Disctrict Convention 2010

Hello all,
A few weeks ago we had our DC here in Mwanza. Two circuits met together for a peak attendance of 1,462 with 26 baptized (and 17 cars in the parking lot). If you think that the number baptized was good, across Lake Victoria in Bukoba, they had 27 baptized with an attendance of around 750! Incidentally, they decided to open a missionary home there in Bukoba. A couple from our home, the Stackhouses and the Dimichinnos from Dar will be moving there within the month. Exciting for them to be the first missionaries permanently assigned to that region.

But now back to the DC. I worked in the Sound Dept. And unlike what they may have done at your local DC we had to set up almost everything, each morning! Security could not be counted on to protect our equipment, so all that we could leave was the speaker cable. So each morning at 7:00 we set it all up and tested it again to make sure it all still worked.

In case of a power cut we had two car batteries as backup. It was a good thing too, since the power cut twice. The power was switched without missing a beat. Interestingly, for the drama we only used the batteries, since there would be no way to find our place again on the CD should the power cut. But all went well and there were no real glitches.

 The kids loved their little books and the parents were very thankful.

The view  was not as great as in Moshi (where we were at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro), but otherwise it was a very similar stadium.

 Big concrete steps and colorful Kangas laid out to sit on. Unfortunately, everyone was in the sun until about noon. And as the shade advanced over the audience, the umbrellas were passed down to those in front. It was great to see this little unspoken act of kindness taking place each day.

   The drama was great and the waigaji (actors) did a really good job.

They even had Greek writing on their scroll.

There was also a small group receiving the program translated into Sign Language.

 I also had the privilege of giving my first talk at a DC. A great experience. ;-)

Well that's about it for now. I'll try and get another post up soon with some of the other happenings here in Mwanza.

Love, Scott-n-July