Farewell

Dear Family and Friends,                                                                         

Greetings in the love and grace of Jesus. Praise to Him above all things. We glory in His power to save and His power to act in building His church and organizations such as VSI and VST to accomplish His works through us all.

This letter is perhaps long overdue, but since arriving in the States we have been very busy with family and friends. With a big family reunion under our belt, we are able to take a breath and get down to the business of letting you know what is going on in our lives.

We want to thank you for supporting us in our service with VSI/VST these past five years. They have been the highlight of our lives of service to our King.

Some of you know that VST first took a risk on us, because of their prior experiences with older and married people coming from Western countries. We have thanked them for taking that risk and have always and only served to support and encourage those around us.

We want all of our supporters know that we were not “burned out” from the work at Idigima, but we did find ourselves “worn out.” Our bodies are now 62 years old and not able to function as well as we would like, to keep up with the activities of so many students and staff who are less than half our age. We have also greatly missed the gatherings of our four children and seeing our seven grandchildren, who are growing out of their young years without our influence. Therefore, we have decided that this will be our last year of going to Tanzania as volunteers for VST.

As many of you know, when we returned to America in 2010, we sold our house, cars, and most of our earthly possessions in order to be free of burdens and expenses. Our intention was to give our lives fully to the work God had shown us in Tanzania. Now we are faced with the challenge of re-entering American life.

Before we do that, we will be traveling to churches and individual supporters to encourage them to continue in their support of VSI/VST. Our most fervent prayer is that younger people (perhaps between 18 and 30) will be called to give a portion of their lives to foreign missions. It truly is an adventure with God to submit yourself to Him for provision and protection.

We encourage you to continue your support of VSI, as we believe it to be one of the best mission endeavors we’ve ever seen. We plan to join the volunteer group here in the States that ensures that all donated money goes to the field, rather than being eaten up by administrative, promotional and fund-raising expenses.

We love you all and will cherish the memories of our service together. Now go and have an adventure of your own in the far flung harvest fields of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Your servants of the Lord from Idigima,

Gary (Babu Philipo) and Joanne (Bibi Joanna) Grenell

Village Schools Tanzania Founders Visit Idigima Secondary School

“One thing is for sure; nothing is for sure!” A routine day of teaching and chapel services was pleasantly interrupted by a early morning call to the Headmaster’s office for a staff meeting with the Director and Secretary of Village Schools Tanzania (VST).

Following the meeting, the co-founders of the VST mission that started in 2007 and now encompasses 28 registered schools visited with students at the end of our chapel services. They encouraged the students to fulfill their goals in education and contribute to the betterment of Tanzania as pastors, doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, policemen, or whatever it is God is calling them to become.

Their visit ended with a visit to our home. Mr. Hiari shared future plans for Idigima and the development of new schools in the Mbeya Region. Mr. Masumbuko purchased some of Joanne’s sewing items (book bags, uniform ties and scarves) to share with students at their home school of Madisi Secondary School in the Iringa Region.

As you consider the incredible sacrifice and dedication of these men, we hope you will join us in praying for their physical safety as they travel all over this country, their spiritual strength and insight as they select and train leaders and teachers, and the growth of leaders in the organization to lighten the loads of these wonderful servants.

Living in God’s grace,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy ! ! !

The title is misleading, because seldom does anyone in this culture get really mad and disagreeable. There are times, however, when the nationals get pretty frustrated with our lack of Swahili language skills. We get frustrated also. One area that frustrates us is that students will change their names almost on a whim. Headquarters and the Registrar will have one name on their records and the teachers another. The student may put one or the other name, or different spellings of the names, on his or her test papers. We enter the scores of examinations into the reports prepared at Headquarters; maybe you can imagine the result as we sort through hundreds of names. Here is a humorous story to illustrate where both frustrations came together in a head-on collision.

One day a student’s mama came to our door asking about a uniform for her daughter. She spoke no English, but we could tell that she wanted her student, Pendo Mwampashe, to have a black skirt, shirt, scarves and socks. We listed the items on a piece of paper with their corresponding prices and explained that the student must come with the money to be measured. The mama talked on and on, indicating that they had come and already had the scarf, or scarves, but needed the shirt, skirt and socks. We went through the drill again and got nowhere. She finally left, saying she would talk to a (Tanzanian) teacher.

A few moments later, Mama was back with Sarah, our new Second Headmistress. Sarah explained that during exam week in March she had brought this woman to Bibi (Joanne) with Pendo Mwampashe, that Bibi had measured her and that they had paid the money for the uniform. We went through the order book repeatedly without finding any reference to Pendo Mwampashe.

Finally, I thought to look at just last names, and found a Loveness Mwampashe. I asked Sarah if the student might now be using the name Loveness, instead of Pendo. She answered rather matter-of-factly, “Well, yes; Loveness is English for Pendo.” (We know pendo means love, but had never heard of a student interchanging those two particular names.) We pulled the skirt from storage and delivered it to a now very happy mama.

As Paul Harvey would say, “Here’s the rest of the story.” We had been sending notes to the Teacher-On-Duty for weeks that Loveness’ skirt was finished and ready to be picked up. Could it be that the student failed to come because she wasn’t hearing her name . . . or the name she was currently using?

Serving our Lord with a smile in the midst of it all,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Chapel Services Continue to Inspire and Challenge

It is nothing short of inspiring to hear 500+ voices of African youth raised in praise. It is equally encouraging to hear spirit-filled preaching from among their peers, challenging them to live for God’s glory, separate themselves from the vices of their society and culture, and depend on Christ for all of their needs.

Every Thursday morning at 9:30, the eight classes of students crowd into two classrooms for chapel services. Song leaders are energetic and animated as they lead the student body in praise with both African choruses and traditional hymns in Swahili.

After about 20 minutes of singing, the song leaders curtsey to the assigned speaker, and after reading a portion of Scripture, jumps with both feet into the application of the Word of God to the lives of his fellow students. There is no lack of energy, enthusiasm, animation of illustrations and call for repentance and dedication.

Our prayer is that through the education and discipleship of thousands of young Tanzanians, spiritual enlightenment might come to the country and continent. Join us in that prayer.

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

The Drums of Idigima

Oooo, that sounds sooo . . . . . . African!

Go into most rural Tanzanian churches and the only instrument you will find is a drum...a homemade drum. Depending on the song, the drummer will use his or her hands and/or a stick. Wrapping a strip of bicycle inner tube to the end of the stick will add to the variety of sounds.

Making drums is considered a life skill by most of the youth here. You start with a fresh goat or cow skin (available in the market) and a barrel or paint can with the ends cut out. From the animal hide, cut strips of rawhide and discs a bit larger than the diameter of your can. Punch holes around the circumference of your discs and soak the leather pieces and strips. Lace them up tight and set the drum in the sun for a few days to thoroughly dry. The leather will shrink while drying and create a tight playing surface.

We found out the day the students came to borrow Babu’s hammer and knife that a band was being formed at IdigimaSecondary School. They say it will include trumpets, but all we’ve seen so far are the drums and a few recorder-type flutes.

Friday morning assemblies involve a special time for the students to sing the national anthem, an African anthem, and the school song while the Scouts raise the flag. This Friday will be the first time to incorporate the drums and flutes.  

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Have a Blessed Resurrection Sunday Celebration!

Dear Supportive Friends,

Easter, the Sunday of remembrance that changed the lives of all who believe, is upon us.  Resurrection Sunday is the heart and soul of the Gospel.  It demonstrates the historical evidence of our Lord’s incarnation and mission in the world.  t gives evidence of truth to all of His teachings and claims.  It is the final declaration in the restoration story of God’s relationship with fallen man.  Praise and celebrate to His glory!

By grace we are saved,

Gary & Joanne Grenell

"The Students are Crying"

Christopher Mwasenga

This year’s severe storms have been unusually more frequent, with high winds, hail and lightening. On Saturday, January 18, lightening struck our house, blowing a switch just a few feet from where Joanne was working in her sewing room. Seeing the fire flash, I shouted from the next room and to find out if she was alright. In the evening, we found we had no power on campus and assumed there had been damage elsewhere.

That’s when we responded to a knock at the door and found two of the lady teachers and their children, looking very solemn. I assumed they were concerned that there was no electricity and started to explain about the lightening, but Aziza interrupted me and said, “Not only that, but our student has died. Babu, the students are crying!”

We found that the fire ball at our light switch was experienced by others in the houses and classrooms. In the case of one classroom, student leaders had gathered. Students later shared that Christopher Mwasenga, our newly-elected HP (student body president) was standing near the switch when lightening struck, and it must have arced, killing him instantly.

Christopher, on left in blue

Christopher was an exceptional student, frequently speaking in Chapel and constantly encouraging and working with his fellow students to excel in their academics. He spent hours in our home learning computer basics and honing his English skills. He was meek and humble and led by example, participating in sports, directing the debate team, and scoring high marks on all of his examinations. He won national acclaim when he scored 100% on a Form Two national History exam. He always scored in the 90’s, and frequently 100%, on my Bible Knowledge examinations.

Sunday morning found us gathered on the lawn in front of our houses. The dump truck came from the hospital at 9:00, bringing the coffin. The attending pastor, Christopher’s father, and school staff met in our home for prayer and sharing prior to the viewing.

Most of the students and staff would not be able to attend the funeral service in Christopher’s village, so, there was a viewing time for all the students and staff here. Close friends, some of the staff, some of his Form Three classmates and student leaders packed into the back of the dump truck with the coffin, and seven of us squeezed into the cab for the two and a half hour trip to the home village of Ipoloto, northwest of Mlowo. The first and last hour was over spine-jarring, teeth-rattling dirt roads.

The funeral process included a visit to the home, followed by a procession through the village to the church. After the church service, he was buried behind the church building. Our Headmaster, pastors, the village leader, and visiting government leaders addressed the large group that had gathered to pay their final respects to a great young man. Rain clouds were gathering as we left the village. Rain-soaked, we arrived back at Idigima at 7:00 in the evening.

 

In the days that have followed, we’ve heard a lot of comments about Christopher. He will not be soon forgotten. We tell his friends that there is no bringing him back, but we can live as he did and see him again when we die.

Life is short; live to the glory of God until you die.

Love and hugs to all of God’s people,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Rainbow Blessings

Anyone who has been tracking with our blog for awhile knows that we prefer the rainy season over the dry season here in Tanzania. During the dry season, when rain completely stops for months, the dust becomes thick on the roads and paths, the grass turns brown, and the wind carries dust and debris into the buildings and your eyes, ears, nose and throat. Almost worst of all, you have to carry river water for your daily needs.

The rainy season brings life to the farms and settles the dust. With nearly daily rains, you can catch all the water you want off of the roof. Almost best of all, however, are the frequent rainbows we get to enjoy. When the sun comes out after a shower, someone will usually say, “Bet there’s a rainbow,” and we’ll walk outside to stand in awe of God’s faithfulness.

“Mercy drops ‘round us are falling, but for the showers we pray.”

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

The Tanzanian Mushroom Hunt

We never had much luck finding mushrooms during an Iowa spring, but you don’t have to be too lucky in Tanzania to get a meal from a mushroom hunt. A fellow teacher brought one to us and explained that they had more at home. The cow herder boy finds them during the day as he wanders over the countryside, following the herd of cattle and goats. We added this monster to scrambled eggs and had quite a treat.

Love and hugs to all in Jesus,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Teaching Through the Holidays

The campus was pretty quiet during the period between December 20 and 31, and would be even quieter afterward. Following the closing of the school for the upper classmen, school continued for the Pre-Form One students. These are the incoming “Freshmen” who came to Idigima Secondary School after we returned from the States in September. Our assignment was to teach them some English before they enter Form One studies on January 13, 2014.

Our daily schedule of instruction and drills ran from 7:30 to noon or 1:00, with assignments for the afternoon. Edgar, the Mathematics teacher, was gracious to take the early hour class time. God bless him!

We took a break for Christmas, and those students unable to go home because of distance and expense were invited to the house for a day of fun and games. We were surprised in the middle of the afternoon when they chose to return to their ghettos to study rather than stay for the planned movie.

On December 31, the students took their final examinations in Mathematics and English. The English exam consisted of reading and oral questions as well as a written portion. The exams began at 8:00 and were completed by 12:45.

Mr. Mgale, the Second Master, conducted the closing exercises, giving the students letters of instruction for entering Form One. In addition to tuition and fees, they will be expected to bring a ream of paper (used during the year for tests and examinations) and a tool used for the benefit of the school: a grass thresher, a hoe, or perhaps a squeegee mop for cleaning the classrooms.

Now, with the students gone, along with many of the teachers, the campus is like a sleeping giant made of orange brick. We gathered what teachers and staff we could find for a New Year’s Day luncheon and games. We offered to make rice, greens and a banana cake, suggesting that others bring beans, avocadoes, mangoes, drinks or whatever they had available. Something got lost in translation, because nothing else was brought for the feast. It didn’t matter; everyone got enough to eat and had a good time.

It is time now to enter into intense prayer and preparation for the coming school year. Students will come with physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Join us in answering those needs.

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

School Closing for the Holidays

Joanne had been suffering for a few days with a sore throat and a temperature fluctuating between 90 and 101 degrees. She would not be present at the closing ceremony.

The morning of December 20th started with student assembly, at which time I gave prizes to 21 students who scored 90% or above on their Bible Knowledge final examination. From there, I went to teach Pre-Form English, who would not be participating in the closing of the school. After about an hour, I was called to the teachers’ meeting to organize the closing ceremony.

The students were assembled for 2½ hours in the intense heat for the closing farewells of teachers and instructions about their return in January for the 2014 school year. Finally, they were released to join their parents for the receipt of their academic reports and departure for the holidays.

parents receiving reports

“They distributed the academic report letters Tanzanian style,” I reported to Joanne, who had obviously not been present for the process. A teacher sitting with Joanne asked, “What’s the difference between Tanzanian and the Western way?” I explained that in Tanzania, the parents crowded around the teachers as they called out the students’ names, and if the parents could push their way forward and make themselves known, they will get the academic letter. Otherwise, others will call the oversight to the teacher’s attention and the teacher will search through the stack of papers and retrieve the letter. In Western culture, the names would be alphabetized and the parents would stand in a line to receive their letter in turn. Culturally, such structure is just not done in the village. You have to go to the bank in town to stand in a line. In the market, at church, in the transport trucks and buses, in the shops, and even watching the Jesus Film in our home, village life is one of crowding together and trying to get a front position. It’s part of what makes living here unique and precious. In Western culture, you have to be taking a group photo to get people to squeeze together.

Get close to someone, Tanzanian style, and share the love of Jesus.

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Forestation of the Idigima Campus

Final examinations for the 2013 school year are behind the students. During the week following exams, while the teachers scored and tabulated results, the students planted hundreds of pine and fruit trees on the campus outside the compound. Each student was directed to bring at least three trees, of which they will be responsible.

Under teacher and student leader supervision, the students dug holes, planted trees and staked protective tee-pees around their trees. In a few years, there should be a lot of shade, wind-break, soil conservation and food produced by this long-awaited project.

We have a couple of our garden beds devoted to seedlings of additional trees to replace any that fail, and some decorative varieties dedicated to grace the grounds inside the compound and around the teachers’ houses.

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell