Prayer Guide - May 31

Lord of our going out and our coming in, we pray that the team will have a safe journey as they separate and go to different destinations to continue Building God's Way in other places and activities.


Abba Father, bless the Nyakato staff and volunteers and strengthen them as they continue to serve the people of Mwanza in Your Blessed name.

Prayer Guide - May 30

God, bless and use all the supplies and materials that the team has brought to Tanzania to improve the lives of the people there and show them Your love.


Father, today Adriene starts her Kilimanjaro trek. We pray for protection, safety, stamina and good health for her during this adventure. Show her your majesty and use her to build your Kingdom during this time.

Prayer Guide - May 29

Lord of Life who knows each of us before are even born, we pray especially for the first woman to give birth in the Center and for the first child born there, that they may know Your Love and our love through their whole lives. Wrap them in Your care and let them be a blessed example to all their neighbors.

Prayer Guide - May 28

Father of us all, continue to keep everyone healthy and safe as they work in and travel from Africa. Keep all their family members at home safe and give all of them assurance that You are with them.

Prayer Guide - May 27

Lord, bless and aid the mission team partners preparing meals for everyone. Guide and supported them to provide meals that will satisfy and sustain the team.

Sunday/Monday: Rest to Work

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Sunday we started our day with worship at 7:15 at the Lutheran church right across from the clinic. The congregation was so welcoming and warm. It was an amazing reminder that across languages, cultures, and time zones we are one in Christ. Although we all sat together, a few members of the congregation took it upon themselves to sit amongst us and translate during the service. The service lasted for over two and a half hours…Pastor Kevin, eat your heart out!
Much of the service was a capella and response singing led by people throughout the congregation. It was beautiful. We had the opportunity to sing “Uya I Mose;” it must have been a hit because they asked us to sing it again!
The theme of the sermon was on the different types of offering and the giving of first fruits. It was particularly striking to see not only the offering baskets on the altar, but also bags of papayas, mangos, watermelon, eggs, and other produce. While we might give out of abundance, there is certainly a sense that these offerings were given out of scarcity. How much greater the gift.
After the service, the congregation reconvened outside for an impromptu live auction of all the produce given as offerings. It gave us an idea for our summer farmers market. The auctioneer was so good that he got George to pay $5 for 5 eggs! Think about how much more effective our farmers market might be if we adopted a similar concept.
The afternoon was spent having an excursion on Lake Victoria out to one of the 2,400 islands. Afterwards we went out to a lodge on the beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner at water’s edge. It was nice to have a moment of down time together before the next three days of fast and furious work.

“Kwa heri” – Good bye

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, May 26, 2008

Today was our first full day on site with all of our materials and crew. While we wish we had a little more accomplished, all in all it was a good day. One long wall and 1/3 of a short wall were fully completed and erected. Framing was started on the other short wall while one full truss was completed and work was started on the second. We had additional help from three med students who arrived Saturday night from North Carolina, as well as some members of the IHP (International Health Partners) crew who are great craftsmen.
Time was spent between projects. Some of the women spent their day washing and purifying bottles for pure drinking water filtered in the lab at the clinic. We take certain luxuries, like fresh water out of the tap, for granted.
We closed the day by singing praise songs in the courtyard gazebo.

“La la salama” – Sweet sleep

Personal Message from Susan Whitney

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Susan saying hello,

Dear family and friends, this has been an exciting day. The truck arrived with our materials and we started the building. I’m holding my own for the oldest lady on this trip – I’d make you all very proud.
Today I learned how to use the chop saw, nail framing, and whatever else they could find for me to do.
Parris, thanks for the cap. Grandma wore it today. The locals thought I was police.
Paul is a blessing – he knows his stuff and is one of the top leaders. Yes, you’ve done a great job mom and dad! A special hello to Dave Bogumil – you are missed.
Love you all.

Personal Message from Reijer Groenveld

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Dear Barbara,

Here is the info on my arrival in Amsterdam. It will be June 2nd to depart KLM flight 569 from Kilimanjaro (Dar es Salaam) arriving at Schephol 07:00a.m. I can probably monitor it at home, so it will be June 3rd that I will arrive. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the containers.

Love,
Reijer

Message From Linda Cole

Monday, May 26, 2008

Just a note to say thank you for all your prayers for my solo travel from Hartford CT to Mwanza. I had no problems whatsoever, and wasn’t even nervous! (a miracle in itself). As of Sunday, my daughter Emily Batterton was still in the hospital on strict bed rest. Every day that she holds the twin girls inside is a Blessing (her due date is in August). She and our entire family give thanks for your prayers and her continued pregnancy. Thank you, “Asante.”
In Love,
Linda

Message From Sandi & Jim Vandersloot

Monday, May 26, 2008

Say hey to the Monday night small group, we miss you all. God bless and hugs.

SV & JV

Message From Grayson

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Another amazing day in Mwanza! After our excellent breakfast prepared by Lucy and her crew, the container arrived. We hired much of staff who are preparing the foundation for the eye clinic to unload the containers. The Africans are amazing…. The women are very strong and are able to carry tremendous loads on their heads. We took pictures of both the men and women carrying various loads. The contents of the container came through with very little damage (e.g. the doors and window glass, no breakage, the tools are all operable and the wood had some mildew). Our personal bags sent in the container seemed to suffer the most as many had opened and the contents were damp. Other than that your prayers were answered. During the unloading of the container, there is a tendency for things to walk away. Denny & Paula suggested we all wear yellow name tags so unwanted persons on the site would be easily identified. We divided into two groups, security and those directed where the contents were to go. We only had one minor incident of possible theft that was quickly and effectively handled. The unloading lasted most of the day, but after lunch about half of the St. Matt crew started building walls and assembling tresses. The construction consisted of cutting 2x4s to the right length for the walls and the sill plates. Assembling and drilling holes in the lumber for the roof tresses and bolting these members together with the steel truss plates. YES-we now have one sector wall up!!! And part of a roof truss assembled. We worked to sundown.
That evening at dinner we thanked God for all that we had accomplished. Everyone had worked hard and you could see contentment in their eyes. We also prayed that God would soothe the aching muscles and refresh us for another day’s work. Tomorrow we plan to attend church at 7:15a.m. which could last up to 3 hours. The service will be in Swahili and hopefully we will have some translation.
SATURDAY WAS AN AWESOME DAY! Keep your prayers coming…perhaps a miracle is in the working!!!!
-Grayson

Prayer Guide - May 26

Father, on this day when we commemorate the men and women of our military service who sacrificed their lives for our country, please be with their family and friends as they reflect on the joy of those lives as well as their losses.


Lord we pray that each of the mission team partners is energized and feeling great; that each one can do the appointed work and feel Your support as they work; that each one is growing spiritually in this work.

Prayer Guide - May 25

God, bless the congregations and the people across the United States and in Africa where those who are assisting in this work in what ever way are worshipping and seeking Your will on this Sunday. Help the team feel Your presence in the church where they worship today.

Quick Update!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Today was a long and productive day here in Mwanza. Most importantly: THE CONTAINERS ARRIVED! We were able to unload them and start work on one of the birthing center walls. The unloading took up most of the day, but we were amazed at the progress we made on the actual construction. Tomorrow we will be unable to work, but have plans to go to church, take a ferry on Lake Victoria, and have dinner at a local restaurant. We’re very excited to go to church tomorrow spoken in Swahili! We’ve been practicing singing “Come All You People” nightly and will sing to the church tomorrow morning. We will update more tomorrow because we’re looking forward to a good night’s rest after today’s hard work.

Prayer Guide - May 24

God, protect the team from any injuries as they work in Nyakato. Also, lend your protection to any of the local people who are on the site as well as to any volunteers from other places.


We thank You, God, for all the family members and friends who have taken care of things at home for the team so that they could be in Africa to do this work.

Personal Message From Dick Brown

Hello Mission Partners!

This is Dick (your mission chairperson) with thanksgiving and love to you for your continuing support of this St. Matthew mission (actually God’s) in Tanzania. For me this continues to be a fascinating story in human relationships. I think all of us have been frustrated and disappointed that our containers did not arrive before us – but they should come today (Friday)! I don’t believe this was God’s plan because he gives all people free will to make decisions when faced with the challenges of life. It is fascinating to observe how we respond to these challenges. Let the men’s Crosswalk team know that I am praying for them and the Walkers from halfway around the world. I will miss not being in the kitchen next weekend!
Love to all,
Dick

Personal Message from Dick Brown

Hi Bev, Susan, and David,

Arrived safely and almost completed one week. Containers due today (Friday). It is an interesting experience. Everyone is working hard on Patricia Ward (isolation ward). Even Papason painted two rooms yesterday. I got Susan’s response on the blog. The blog stories are great and true to what is taking place. Lucy (cook) is wonderful. I haven’t had a chance to cook, but when our food arrives, she wants me to show her American cooking. (Mac and cheese, tuna salad, chicken and noodles, etc.) I am really enjoying Paul and getting to know him better – hard worker. So is Aunt Sue. Will try to call when I get back to Amsterdam next weekend.
Love ya,
Dads

Get Yourself Out of the Way

Friday, May 23, 2008

“Asante sana!” Thank you very much!
We appreciate so much your participation in this blog.

Container Update: As of 11a.m. we heard that the containers were 12 hours away. It looks like we’ll get them late tonight, so plans are to unload them first thing Saturday morning. We have our game plan mapped out and leaders in place, so off-loading can be done as efficiently as possible. Delivery time is dependent upon the trucks being able to make it through “the gauntlet.” “The gauntlet” is a stretch of road so steep it forces the trucks to go very slow; consequently, it’s a prime area for high-jacking. As a matter of fact, some trucking companies even put a mattress on top of the container, so one of the drivers can sit up there and fend off any thieves. (This is Tanzania). Fortunately our trucks have made it through “the gauntlet” unscathed. God is good!

Today we wrap up work on the Patricia Ward. All rooms will have been painted, all electrical wire has been pulled, and all toilets are installed. Completion of the building is just in time for an optometrist arriving June 1st. Because the Patricia Ward has now been finished, he will be able to utilize the facility as a makeshift eye clinic. If this ward weren’t available, he would have to compete for space in the clinic. This would be a challenge, especially on Mondays when they see upwards of 90 patients.

The blog format has changed as of today! We will begin with our daily reporting, followed by personal messages to loved ones. So you’ll notice that today we actually have three separate postings. (Hopefully we can get them all uploaded, but it’s dependent upon the cooperation of a spotty Internet connection!)

Devotion Snippet of the Day: Lindsay led the devotion this morning centered on humility. The main theme was to get our selves out to the way so that God’s plan for our lives can be realized. This message was especially useful seeing as we only have four working days remaining to build a birthing center, part of which will be spent unloading the containers. Again, we need to focus on the things that God is already accomplishing through us and let go of our own earthly expectations.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Prayer Guide - May 23

Lord, bless the work of the Nyakato Hospital staff and strengthen them as they continue helping the people of Mwanza not only to better physical health, but to better spiritual health.

"T.I.T. - This is Tanzania"

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Habari za leo! (Good day!)

Our day starts each morning before 7:30 with coffee out in the courtyard gazebo. Breakfast is served at 7:30 (or so) in the dining hall. After breakfast and before we start our workday, we take time to hold devotions led by one of our team members. We then head over to the work site to begin work, breaking at 12:30 for lunch. By 1:30 (hopefully) we’re back at the work site to work until 5p.m. After cleaning up (and boy do we need it!) we meet back out at the gazebo for a little social time before dinner is served at 6:30p.m. After dinner we discuss the day’s progress, the next day’s schedule and any other issues that need to be addressed. Then the group breaks and kicks back, either playing cards, reading, socializing, or turning in early for a much needed night’s rest.

Since the containers have not yet arrived, we continue to work on the Patricia Ward. Completion is within sight! Room number two started to get paint today, and sealing is being done on the final room, which should be completed by the end of the day. Toilets are being installed, and electrical boxes have been mounted just waiting for wiring to be pulled. We expect work to be completed before the containers arrive.

A common phrase heard among Denny and Paula Lofstrom is, “T.I.T.” – “This is Tanzania.” At first it seemed like an odd comment, but after being here four days we have learned to expect that there is no schedule, just a rough gestimate of when things will occur. From our arrival in Tanzania, to the delayed containers, to our ever more flexible meal schedule, we are definitely on Tanzania Time.

The good news is the containers are en route! They have three drivers on board, enabling them to drive the trucks straight through the night. We hope to see them by midday on Saturday. We would love to work through the weekend, but we need to respect local custom, which sets aside Sunday as a day of rest (in other words, the bishop said, “No work on Sunday.”) Once again, it reminds us that the purpose of this mission trip isn’t about what we want to accomplish but what God wants to accomplish through us, whatever that might be.

Yesterday’s devotion, led by Gwen, ended with us speaking out loud those things for which we are grateful. One of the shared sentiments was that we feel it’s not just our mission trip, but that all of you are on this trip with us. Through the ways you supported this trip before we left, your prayers now, and your participation through this blog, we feel your presence with us. We especially feel the presence of Dave Bogumil as he is the one who started SLMC on this journey to Africa.

Prayer Guide - May 22

God give all the team members emotional and spiritual strength and peace as they encounter different customs, food, languages and other unfamiliar demands on their minds and bodies.

Remind them that all humans are your children and that Your love is without boundaries of place or nationality.

It's the People, not the Buildings

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

“Habari za asubuhi” Good Morning!

These daily bloggings will be brought to you by Angela Cole and Adriene Iverson. We will be your roving reporters for the trip, but we will try to bring you stories from the rest of the team as they pass them along to us.

Part of the experience of the mission trip goes beyond the physical building of a structure. Perhaps more important are the people we meet and the conversations we have along the way. One such story is one that Dana shares with us…it goes as follows:

“During the trip from Minneapolis to Arusha, Grayson and I sat next to a Muslim woman and her two young children. When the boy (three) and the baby girl (ten months) both started crying at the same time, we offered to take one of them. As I was helping the little boy, the woman and I started talking. We each discussed the purpose of our trips to Africa. We were all traveling to Arusha, she and her children to visit her parents, and us to spend the night before traveling further on to Mwanza and Nyakato Clinic. When she learned 19 were on the plane to build a birthing center in Africa, she was visibly moved. Her words were, “I grew up in Arusha, and I know what you are doing for the community. You have no idea the impact your coming to Africa will have on the local people. I just want to say, “Thank you!” She knew we were all Christians supported by St. Matthew Lutheran Church, but it did not matter. When we arrived in Arusha, she introduced us to her entire Muslim family, and they thanked us.”

The main reason she was so moved was because healthcare is such a limited resource in Tanzania. Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania with a population of just over 2 million people. The main hospital in Mwanza can become so impacted that they will actually put two women who’ve just given birth in the same bed together. Another primary issue is access to clean water. The Nyakato Clinic sees anywhere from 30-70 patients a day with only one doctor on hand. The two chief illnesses seen are malaria and typhoid. The expansion of the clinic is vital to the health of the people of Mwanza.

One of the blessings of the container delay has been to finish work on The Patricia Ward (isolation ward.) Over breakfast this morning, we talked about how this changed our perspective, and we’ve become invested in the whole project rather than having ownership over one building. The clinic will now have two to three surgical teams rotating through each year. This ward becomes critical because it allows a man to be in a room next to a woman, next to a child, which they otherwise would be unable to do. Further plans call for separate wards for each, but until such time as those are built, the Patricia Ward serves an essential function.

In our second full day of work, we finished spackling, started sealing, and will have all rooms ready for paint by the end of the day. In the meantime, the scaffolding has been built, and the men started work on the winch. At the same time, George and Sandi started laying out the electrical, and Jim, Grayson, and Craig, started work on the plumbing.

A final note, the trucks are in line to pick up the containers, and with any luck, they should be on the road by the end of the day. We hope to have the containers here by Friday, so we can unload and start work on Saturday.

Keep the prayers coming!

P.S. Inquiring minds want to know, who won American Idol?? (Please be more specific than just “David”!)

Prayer Guide - May 21

Lord we pray that everything (weather, materials, workers, building direction/guidance) works according to plan and in Your will so that the team leaves Nyakato at the end of May with a fully constructed Birthing Center including the doors, windows and the roof.

"It's Good to be in Africa!"

Tuesday, May 20, 2008


“Jambo!” ( Hello!)
“Mambo” (What’s Up?!)
“Poa Sana” (Very Cool )
“Karibu” (Welcome)


We arrived in Tanzania minus one bag, which we believe is in Amsterdam…or Dar Es Salam…or is it in Amsterdam? We don’t really know! We arrived in Kilimanjaro at 8:40p.m. TZ time on Sunday and were met by Kisali. He and his crew loaded our luggage and all 19 of us (amazingly) into a small van (lorry). While we were dreaming of bed, Kisali had made arrangements for dinner, and we were sure glad we went! The restaurant was owned by a beautiful Tanzanian woman named Christen. (insert photo). It was a comforting, home like atmosphere and she served a delicious traditional Tanzanian meal. And of course, in the spirit of trying all things Tanzanian, a few had to sample the Kilimanjaro beer. Then we were off to the Impala hotel for our night’s rest (insert carving photo).

The next morning we loaded up the bus at 7:45 and made our way back to the airport to catch a plane to Mwanza. There were a few snags checking in at the airport, and then we arrived in Mwanza missing 11 bags!! So far they still haven’t arrived, but we’re expecting them today. Paula and Denny met us at the airport with a lorry for the luggage and a bus for us for the 30-minute drive to Nyakato Clinic. The compound is much larger than we expected, with about a 4-mile circumference. The clinic sits outside the gate, and next door they are digging the foundation for the eye clinic, which will be built this summer. Behind this sits the isolation ward (aka The Patricia Ward), and then right next to that the foundation has been poured for the birthing center we will build.

Once through the gates there are beautiful landscaped gardens to the right, the chapel to the left and the dining hall straight ahead. We had lunch when we arrived. Lucy, our chef, does a phenomenal job! The afternoon was spent catching up on sleep and strategizing our plan of attack. On a side note, we are still waiting for the containers to be put on a truck and sent here. It’s interesting that even when we’re called on a mission trip like this, we have our own ideas of how things should go. But even with the obstacles and challenges, we find that God has a plan.

While we wait for the containers there is plenty to do. Half of The Patricia Ward is ready for use, while the other half is not. Today, part of the crew was able to work on The Patricia Ward, sanding down the walls, puttying and patching, priming and sweeping. It’s a dirty job, (we’re not kidding) but someone has to do it! Meanwhile, another group started work on the scaffolding, while still others made an inventory of the tools on hand. With electrical and plumbing work, plus painting and sealing, there is plenty of work for the next few days.

As we sit here typing, there is festive African drumming and singing coming from the nearby Catholic school. The people of Tanzania have been warm, welcoming, and above all, friendly. There is a joy that radiates from them.

It is good to be in Africa!

Prayer Guide - May 20

Jesus, You were a carpenter. Help the team so that all the measurements are correct, all the cuts are true, all the nails go in straight, all the pieces come together as we build in God's Way together through prayer and physical labor.

Prayer Guide - May 19

God of mercy and healing, prevent all illnesses as the team travels to/in/from Africa. Keep the team healthy and safe.


Jesus, we pray that everyone is healthy, strong and ready to start "Building God's Way in Tanzania". Please help the team to all work in peace and harmony as brothers and sisters in Christ and never lose sight of our mission.

Prayer Guide - May 18

Lord Jesus, the team is on it's way. We pray that all their flights, transfer and other travel arrangements continue to flow safely and smoothly as they go through multiple time zones and cultures.

Prayer Guide - May 17

Lord, we know that you are the Good Shepherd. Shepherd us so everyone has a safe and easy journey to the airports

We thank You, our awesome God, Who has brought this mission this far and continues to amaze us with Your plan which is always greater and better than ours. .

On the Eve of Departure

After all these months, our time of departure is nearly here. There have been so many milestones and challenges. I am excited and a little leery as I look at my packed bag and wonder what I am missing and what I have that I don't need. I have been holding my beautiful week old granddaughter and thinking how much she will change while I am away. But she also makes me think about what we are going to do and the hope we are bringing to other grandmothers, mothers and babies in Tanzania. Ari makes it so clear what we are going to do and why!

My prayer today is that God's Hands are on the containers and that He is shepherding them on to the trucks and on each mile of their journey across Tanzania. Let us see God's plan clearly and carry out His will in this trip.

Gwen

Prayer Guide - May 16

God of all things, we pray that all the packing for the trip will be accomplished without stress; give the team Your grace as they go through their final preparations

Prayer Guide - May 15

God we pray that Bob and Nancy Munson are having a safe trip and are enjoying all the steps of their journey to Mwanza.

We give thanks to You, God, for all the people who have supported this work through their gifts and their prayers. Bless each of them and help the Team to do Your work well. .

I assume I am on the blog now!!!

I assume I am on the blog now!!! I saw my name on the blog. So here is my prayer.

God,
Bless each of us and give us the courage, strength and wisdom to do your work in Tanzania. Let us feel the joy of working toward your kingdom when our muscles ache, our backs complain and our minds try to convince us to give up. Remind us that we are doing your work to help our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. And when we return may we be blessed by knowing we did our best. Amen

Prayer Guide - May 14

Jesus, you are the foundation of our Lives, and we pray that You will guide and guard the building foundations at Nyakato. Help the people there so that the preparations are well underway, if not completed; let all be ready, so that construction can start as soon as the team arrives in Tanzania.

Prayer Guide - May 13

God, we ask that you safe guard the containers as they are on the road to Mwanza and protect them during the journey.

Prayer Guide - May 12

Lord, You know our every need. God of all our lives, we pray that everyone is guided to be wise in their choice of items to take to Tanzania and that nothing essential will be forgotten.

God of all our lives, we pray that all domestic matters are easily resolved for the Team as they prepare to be away. Make the way straight and clear, Lord, as we concentrate on Your work and Your will.

Father, prepare the teams' hearts for the trip as well as the hearts of those in Tanzania with whom we will come in contact. Let them see Jesus in the team. May we all be open to Your leading.

Prayer Guide - May 11

Lord, on this Mother's Day, pray for all the mothers in Tanzania who are now or will be pregnant and may be the patients at Nyakato and we pray, too, for those who have no hope of a similar facility anytime soon. Hold them all in Your loving hands.

Prayer Guide - May 10

Father of us all, we pray for Craig Cole as he returns from Turkey to quickly prepare for the trip to Tanzania. Bring him safely home.

Prayer Guide - May 9

God of Justice and Mercy, we pray that those attending the "Doing Justice" conference today and tomorrow will grow in Your grace and spirit as they learn about the Christian church's role in increasing and ensuring justice around the world.

Prayer Guide - May 8

God of all the seas and all the lands, we pray for the safety of our two materials containers as they continue the journey overland to reach Nyakato.

Father, we know that all things are possible through you. In Jesus name we ask that you complete the healing of Paul's arm so that he is fully ready for this trip. We also ask that Jim, Susan and Gwen have relief from the pains that they have been experiencing. Bless all the members of the team with energy and restful sleep in this week leading up to the trip. And Lord we pray for anyone who is in pain today. Grant them peace and relief from their pain and bless them with your comforting Spirit.

Prayer Guide - May 7

Lord, please direct the work and the bureaucracies so that all our visas and other travel documents are in order and all our medical preparations have been completed and been effective.

Prayer Guide - May 6

God, we pray that all the students in our lives will have focus, strength and peace as they finish their school terms and final exams and tests.

Father, we know that all things are possible through you. Bless the work of the Nyakato Hospital and all the volunteers from around the world who work there through the year. Help and heal all those who come to Nyakato for help.

Prayer Guide - May 5

Father who created us to live in family, we pray that Bob and Nancy Munson's youngest grandson, David Gonzales, will have a happy first birthday.

Prayer Guide - May 4

On this Commissioning Sunday, Lord we pray that You bless and use this mission trip to further the work of Your Kingdom.

Greetings, Team Mates!

Hello from Chico! I can't wait to meet everyone and start our adventure in Tanzania!

Loading the container

In February, the (extremely heavy) steel roofing is loaded into the top of the container with the help of Home Depot's fork lift. I can't imagine the unloading of the container in Nyakato without a fork lift, but it will get done!