark outside and seems wrong to be awake. Maybe tomorrow will be different. I'll let you know. I need to do it for the pups. Oh the pups! They miss you and want me to tell you “hi” for them. Sidney licked my feet and I think it was meant for you. And Jackson...well he jumped up on me and could not contain himself as usual and I think that was meant for you too.
Can you tell I'm tired? I guess it's about 9:15 am where you are and maybe you're grinding on a mango or a banana "Eat bananas...
B A N A N A S!". I hope you have a wonderful day and we all look forward to hearing from you soon.
Chris, I hope you read this, even though it will be on the bottom of the page. This has nothing to do with africa, but I have to tell you this story because I think you will appreciate the humor in it.
A few days ago in one of my classes, a profesor of mine, who will remain nameless since we are on the internet, was reflecting on a moment in his past, reciting a story as calm as you can possibly imagine. His story went something like this:
When I was a little boy, I was at a picnic with my family. I got bored, so I wandered off into the woods by myself. While I was in the woods, I was playing by myself, but then I saw another boy about my age. So, I went over to him. I don't really understand why, but I started beating him with a stick. He hadn't done anything to provoke it, I just felt like beating him with the stick."
I started laughing so hard because, who does that? More importantly, though, who confesses to their class about having done that? The class was laughing, too, so I don't feel bad relating this story. They might have been laughing at how hard I was laughing, though. Nevertheless, I think he was aware that what he did as a child was not normal behaviour. One of the students asked "Well, how hard were you hitting him? I mean, were you really beating him, or just knicking him a few times?" And the response, as calm as you can imagine, was "Oh, no, it was pretty significant. He was cowering in front of me." I told Gillian this story, and she said Westmont really needs to screen their profs better, and I'm beginning to agree. Just in case you randomly know him from when you went here, and he is somehow reading this blog and this response, I want everyone to know I respect him and do not think any less of him because he randomly hit another child with a stick. I mean, hell, I used to light ants on fire with a magnifying class. Who am I to judge?
Praying for you. - Saur
PS Ryan said my responses on your blog were "kind of gay." I told him that his reading of my responses and then commenting on them to me was weirder than my responses being "gay." I think I'm right.
PSS I love you Ryan. I hope that isn't too "gay" for you. JK
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