We had a good Zanzibar trip. On arrival Stephen and Victoria joined us for lunch. Victoria continues to receive treatment for her condition which is improving. (She has ‘leaky’ heart valves.) It is doubtful she will ever bear children because of her gynae problems. Stephen is not all that happy at St John’s, he would like more of a challenge. St John’s is well established and reluctant for change, so he does have a challenge there. There being no bishop for the diocese results in some apathy and flatness with the people. The Bishop of Tanga has oversight but he can’t do much in Zanzibar. An election will not be held for another three years as prospective candidates are either too young or not well-enough educated. We had thought that the Vicar-General might be bishop but Bishop John says that Matthew is too shy.
We spent a Sunday at St John’s. The church was full and we were impressed by the number of young men who attended. Some of the men formed a choir and sang most beautifully (so Douglas says). They sing unaccompanied and make up some of their own songs. I suggested to Stephen that he tape them and make money – but how? Douglas preached and then Stephen, who had already translated the sermon, gave the Swahili sermon. At the end of the service I was called up for a laying on of hands by Stephen who prayed for ages over me. Following that came the notices with members of the congregation popping up to have their say. We were in church for nearly three hours. After lunch cooked by Victoria and shared by several people Stephen showed us the shop he is building. He wants to make one side of it a stationary shop with photocopier and the other half a pharmacy which would be rented out. Progress is slow as he has no support from those who have the power in the diocese. We hope the project will not fail as that would discourage Stephen. He is persevering and has help from the wardens. Douglas was able to talk with him and listen to his problems. One afternoon when out at Mbweni at the end of our time we called in on Stephen and were pleased to find him studying the book we had taken for him. He needs a guide to help him study and keep up his interest. Both he and Victoria are very appreciative of St Columba’s help and prayers.
On our way to the self-indulgent pa of our holiday we stopped at Mahonda. Father Emmanuel (the new minister) was there to greet us with the evangelist and another man. The nursery school is doing well. The second classroom now has tables for the older children, four of them who were doing sums in their books. The photocopier has broken down and is now obsolete as no spare parts can be obtained for it. Father Emmanuel said that they were losing money and were anxious about paying the teacher’s wages. The computer is still operative but it is the photocopier that brings in the money. We could see that they desperate and had tried everything so Douglas said he would find money for a good second hand photocopier the purchase of which must be done through John Eyobo the diocesan development officer. John is Sudanese and an excellent business man. Sadly his contract finishes at the end of the month and he is not renewing because he is handicapped by the lack of a bishop. The money has been sent so that all can be in order before John leaves. The sewing group (started by Victoria) seems to have given up. I hope Agnes will make a start with it after the planting season is over. (Agnes must be Emmanuel’s wife). Emmanuel is also a good man and we encouraged Stephen to work with him. He has better English than Stephen, Victoria is the better cook!
From Mahonda we went along to St Mark’s, Kiwenga. The new church is immaculate and there is obvious pride in what has been achieved. Stephen has a motorbike and was able to visit regularly, something Emmanuel can’t do as he has no transport. However the evangelist is very faithful and keeps the congregation alive. Again there is little support from the diocese.
We had time with Sarah Toto (widow of Bishop Toto) who seems to be coping better now. Her house has no running water or electricity. The money has run out as Douglas Toto was too ambitious for what he wanted. When he died there was only debt. The youngest daughter, Jane, was sent to boarding school in Dar es Salaam but hated it and made herself ill so that she could leave. The money found for her education was wasted and it would seem that she has no desire to continue her schooling. We fear that she is heading for trouble. She told us that she wanted to be a lawyer and that her uncle in America would send for her. She lives in a fantasy world. We spoke with her about the death of her father and how it had affected her and she was quite open about it. We said that perhaps her father would have wanted her to continue schooling but she just laughed. Two of her sisters are off the straight and narrow and Jane is following the same path. She is a most attractive girl. Bishop John is concerned for her and indeed it was he who arranged for her to go to Dar es Salaam as he was fearful of her future. In contrast to Jane, Hilda, Stephen’s niece who has lived with him from the age of two is keen to do medicine. Hilda goes to school locally.
I think that is all to report! The money sent is being used as requested and you can be sure that it does help further the Kingdom of God.
Pat Cameron – 20th November 2007.