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MSALATO MATTERS NOVEMBER 2011:

Dear friends in Christ,
        When Iri preached his final sermon to the students here at Msalato, he based it on the  reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; a time for every season under Heaven and here it is,
 a  time to go. As he said life is seasonal and no matter how hard we try to keep things the same, we cannot avoid the fact that life is constantly changing. There are many changes ahead for the students as Diploma 2 & 3 students finish their exams and head out to work at their allocated placements. There are also many changes ahead for the college with new staff coming from Australia, Kenya and the UK.

        One of our last village visits with students was to Kigwe Mpunguzi so we took fellow NZCMS mission partner Josephine Rogers along to introduce her to the good folk there . On the way we stopped off at a nearby church, newly planted by Msalato students during their holidays. It had been raining, we didn't know the track and... you've guessed it, we got well and truly stuck in the mud. Good fun! All the students and youth from the church helped to push but what a joy it had been to see this old grinding factory being used as a church. Sure there were no windows, or doors but the building was sound and the proximity allowed villagers to worship in an area closer to their homes. We went on to the Kigwe church which is being rebuilt and enlarged; one we know well from our past visits there with Robyn Appleby. Following the sermon, we were blessed with rain; a heavy, heavy  downpour of rain. We all got completely soaked despite having squeezed over to the far side for the rain came in from all directions. Kate was about to bless the seeds for this years' planting so held them up to one of the incoming waterfalls from the old roof and truly blessed them. The people were unfazed and very happy that God had sent such a wonderful blessing.

       Our final invitation to visit a church came from students in the neighbouring Kondoa Diocese so we took them home; our car laden with Pastors to assist with the service, other students heading home in that direction and bags piled high. Although the new road is being built, it is not available for use even on the completed stretches so we bounced and bumped along, had a joyful celebration with the people there, left bags of maize for all the Pastors and returned home with even more passengers and luggage, including three hens.

       The run-down tin and cardboard dukas or shops over the road from the college, affectionately known as the Msalato Mall , are being pulled down in readiness for the roadworks. Our College sign and the cross at the roadside have also had to be moved.  The moving of this sign also signals that its time for us to move on and what wonderful farewell celebrations we have enjoyed. We have laughed until we cried as students imitated us in drama with one mature male student dressed and acting as teacher Kate, others mimicking Iri's words and  actions, songs, dance, poems and DRUMS. People have said that if they don't see us again on this earth, they will see us in Heaven, my response being ' Don't forget to bring the drums.'
We are just about partied out but with only four days to go, we look back and know that God has been with us here and we pray that He will follow us on our next step along the way about which there'll be more news next time.

      There is a season for everything under heaven.
We served in His name and thank you for blessing us with your love, prayers and support,
Rev. Iri and Kate Mato in Tanzania.

MSALATO MATTERS OCTOBER 2011

Dear friends in Christ,
                              Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord.
        We trust you are well and enjoying some warmer weather. Here it is certainly warmer with daytime temperatures hovering around 35*. There are signs of the coming rains with clouds gathering. The beautiful flowering trees and the multitude of returning birds and emerging scorpions obviously know that rain is on the way. We hope to dance in the rain one more time before we head home.
       It's been a busy month but a lovely one with the ordination of pastors, the graduation and the wedding of Beatrice, one of our favourite students from our early days at Msalato.
The ordination ceremony was held at Dabalo, one of the few green spots in the Diocese. Set among the hills past Hombolo with a large dam and signs of crops that had prospered, we worshiped in a large church brimming with pastors and choirs who came to support those newly ordained by the Bishop. The graduation was held at St John's University with the Prime Minister as the guest of honour but the best part for us has been the continual call of 'hodi' at the door as students have called to greet us during their short visit here for the graduation ceremony. Kate's cake ministry has done thriving business as we have packed bags of water, fruit and biscuits for those travelling long distances.  It's hard to think that we won't see them again on this earth.
      Recently the Bishop wrote of our' incredible work' here in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika and we just want to acknowledge all of you who have contributed to that through your constant prayers and amazing support. When we came here, we never dreamed that we would have such support enabling us to build churches and houses for pastors and  distribute food to hungry people and Bibles to those hungry for His word. The comments that the work we have done is 'highly commendable' is not so much a reflection of what we have done but more a reflection on what God has enabled us to do in His name over the past seven years. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and felt a bit of a tug today as we pulled the suitcases down from the top of the wardrobe and dusted them off. Next weekend we will go on our final village visit and this will be to our friend Mwani's village at far off Magaga where we hope the final sheets of bati will complete the church roof during the coming week so that we can truly celebrate with the people. Of extra delight is the opportunity to teach Mwani's son who has joined the Foundation Class with plans to be a Pastor himself. The class was writing about The Person I Admire  and Sylvester's story about his father told much about this dedicated Pastor whom we also admire.
      We have many fine students here and there are opportunities for you to continue to support them through NZCMS even in our absence. Coming here to teach English or Theology, bringing your IT or Librarian skills, sponsoring a student, donating towards the Work for a Textbook or to Bibles For Villages programmes are some of the ways you could assist the growth of His Kingdom in this Diocese.
       Looking forward to seeing you on home ground.
       With our love, thanks and many blessings,
              Reverend Iri and Kate Mato.  

MSALATO MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2011:
Dear friends in Christ,
        A mid-term break of one week draws to a close and re-opening on Monday brings a new course, new staff and new students to Msalato.
The  break has also reminded us that our time here is short and it's given us the time to start sorting and packing. We had a hectic time at the local post office sending home some of our treasures and pray that these will arrive safely in due course. We were told that our hings should get there within six months!!!

       Although it is sad to be paying our last visits to villages, it gives us the opportunity to distribute clothing to widows and the needy, to give out food and to leave behind Bibles.

A prayer card which we keep on our desk reads: ' I pray that God will speak loudly
                                                                        And that you will hear humbly.
                                                                        I pray that God will act mightily
                                                                        And that you will receive graciously.
                                                                      I pray that God will bless amazingly
                                                                        And that you will share freely.
                                                                         I pray that God will be close
                                                                         And that you will walk safely.'

He certainly has spoken loudly, acted mightily, blessed us amazingly and been close to us as we have walked safely, and we thank Him every day for what He has done in our lives and in the lives of those we may perhaps have touched along the way during our seven years here in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika.

       We know you'll all be enjoying the Rugby World Cup, the Warriors  achievements and, Iri  is proud of his beloved east Coast reaching the finals also.
For now,
Love and blessings from Rev Iri and Kate serving in Tanzania.

MSALATO MATTERS AUGUST 2011

Dear friends in Christ,

      Thank you for your love, your support and most of all for your prayers. 

     We certainly did hit the ground running when we returned from the UK for the start of the new academic year and to know you were there praying for us gave us strength. 

We have some fine new staff members  from Canada, the UK and New Zealand and some lovely new students who are working very hard to prove they are worthy of the opportunity they have been given to study here at Msalato. Now, with our close links to St John's Anglican University of Tanzania, standards are rising and the students are very serious. We have been told that the English out here at Msalato is actually ahead  of that of the students at St John's so if you are thinking of coming here to help in the English department in the future, you'll  be warmly welcome. Also, if you are thinking of sponsoring a student through either the Diploma or Degree in Applied Theology that Msalato offers, you would also be warmly welcome. Without sponsorship, there would be no students here, such is the poverty in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika.

     This poverty is so much more evident in the villages than it is in the town. We were so concerned after our last village visit when we heard of those eating only one meal every two days that we felt we had to do something.  That area had not had significant rains for three years so there was no stockpile left to help the poor. We contacted the Area Co-ordinator, a pastor and ex Msalato degree student whom we know and trust, and after discussing the matter with him and knowing that the task was too big for us, assigned him the task of listing the widows who regularly attend services in that area. To be able to help them alone required us to use some of the funds sent for water projects in the area so we ask your forgiveness but felt we could not stand by and let these humble people starve. We felt the link between food and water to be so close and prayed that the Lord would see this as a wise use of His gift.

     Tomorrow we'll set out early to visit another church in the Mvumi region. The Bibles are packed and Iri's robes are ready; not sure about the sermon though. I see a few notes here beside me but once Iri stops grieving about the All Blacks loss to Australia, I'm sure everything will come together well. There will be plenty of talk about the loss so near the start of the world cup. All we could see of the game was the updated score on the computer. It must have been hard to actually watch!

     ..... The day at Mvumi  Mission was wonderful. Those who know Mvumi Mission will know it was one of the earliest settlements in this region and many New Zealand missionaries have served at the secondary school and at the hospital . The drive there is so pretty with the wide open country surrounded by hills. There, the people had enjoyed a good harvest and brought bags of millet and maize to the church as a thanksgiving. These will be distributed by the Pastor as he sees the need in this parish. This showed us the great difference that rainfall can make from one area to another. The College is promoting days of fasting and praying for good rains for all the diocese in the coming season. 

Would you join us in prayer?

Serving in His name,

Rev Iri and Kate Mato

MSALATO MATTERS JULY 2011:
Dear friends in Christ,
     It seems such a long time since we wrote but that's probably because so much has happened in such a short time.

We have had the pleasure of the company of Steve Maina, Anne Segedin, Peter and Christine Akester, Joy and Geoff Reid and other honourable visitors here at Msalato for the 50th anniversary celebrations and what a joyous occasion it was. I think our biggest thrill was to see the reunions of the first students and staff and the rekindling of relationships of friends not seen but never forgotten. We had worked so hard that we were quite exhausted but it was worth all the effort and was part of the reason we had stayed here for this extra year over and above our allocated time. We will never forget being a part of this event. Having video-photographers Joy and Geoff Reid with us gave the opportunity to return to Mindola where, with our home church of St George's , Gate Pa, we had built a church. To witness the welcome of women waving, singing and dancing as they led us along the track to their new village church was very special. The service was one of blessing and thanksgiving for what God had done for these village folk who used to meet under a tree at the front of the now completed church.

    The 3 day seminar for all DCT Pastors which Steve co-led, was followed by a fund raising event for the new Msalato library. For a college which aims to be the leading theological college in East Africa, a top library is essential. We were informed at staff meeting yesterday that the amount raised was the highest ever for an event in Dodoma, 32,000,000/= in one night.  We just loved the traditional dancing and singing which was of a very impressive standard.

     The opportunity to have a brief holiday with family in the UK was so welcome as were the cuddles, and wet kisses from Keita, nearly 3 and little Noah aged 16 months.
     Now, it's back to work for our final semester here. There are new staff members from Canada and the UK along with Charles and Mary Worsley from the Nelson region. We met them in Dubai and were able to bring them back with us on that memorable 7 hour bus ride from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. It was pouring with rain in Dar as we were loading our luggage but of course it soon stopped leaving us all rather more than just damp. Please pray for Charles, Mary, new staff and students as they leave their families to begin a new academic year.
      The graduating students' apprehension about where they might be placed is over and all have packed and moved on to pastures green; some to pastures that have never been green since January and some to areas that will never have pastures, let alone be green. We hope to get the chance to visit some of them before we return home. Tomorrow we are taking Charles and Mary with us to Uhumwa Sigati. The box of Bibles is packed and ready to donate. We love doing this work and know that in the many places we have left Bibles, they are being used for Bible studies. We need to be back in time for the opening Holy Communion service at which the Principal will preach. There's a public holiday on Monday to enable us to catch our breath and then from Tuesday it'll be all systems go.
     Please keep us in your prayers.
     With our thanks, love and blessings,
              Rev Iri and Kate Mato

Msalato Matters June 2011:

Dear friends in Christ,

        We continue to pray for our friends and supporters in Christchurch and especially at NZCMS as they struggle with the constant shaking which must invade their every waking moment and disturb their sleep with night mares. Our message to them on the latest events was " Look back and thank God, look forward and trust Him."

        Here all is well with us, although people are still starving, women are still walking for three hours to get water, mothers are still dying in childbirth and babies from malaria. As we start to think about our return to New Zealand after 7 years here, we can still only pray for these things. Perhaps we have helped to grow the church, perhaps we have helped to train more Pastors but we will still leave in December with aching hearts for what we have not been able to do.

       Our current focus is on the 50th anniversary celebrations here at Msalato. As we gather and prepare to display photos and information, we are reminded of the wonderful people who have passed this way before us and left their mark and it makes us feel very humble. Everything is coming together nicely and we are becoming excited at the thought of all the visitors who will join us here for the week of 10th - 17th July. We look forward to having Steve with us along with Geoff and Joy Reid; video photographers, Peter and Christine Akester as well as those from Australia, US and UK. We know that many who cannot travel, will be with us in spirit.

      We've been to two villages already this month and will go to another tomorrow as the pace picks up and pastors are urging us to visit them before we leave. This will remain as a great joy for us; to go and see our ex-students in their work places, to encourage them and to share the Gospel with the people in far off places. Tomorrow's trip takes us to Kongogo which is about as far north as you can go and still be within the Diocese of Central Tanganyika. It'll be a 7am start and a 6pm finish but promises to be a wonderful day. Please continue to pray for us, for safe travel on the poor roads, for the Holy Spirit to be with us as Iri baptises and preaches the word of the Lord. Pray too and give thanks for those in New Zealand whose support enables us to take boxes of Bibles with us. These we give to the churches to be used for Bible Study by different groups within the church.

     It's good to have our garden and our hens to come back to for that grounds us and gives Iri a source of relaxation after such long days. Our students are on holiday now and will return in the first week of August. It seems a long way off and there's much to be done!

    In our busyness, we lean on the Lord for He is good.
    With our love
    Rev Iri and Kate Mato
    Serving in Tanzania in His name. 

MSALATO MATTERS MAY  2011:
Dear Friends in Christ,
     Greetings to you all from a warm and sunny Msalato where the birds are singing, the leaves are falling, Iri's silverbeet and butter beans are growing and our seven chicks are thriving.
     You may have watched and enjoyed the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' but last Saturday Iri took eight weddings and no funeral! A newly appointed Pastor had been encouraging his flock to repent and put the love of God into their lives for others to see. The result was a long day but a worthwhile one with four weddings at 10am and another four at 2pm, finishing at 6.30. The newly weds included a blind couple and others of mature years. Praise the Lord.
    Just as some were late to wed, others here are late to start their education. A student wrote this week of starting primary school at age eleven, another at thirteen but an old man who had never been to school, recently started at eighty seven! Here you can start at any age so we have students at Msalato in the morning who attend secondary school in the afternoon. Now many orphans have the opportunity to go to school through the Carpenter's Kids programme but only fifty from each village are selected making a problem for others who are not selected and can only sit and watch sadly as their friends head off to school.
    Our students are so grateful for the Work For A Book programme but with exams only a couple of weeks away their studies and assignments are taking precedence. Through your donations and their efforts many now own their own Bible, dictionary and African Bible Commentary with the opportunity to continue working for an NIV Study Bible next semester.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to those who have helped to make this programme possible. The need is ongoing for we are having a testing day for prospective students next week so please pray that the Lord will place a call in the hearts of those He needs to come here and study.
    We recently visited Mvumi Makulu Nhundulu to help with the Sunday service and were welcomed about a mile out along the track by a jolly band of singing, dancing, drum beating villagers who lead us along. Women spread kangas over the front of the vehicle and led us along so joyfully that I had to get out and take photos - for you to see when we're on deputation! We will be home just in time for Christmas with our children and, although we don't have our roster yet, we've applied to visit all those churches where you specially pray for us and have loyally supported our work here at Msalato. With January being a quiet month, it will be an opportunity for us to spend time with our family before going on deputation, probably from mid-February.
    Last weekend Iri took a group of Diploma 3 and Degree 1 students to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Dodoma where they led worship and to his satisfaction was told it was the best service Msalato had ever led. He works so hard to get the best from those he works with be it in class, in Chapel or, in the grounds.

We seek your continued prayers at this very busy time.
Please pray for our health, our strength and our guidance from the Lord.
Serving in His name,
Rev Iri and Kate Mato

PS You'll reach us on : kateandiri@hotmail.com 

MSALATO MATTERS APRIL 2011:

Dear friends in Christ,
     We trust you had a blessed Easter and celebrated the risen Lord.
Here we celebrated new life in the form of two new chickens with more to come.
We also celebrated Easter Sunday with Christians at Mkoyo, a village where one of our ex students is the pastor and is in charge of TEN churches in that Parish. Asked if the donated bike was valuable, we were told that some of the tracks to other churches are so rough and difficult that the only way is to go on foot!
We took with us, Lynn Pryor, a visiting librarian from Australia who is doing wonderful work upgrading our College library, and Christine Vaughan-Dawkes, from the Kapiti Coast who is here at Msalato to teach the final term of the inaugural Pastors' Wives Course. She has enjoyed seeing all the Chapel renovations enabled by her parish in Kapiti. We have vacancies next February- April and April - June for this work  of teaching pastors' wives if you'd like to come!!
The Good Friday service we went to was at Msalato Girls College, the home of the top 5% of female students in Tanzania, where Iri preached and we enjoyed the girls' choir.
The campus here has been very quiet over Easter with most staff away and many students returning home for the two-week break but we've had plenty to do in preparation for the final term of this academic year and for the 50th anniversary celebrations which run from July10-17th. One good thing is that here we can rely on fine weather for the next eight months of the year which is great for planning events but not so good if your life depends on agriculture as it does here for over 80% of the population.
     How good it felt to be able to give a bag of maize to each student to take home at the break. Now, with finals ahead in about 6 weeks, students will be able to concentrate on their studies, knowing that their families have food. Today and over the weekend our students will return ready for classes on Monday and already we have had several at the door coming to say thankyou from their families for the wonderful gift they took home. What blessings you send through your generosity.
     We also need to thank those who have contributed to the 'Work For A Book' scheme. Diploma 1 students are now ready to work for their own Bibles, dictionaries and Bible Commentaries. A student works in the grounds for twenty hours to earn a book and this a scheme we hope to extend as we see it as a good way for a student to get books and, to help the college at the same time.
    As students here look to complete their courses here, so do the university students for whom we have gained sponsorship, Peter in Kenya and Musa, here at St John's. Both had been duxes of their respective years here at Msalato and are doing very well with plenty of A, A- and B s, to show for their hard work. Peter awaits ordination and Musa will return to the diocese as a part-time lecturer while continuing to study for his Masters. The support raised for these two bright young men is truly a great investment in the future of the church here in Africa and we thank you. Any assistance towards a motor scooter for Musa would be a great help in getting him between his home, work and the university so we pray for that.
     Our diary is filling up with invitations for Iri to return to preach at villages we have visited. We have thoroughly enjoyed our village visits and will be sad to know these will be final ones. Please pray for us as our thoughts turn towards home. The process will not be easy for us.
Love and blessings from Iri and Kate at Msalato .

MSALATO MATTERS MARCH 2011:
Dear friends in Christ,
       Greetings from Msalato where the weather is a mild 25* with occasional rain and  amazing thunder storms.
       We were saddened this week to hear the news of the passing of that faithful servant of God, Mary Hughes, who had worked here at Msalato. May she rest in peace.
       Although there has been occasional rain in March, it has been too late and the resulting harvest will not be favourable. Hence, we will be distributing maize to the students before they return home to their villages for the two week Easter break. This gift of one bag of maize for each student has been made possible by the generous donations of people in New Zealand and will be of great benefit, saving students from worrying about their families in the remote and dry villages far from the College.
      Here at  Msalato Theological College we have been busy making arrangements for the coming 50th anniversary of this special place. Buildings have been upgraded and the gardens replanted with shrubs and flowers. Looking over some of the old photos which have been sent by past staff members, we have seen how much this place has developed over the years. To those who will attend the celebrations, we say karibuni Msalato. What a wonderful time of shared stories this will be. We hear that even Peter Dawson, the first principal, will be here.
      As we count down the months left for our work here at Msalato, we realise our time is short and we are already doing things for the last time. Last weekend was an example, for we visited the village of Kigwe/ Mpunguzi where contributions have been made towards the  building of an enlarged church as the previous one was outgrown. So this was our farewell visit to Robert and Grace and we were reminded by a tearful Pastor Robert of how Grace almost died and would surely have done so without persistent help. Now she is strong and has helped Robert to plant a second church in the village. This is such a contrast to the time we first worshipped with them and a dozen or so Christians there - under a tree. That we are able to give Bibles to village churches like this, is only possible through the help of New Zealanders.
      We have marked the beginning of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday service here. This was attended by many folk from Dodoma who braved the horrible trip on the bone- shaking road to attend. Another recent gathering here to make palm crosses reminded me so much of the Saturday meetings at St Georges where we would gather to make several hundred.
      We look forward to the arrival of Christine Vaughan-Dawkes who is coming to teach the final term of the first very successful Pastors' Wives Course. Christine will be with us in two week's time and will be followed in the new academic year by Charles and Mary Worsley. We do pray for a couple of long term English/Theology teachers to replace us here in 2012. Academic standards are lifting and the College is well on the way to achieving its goal of becoming the top theological college in East Africa. With well-qualified lecturers from Tanzania, the UK, the US, Korea, Australia and New Zealand and others coming from Canada and Kenya,the future looks bright.

       Please  continue to pray for us and for the staff and students here in that distant part of God's Kingdom; the Diocese of Central Tanganyika.
       May peace and grace be yours in abundance,
      Rev Iri and Kate Mato

     

MSALATO MATTERS DECEMBER 2010:

Dear friends in Christ,

In one week's time the city of Bethlehem will be remembered as the birthplace of a very special child.  Throughout the world the message the angel gave will be heard ' I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people' .

Kate and I pray that you all share the great joy in celebration with your family and friends.  As for us, we will miss our family this year but look forward to being with them this time next year when our bags will be packed 'n ready for home.

 On Monday, we are heading off to Ethiopia  where we will celebrate Christmas and the New Year with Bishop Andrew Proud and his wife Janice at Gambella in the south-west of the country. It will be a time of baptism and confirmation and should be very moving. Later we will visit Lalibela to see the ancient 12th century churches carved in rock.

We'll be back at Msalato in late January refreshed and ready for a new semester.
We hope to return to news of good rains and growing crops which will provide a fruitful harvest later in the year.

To feel that we are here working here in this part of God's vineyard, really on your behalf, makes us very humble.
To know that He chose us to do His work here in the place, makes us very humble.
To know that you have prayed for us and supported us, makes us very humble.

We do thank you
and wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Serving in His name,
Rev Iri and Kate Mato. 

MSALATO MATTERS OCTOBER 2010:

Dear friends in Christ,

           It's been a joyful month with many blessings so thank you for your prayers and the support you have given us.
          Today is election day. There seems to be hush over the country and a sense of peace although there are police and international observers here to ensure it stays that way. While the country is seen as being democratic, there is basically only one party ready and able to govern. Maybe at the next election in 5 year's time, parties that hold little ground now, will be stronger and make the election much closer. Young people, in particular, are becoming politically aware and when it becomes possible to cast a vote in places other than your home town or village, change will come. All universities are currently closed because of this increasing political awareness and the fear of unrest but Msalato Theological College, is seen as a peaceful  place so it's progress as usual.
        With exams looming, the students are working very hard and a recent returning overseas visitor remarked on the increased standard of students/lecturers and the improved use of our library of some 13,000 books. With the college's aim of becoming the leading Christian learning institution for East Africa, a new library catering for 100,000 books and  computer suite are planned. Donations to this new facility could be sent to NZCMS who would then forward it at the time of the 50th anniversary of Msalato next July. We are blessed to have a fully qualified architect here with us for the year as her husband tutors and she has helped the college so much with co-ordinating building projects and matching the design and placement of future buildings to fit in with what has already been established. Iri and his team are busy renovating so the place is looking good.
       We have overdone the village visits a little and are both a bit weary as a result. You'd think we would learn but the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few so we head off whenever we can to lead worship and encourage pastors in far-off villages. A recent visit took us to Mloda where 180 new Christians have been baptised in a short time following the appointment there of an ex-Msalato student as the first Christian Pastor they have had in that village. The diocese is exploding so quickly that Bishop Mdimi has called in assistants to help him with the annual round of confirmations.
       This rapid growth is reflected at Msalato by increasing demands for English and Theology. If you are thinking of coming to help out, we are praying for you. We need TESOL trained English teachers with secondary or tertiary experience and theologians with Masters or PhD as our degree programme is growing fast. Next weekend will bring the first graduation ceremony for our students at St John's Anglican University of which the college is now a teaching centre. Our friend Musa will receive an award as top student of his year. Please continue to pray for him and his family as he enters the final year of his degree studies.     
       It was during this week that the weather suddenly changed and the humidity set in, clouds began to form and the students' discussion topic turned to 'the rains'. The rains are coming! Last year it rained early in November then stopped so people who had planted early lost their crops and many could not afford to replant when 'the rains' fell later on. Please pray for sustained rain so that people can have a good harvest in the coming season. Wouldn't it be a blessing if we didn't need to run a food programme in the year ahead.

With our love and blessings,

Rev Iri and Kate Mato   

MSALATO MATTERS AUGUST 2010:

DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST,

      It is currently mid-term break and while local students have gone home for a break, those from further afield remain. We took the opportunity to go to Kondoa for four days with Robyn and three of the senior degree students who are pastors. The Diocese of Kondoa is about 150kms north but the road is something unbelievable and made the four hour trip seem never ending! It was so bone-shaking and dusty, even dangerous, but with the Lord's protection we made it safely. Surely the power of the Holy Spirit was with us as we called together all pastors from the diocese for the first time since their bishop resigned under a cloud. We went with the aim of encouragement and the restoration of unity and pray that those we met, prayed with and shared Holy Communion with, felt touched by His presence. It was an amazing experience for us and we felt very blessed to have felt called to go where many New Zealanders have worked previously. Pastors wept as they remembered the love and support New Zealanders have shown them. Please pray for this diocese, for the pastors and those working there. We hope to return when the time is right. Iri was very glad to get back to his garden and relax for, as team leader, he had a lot on his shoulders and did so well.
      His garden has been a great source of tomatoes and spinach for staff and students sand now we look forward to butter beans and sweet corn. We thought if we planted the corn when there was no maize growing, it might not get cross-pollinated - we'll find out in a couple of months. We pray also that the kanga project will be able to continue.
      We have been blessed to have Helen here from the UK to start off the Pastors' Wives' Course and now Peta is here to take over the reins. We look forward to having Susan to continue the course from February to Easter but then we have a gap to fill from Easter until June to complete this course. An email from primary school teacher with ESOl or experience with students from other countries would be an answer to prayer.
To you all, our thanks and blessings. Serving in His name,

Rev. Iri and Kate Mato

MSALATO MATTERS JULY 2010:

Dear Friends in Christ,
        Thank you for your prayers and support and for the love we know surrounds us as we work here. We do enjoy getting your emails. We have had a good break and return enthused for the term that lies ahead. There'll be lots of hard work to be done but feel blessed to be here doing His will. Sixty new students should arrive this week because there needs to be 60 or so new parishes created and therefore more Pastors needed due to the growth of the church. Praise the Lord. When you think of the level that some of these students come in at which is Form 4, you would marvel at the great strides they make. Our Reading Recovery programme is working so well in lifting students' reading and comprehension ability.

      During our time away, Iri was able to baptize our little grandson Noah and we spent time with our family which is so very important when we are away from them for long periods of time. Before we left in early July, we needed to register Gertie, the NZCMS vehicle. We went to the Transport Authority on the 30th of June but were told to come back again the next day as the registration wasn't due until July. We went again next day to the TRA to get the account, went to the bank to pay it, went to the stationers to photocopy the bank receipt, went to the TRA to give the original receipt and had to go back in the afternoon, another 12 kms on the rough, dusty road to pick up the registration papers. Just as well your prayers are with us. I think an extra prayer for patience would be well founded.

      Unfortunately we missed the Ordination of Priests in our short absence. This was at the Cathedral in Dodoma on the 25th. of July, the day we were travelling for 7 hours on the bus from Dodoma. The service was planned after we were committed to our flight dates. Those ordained were ex- Msalato students who had been made Deacons the previous year. We will visit as many as possible on our Sunday village trips and support those in need. We hear that one lucky one was even posted in a village where there's electricity but some will be where there is not even any water so do remember to pray for them and think of them when you simply turn the tap on.

       We hear that the winter is pretty harsh there this year so let me tell you about winter in Dodoma. We have the same seasons as NZ; the trees are bare, there's a gentle breeze blowing, the sun shines - every day and there is no rain. Sp, if you are not deoendent on water, the climate is perfect. daylight every morning at 6.30, sunrise by 7am, sunset at 6.30 and dark again by 7. Maybe this will entice you to come and teach here. We need more English and Theilogy teachers, especially for 2012. Please email us on kateandiri@hotmail.com if you need details.

       Our student Stanley whom we write about has been posted to Ilangali on the Southernmost border of the diocese. Apparently the Bishop is trying to strengthen that area for last year he posted another top student, Mwani, to Magaga, the second to last outpost. We are helping Mwani  and the people of Magaga complete their church so should get a chance to visit Stanley and encourage him although the journey will be a long one.

       Must away, Iri and a student are planting banana trees and need a cup of tea.
       For now, love and blessings,
       Rev iri and Kate Mato
Serving in His name in Tanzania.

MSALATO MATTERS MAY 2010:

Dear Friends in Christ,

                            Time flies when you're having fun and it's certainly been a fun month here. Since last writing, we have travelled to Mindola to celebrate the completion of the church there and, what a joyous occasion it was. The timing was God's because, Stanley, the student who first invited us there a couple of years ago, will graduate at the end of June and become ordained, which means he will be moved to another parish. The work he did there, fund-raising and co-ordinating the building of the first Anglican Church in that area means he will always be remembered. The name of St Georges, Gate Pa will also be remembered in Mindola for it was through their support that the church was completed. There was celebration at the gift of forty Swahili Bibles which will be used by the youth group, Uwake; the women's group and the Wazee; the men's group. As in all other villages we visit, there are many women in the church but in Mindola, it is such a joy to find many, many young men who have come to the Lord through Stnley's example. We praise God  for the growth of His church.
                          It was from Mindola that we brought the first kanga home and again Stanley has been instrumental in organising that project along with two DCT Area Deans. To date, nineteen pastors have been to collect their pair of birds and have signed their willingness to tithe a pair of birds to a catechist or evangelist when they have ten birds. This shouldn't take long as kangas are known to produce many, many eggs. More birds arrived this morning, had their wings clipped and are now swarking in protest as they await new
                        It will be student election day on Friday and we wait to see who will replace Stanley as student chairman. The preparations for the elections are just delightful. Today, those standing for the position must present their manifestoes to the student body but last week had to collect their registration forms. We were upstairs having a staff meeting  when we heard drums,whistles, bells and singing as a merry band passed by downstairs. This was a group of student supporters taking their candidate Obed to collect his registration form. It was such fun to

    Although it's almost exam time and there's serious work being done, we had another amazing day yesterday when we took Anna Tovey, who's been staying with us on her way home from Romania, and 7 students to Isangha where Iri baptised a seventy two year old man. This man has 3 wives, 23 children and over 50 grand children and has at last invited Christ into his life. Being a patriarch, it is probable that the whole family will follow him, not just now, but for generations to come. We pray for Matthayo and praise the Lord. How patient He is.

MSALATO MATTERS APRIL 2010:

Dear friends in Christ,
       Thank you for the many messages of condolence on the death of Iri's brother. It was hard for me knowing of Tohi's passing while Iri was still flying and sad that Iri didn't get there in time to say goodbye but at least he was able to take the funeral. I have missed him of course but have been very well cared for by the students, who are always coming to check up on me, and the staff, who have invited me to meals so, I feel very loved. My only concern has been the frogs that ooooze themselves up the plug holes and jump unpredictably. I solved the problem by having Mama catch the offenders and take them outside
then put plugs in all the outlets. Students have come to harvest Iri's maize and to plant out the spinach and tomato seedings. This work provides them with a little pocket money for their 'needs'.
      It was a joy to join with other Australian and New Zealand mission partners to remember our fallen ANZACS last Sunday. We gathered with Bishop Mdimi and Irene for prayers followed by a progressive lunch of real 'home' food including lamingtons for the Aussies.  I used to make these for my dad to take on his fishing weekends to the Great Lakes in central Tasmania many years ago so I enjoyed the memory. Flags and bunting adorned the trees and there was much comarderie.
      We've had a good little project going for the first year students whereby they work for twenty hours in the college grounds and receive a text book in return. This has enabled them to gain an NIV Study Bible. Now they are working towards an African Bible Commentary which includes the work of Francis Foulkes under whose scholarship award some students study. We felt it a bit tough to have to work for a dictionary so thanks to the kind donors, we will present a new Study Dictionary to each graduating student. This will replace the rather tattered copies we loan them during their time here.
      A project that will conclude with celebrations next weekend is the completion of the new church built at Mindola in conjunction with our home church of St Georges, Gate Pa. We have purchased forty Bibles to donate to the church as a final gift for it's time to move on to a new project.
What's next?
                Well, it's the Kanga Project which aims to give to each Pastor who has graduated from Msalato a pair of kanga.
What's a kanga?
                 A kanga is a guinea fowl and this project has been co-ordinated by student Chairman Stanley from Mindola and two of our senior students who are Area Deans and know the Diocese and the needs far better than we do.
Why kanga?
               Kanga are good guards, produce many, many eggs which can be hatched or eaten, have plenty of tasty flesh and good feathers for stuffing pillows and apparently they do not suffer from disease as hens do. Giving a pair to each Pastor should allow them to soon build up a flock enabling them to tithe a pair to a catechist or evangelist in their church once they get 10 birds. In turn others will be required to tithe so the joy should soon spread and provide food or a little income for families. Please pray for the success of this project.
Pray also for us as we serve in His name,
With love, Iri and Kate 

MSALATO MATTERS MARCH 2010:
Dear friends in Christ,

       What a joy and a blessing to have been here in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika during Easter this year. It is usually a time when we try to go for a look around the country but decided to stay put this year. Holy Week here is seen as a time for learning with seminars and teachings; the Maundy Thursday service was a foot-washing service at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Dodoma, on Good Friday, when most people wore black clothes, Kate took part in the service in the College Chapel as well and joy of joys on Sunday, a visit to Ifingha Village where we shared in their traditional Easter service with wonderful singing and dancing. This also involved a thanksgiving service for an Msalato pastor-student's family and showed us an inspirational  example of an extended family working together to teach the younger ones traditionally but, at the same time, educate them for the future. The family works so hard to send all their children to good schools and the older ones sacrifice much to ensure a good future for the next generation. We were impressed! We had breakfast of pumpkin, chappatis, mandazi and chai with them before the service then lunch consisting of rice and beans, pilau, goat meat and mchuzi and sour milk. A real Easter feast that all branches of the family had contributed to! We were given two chickens, water melons, maize and ground nuts to bring home for the students. What a blessing to be with a real African family at this time. To top it off, a seventy-five year old man with 15 children and 50 grandchildren came to Iri seeking baptism. Praise the Lord.
      
      Ifingha had been blessed by plenty of rain and a good harvest is promised there this year as well as in many areas but there are sadly those dry areas where people will go hungry. We have been honoured with the first fruits of the harvest being presented to us on three different occasions. We see this as a real privilege and a blessing. As the tall stalks dry in the sun and the wind, we love the musical rustling sound. The other sounds that we are really enjoying are those of the many types of birds around at the moment. The spectacular Superb Starling catches our eye because of its paua-shell coloured wings. The Beautiful Sunbird is smaller but with the same wing colour and red on its chest. Watching the weaver birds build their nests until one meets the satisfaction of the female is fascinating. He may build four or five but then tears down the ones which are not up to his prospective mate's standard.

      This morning we have been to the bank! So what, you say but going to the bank here involves leaving home at 8am and being prepared to return about 11. With the new universities in town, and students paying fees directly into the bank, it's hard to know the right time to deposit money sent to us for the education of children in other areas. What a crush of humanity. Iri hurt his arm when he was squeezed into the doorway as the doors opened at 8.30 but we joined the long snaking queue and got back safely. The roads are pretty gruesome now after all the rain but our trusty Gertie never lets us down.
For now, love and blessings in His name,       
Iri and Kate

MSALATO MATTERS FEBRUARY 2010:

Dear friends in Christ,

Greetings to you all from green and wet Msalato. Our prayers have surely been answered with Dodoma having more rain this year than most other areas of Tanzania. Of this rain, Msalato has received the most so please include now in your prayers, the outlying areas of the Diocese of Central Tanganyika where this precious rain has been light. Here the 'corn is as high as an elephant's eye and it looks like it's climbing clear up to the sky.' This promises to be a good season for the local people but there have been difficulties as people wait for their crops to grow and some allocation of food has been necessary. With the frequent showers of rain over the last few weeks has come an abundance of insect life giving food for the many birds we delight in seeing. There are birds of many sizes and colours and it is pure joy to sit and watch them splashing and swimming in Peter Akester's bird bath.

Speaking of water flowing, Iri and his team of 'fundis' have completed the installion of a new 10,000 litre tank which will bring water from the reconstructed bore, half a kilometre away, to the college. This will save us paying excessive rates for water. What a relief to see the tank finally lifted onto the 6 metre high foundation, to have everything connected and water coming through the pipes. It was a big job but well worth the effort.
 
The students have returned to find five new, well-qualified, staff members installed at the college. Staff housing and student accommodation are now being stretched to the limit but we know that God will provide for those He calls to this place of learning where the motto is ' Equipping God's servants'. In addition to offering courses to those seeking to do theology, we are offering English courses to the general public, hoping to subsidise student fees in this way.

We are looking forward to the visit of the New Zealand Youth team and hope to be able to have them visit here but unfortunately their visit coincides with the end of the semester. We well remember the wonder in the eyes of the youth team who visited with Robert Kereopa and know the visit has impacted on their lives. We know God will change the lives of those coming at the end of June just as He has changed ours.

As we write we await the birth in London this week of our first grandson and pray that both mother and child will be well.

May grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Serving in His name,

Rev. Iri and Kate Mato

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