Today was a day of joy!

This morning was pretty low-key. A few in our group whose congregation is connected to a palliative care program in Singida when to buy supplies that they are bringing to the program when they visit next week. The rest of us stuck around the hotel until about 11am, when we loaded our vans and headed to the office of the Central Diocese. There, we joined a police-escorted motorcade for the drive out to the brand-new Bishop Regina Girl’s Secondary School.

We knew this event was going to be a pretty big deal, but the size and the scope of it really surprised us. There were literally hundreds of people there. There were a large number of pastors and politicians, choirs and other dignitaries.

And the school itself…it was amazing. The photos I had seen before today showed only the smaller, dorm style buildings for the residential students. I thought “oh, those look nice!” But in addition to those, there was a giant classroom and food service building, bathroom facilities, an admin building, a kitchen building and a couple of other smaller buildings that I couldn’t identify.

The clergy all processed to the center of the campus for the ceremony. First was the prayers and the unveiling of the giant school sign, then we went building to building for a prayer and a blessing of each facility. Then the program began, which included speakers, including our own Bishop Regina, in whose honor the school is named. After the ceremony, the whole community ate lunch together.

After lunch we took a tour, a group photo in front of the school sign and then loaded the vans for our next destination.

The bishop here in Singida had recommended we visit a “Bee Village.” It was actually kind of amazing. It is an enterprise that raises needs and harvests honey. After that, we drove out to a primary school to visit the children and learn about schools in Tanzania. We spent time with the kids and the staff, we exchanged gifts and we heard the kids sing for us. It was beautiful. Then it was back to the hotel for a late dinner and good conversation.

“May the joy of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” – Psalm 90:17

I’ve thought about this scripture verse this week. It is a good reminder that the joy of the Lord and the work of God’s people are connected. They are not dependent…but they are connected. In other words, God does not require our good work in order for God to show favor to us. No. God’s joy comes to us no matter what. But, God still does asks for our good work in order to benefit our neighbor. And when we do good work, the joy of the Lord is magnified.

There has been a lot of good work done on his girl’s school in the last few years. And there was a lot of Holy Spirit inspired joy today at the Bishop Regina Girls Schoo, and at the primary school we visited.

So rest easy in the love and grace of God. But also know, that God calls us…always called us to more. To serve more, to care more and to love more…precisely because of the grace we have received. And that, my friends, is really good news! That brings joy!

Tomorrow? Back out to Kimpungua for worship, and then back to the Cathedral for another worship and an ordination.

More to come.

God’s peace,
Pastor Todd