Last week I had the joy of launching a new Pathways Bible Training network in the western Tanzania city of Mbeya. The location is fairly rural, and due to elevation it was cooler than I expected, a far cry from the blistering heat and humidity I experienced in Dar es Salaam. Pastor Ernest Nguvila is the coordinator of this network, and I was joined by my good friend Pastor George Mbago from Singida, TZ. George helped me with translation for the workshop, and taught a lesson or two, since he has been through the entire Pathways training with me previously.
The group of 16-18 pastors experienced typical challenges since the material is quite new to them, and although Ernest described them as “slow learners,” I was pleased with their progress. They readily received the gentle correction I gave them, and exhibited a hunger to grow in handling the Scripture better.
Please CLICK the following brief video to hear coordinator Ernest explain why Pathways is so important and desperately needed in his region and throughout Africa:
At the end of this first workshop, Pastor Godfrey shared, “Pathways training has given me understanding of how to study and teach the Bible. Using the Pathways principles, my understanding of God’s Word has greatly expanded.”
Pastor Daniel added, “I’ve had a big challenge through this training that I’ve not experienced previously. As a regional director in Lifeway (Campus Crusade), I’ve attended many trainings, but none like this one. I’m thankful for this training and the opportunity to learn how to study God’s Word. This is a new training in the church in Tanzania, and it has come at the right time and we are ready for it.”
The guesthouse where George and I stayed was a convenient 5-minute walk from Ernest’s church where the training was held. The cost was $6/night, and the delicious meals were about $1.
After each day of training, before the sun quickly dropped below the horizon, I would strap on my running shoes and take off for the hills for some good exercise and meeting many of the locals along the way.
In addition to the training, I also began my dissertation research by conducting two interviews with graduates from our program. These interviews were recorded, and I will transcribe them and then along with transcribed sermons I will analyze them to discover important truths about how pastors use Pathways and what factors influence their utilization of Pathways principles.
Pressing on with joy by God’s grace, Eric