Brothers in Christ by Jody Simeck

Josie Simeck with the twins, Antonio and Luis, 2007.

Antonio and Luis were about two years old in 2007 when I met them. I was with the mission team attending Cristo Rey Church and they were with their family. Their older brother, Oscar, and sister, Maricela, were keeping an eye on them while their mother and some of the other women of the church cooked dinner for us. While I only saw the twins a couple of times again as I attended Cristo Rey over the next six years, I nearly always saw their brother and sister. I was even privileged enough to be present at their confirmation into the church.

Last summer the Sheridan Mission Team started work on a Habitat house for my friend, Gladis with many of her friends and neighbors. One of the days the twins, Antonio and Luis, who live in the same neighborhood came to help as well. They worked very hard, carrying buckets of dirt. And, as many boys do, they made the amount of dirt and the number of buckets a competition. The big dirt pile also provided an opportunity for some fun. These boys brought laughter to our work site.

Jody Simeck with Antonio and Luis and neighborhood
children in Dec. 2012.

When I returned to El Salvador in December, I was surprised and excited to hear that we would be working on a Habitat House for Luis and Antonio and their family! This time the house was already underway. We simply needed to complete the walls, level the floors, and do outside cement work. The boys were usually gone with their mother in the mornings; but when they came home they were eager to help.

Antonio and Luis helping to shovel.

Like in previous years, the neighbors were there to help. The twins were very polite and would never ask for anything, but were appreciative of anything that came their way. If we were shoveling sand, they would come and stand there, staring at us with their big, brown, eyes; until we realized what they wanted--to shovel. They would grin and eagerly take the shovel and go at it. Sometimes you would hear their laughter as they played with the neighbor kids. They all had great fun playing a memory game and Uno with some of our team members.

Maricela, Antonio and Luis with their mother, Maria in July 2012.

These children, like all children, are such wonderful, precious gifts from God. And like all people from El Salvador that I have met, very graciously accept our intrusion into their lives, enjoy us and our presence, and are at peace with their world. I hope I’m able to visit Antonio and Luis when I return in July. The really great thing about being a part of the Cristo Rey Project is that we are building with families that we have come to know over the years by attending church and working together; and we know, also, that we’ll probably see them when we return.

Who Came to Visit?

This past Sunday, the Pre-K and Kindergarten Sunday school classes had a special guest to help act out our Bible story. Jesus! Twelve friends were honored to take part in Jesus’s special “Remember Meal” as we learned about the night of “The Last Supper.”

We imagined that we were in a special room with Jesus and his disciples. Jesus knew that this was his last night with his disciples before he would die on the cross. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to show them how much he loved them. Usually, washing someone’s feet was a servant’s job. Jesus did it to serve his disciples in love and told them they should also serve others in love.

We learned that one of Jesus’s friends betrayed him. Jesus told Judas to “go and do what you must do.” It was all part of God’s plan. Jesus then took the bread and the wine and told us how to use it to remember him. The bread reminds us of his body and how it was given for us. The wine will remind us of what Jesus would do to take away the sin of the world. It was a very special meal!

We learned that we still celebrate this special “Remember Meal” in big church during something called Communion. Communion helps us to remember what Jesus did for us. We remember that he loves us and that he gave his body and blood for us on the cross.

Jaymie Freye, Children's Ministry Associate

Sweet Moments

Last night I took the WAM Singers (Sheridan’s 1st-5th grade Wednesday night children’s choir) to the Martha House for a visit. We had last been to the Martha House in October and the kids were eager to go back. I had parents tell me, “We’re skipping dance class that night because she doesn’t want to miss any of it”; “I’ll get the (permission) form in because she wants to go.” The plan was to sing a few songs, read scripture together and decorate cookies while having conversations with the elders. We practiced faith talk questions in case they couldn’t think of things to say… questions like, “Where did you go to church?” and “What did your Christmas programs look like?”

Awesome parent volunteers agreed to drive half of the 23 children, and Tabitha sent a van to pick up the rest. The parent drivers headed out with their kiddos but unfortunately there was a mix-up with keys for the van driver who arrived 20 minutes late. When I later asked my daughter, who had ridden in a parent car, “What did you do while you were waiting for us??” She said, “Oh we did lots of stuff. The grandmas all wanted hugs and then we talked about stuff like our favorite colors. One grandma couldn’t remember what her favorite song was, so we listed off a bunch and then she said she liked “Amazing Grace.” A parent told me that while the kids were all coming in, one elder blurted out, “Are they letting the dogs out?” (As far as I know there are no pets at the Martha House.) That same woman gently fingered a prayer shawl that we had given to her.

On the way back to church, I asked the girls in the van how they thought the visit had went. Here are some responses: “I liked the cookies!” “That one lady was singing the wrong words with us.” “One grandma told me I could go home with her.” All those stories made me smile, but I think my favorite moment was watching a brown haired, 7-year old girl, perfectly decorate her cookie, and then walk over to one of the elders and shyly say something to her. The elder reached for the cookie, broke off a piece and grinned while she ate. Then the little one happily skipped back to the table to finish her cookie. Sweet moments…

As I was making my way to each of the elders to tell them good-bye, one grandma told me, “They are so good to watch.” Another let me know that “They are doing great things!” and wouldn’t let go of my arm until I promised to tell them. Then she said “But don’t tell them too many times.” My favorite nurse, Paul, shared with me that the 5 elders who gathered to visit with us are the ones that he has trouble finding enough things to stimulate them throughout the day. We agreed that they would sleep well that night!

As Sheridan and the Martha House look ahead to the summer months, we are wondering how we can continue to build more personal relationships. Do you, your family or your Sojourner group have the gifts to visit with people and write down their life-stories? Would you be willing to go on a "field trip" to the Sunken Gardens and push a wheel chair? Could you be a meal host by setting the table and gathering elders to the table? Would you be willing to help organize a garage sale from the items that have been accumulating at the house? Feel free to contact me for more information on how you can personally partner with the Martha House. I promise God will reward you with some sweet moments!

Julie Anderson, Children’s Music Coordinator

Sunday Post from Pastor Greg

Greetings everyone! I haven't been in contact for a few days because I have been spending time at Mudio, our original sister congregation. What a time I've had! The joke was made upon my arrival that I was now the new "Associate Pastor." I love it! That was perfect for me, for it gave me a chance to simply be with the people here at Mudio.
During my days I spent a great deal of time with Pastor Christosia Ngowi. We walked the countryside visiting many sick and shut-ins. We also were hosted in the homes of many "church elders." Each wanted to feed us, so I'm very glad we walked a lot! I've been so inspired by the deep faith of their members. Truly they have received me as one of their own. For that, I am humbled and grateful.
Worship this morning was about three and one half hours. They asked me to preach and Pastor Rhonda and I participated in eight baptisms. We also shared the Lord's Supper. We also shared and received their greetings.
We have seen the great progress of Mudio - the new sewing building renovation, the kindergarten, maize mill and overall growth in the ministry. I am so impressed by all that they have done! I cannot wait to tell you all, over the course of time, all that your support has empowered in this place. Know that you are making a difference here and they are also holding us in prayer. This truly is a spiritual partnership.
We will see you in a few days as tomorrow evening we depart.

The Goodness of Grace

Today was a great day! I'll admit, at this point on a trip like this, I'm a little weary. I'm tuckered out, longing for home and I want to hug my closest loved ones. But today was just what I needed - some goodness revealed in God's grace. Our morning started early with everyone ready for worship. The people on this trip have become a spiritual family to me, which has endeared me to them. Their morning greetings warmed my tired soul. 

Then we were off to Mudio Lutheran Church. At the turn off to their neighborhood we were met with a brass band in the back of a truck. They played their horns the entire trek up to the church. Once there, the band escorted us to the church grounds and we were greeted by the women of the congregation who pinned fresh flowers on us in celebration. The warm greetings only followed from there.

Worship began after time for tea. The sanctuary filled in with standing room only. The singing, chanting, praying, preaching filled my soul. The focus was being a fool for Christ, that sometimes in faith, our love for Christ and his people does not make sense to the world. But we love anyway and it changes the world.

Then there were eight baptisms, which Pastor Greg and I presided over. What joy to speak words of grace over these children and their parents! Even though there was a language barrier, the grace poured out was sufficient! Every baby smiled from ear to ear-no kidding!

Then communion...this sacrament of Jesus' presence is always meaningful to me anyway. I served with a retired pastor. "The body of Christ given for you" were the words I spoke. English or Swahili- it didn't matter, we knew God was present. Good grace given to all who came forward. Once again, God's people fed and nourished. The most touching moment was when our Tanzanian church leaders and pastors knelt down to receive the sacrament from Pastor Greg and I. And then we in turn knelt down to be served last. I will carry this moment of grace with me for a long time. 

After worship we met Edward and Margaret Munisi. They were our host home. We had a most delightful afternoon learning about them, them learning about us. Someone once told me, if you really want to get to know someone, put your feet underneath their kitchen table. We did just that and it was wonderful! 

Tomorrow we leave, saying goodbye to the people who have become fast friends. Keep us in prayer as we travel. See you all at home soon. We'll be bringing the goodness of grace with us.

Trinity

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...and with gratitude in your hearts sung psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God."

I remember my final months in seminary (graduate school to become a pastor), when we eagerly and anxiously awaited assignment from our bishop of where Eric and I would serve as pastors. Those were expectant days!

Rural, suburb, city...where God would you send us? 

Somehow, by God's grace, I learned something during that time. God is One-Father, Son and Holy Spirit and people are people wherever you go. The church will be the church wherever the Spirit chooses. My call was and still is to simply be open to this promise and to respond to it with faith. 

The same promise has unfolded during our time in Tanzania. Hearing scripture and prayers spoken in Swahili and English awakens my heart of faith. God is present in all people who believe-once again I discover this! What a gift from God.

One of the fun practices we've shared with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters is music. With the coming of Christian radio broadcast around the world, we've heard a lot of familiar songs - "How Great is our God" "Lord Reign in Me" "Awesome God" among others. It's been wonderful to have faith shared through song. All of a sudden divisions like language and culture dissolve with beautiful melodies and words filled with faith, hope and love. And as music does, with the singing brings smiles and laughter. 

Sunrise on the Serengeti

Genesis 1:24 "And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind..."

I couldn't sleep any longer. That's what happens with international travel. Your sleep schedule gets out of whack. And so there it was 4:30 am and feeling well rested. I laid in bed for a while musing on yesterday's devotion about creation.

Genesis chapters 1-6 paints a picture of creation. God speaks and vast expanses of land and water emerge on the face of the earth. Then God creates animals on the earth, in flight and under the waters. Then God speaks into existence humanity - male and female. It's visionary, powerful and real.

After a bit, I got the day started, found the coffee and took a cup to the observation deck of our hotel grounds. The Milky Way and vast stars were giving way to the sun's gently emerging glow. It's a sight I've seen so many times, but never in this place. The Serengeti started to wake. Colors layered in the horizon-pink, purple, grey, blue. Birds singing, hippos snorting, monkeys squawking, warthogs grunting. Creation was coming alive with the light.

A man from China and a woman from Sweden joined me on the deck. The three of us from different places in the world sharing a collective respect and awe for the awakening creation.

As I stood looking out over the sun rising on the Serengeti, I felt that sense of being held in God's wide embrace along with all of creation. As the first article of our Apostle's Creed states, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth-moments like this lend to experiencing this belief in a profound way. If it is the Serengeti, or the park in the city, I pray you too may share this gift of being held in God's embrace, as we affirm together that we believe in God the Creator.

Hope

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect."

In 2013, Sheridan celebrated Christmas as a congregation by giving $48,000 to our sister congregation Karanzi Lutheran Church in Tanzania. The financial gift empowered the Karanzi community to build an English speaking elementary school for their children. It is the first of its kind - in their human history.

Our mission team from Sheridan traveled to Karanzi this past Sunday to join in the celebration of dedicating the building to the glory of God, the children, community and their future.

The drive bumped along with winding roads. But when we reached Karanzi, the place was hopping. There were kids everywhere, proud parents, community leaders and pastors from the  Northern Diocese of Tanzania. They were so happy to see us and we were happy to see them. This is the day The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

We started with the dedication of the school building. Bishop Shao led the procession. The brass band played. The pastors from Tanzania and the US read scripture. Ribbons were ceremoniously cut. Smiles filled faces. The children from Karanzi had their school uniforms on and stood in lines, smiling at what was for them- a new school!

From there, we had worship for hours. The speakers included, Pastor Greg, Bishop Shao, Pastor Joshua of the Karanzi parish, Compassion International leaders, a government official for this region of Tanzania. Everyone brought a vision for what God was/is doing for this community. There were hopes, dreams and a preferred future. There was encouragement for accomplishments and prophetic words for what needs to change. 

My 'God-moment' was seeing how this school is changing an entire community-not just the children enrolled in the school. For this community, speaking English opens their world to commerce, education and relationships beyond themselves. The spirit of hopefulness is upon the community of Karanzi. If I can convey anything to you as you read this, know that God's spirit through our Christmas gift 2+ years ago is alive! 

I look forward to seeing what God's future is for the people of Karanzi. I am thankful that we get to be a part of it!

Monday update from Pastor Greg

Today was a good day.  We traveled to two schools to meet our orphans and to distribute books.  The roads were long (and treacherous), but we certainly felt it was worthwhile.  Tom and Linda Gapp do such an excellent job at coordinating both the Tanzanian AIDS Orphan Project and the Textbooks for Tanzania Project.  This is clearly their life's work.

The highlight for me was when Linda assigned Rose and me a new student to sponsor.  Our student had not been sponsored prior to today and our previous student had graduated.  So, it was amazing to meet her.  I could also sense how much it meant to her to put a face with her scholarship by meeting me.

During our time together, she told me her story and I was truly humbled.  Our sponsored child is named Happyness.  She is not an AIDS orphan.  Rather, her father has been bedridden for five years because of AIDS.  I asked if her mother was employed and she said that her mother is "a peasant."  I asked the Headmaster what that meant and he said that she lives with a subsistent income.  Happyness' mother has simply a small garden, barters for food and relies on the charity of others to feed her family (husband and two other children).  Happyness was raised in a Lutheran Church and she knows and loves her pastor.  The amazing thing to me is that Happyness - living so far from home and under such adverse conditions - academically is second in her class.  She works hard and is driven to be the best student she can be.  Living at her school is a privilege for Happyness.  I am humbled by her faith in God.  She does not see herself as a victim.  Quite to the contrary, Happyness has a radiant joy.

As we prepared to leave, after I had what I thought was my final goodbye with Happyness, she came and found me and gave me a huge hug.  She was so grateful!  Words cannot express my thanks to God for bringing us together and uniting us.  For certain, we will be in each other's prayers.

Stories like this can (and will) be told by so many in our group.  I hope you will ask, listen and be moved by the power of our mission relationships, based in Christ's love.

Update from Pastor Greg: Sunday

Tonight I returned from three days at our sister congregation at Karansi.  The Sheridan team joined me today.  We had an amazing experience.  Since I will be at the Uhuru Hotel for a couple of days, I will be able to, bit by bit, fill you in on some details.  At this point all I can say is that Karansi is a happening place!  They are
engaged in a variety of ministries that are having a huge impact on their community.

Today, we worshiped for about five hours, had two meals (including 3 goats!) and had a donkey in worship (kind of like Hugo! from Christmas past!).  The bishop dedicated several new educational spaces and cordially allowed me to preach.  Hundreds of children were in attendance and the Spirit was more than present!

I look forward to sharing more experiences in the coming days and even more over the course of time in which we tell the story of God's work in us through our brothers and sisters in this place.

From Pastor Greg: Thursday

Today was a great day for us in Tanzania.  Tom, Linda and I (along with friend of SLC, Sandy) went to the Northern Diocese Bookstore and put labels on hundreds of books, which will be presented in the next
few days. Rocky and Judy Sorensen went to visit a school - a visit set up through a partnering organization.  Most went to visit Neema orphanage, always a highlight for the trip.  We then all met at the Machame Hospital and toured.  Bob Kasworm did an excellent job as usual.  Tonight we are off to the bishop's home for supper.

Tomorrow most will visit our AIDS orphans at Agape and Vujo Schools. I will begin my couple of days with Pastor Joshua Lasier at Karansi. I will be out of touch for a few days and will report after we dedicate the school.  I had been very nervous about my visit, but have been assured that I will be safe.  Mostly, I'm feeling very calm and
filled with peace.

I have heard you had a good snow.  Praise God for moisture in NE! We've had rain and then some heat this afternoon.

Please keep us in your prayers.  Know that you remain close in our heart!

Pastor Rhonda Update from Tanzania

Well, I'm finally finding some time to write at length regarding our Tanzania trip.
We are having a great time. Everyone is healthy and our Tanzanian hosts humble us with their tremendous hospitality!
So far, we have met many pastors and Lutheran church leaders who are doing visionary work in Tanzania. Inspiring!
Here's what we've seen so far...
We visited the Neema orphanage where they care for children who are orphaned. Three of the infants in the infant room had mothers who died at child birth. 1/250 women die in childbirth in Tanzania   The youngest was two months old. They were all so healthy, chubby and were willing to play. Their facility is beautiful and the staff provide excellent care.
We also met the deaconesses of the Neema (God's Grace) order. These women take vows of service to the church and community for a lifetime. They teach in schools, provide nursing care in hospitals and home health and provide hospitality to guests like us. They are led by Pastor Aron who has envisioned this ministry for years. I hope to visit their community tomorrow.
Machame Lutheran hospital is reaching out to their neighborhood and surrounding region. They provide prenatal, birth, postnatal, and childhood care. They also have an HIV/AIDS outreach. Following George W. Bush's initiative to provide funding to treat this disease worldwide made this outreach happen. This outreach, along with others across the nation have reduced the rate of this disease to just under 6% of the population. Their newest initiative is an orthopedic wing. With the arrival of motorcycles in Tanzania, this service is badly needed.
We delivered textbooks to different schools today and that was just like Christmas. We got a near standing ovation when the children learned they were getting textbooks on economics! Their singing was phenomenal. I videoed their offering of music and I hope something comes out that I can share with you all.
Pastor Greg is currently with the people of Karansi. He is visiting them in their homes and community. Please keep him in prayer as he reaches out to our brothers and sisters in faith. We see him again on Sunday for the dedication of the school.
Tomorrow we do more work with the textbooks preparation and distribution. We also will visit a fabric sales business and tree farm.
We miss you all and ask you for your prayers to continue. We feel them across the miles and they carry us by the Spirit!
And be proud that our congregation and greater church does so much in sharing the love of Christ in all ways that give life!
Peace,
Pastor Rhonda