What It's All About

This past weekend, our team in Tanzania had the privilege of dedicating the first translated and printed book of Luke among the Ikoma (and Nata and Isenye) people in the Mugumu village. This is a huge milestone for our family and our entire team. Although we weren't there to celebrate, we are so thankful to have some of Michael Nicholls' photos of the celebration and wanted to share a few with you as well.

Long before the ceremony begins, the ladies of the church started preparing a meal for everyone who came. The food is usually ugali (boiled cornmeal), goat stew, rice, beans, and a bit of greens.


The children of the community curiously awaiting the dedication.


The participants joyfully line up to carry the box of Luke booklets into the church. The man on the left in the blue shirt is Mussa Karume Tobias.



Accompanied by singing, the Word is brought into the church in gift-wrapped boxes.


After unwrapping the box, Bishop Stephen Mageri holds up a booklet for everyone to see.


Celebration!!



Mwalimu Mtiro and a friend reading the very first book ever in their own language.


And this, folks, is what it's all about. This is why we first started thinking about becoming missionaries. This is what we have been striving toward since we moved to Tanzania in 2004, surveyed the people groups in 2005, and opened the cluster translation project in 2006. This is why you've been supporting us and praying for us and the Tanzanians around us - the Word of God in their mother tongue.

Thank you for going there with us in your hearts to make an eternal impact in the hearts of the Ikoma people and all the others both in the Mara region and around the world.

Praise God!