Church, TZ style
Jeff November 30th, 2007
So I had the good fortune to go to church with a fellow employee the other day and man was it awesome! We got there by taking a short dirt road just off a street in town. The church is undergoing renovations so the back of it is missing at the moment. Church service started at 9am and we were a little bit late so when we walked in, you can imagine a lot of people’s surprise when I came in. Sitting down was difficult as well as there was only about 8 inches in between each of the benches. Sunday school is from 9-10am (in the same building as the main church) and from what I had translated to me, was about Samual chapter 7 and being a commando for Jesus. After that was the most rousing worship/singing service I have ever witnessed. People were singing and dancing and the energy! It was amazing! Of course I had to bust out the handy dandy canon and take some videos to capture it on digital memory which is much better than mine. (the vids will be uploaded as soon as i get somewhere with a decent internet connection) After the one and half hour worship session came a time where everyone was praying. And not ‘bow your head and close your eyes with no one looking around’ prayer… This was from the heart, emotion filled, honest and open, passionate prayer! Some people were shouting, some were (potentially) speaking in tongues, others seemed to be exhorting God for deliverance right there! It was incredible! Being a ‘blue’, I was nearly moved to tears; nearly.
After prayer, which went on for about 30 minutes I think (there were a few prayer sessions like this), there was a time for people giving thanksgiving and then they had all the visitors stand up to be recognized. Naturally many people looked towards me but I didnt know that the pastor said to do this as everything was in Swahili. So after I got the hint that I should go stand in front I made my way to the end of the aisle and up front with about 10 other people. Let me emphasize that EVERYTHING was in Swahili so that only added to my nervousness of being in front of 1500 people not really sure what I should do or say. At different points when people would share, the band would burst out playing and people would dance and they would get a necklace of flowers put around their neck. I am not sure exactly what prompted this but it seemed like a good time so I anxiously awaited my turn. And some people would talk for 5 minutes or so but I was told to just say my name and where I am from; maybe it takes longer to say that for some people? So naturally when the mic was handed to me I started talking (in English) and the announcer guy laughed and motioned that I should hold on. The band played a quick comic tune and everyone in the house and a good laugh as I was supposed to wait for a translator. Well my friend got up and translated for me but I guess I didnt do something right as I didnt get any music or a necklace. :( (really had my heart set on the one with the pink flowers too!) 
After that it was time for the pastor to speak (1.5 hours) and I didnt really get much of it translated but it seemed to be a real powerful message as everyone was quite into it. I believe it had something to do with sharing the gospel with people and not hiding that you are a Christian.
Four different times during the service they took an offering. And they dont pass around an offering plate but everyone gets up when it is their aisles turn (like leaving during a wedding) and they go up front to put the money in a big basket. (Each offering was about 15-20 minutes long) The also did an offering for a wedding which was cool as most people dont have enough money for a wedding so everyone who is attending chips in some cash for the event.
Getting the chance to go to a true Tanzanian Church was one of the best things I have done here so far.
