MISSION MINUTES
George Khisa and Josephine Njeru
Arusha, Tanzania
George Khisa and Josephine Njeru
Arusha, Tanzania
For generations, men and women who were willing to leave behind their homes and go to distant lands among peoples of foreign languages have played a major role in advancing the cause of God Almighty. In East Africa, brothers and sisters with that same heart of missionary zeal and revolutionary faith are helping to lead churches and to serve God in the various countries of this geographic region.
In a series of interviews with those guiding the congregations in East Africa, we will have a chance to get a closer look at who they are and what they are learning. Even if we may not be in the same missionary position that they are, as disciples of Jesus who seek to live out his mission, prayerfully we all will be inspired and called higher in our walk with God. Let us also continue praying for our brothers and sisters throughout East Africa, and for the continued advancing of the kingdom in this region.
This week we spend time with George Khisa and Josephine Njeru (photo), who lead the church in Arusha, Tanzania.
Q. Prior to being called to Arusha, was it your dream to be a missionary?
George Khisa: It was my desire to be on a mission team but not specifically to Arusha but rather to Sudan.
Josephine Njeru: No, because at the time I was asked to leave for another city, it was beyond my wildest dreams at that particular point. I had settled myself to working in Nairobi. You can imagine the fear that engulfed me at the realization that I am actually leaving - I think someone pushed me out of the boat!!
Q. What have been the most rewarding things for you in your time in Arusha?
GK: The most rewarding thing for me is always when I see someone overcome a major struggle, give up some major thing in their life and entrust themselves to God. It makes my being out here very worthwhile.
JN: With a right attitude I can say, the most rewarding thing about being outside Nairobi for me is spiritual growth and maturity. There's a 'sweet-sour' sort of spiritual adventure because you are exploring unfamiliar ground and enrolling yourself in the school of 'hard-knocks' as you find yourself mostly alone, with no-one to guide you as usual, and so you become your own teacher and student at the same time! You come to terms with the 'real you' - whether you like it or not! Spiritual maturity stands out for me as the most rewarding.
As for what is exciting about being outside Nairobi, I think the new experiences: new traditions and cultures, new language, new foods, new friends and people, etc. I think the adventure part is exciting. Learning something new is exciting in itself.
Q. What are the major difficulties you have faced in Arusha?
JN: The most difficult thing for me has been adjusting to what is unfamiliar, new or difficult. I've been in Arusha for five months now and I still find it difficult at times - different lifestyle, different set-up. Talking the Tanzanian Swahili is still a challenge for me.
As for the difficult thing in leading a ministry in a foreign country, I think that when you stand out as a foreigner it is challenging. I know we are in God's kingdom, but that doesn't change this fact. Moving to the point where you can win people's hearts and trust is the most difficult.
Coming from a different country also means you can come along with different ideas, leadership styles as well as mannerisms. It can be hard for people to appreciate you the way you are and its challenging to feel the resistance that sometimes genuinely comes from people as they adjust to new ideas and leadership. Sometimes I feel odd and am not sure whether my leadership is appreciated.
Q. What has helped you through the difficult times?
GK: Mostly praying and trusting that God is in control.
Q. What is your vision for the church in Arusha and also in Tanzania as a whole?
GK: My vision is to see our currently small church grow in personal conviction and love for God and his word, to appreciate the grace of God through Christ so that we may stay faithful and always want to share with others. I believe that if we learn to be focused on God and what he has done for us, in due time there will be disciples of Jesus all over this large country.
JN: On coming to Arusha, I kept feeling like it's a challenge to build a stable ministry. There's the fear of having a 'revolving-door' ministry, where as we baptize, which is challenging in itself, people on the other hand are falling away. For me right now, the vision for the women's ministry is to grow and maintain a stable, solid, numerically growing and spiritually mature ministry. My main vision and focus now is the foundation - strong, solid and spiritual, so that the building can stand the test of storms (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Q. What do you see as the main difference between being in a small church and being in a big(ger) church like Nairobi?
GK: The major difference for me is that in a small church the value of every single disciple is very obvious and appreciated. One baptism that may be taken for granted in a big church is a major thing here. And so is a fall-away. The joy or pain that comes with these is felt by the whole church. The need to be devoted to fellowship and give your best at a personal level is so real. We cannot help but need each other.
Q. What are the major obstacles, unique to Arusha or to Tanzania, that are challenges to people in becoming disciples?
GK: The major obstacle for Arusha in particular that may not neccesarily apply to the whole country is the fact that the economy of the town rests on two major industries: Tourism and Gemstones (Tanzanite). The majority of people are employed in these two sectors.
The nature of the fields however makes them very challenging for a disciple to do well spiritually who is working in them, as they involve a lot of traveling into the interior for months , endless weekend safaris (tourism), or working in hotels that are busiest on weekends especially on Sundays. (Most restaurants give their employees the day off on Mondays!!)
Gemstone deals are virtually unprofitable without unscrupulous deals, chain lies etc. Most of those who have left the faith (especially amongst the men) have been swallowed up this way. Many people studying the Bible choose to look for other jobs, which are very rare, and even most current disciples have settled for far less paying jobs, sometimes menial, for the same reasons.
JN: The biggest challenge for people in 'my country' and culture in becoming disciples i believe is openness. People here are courteous and welcoming, but to get people to share their hearts honestly is a challenge. There's a lot of deceitfulness. People can be fake with you. I guess that's why building deep friendships is so important. In addition there's a lot of family influence where the majority of individuals find it difficult to make independent decisions even as adults without the approval of family. I once invited a certain lady to the Women's Day and her mother had to first speak with me in order to approve of her adult daughter coming for our Women's Day. Fortunately, she agreed for her to come!
For a general background of the Arusha church, click here.