“… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Our current time in Kigoma has been filled with visitors. We recently told you about the team from Kingwood. Just before their visit, we hosted our grandson Devin, Hal’s cousin Mary Beth and her friend Mellody.

This was Devin’s third trip to Africa and the first for Mary Beth and Mellody. They all arrived here wanting to serve in meaningful ways. So, Devin started right back in working at the feeding center where he left off in September a year ago. Mary Beth and Mellody also enjoyed working at the feeding center, a place where they could serve the children and adults.

Mary Beth is very good at crocheting, and so, with the help of missionary Ruthie, we arranged for two women’s ministry meetings at Ruthie’s church for Mary Beth to teach the women how to crochet baby hats – an essential item for all newborns in Kigoma. Each meeting began with Sue delivering a devotional from the Bible story of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42), who was known for her kindness, good works and acts of mercy. Ruthie translated the devotional into Swahili. Then, Mary Beth worked with the women, teaching them to crochet. It was a wonderful time, and the women were excited and laughing and helping each other as they worked on their new skill. Not only are they learning to make baby hats, but also possibly blankets and sweaters they can sell to help support their families.

While her mother was learning to crochet a baby hat, this young lady was practicing a new skill too, carrying something on her head.

At the end of each meeting, Mellody sang a closing hymn. Below is a video of the women joining Mellody in singing “Amazing Grace.”

We drove to Matyazo Hospital (run by German missionaries) to visit the clinic and orphanage, about a 40-minute trip north from Kigoma. First, we stopped at the orphanage, where children from newborns to 2-year-olds live.

Then Mary Beth, Mellody and Sue went to the maternity unit, where they visited the new mothers and gave them hats for their babies. They also presented the unit with more than 100 baby hats which Mary Beth had crocheted before coming to Africa. It was a great day.

On our way to the Victory in Jesus Camp, formerly known as the Destitute Camp, we made a quick stop at the Nazareth Market to purchase pineapples for the residents (about 25 in number) and the staff. At the camp, Hal gave a devotional, after which we greeted each resident with a handshake, a pineapple and a resounding “Mungu Akubariki!” (God bless you!).

We also traveled to two of Mwenge’s widows’ services. Hal again offered a devotional, and we presented each widow with a gift of salt.

Through these opportunities to serve, God blessed each of us with the response of the Tanzanian people. What a twist. We go, planning to serve them, and they in turn bless us.

How does God do that? We may never fully understand. God is so good!