Transformation in Tanzania

After driving northeast from Mwanza, we arrived at the offices of our partner, the Mara and Ukerewe Diocese of the African Inland Church of Tanzania (AICT-MUD). Two gentleman, Peter and Charles, with smiles as large as their enthusiasm, bounded out of the building to greet Ida, Paul Kaufman, the Vandenbergs, my husband Theo, and myself.

Peter and Charles were our guides for the next couple of days as we visited nearby communities. The first was a village that had been targeted by AICT after a government study in 1999 indicated an extreme level of poverty there. Not only did this village have severe unemployment, low education rates, and significant health problems, it was also known for practicing witchcraft. Even neighbors in the surrounding villages knew that this place was without hope: nothing good would ever come from it.

World Renew and AICT-MUD came alongside this community to determine its resources and assets, and then began to offer training to help families improve their income, learning, and health. At the same time, an evangelist from AICT-MUD started to share the story of salvation in the community, and it began to take root. It turned out that not all in the village had lost hope. Some still dreamed of a different reality for themselves and a better future for their children. The trainings led to the development of 19 small, community groups that are comprised of 120 people. The groups have simple, honest names such as: "Love," "Hope," "Freedom & Work," and "Coming Together." Each of the groups has a different purpose: some specialize in growing and selling herbal medicines, others farm, other provide widow care, and still others promote prevention of HIV. Each group defined their vision and created an action plan for success.

He told us that community development "opened the village's eyes and provided light to see where we should go."

Even though a prominent person from the village had passed away just before we arrived and many community members went to mourn with the family while we we were there, we heard testimony after testimony from individuals who understood the power of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). One gentleman who lived in extreme poverty could not provide for his family prior to joining his community group. Now he has several businesss that more than meed his family's needs. He has been able to send his children to school, build a house, and give equipment to the church. He told us that community development "opened the village's eyes and provided light to see where we should go."

Then two best friends shared their journey. One was a Christian and in a group, the other was Muslim and not involved in a project. As his Muslim friend saw the physical, social, and spiritual transformation occurring in his best friend, he decided to join the community's savings and loans group. As his involvement grew, his Christian friend continued to witness to him. The Muslim man argued, "How can I become a Christian? I have five wives!" His friend replied, "God does not want your wives – He wants your heart." The man is now a Christian and a leader in the church, the village, and in development work.

We heard stories about people who forsook alcohol and a life full of darkness and idleness so that they could find a future full of hope and purpose. One man who was HIV-positive decided to make a courageous stand and share his status publically so that he could start a support group for other men with HIV and AIDS. The AICT-MUD church supported his calling, and now he runs that group as well as a home-based care business for those living with HIV and AIDS. He marveled at how God is using him to educate people and speak on this topic in churches across the country. He realized that God had given him a life of strengthening and empowering others, not a life of sickness and dependence.

There are more stories to tell. This is the story of one village. We visited other villages where we had the same kinds of experiences. They are transformational – not just for the storytellers, but also for the story-hearers. They are evidence of God's Spirit working through His faithful servants. I pray that you are also moved by their stories and that they can feel your passion for the work of World Renew.

In Christ,