A Day of Joy: The Dedication of Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School

Saturday was a day of joy!

The morning was pretty low key. Folks from Our Savior's, Rochester shopped in Singida with the director of palliative care to buy medical supplies they will bring to the program later in the week. The rest of us stuck around the hotel until about 11 am, when we loaded our land cruisers and headed to the office of the Central Diocese. There, we joined a police-escorted motorcade for the drive out to the brand new Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School.

We knew this event would be a pretty big deal, but the size and scope of it really surprised us. There were literally several hundred people gathered at the school! There were a large number of pastors and politicians, choirs, a brass ensemble, and other dignitaries. There were videographers, photographers, and news reporters who captured the afternoon event to share with the people of Tanzania on the evening news and Sunday's newspapers!

And the school itself...it was amazing! The photos I had seen before today showed a few buildings renovated through funds provided by Southeastern Minnesota Synod congregations - including a generous gift towards solar panels. But in addition to those, there was a giant two-story classroom and food service building, bathroom facilities, an admin building, and more! And, as we toured the campus, workers were setting the foundation for a future dormitory. Thanks be to God!

The clergy and distinguished guests all processed to the center of the campus for the ceremony. After Bishop Syprian Hilinti opened the ceremony with prayers, Bishop Regina Hassanally cut the ceremonial ribbon, unveiling the giant school sign. Then, going building to building accompanied by the brass ensemble, Bishop Regina led the multitudes in a prayer and a blessing of each facility. Our last stop was an outdoor dais where the formal program began, which included speakers: Bishop Syprian, local and regional politicians and dignitaries, and our own Bishop Regina, in whose honor the school is named.  After the ceremony, the whole community ate a celebratory lunch together.

After lunch we took a tour, a group photo in front of the school sign, and then loaded the vans for our next destination: 'Bee Village', an enterprise that raises needs and harvests honey. After that, we drove out to an ELCT-Central Diocese pre- and primary school to visit the children and learn about primary education in Tanzania. We spent time with the kids and staff, we exchanged gifts, and we enjoyed the songs the kids sang for us. It was beautiful. Then it was back to the hotel for a late dinner and good conversation. 

"May the joy of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands."  - Psalm 90:17

I've thought about this scripture verse this week. It is a good reminder that the joy of the Lord and the work of God's people are connected. They are not dependent...but they are connected. In other words, God does not require our good work in order for God to show favor to us. No. God's joy comes to us no matter what. But, God still does ask for our good work in order to benefit our neighbor. And when we do good work, the joy of the Lord is magnified.

There has been a lot of good work done on God's girl's school the last few years. And there was a lot of Holy Spirit inspired joy on this day at the Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School and at the primary school we visited.

So rest easy in the love and grace of God. But also know that God calls us...always calls us to more: to care more and to love more...precisely BECAUSE of the grace we have received. And that, my friends, is really good news! That brings joy!