The arrival of a plane near a remote Tanzanian village is something special – it's out of the ordinary and therefore frequently draws a crowd. Emmi Reigert, wife of an MAF pilot, shared this with her neighbour Ruth Kambenga. Together the vision grew of how they could reach these people with the Gospel.
MAF regularly conducts medical safaris, flying in medical teams to meet the needs of communities with little or no access to healthcare. Ruth and Emmi wanted to serve children and grown-ups while they patiently wait for consultations during these medical safaris.
Ruth recently reported on their activities at three locations, and shares the team’s plans for 2010:
Mahaka
‘We started working in Mahaka in March 2007. The main aim was to teach children, but it was apparent that even the adults were in need of bible teaching. Many people came to listen, and more than 200 were baptized. At the beginning there were very few Christians but after two years, 70% were Christians. However, the number of Christians in church has diminished due to lack of church leadership.’
Plans for 2010 include:
- A three-day crusade
- Place someone in the village to help with leadership and encourage the Christians
- Obtain a tent to provide cover during sunny and rainy seasons
Building work has begun for a permanent clinic in the area. However, there is still a need for cement, timber and iron sheets.
Chidudu
‘We started working in Chidudu in June 2008. There are two denominations here: Roman Catholic and Anglican, both with leaders. Alcoholism is rife, and a problem in this area.
Most people are aware of the word of God and about 40 people are baptized.
There is a fellowship group consisting of 16 people who are teaching the word of God. Many of them are blessed with spiritual power.’
Plans for 2010 include:
- A four-day crusade, including screening of the Jesus film
- Repair the ‘bandas’ - shaded places where people can sit and receive teaching
For MAF to land at a remote airstrip a village community needs to maintain the airstrip – cutting back the grass and digging up encroaching shrubs. This is a challenge in Chidudu.
‘When we started working in Dabia, in January 2009, people were not aware of Jesus or Christianity, especially the Barabaigh and Maasai tribes. However, after concentrating on teaching the word of God, now they understand about Jesus. Over 100 have been baptized for which we give thanks to the Lord.’
Plans for 2010 include:
- Identify a church leader to lead church services
- Build ‘bandas’, to provide some shade in which to congregate
- Obtain a tent – to provide more shade on sunny days
- Continue teaching the word of God
The area is currently suffering with famine - animals and birds having destroyed the harvests in the fields.
Made possible by teamwork
On behalf of the evangelistic team, Ruth expressed thanks for to MAF:
‘for giving us the opportunity to spread the Gospel in remote areas using MAF planes; the pilots who we work with; all the engineers, and all those working in the offices for the flight planning; everyone who contributes to our team evangelical work.’
Please pray for this ongoing work in Tanzania:
· Pray for the evangelistic team, with members from a variety of churches in Dodoma – that they have a heart for God and for people in the villages, and continued good working relationship together.
· Pray for Mahakar – that people see they can take a lead in teaching Bible stories and in the children’s work.
· Pray for Chidudu – for a big change, that people will believe the Gospel and their whole lives will be changed.