Saturday: VBS, Ladies, Kidete Women's Cooperative

Saturday marked the real beginning our work in Tanzania. Greg and Becky had the unique experience of going to Iringa Town to purchase some items for doing repairs at the children's home and Mpeli and Neema's home. They discovered that their were two prices and a big difference between the prices. Every transaction is a barter. They did a great job with the help of Sedeke (a pastor and member of the DBL Trustees).
Bonnie began her teaching with the children as well craft and game time. "The earth is the Lord's" is the theme of this biblical, scientific, fun, craft time with the children. She also had a gift for the children thanks to a generous gift of Beanie babys. First they were used to teach and then the children selected their gift.

In the afternoon, we went to our "home" church in Tanzania--the Kidete Baptist Church. Bonnie led a bible study with the Women's Cooperative formed while Suzanah Raffield was in Tanzania this summer. They met for Bible Study, prayer, worship, encouragment, and to make marketable items. Saturday was distribution day of funds from the sell of their items. Unfortunately, the pictures do not capture the joy and excitement of the women as they received the results of their labor. Pictures show Neema with the ledger of accounting and the distribution. Bonnie and Becky were able to receive the hugs and kisses of the women as their led in bible study and prayer. On Sunday the women shared how they used the funds in caring for their families. Even on Saturday, women came to the cooperative for the first time. The cooperative is providing transforming opportunities in through the living out of the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ.