Crossing Cultures in Tanzania

Some of the first Christian missionaries arrived in Tanzania in the 1870s. They stationed themselves in a town called Bagamoyo where they opened freed slaves' villages providing care and education for those who had been rescued from slave traders.

The work of Christians continues today in the town of Bagamoyo through Compassion and the work of the Anglican Bagamoyo Student Centre. The church leader, Pastor Amos Mosses Nene, explains how the gospel continues to bear fruit in his community: "Many people have been attracted to listen to the Word of God," he said.

"Through the children people have been preached to when the child worker visits their home. They pray; they sing together; they listen to the Word. All this is being done with the family members present. Through the ministry of Compassion, we have been able to reach Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The Place of Islam

Indeed, Islam is the second biggest religion in Tanzania and has a long history in the country, having first arrived with Arab traders and continuing to grow as the trade routes became increasingly established along the coasts of East Africa. Before the ministry of Compassion, it was very difficult for Pastor Amos to reach out to the community, especially the Muslims. But now, through Compassion, he feels like a door has been opened.

"Parents show interest to love the church and trust it. But due to our environment in Muslim majority community, there is slow commitment. But through the ministry of the church they see the love of Christ and they love the church. Even the Muslim women are coming to the church and offering their service in helping with cooking the children's food. Many of the Muslim children in the ministry are choir members and active participants even though they have not committed their lives to Christ."

However, many people in Bagamoyo remain suspicious of the church and Compassion’s work, believing that they only want to convert their children from Islam to Christianity. Some of the children have been removed from the programme and Pastor Amos believes this often happens when parents see their children behaving and relating to people differently as a result of good teaching they receive at the centre.

Although the gospel is at the heart of Compassion’s work and every child has the opportunity to learn about Jesus, Compassion also aims to serve the whole child – attending to the children’s educational, social and emotional needs too. The staff hope that this holistic love and care will continue to be a powerful witness.

Hope for a Family

One testimony is that of Joseph Vitus Marando, an 11 year old registered at the project and his mother, Eliza: "We are grateful for the service the church has given us and which we have received through Compassion like clothes and medical attention," she said. "The support has been very helpful to us. It would have been very tough to go it alone with the meagre income we get from my husband's fishing business (approximately $1-3 per day)."

"Joseph was registered when Compassion staff came to our place and explained what they were doing. They registered my child and they've been helping us since then," explained Eliza with joy. "To me the situation was very difficult. I had no money to take my child to the hospital or pay for the school fees. But Compassion has helped me by providing these life necessities.”

Joseph himself has big dreams for the future. He often tells his mother, "Mama, if Compassion gives me education, I will build you a big and beautiful house. I also want to help other children who are in need as I have myself been helped. I know I am even able to be the future president of the country!"