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