Urban Strategy Report

Mwanza , Tanzania , East Africa

May 2003

To view as pdf click here

THE URBANIZATION OF AFRICA  

As with many continents all over the world, Africa is quickly becoming urban with over 53% of its population living in its cities today. Timothy Monsma, an urban missiologist, predicts that Africa will be 75% urban by 2025. The village is moving to the city. The reasons are simple: because of the need for jobs and lack of financial opportunities in the villages. Another reason is if a man has 3 sons only the firstborn inherits the land in the rural areas which makes the other 2 sons look elsewhere for their future: towards the city.  This has created a need for a shift in missions in Africa from the 19th century rural village (where church planting has focused the last 100 years) to the decaying slums of the 21st century city (where there is little church presence). Something also to consider is that African traditions are breaking down at a rapid pace. Traditions such as bride price are not as predominant as they once were, especially among the young people and Tanzanians are looking for something to fill that empty void. We know that only the love of our Lord Jesus Christ can truly fill that emptiness!    

ECONOMIC STATISTICS OF MWANZA

 

Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania , East Africa and is a city of 800,000 people with over 70% of its population living in the slums or “squatter settlements” on the rocky hills that surround the city. Just 10 years ago in 1992, the population was just 223,000. Economists are predicting that Mwanza will double in population by 2011 to 1.6 million. The average person working in Mwanza makes $1 a day and the average lifespan is 47 years of age. According to the World Suffering Index, Tanzania is the 11th poorest nation in the world. Inflation has risen from 1999 (Tanzanian shilling, 760 shillings to USD) to now (1060 shillings to the USD).   

TRIBAL COMPOSITION OF MWANZA  

Mwanza is home to over 11 different Tanzanian tribes including the Sukuma who are the largest tribe in Tanzania .  What is interesting is that there no tribalism in Tanzania except among the Sukuma and Maasai who often quarrel over land and cattle.  Largest tribes in Mwanza in order of size are the following:  

TRIBE                                    COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN MWANZA

1. Wahaya (Bukoba)             Isamilo, Kirumba, Kilimahewa, Kiloleli, Nyakato,                                    Kigoto

2.  Wakuria (Near Mara,       Mabatini, Bugarika, Nyakabungo, Isamilo, Kenya ) Bugando       

3.  Wasukuma                       Mahina, Kisesa, Iseke, Nyambiti, Ilonganzaa,                                              Nyakato, Isamilo

4.  Wazinza                            They originate from Lake Victoria Islands ,

                                                Sengerema, Geita

5.  Wafipa                              They originate from Sumbawanga

6.  Waluo                                They originate from Musoma (Igogo, Kileluja)

7.  Walangi                             They originate in Dodoma

8.  Wanyamwezi                    They originate in Tabora (Igogo, Mkuyuni, Nyagezi,                                   Butimba)

9.  Washambala                    They originate from Tanga

10. Wakalewe                       They originate from Islands outside Mwanza                                            

FELT NEEDS (for more, read paper, “Addressing Felt Needs in Mwanza”)  

Felt needs are simply what the people really need to survive.  Being a poor country, Tanzania has its host of needs and problems.  In Mwanza, for example, it is not uncommon for me to be asked 20-30 times a day for money.  I have discovered an appropriate response to these questions is to respond to their needs by sharing a need I have in a joking way, “I need a vehicle, could you buy me one?”  Tanzanians seem to like wit and to “throw the ball back into their court.”  While there is no way to grade which felt needs are more important to the people, there are some that just overwhelm this city.  As we preach the Gospel, with every message we share, these felt needs MUST be addressed:  

1.  Witchcraft: fear of ancestral spirits, evil spirits, witchdoctors, and sorcerers.  When it comes to most areas of life, Tanzanians believe strongly that their problems in life come from witchcraft.  Fear saturates their lives.  The desire to manipulate and control these spirits drives them to the witchdoctor.  Because of the uncertainty of whether or not the ancestors are appeased, they are always living in a constant state of anxiety.  Witchdoctors are usually sought out for two reasons: 1) to understand why “bad luck” is happening in their lives; 2) to seek blessings over their business.  Jealousy drives them to sorcerers who are paid to curse people.  At the heart of their worldview, it seems to be power and manipulation of these spirits.   

2.  AIDS/HIV.  Recently, in the city of Tabora, 600 18 year old students were tested for HIV.  Only 2 were negative!  Across Africa, this is the case everywhere.  The age group this affects most is the 15-40 year old bracket and more women in Mwanza are affected then men.  Many people still believe that AIDS is a result of witchcraft.  The reason they believe this is because they go to the hospital and they do not get better.  I met a doctor who works in a clinic in Igogo slum and he said he spends most of his time trying to convince the people that AIDS is a virus, not a result of witchcraft. 

            How many have AIDS here?  Only God knows.  There are 27% documented cases in Mwanza.  What is shocking is that 85% of the people that are in the Bugando hospital (the only government hospital here) are HIV positive.  The Tanzanian government has dealt with the issue encouraging condoms while the church has struggled with what its role should be.  Many view AIDS as a curse from God.  The church has also struggled with forgiveness towards those who repent.  When one is diagnosed with AIDS, no one knows nor is told when they die what they have died of.   It has the same social implications as leprosy in the first century.  I have been told by ministers here that most funerals are AIDS related.  Many times, in other parts of Tanzania , ministers will not bury someone they know has died of AIDS.  In an already chaotic atmosphere, this virus destroys any sense of a way out and only adds to the hopelessness.  One lady asked a prostitute why she did this to herself.  She said, “I’m better off dying of AIDS than hunger.”  Everyday in Tanzania, 200 children are born with AIDS.  49% of pregnant mothers give birth to children with AIDS who die before age of 5.  Those that do survive, end up as one of 2 million orphans.  Many preachers will not touch this subject, but they ones that are see growth in their churches.  People need to know what God thinks about this and what His answers are.   

3.  Poverty.  Being as overcrowded as Mwanza is, poverty is the dominant issue.  Obviously what everyone is looking for is work.  This has also created a problem with dishonest business ethics and thievery.   This is an issue that needs to be addressed in teaching in a delicate and respectful way to show that God cares.  

4.  Sickness/inadequate health care.   Malaria, typhoid, TB, and bilharzias are the predominant sicknesses.  Other common diseases in the street are polio, clubfoot, and leprosy.  Affordable clinics that give adequate health care are lacking in every ward I visited.  

5.  Powerlessness over life.  There is “fatalistic” view of life here.  One statement in KiSwahili says it all, “Sasa ndivyo illivyo” or “That’s how it is.”  Because of their belief in witchcraft and the hopelessness that AIDS brings, there is a common belief that God is not completely in control of His creation.  One man even told me that there are some who believe satan and God are working together!  This is a worldview that must be changed by the truth of God’s Word.  

6. Drunkenness/drugs/gangs. Obviously, hopelessness breeds false substitutes.  It is not uncommon for me to be walking in the hills and see ladies cooking beer and men sitting in a circle drinking from long straws.  It is nasty smelling stuff!  The main drug here is bangi or marijuana.  While gangs are not like they are in the ghettos in America , there is a presence here of young boys who primarily focus on stealing.   

7.  Fear of the city.  Because most of the people here are from the rural areas, they feel “disconnected” by the fast paced city life.  There is intimidation by those who are educated and those in government positions while there is a frustration among the ordinary people concerning the corruption involved in politics.  While they know the village life is not possible to return to, there is a hunger of the “community” they once had there.  With all of the changes that occurs when a person moves to the city, there is a deep desire for relationships and something that will “connect” them here.  Where those connections take place are primarily in their areas of work.   It is not uncommon for a man to leave home early in the morning to search for work and when it is not found, to sit around all day with his friends talking and return late at night to his wife and children.       

8.  Sexual immorality/prostitution.  While teaching in Mabatini, I asked what women do if they can’t have children, expecting them to say they go to the witchdoctor.  Instead, to my surprise, I was told, “We share partners!”  With AIDS being the huge problem it is here, this is an obvious social sin that needs to be addressed strongly, especially to the youth.  

9.  Decaying marriages.  While divorce is not a huge problem, it is becoming a social issue in a country where it wasn’t even considered 10 years ago.  But, what is worse is the huge problem of wife beating.  God has put us in the roughest ward in Mwanza to open our eyes to this neglected problem.  The woman’s role here is overloaded with too many expectations.  We plan on working together with a “Women’s Rights” organization here in Mwanza that helps educate people about alternatives. Other problems in marriages are jealousy, unfaithfulness, and gossip.  On top of this, the youth of this culture are influenced heavily by the West and there is great disrespect for elders.   

When asked, “What are the greatest problems facing your community?” The Ward Executive Officers mentioned these things:  

            1) health issues/sicknesses centering around a need for dispensaries,

                clinics, and pharmacies;

            2) better living conditions (need for food during drought, what to do with trash, 

                need for clean water and electricity;

            3) need for more primary and secondary schools;

            4) need for more jobs.   

Once churches are established, how will we address these issues?  Through the churches themselves and the people of the wards who know the answers.  Meeting felt needs must never come from the missionary or American resources.  To address health issues, I will suggest to the leaders to set aside so much from the offering to use for medicine to help the family of God (Galatians 6:10 ).  Another way would be to through clinics.  We could invite Janice Bingham, former medical missionary to Tanzania , to come do a week “clinic in the hills” that would be totally sponsored and done through the local churches of Christ.   

Concerning better living conditions, this is something that could be addressed by the church to the whole community.  Gather all the leaders of the area and discuss the issues and potential answers.  One idea that has worked well in other cities is for the church to help pick up trash in the area and show their concern for cleanliness.  Concerning jobs, I would like to find a few agencies in town and work in conjunction with them to do seminars about starting small businesses.  This could be done at the church and sponsored by the elders.  Concerning education, I would tackle the issue of illiteracy first.  It is not known what the rate of illiteracy is, but my guess would be that more women than men are not able to read.  Possibly we could sponsor a teacher from Mwanza to do this.   

RELIGION IN MWANZA  

Mwanza is a city rich in culture and diversity. When driving through the dusty, bumpy streets, one notices the Arabic feel the city has with its many temples and mosques. It is also a city of great spiritual darkness hosting such religions as:  

CHRISTIANITY IN MWANZA  

Christianity here in Mwanza has been estimated to be around 40-50%, although that is exaggerated. So many Christians here are “Christian in name only.”  My guess of truly born again believers would be only around 20%.  The dominant churches are Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, AIC ( African Inland Church , similar to Anglican), Pentecostal, many “charismatic” churches with various names, and Assembly of God. There is a small Baptist presence here as well. One church that is growing is the Evangelistic Assemblies of God who have been aggressive in planting over 40 churches all over Mwanza in the last 30 years. This shows that there is potential for future growth in Churches of Christ.   

What is most surprising is that the largest and fastest growing church in Mwanza is the Seventh-Day Adventists who have over 22 churches in town.  The reason is the first missionaries of this church came to Musoma and Mwanza is filled with the WaKuria people, who are from Musoma.  All of their churches are from 200-3000 people, the largest being in Mabatini.  What attracts people to their church is the emphasis on morality and character, however, what is interesting is the primary problem in their churches is sexual immorality!  There is also a strong legalistic view that all Protestants are considered “lost” because of their refusal to keep the Sabbath.  However, not all churches support this view, but it is still a predominant belief among many “Sabato’s” as the locals call them.   

Why are people going here?  A couple of possible reasons: 1) it’s obvious that many churches in town are not stressing morality enough and people are tired of hypocrisy; 2) in a sense, Tanzanians seem to be attracted to rituals as can be seen in the dominant churches (Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran).  However, this promotes an “easy believism” that requires very little commitment and leaves the heart empty.  The “Sabato’s” require a strict commitment from their people which gives the impression that it’s a “private club” and this, I believe, attracts people;  3) in their pagan background of seeking to maintain peace between themselves and spirits, they are always in a constant state of needing to do something and are attracted to a “rules-keeping” religion.  For example, they don’t drink coffee, eat pork, or do any kind of work on Saturdays (the busiest day of the week being “market” day).  They do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, salvation is only found in Him, and they do baptize by immersion.        

What are the issues among churches here?  After talking with many church leaders, the problem with many Christians in Mwanza seems to be in three areas: 1) syncretism (a mixing of two or more belief systems that create a whole new belief, i.e., Christianity/Witchcraft; 2) nominalism (I call it “ho-hum” Christianity); 3) a lack of discipleship. Many are Christians “in name only” and continue living however they want to live, visiting witchdoctors, and playing “both sides of the fence.” Part of the reason I believe is that Tanzanians have only seen Christianity as a “white man’s religion” and when they visit some churches, only Western forms of worship are used, ignoring Tanzanian culture. According to Operation World by Patrick Johnstone, 70% of “Christians” in Tanzania are made up of Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches only. There has been “churchianity” without the lifestyle of “Christianity!”  There has been “religion,” but no relationship!  

Another reason is the lack of a relevant message that touches the heartstrings of the people.  I have attended many churches and the message is usually one of condemnation, tithing, or some topic that no one can understand.  There is almost a reverence for clergy here.  They are viewed as the only ones who can understand the Bible while the common layman cannot.   

One church that has proven successful with a relevant message is the Assemblies of God who are challenging the issues: AIDS, sexual immorality, and drunkenness with a radical call to follow Jesus. They are seeing very fast growth and true heart conversion. One church in the slum of Igogo has also begun cell groups and since 1999, has grown to over 350 people!  We will also approach evangelism through cell groups. This proves the fact that if you have a relevant message, a radical call to discipleship, and a deep focus on leadership training, churches will grow.  In fact, Assemblies of God differentiate between “Christians in name only” and those who are “born again.”  We believe Mwanza is a place where most people have never truly heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   

While teaching in the ward of Mabatini, I am continually amazed at the questions people are asking me:   

However, what touched me most was George, a man who lives in Mabatini, say to me on my last day before coming back for furlough last September: “Who will teach us about God when you are gone?”   

I have seen how Catholicism has created a great deal of confusion about leadership. When the men hear that God wants ordinary men leading His church, they are excited. They have never heard of the Church of Christ here either and are very interested in our approach to evangelism, leadership, and church.   They can see that we are very different from other churches they have encountered.   

Our friends and co-workers, the Calvin Groen family and the Eric Guild family, are planting new churches out in the rural villages east and west of Mwanza among the Sukuma people while living here in Mwanza.  In the 90’s, three other families were here for a total of 10 years and God raised up a harvest of over 110 churches south of Mwanza.   This is a very receptive area to the Gospel.  With no church of Christ in a city of 800,000 people, I believe God has called Teresa and I to plant urban churches in the slums of Mwanza.    

INTERVIEWS WITH WARD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

AOG (Assembly of God)

PAG (Pentecostal Assemblies of God)

SDA (Seventh Day Adventist)

ROC (Catholic)

KKKT (Lutheran)

AIC ( African Inland Church )

TAG (Tanzanian Assemblies of God)  

NOTE: ** AREA DENOTES PLACES FOR RURAL TEAM TO CHECK OUT

                                                                                                     RECENT     WANT A

NAME OF WARD      OFFICER              # PEOPLE     # CHURCH   MOVES?      CHURCH?                      

1.  NYAMAGANA    Maduhu Joseph          22,451               1                 NO           YES

             Notes:   He said this was mainly a Islamic area.  This is the downtown area near Ghandi hall.  He said there were no plots to build churches.  A school could be used:  Nyamagana Primary.  1 Anglican church down this way.  

 

2.  PAMBA             Musita Faustine           17,436               9               YES           YES

        Notes:  Bugarika, Bugando Hill, Mlimani.  Churches here are: ROC, SDA, 2 AOG, PAG, Power Station, Lutheran, Islam.  There is a need for a church plant.  A lot of Wakuria.

 

3.  IGOGO               Kizanguzi William        34,000          10-15              YES           YES

 

      Notes: they built their own secondary school, attitude of self-sufficiency, Anglican, AOG, SDA, AIC, ROC, Islam big presence here, Mennonite, PAG, various small churches.  He encouraged us to come and start more churches.  This will be primary target for 2004.

 

4.  KIRUMBA          Wille Franco               4,760                6                   NO            YES

 

            Notes:   Churches here: ROC, AOG, Moravian, Mennonite, SDA, Anglican, 1 Mosque.  He told me that a church is needed in Ibanda on top of the hill.     

 

5.  MBUGANI          Bunwenge Gaudensi   29,049              8                    YES!         YES

 

            Notes:   This is the ward with Mabatini and Nyashana.  Churches here include: SDA (over 3000 members!), TAG, AIC, ROC, Evangelistic AOG, Redeemed Gospel, Pentecostal, Lutheran.  

 

6.  MIRONGO          Walwa Masende          12,832               0                  NO            YES

 

            Notes:   This is in the center of town near the Language school and is a heavy Muslim area.  Two primary schools could serve as churches: Nyanza and Mirongo.  Obviously, a problem here would be very expensive property.

 

7.  ISAMILO            Christina Mashiku       12,062               7                  YES          YES

 

            Notes:  Nyashana is a community that stretches all down Nyerere road: Nyashana Isamilo, Nyashana Nyakato, Nyashana Mbugani.  She mentioned there is only a SDA church in the Nyakabungo area and none in Nyashana.  She said churches are needed “in the hills” which would be the Nyashana area.  Churches in this ward: 1 ROC, 1 AIC, 1 KKKT, PAG, Baptist, AOG, small Pentecostal.  We need to start a church in Nyashana and Nyakabungo. 

 

8.  NYMANORO      Juma Hassan                42,000          10-15              YES          YES

 

            Notes:   SDA, Baptist, AOG, Lutheran, 3 Pentecostal, Anglican, ROC, and 3 Mosques. Largest tribe here is Sukuma, followed by Wakelewe, Wahaya, and Wachagga.   He said most of the people have moved from Bukoba and Mkalewe.  He was insistent to me that a church is needed here.  This is the Kilimahewa region.  He said Kigongo and Kiloleli were areas that needed churches.

 

9.  MKUYUNI          Clementina Kabogoza    10,673        3                     NO           YES

                                 0744-536-893

 

            Notes:   ROC, TAG, and KKKT.  It is a mixed community of tribes.  Shede is in this region.  I was told that Nyegezi near Butimba needs churches badly.  This whole area will be a ward we will focus on.

 

10.  BUTIMBA         Mlema Rogasian

 

            Notes:   Tried twice to visit this person as well and was not able to see him.  This is the community after Mkuyuni on Shinyanga road.  This area I was told needs churches.

 

**11.  BUHONGWA   Prisca Rwegoshora  13,776   9                    NO           YES

                                 0744-618-407

 

            Notes:   ROC, AIC, KKKT, Baptist, AOG, Church of God , SDA, Pentecostal.  Only   Sukuma live in this area that was about 25 minutes down Shinyanga road.  This would be a good area for the rural team to check out.  I was told 2 villages in particular need churches: 1) Lwanima (contact, Mr. Mayanga Machmeba) 2) Buhongwa (contact, Mr. Deogratias Mazoya)

 

12. MKOLANI          William Segeredi    

 

            Notes:  Tried twice visiting this Mtendaji, but he was not there.  I have been told by  several in town that this area needs churches badly.  It is down Shinyanga road.

 

13. NYAKATO        Mathias Masengeng’he

 

**14. BUSWELU       Joseph Kusekwa      14,000               5 (1 Mosque)   NO       YES   

 

            Notes:   This is a rural, remote area.  Sukuma, Wajaluo, and Wajita.  Our rural team is already working out this way so we are already aware of the needs.  However, he said that there was an SDA, AIC, AOG, ROC, and Baptist.  He said there was a great need for churches out this way. 

 

15. IGOMA            Pastory Nestory

 

            Notes:   My friend who accompanied me, Bernard, is from this area.  I visited his home which he claimed was “in the city” but was as rural as can be.  He seemed very interested in what we are doing and wrote me a note saying he was interested in  “learning more about my religion.”  He is a Catholic, but said there were no churches out where he lived.  We tried visiting the Mtendaji of this area but he  was not there.

 

16. PASIANSI        Walyama Tondosa

 

17. KITAGIRI         John Manyili

 

18. ILEMELA         Paulo Masangu

 

**19. BUGOGWA     Jonathan Makorogo

 

            Notes:   This is the rural areas out near the airport where we are working already

 

**20. SANGABUYE  Deus Kaj

 

            Notes:   This is the rural areas out near the airport and Lake where we are already

                        working.  

While all officials were not seen, it became obvious that we have much work to do!  Another issue was I did not feel it was necessary to visit wards that were out in the “bush” as we already know there is a need for churches there and this is where the Groens and Guilds are focusing.   

IMPORTANT CITY OFFICIALS

1.  Paulo Baruti, City Director

2.  Hezekiely Kitilya, Urban planning senior land officer

3.  Bernard Myanda, helper

4.  Frank Kilawe, regional planning commission

5.  Mr. Tafiki, community development head

6.  Mr. Mtaki, informer sector officer

 CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHERE TO FOCUS CHURCH PLANTING

 Based on what has been learned, where do we begin with so many needs?  I believe there are several factors involved when seeking to focus on where to target first.  Here they are:   

1.  Prayer.  Mission that is totally based on human research is fruitless.  Prayer is and will always be the foundation of this mission.  Much time needs to be  spent in prayer and fasting as to where to begin.    

2.  Joining God where He is already working.  Obviously, we look for people and signs that there is a receptivity to change and a hunger to know God.  God was here long before we arrived preparing the hearts of the people.   

3.  How many churches in relation to how many people there are needs to be considered.  This is true of wards like Mbugani and Igogo.   

4.  How many recent immigrants have there been?  Viv Grigg, slum church planting guru, says that if you can find people within the first 5 years of   coming from rural areas, they will be more receptive to change than those   who have lived there longer.  There are a few wards that seem to attract those coming in from the village.  

5.  Focusing on areas that are close to one another and within walking  distance.  This is important because we will be teaching local Christians how to start other churches.   We also want churches that are close to one another  for fellowship and support.  

WHERE WILL WE BEGIN?  

In light of all this, here are the 5 communities of greatest needs and the ones we will be focusing on until furlough in Dec of 2005 (unless otherwise directed by the Holy Spirit)  

1.  Mabatini (Mbuguni ward)

2.  Nyashana (Mbuguni ward)

3.  Igogo (Igogo ward)

4.  Mkuyuni (Mkuyuni ward)

5.  Shede (Mkuyuni ward)

 

It is our dream and desire to see a church of Christ in every ward one day!  

GATEWAY INTO THE WARDS  

I have discovered the hard way that just waltzing right into a ward is not only disrespectful but will get you absolutely nowhere.  Mwanza, in spite of its chaotic atmosphere, is very organized with a highly systematic structure.  Government employees are at the top of the ladder in terms of organization.  Each “ward” or slum (called “projects” in America ) have an Executive Ward officer (Afisa wa Mtendaji).  They are paid by the government and represent the whole community they have been assigned.  Interestingly, most do not live in the community they represent.   Under them, are “Mwenyekitis” who are over 100 homes.  Under them are balozi’s who are over 10-15 families.   The system is very similar to that what Jethro proposed to Moses in Exodus 18!   It seems it is good to greet these people first and work your way down to the balozi’s of the area where God seems to be working.  

ISSUES WE ARE FACING  

1) How do we gather people?  

If a missionary is seeking to preach the Word of God in the village, normally they will find a neutral place to meet, like a big mango tree to meet under.  After teaching and baptisms, the people will then buy or have donated a plot of land, have a harambee (which is the whole community putting their money together), and build a church.   

However, in the slums, it is a whole different situation.  There is no place to meet where one could get more than 30 people.  Yes, this could be the start of a church, but one needs to consider the issue of where a church can gather and grow.  Not only is over crowdedness an issue, the houses are located on rocky hills which makes gathering people very difficult.  I have asked many different men about how to gather people.   What do they think?   Both balozi’s (leaders over 15 houses) of the area and the men have advised to build a small structure with poles and a metal roof.  A few pastors have told me this is how they began their church and I even attended an Assembly of God that was built like this.   To do this proves two things: 1) the missionary is serious about starting a church in the area.  Even though socialism has been gone since 1992, there is still the suspiciousness of strangers in a community, especially a white boy who is walking around the hills talking about Jesus!  2) it provides a place to meet.  After that, gathering people would be very simple (I am told) and teaching could begin. 

When I did suggest that they do a “Harambee” first, they laughed at me and said it was not possible.   

This whole thing presents two very big problems that totally go against everything I have been taught about indigenous missions: 1) in order to get this structure, one would need to purchase a plot of land (which in Mabatini, the men have picked out a plot that costs $600!); 2) one needs to build the structure which has been estimated at $200.  After the structure is built and the plot of land is purchased by the missionary, the people (I am told again by those who understand the Bantu mindset) would consider the church “theirs.”   They would then have the “harambee” and build the rest of the church themselves.  They just need help getting started.  However, this is the same issue that the rural missionaries face: the people want the missionaries to do everything.  What has worked in the past is to not give them anything, just teach and let them make the decisions about buildings later on.  Harambee’s do work if the people want a church building.  The missionary could then contribute to that effort.  

One thing I don’t like about this is it will set the standard for the rest of our ministry here.  “Christopher and Teresa will buy us a plot.”  Another thing is the church is the people, not a structure.  It seems to me that people in town see things done a certain way and they think, “That is the only way to do it.”  

A more feasible solution to this issue is this:  

1.      When entering a new community, build relationships first!  Trust needs to be built.  Besides, how often do you see a white guy walking around the slums?  Due to the socialist mindset that is still prevalent in the people here, people are suspicious of any outsider.  Going from compound to compound with the balozi of the area is what is needed.  I think it will help to have church registration, what is the church of Christ , and even my work permit to show proof to these leaders. 

2.      Pray, fast, pray, fast and seek to find where God is already working in the  hearts of the people!

3.      Whether in a compound of a balozi/friend or in a small marketplace, begin teaching 1-2 lessons concerning the felt needs of that area.  For example, preaching on the AIDS issue or witchcraft. 

4.      After getting interest, rent a classroom from a primary school near the community.  Have a local Tanzanian arrange the cost and secure the classroom.  It is not known what days they will be available, but we do know that Saturdays and Sundays would be good days to teach as often and as long as the people wanted.  Initially, the missionary will pay the rent.  After a church is born, the missionary will slowly pay less each time. 

5.      To advertise teaching in the classroom, we are going to try using flyers the day before the event, especially inviting and going to each balozi’s house and encouraging him to invite the people he is leading.  Another idea of advertising is to do again some marketplace preaching or a place where a lot of people congregate. 

6.      After teaching and baptisms, the church will be born and the church will organize themselves staying in the classroom for a short period of time.  It will be important that all decisions will be made by the people from this point forward.

7.      When the need for a church building is brought up, it is then the idea of the “Harambee” will be suggested.  Concerning the plot of ground and the structure, I will suggest to the church that Teresa and I will pay our “Harambee” up front: 1) purchasing the metal and poles for the simple structure; 2) putting up to $100 for the plot of land and asking the church to commit to pay the rest of the land off through installments (as I’ve discovered most churches do here).  This will be our only contribution to the church and will be approximately $300.

8.      Since the presence of white skin inflates the price, I would not be involved in anyway of the purchase of the plot or structure.  However, my task would be to take a leader with me to Urban Planning Commission to discover who the owner of the plot is and to make sure it has been surveyed.  Once the leaders agree with the owner on a price and installment plan, the plot would be registered under, “Kanisa la Kristo” with our registration number and be witnessed by the Mwenyekiti and Balozi’s of that area in writing.  My name will be on the deed along with the leaders of that church.  One thing that deed needs to say is, “The structure will not be for personal use, but for church functions only.” 

9.      The church themselves then will raise the rest of the money for bricks to finish the church building.   

In the meantime, what should we do?  

1.  Obviously, keep praying through these issues and be open to new ideas not previously tried!  God has the answers!

2.  Continue doing research and talking to the urban planning commission, area pastors, Balozi’s, and Mwenyekiti’s of these areas.   Consider alternatives!

3.  Go slow, don’t let anyone talk us into doing anything. 

4.  Build relationships with the people and seek to explore different areas, not remaining in one spot.  

2) Where do we begin?   

We need to spend a lot of time in prayer and fasting in seeking the Lord’s will in this issue.  We have our research done, have our priorities chosen, but we still need to visit not just one area, but many different areas to get a feel for where people are in spiritual matters.   

PLAN OF ACTION  

Right now, we are building relationships, learning KiSwahili, and teaching a little in the slum of Mabatini.  This is where we began last summer.  We have many relationships in this area and there seems to be a desire to start a church in this area.  Teresa and I will be going to Nairobi in late June and returning back in late August.  It is then that we will begin preaching point lessons and Lord willing, have our first church going by Christmas with Nyashana being the next target area we will focus on.    

All this is a humbling task that none of us is equal to.  But, we know God has called us here and He will empower us for what He desires: “That all men might be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)  As little as we know about the complex culture of Mwanza, we will continue to study urban culture, KiSwahili, and pray God will reveal to us how to preach His eternal word to the lost of this city.  

For the last month, I have been writing down ideas for Preaching Point Lessons and Church Maturation Lessons.  It is a daunting task and has brought me to my knees.   Please pray as we begin assembling these lessons.  

BOOKS AND TRACTS THAT NEED TO BE ORDERED  

Books are gold here and a much treasured possession, especially a Bible.  I am constantly asked about if I have any Bibles to give out.  Each Bible costs $4 so what we are planning to do is to charge 200 shillings per Bible to help the people feel like they own what they have bought.   

It is our prayer that the Gospel will be proclaimed so that every person in Mwanza will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

Chris, Teresa, and ??? Boyce