Anglican ministers are not known for their dance moves. Africa has changed all that for several Sydney rectors.
While many Sydney-siders were attending the usual string of Christmas parties, one group of Sydney Anglicans was doing the rounds in a far different setting in the wilds of Tanzania.
Five ministers, along with singer-songwriter Colin Buchanan, embarked on a week long trip to see the field work of aid agency Compassion.
60,000 children are registered in Compassion Child Sponsorship Program in Tanzania, with around 4,300 of those currently being sponsored by Australians.
The group included the Rector of Bossley Park, Peter Lin, Waitara’s Bruce Stanley, Menai’s Steve Wakeford, David Sheath from the Lakes Evangelical Church and Moore College lecturer, Con Campbell.
After meeting children, families and communities who benefit from Compassion’s ministry through their local church, the members of the group found themselves as honoured guests at Railway Anglican Church in Morogoro, Tanzania.
“To stand in church that day and say we will stand together in Christ in the last days—that's a precious thing,” says Colin Buchannan. “And I can see that the programs Compassion has developed here are working towards that end.”
The prayer book communion service was conducted in Swahili and Bruce Stanley was invited to deliver the main message in English, which was then translated.
“This is my first church service in Tanzania, and it's quite different to any church services I've been to before,” says Con Campbell. “There were lots of colours, lots of music and great preaching.”
The service also included preaching by the local minister and upbeat, traditional Tanzanian hymns sung by a 14 person choir that soon saw the ministers up off their chairs and dancing beside their African brothers and sisters.
Both Colin Buchanan and Peter Lin - pictured - led local children in Sunday School songs.
“It's been lovely just to see that child likeness that transcends culture,” says Colin Buchannan. “Kids are kids and they love laughter and they're playful and they're funny.”
Compassion’s Church Relations Manager Paul Beeston, who facilitated the Compassion Insight Trip, said the outreach ministry of the Railway Anglican Church Morogoro and its congregation was an inspiration to all the Australian travellers.
“One of the greatest encouragements was the way the local church is reaching out to those in the community who are great need, both physically and spiritually,” says Paul. “The Railways Anglican Church was planted only meters from the train tracks. From their prime location they work at reaching out to the local rail workers as well as the surrounding community.”
While the dancing may not last beyond Morogoro, the trip and the work they saw will live long in the memories of the group members.
“What God has called us to do for the poor is what he's called us to do for anyone,” says Bruce Stanley. “It doesn't matter who it is—everyone is important to God.”
