by Francine Thomas
Our New Man, New Woman workshop this week in Kondoa, Tanzania, has been amazing. Our hosts are our dear friends, Anglican Bishop Given and Mama Bishop Lillian Gaula. Many people commented on how much they were learning and thanked us over and over. We have realized that this curriculum and the way we encourage western back and forth comments and questions, we have allowed the people a way to voice the challenges of their culture, vent their frustrations and to get clarification for Bible passages they don’t understand. Mama Lilian has said more than once that this curriculum represents the African culture especially well. Each time I was tempted to feel tired or wondering if they were “getting it,” I only had to listen to their interactions and laughter and watch the expressions on their faces as they realized that Christ truly does offer freedom. It’s nothing short of amazing and we feel privileged to witness i and to be a part of it all.
This is our second time to use the curriculum here in Kondoa, but we are once again delighted to see how on target the teaching is. Mama Lilian keeps saying that Carrie truly knows the African heart, mindset and culture. As in 2012, this style of student/instructor interaction regarding many vital issues in this culture gives men and women a voice. This is especially important for women as they seldom have the freedom to express their deep-seated frustrations and fears. We have tried to put ourselves in their shoes by imagining how shocking and difficult it must be to learn that their traditional ways have not always been conducive to living the abundant life Christ promises to those who follow him. Because of that, certain issues require much discussion and debate, but in the end, the light comes on and they realize that their ways have not always been God’s ways. It’s difficult to determine why such truth has remained illusive to us all. Perhaps we have read certain passages as being relevant for only the original context and people. Regardless, they now understand and view God’s ideal in a new light.
Truly, there is much work to do in encouraging them to continue walking in the truth that they have discovered through this study, but the seed change that began in Kondoa in 2012 continues. Mama Lilian told us that she has encountered a number of female students from our 2012 workshop. In fact, a lot of them have come to the three-month women’s empowerment courses where they learn to read, write and sew. In asking who was caring for their children, the response has been, “Their father.” This would have been unheard of prior to their introduction to NMNW. So you see, the seed-change has begun and there is real and lasting transformation.
We also have more exciting news to share with you. We spoke with the Bishop about appointing a coordinator he trusts and values to carry this teaching throughout the diocese. He immediately thought of two women. We know them personally and feel they are both intelligent and committed to God. He wants to take time to pray about God’s choice, but he’s excited about the opportunity to multiply this message. Also, he has made the decision that he will not ordain any pastors until they have completed this course. When we heard this, we were elated! Imagine the impact of having a priest and his wife who have already gone through this course in a position to model and influence countless people in their respective regions!
But there’s more good news. Yesterday morning, we had breakfast with the principal of the Bible school here on the diocesan compound. The Bishop told him he wanted the students to attend this workshop. The principal balked, saying they were studying for exams and couldn’t possibly take time out. We expected that to be the end of it, but God had other plans. We were surprised to see the principal and several students walk into the back of our classroom shortly after we began on the first day. The principal joined in the group activities and appeared to be fully involved. He told us he would be leaving after a couple of hours, but he actually ended up staying the whole day and into the night. Here’s the real miracle: After exposure to the teaching, he became so enthusiastic that he insisted this teaching must be given to all the students. Apparently he preached at chapel this morning and said as much to the assembled students. In fact, he told them they had no excuse for missing this opportunity that may not come to them again before they graduate. We have already spoken to the Bishop and Mama Lilian about making it part of the Bible School course offerings, and they heartily agree. Mama Lilian is willing to teach it, but I feel certain the principal will also use parts of it in his own classes.
The end result is that even when something seems impossible to us, God proves that everything is possible with him. He has offered us a way to spread the truth presented in NMNW in ways we had not anticipated. Both the Bishop and his wife have been overjoyed with the students’ response and their opportunity to refresh the message for themselves. They are completely committed to spreading the teaching throughout this large diocese not only through the 42 ordained pastors and 97 lay pastors, but also through the students who graduate from the Bible school and spread throughout the region.
We are beside ourselves with joy and with gratitude to the Lord who make this possible. May his name be praised forever and ever! Amen!
Together in His Service,
Dan and Francine Thomas