The sounds of small-town life in Kahe, Tanzania are not altogether unpleasant. There's the chickens, the gentle wind, the herds of cows moving through town, the occasional motorcycle passing by, the chatter of women over cooking fires, the distant crackling of sugarcane fields burning, and now there's the occasional blaring television and the radio at the bar next door. Kahe has been electrified. Electric lights, televisions, and charging available for cell phones have all had an impact on life in Kahe since we were there last year. Electricity brings some benefit and visible change for the lives of the people of Kahe. The power of the Holy Spirit, though, brings new life. 

As the team worked through the town and outlying villages day after day, we encountered some families we had seen before. There was the woman who had traveled all the way from Kahe to Himo to come to the LCMS Mercy Medical Team clinic earlier this year because of a severe problem with her leg. While her situation exceeded the capabilities of the medical clinic, the clinic provided the funding for her referral to the backing hospital which was able to provide care. She is now recovered and was overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude during our visit as part of the same mission.

Later in the week, we visited Witness, a young girl who had been suffering under spiritual oppression during our last visit. Last year, her family described behaviors and observations that were indicative of demonic possession or torment.  They were concerned a neighbor had used sorcery or witchcraft to curse the girl. Last year, Shauen had shared Scripture with the family, pointing to her baptism and to Christ crucified who has full authority over heaven and earth. We had prayed with the family, prayed over the child, and blessed the girl, the family, and the home. This year, Witness sat with us, timid but content and thriving, her oppression lifted and faith strong. Today she stands tall as a witness to the entire community. 

We were privileged to visit countless homes throughout the area, moving from homestead to homestead under the guidance of the local deacons and often simply asking at one home where we should go next. When we encountered Christians we asked them to share a passage of Scripture with us as encouragement and often shared the impact that passage has had in our lives or shared another passage back with them. When we visited with those who were Muslims or unconnected to the church, we shared passages with a clear Gospel message.  We prayed over the sick, prayed over homesteads, and prayed for the Holy Spirit to turn hearts. Sunday worship that week was a joyful celebration where we recognized some of the faces of those we had visited through the week. 

In addition to leading this dedicated and passionate team from St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Shauen also had papers due for school. So practically any moment that wasn't filled with team training, food, fellowship, or evangelism found Shauen in one of his Christian Anthropology textbooks or writing a paper. The whole team finished strong. The Gospel proclaimed, faith strengthened and encouraged, and papers turned in.

Praise the Lord for His good work among His people in Kahe!

Photos in Focus

Josiah, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah