I am grateful for Rev. Dr. Suzana Sitayo, the Principal of Oldonyosambu Theological College (OTC), the center for training lay pastors (called evangelists in the ELCT) through theological education by extension (TEE). Suzana has incorporated the lessons that were developed for the research project that I am facilitating. Suzana is the writer and teacher of the lessons for the TEE students.
In addition to coming to OTC a couple times per year, the TEE teachers go to areas within the large North Central Diocese for additional teaching in a more local area.
Previously, I was in Kibay, a 7-hour drive to the south for the TEE training. This time, I was in Wasso, a 7-hour drive to the north through the absolutely gorgeous area between Oldoinyo Lengai (the “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language) and Lake Natron, a soda lake complete with flamingos. It is a long, dusty, bumpy, and hot drive, but I loved it. I feel so privileged to be able to be here, invited by Maasai friends.
We brought along the district pastor, bringing him back home. But I realized that because I wasn’t a Tanzanian citizen, I would have to pay a daily fee to enter into a conservation area (revenue for hunting safaris). Several years ago, when I brought my home church group in partnership with Rev. Nangole, he arranged for a waiver for the entrance fees, as this was church business. So, we were not only able to avoid the fee for church business, we were able to provide a ride home for the district pastor who did the talking at the gate.
He also arranged for us to have lunch at a church along the way. It was the church at Engersero, at the base of Oldoinyo Lenga (a volcano—not dormant—not erupting; “The Weirdest Volcano in the Word”).
One of the most amazing days of my life was here in 2008, when we were welcomed with a parade of singing and dancing Maasai warriors and a church choir! My home church was helping them to build a building, as their stick and mud church was literally held up by a log holding up the tilting wall! Amazingly, it still is standing!
Now, there is a beautiful church.
I told them the story of being here in 2008 and 2016, and the wonderful memories of the amazing welcome that day. One of the young women in our 2008 group said it was the most amazing day of her life!
Pray for this community, as traditional grazing lands are at risk from government plans!
Mikitamayana Engai! / Mungu akubariki! / God bless you!