While it is common
to be warmly welcomed throughout Tanzania, every mission trip has a few special
moments that are particularly memorable. One such moment from this year’s trip,
which was my second visit to Tanzania with the Mid-South District of LCMS, happened
on our last day of evangelism in villages near the town of Salawe. Our group’s
first visit of the day was to a group of three families whose homes were close
together. As we told the families about Jesus’ death and resurrection, I waved to
a sweet little boy who looked to be about 5 years old and he immediately smiled
and walked over to stand by me. After we finished telling the story, we
baptized all of the children (their parents already had been baptized) and gave
them hats that had been knit by members of our congregation. Our interpreter
then took this photo of me with the children, and we went on our way.
After visiting several
other homes, we headed back toward our meeting place to join the other missionary
groups for lunch. On our way there, we walked near the first group of homes we had
visited and my little buddy (who is sitting on my right in the photo) came
running out to us and gave me a big hug. I’ve never seen a little boy move so
fast! I wish I could remember his name, but maybe the fact that we made such a
special bond without even having a conversation illustrates how much the people
of all ages in Tanzania appreciate it when someone visits their country to
share God’s love with them.
Chris Eggerman
Christ the King
Lutheran Church
Memphis, TN
