Preaching points and projects
A beautiful day in Bomalang’ombe! We had a chance to get a photo of a papaya tree planted by Roger and Erasto (from Bomalang’ombe) in 2017. It’s quite tall!
After breakfast we visited the Nyamatonga and Ilole preaching points. We were greeted enthusiastically with singing and dancing! Nyamatonga is the most remote high up in the hills. After greetings, meeting the new evangelist and an exchange of gifts, we visited the evangelist’s home. She has a beautiful view out her front door!
The Ilole preaching point featured a dancing children’s choir and a beautiful song by an adult choir. The gift of a soccer ball was well received as usual!
After lunch we had a meeting with members of the Iringa Hope SACCOS (micro finance) and AMCOS group. They shared stories of how these groups have increased the well being of their members and their community. We then walked over to see where the new church will be built. They have materials for the foundation and will start laying it soon. We saw the plans and it will a beautiful facility for a growing congregation.
Then, a time to rest and interact with some of the children – “take my picture!”
Late afternoon we saw the business center built by the congregation. Prince of Peace provided some of the funding. In 2023 there were 4 storefronts, including a café, farming supply store, beauty salon and barber shop. The expansion plan is to build 6 more storefronts. Two were finished last year and contain a fabric store and a credit center. The other 4 have just been completed and three are rented for cement supply, a café and general store. The area is growing, especially due to improved roads.
Then, a long and winding trip to visit the newest water source where we saw the dam and new pump station. With the growth comes the need for more water!
Back at the parish, we saw an avocado tree planted by Lee also in 2017. We are ready for a full day tomorrow!
