I think we were introduced to Mchungaji Shem first. We were warned that he might come across as a bit stern but that he is actually a warm person. At first, he may indeed appear 'stern', but I quickly changed that word to 'dignified'. We never actually spoke English or Swahili together, apart from my weak attempt at greeting him when I saw him in the mornings. Try getting your tongue around "Habari za asabuhi, Mchungaji" (good morning, Pastor)! He was very patient, waiting for me to get the words past my obstructing tongue, before greeting me back. He is always friendly and warm and made me feel like he was looking forward to seeing me and exchanging pleasantries. This is a man who has many demands on his time and many other people who were keen to talk to him!
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| Mchungaji Shem |
He got involved in the building work, the same as the rest of us. He climbed up the mountain with us on the Saturday and when I very clearly couldn't hack it, he offered to carry my backpack, and did so without any issues. He was not even out of breath after walking up the mountain!
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| Pastor on the left, with my backpack! |
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| Pastor (on the left) with the guides at the top of the mountain. |
On the way back down, in the fields at the foot of the mountain, we walked through Pastor's fields. He grows several vegetables, as a business venture. I did not ask, but I assume that he is a tent-maker, having to supplement his salary with other means.
All the sermons or talks he did, were translated into English. I am seriously impressed about his knowledge of the Bible, about who wrote the Bible books and the background surrounding the text he is using. Somehow I thought that being a pastor in a remote village in Africa might mean not having the same knowledge as a minister who has almost limitless access to internet and regular meetings with other vicars. How wrong I am! He is a good and engaging speaker.
We met Mama Mchungaji, Edna, at the village offices. I already mentioned her role as a cook for the team as well as the fact that she runs the preschool in the church. I am not sure what her qualifications are, but I think I heard that she is actually a seamstress and most probably made all the uniforms for the preschool children. She also makes an excellent cook and a very good teacher, with or without the suitable paperwork to back these roles.
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| Mama Edna with the children in the preschool |
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| Mama joined in with the games during the holiday club |
It was quite endearing to see the pastor's family worship together during the church service. As a family, they had an 'item' in the service during which they sang and danced.
Their firstborn son was born with a clubfoot. They were told that their son would not amount to much, because of this disability. They were fortunate that his foot could be operated on and he grew up into a healthy young man. He is in the last year of primary school and, while we were in Ibumu, heard the news that he was one pf the best performers in Maths in the region! He also danced some really energetic dances in church, or as Andrew called it "threw some pretty good moves"!
Moving on
I have heard just today (2 October) that Pastor Shem and his family are moving to a new village. It is a pity that we have not had a chance to build the relationship with the church in Ibumu with Pastor Shem, who has met us and knows us, but the people of Ibumu are staying and we would like to keep contact with them.
Please pray for Mchungaji Shem and Mama Edna and their children as they move to their new church and for the church in Ibumu as they welcome a new pastor.
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