Tanzanian Union Conference
Friday, December 11-Monday, December 14, 1998
Arusha, Tanzania
Following two days of delegates’ meetings, the public conference was opened early Friday morning as Brother Adam Mwambene introduced the visitors to the congregation (Brothers Norbert and Siegmund Gutknecht, Sister Margarete Gutknecht, and Brother Antonino Di Franca). The visitors greeted the congregation and conveyed many greetings from the believers they had visited around the world. They were warmly welcomed.
Then Brother Di Franca presented the opening service. His sermon was titled “My Sheep Listen to Me.” The key verse for this study was John 10:27, 16, as well as Revelation 2:7. We need to be attentive and submissive to what is being said or directed by the Lord. Blessed are those who hear and keep the word of God. Revelation 1:3. He gave an example of the fishermen who spent the whole night in vain seeking fish. But at the last moment, when they listened to the voice of Jesus, they were blessed with a whole boatload of fish! Another example was about a railway worker whose son came running toward him on the railroad tracks, just as a locomotive was approaching. Because the child obeyed his father’s sudden command to lie down in the middle of the tracks, the train passed over him without harming him. John 5:28-30 shows that those who are faithful in heeding the Lord’s voice now will be eternally blessed.
After lunch, Brother Norbert Gutknecht presented our second topic, focusing on the “Sure, Wonderful Promises of God.” He cited John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:20, impressive promises of the Saviour. The signs described in Matthew 24 show us that Jesus is coming very soon; and therefore, according to 1 Peter 3:3, 4, we should strive to be prepared by developing the characteristics of a meek and quiet spirit. Our constant desire and longing will be, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
The afternoon was set aside to prepare for the holy Sabbath. We gathered for the evening program and opening of the Sabbath. As in the previous meetings, various choirs were given the opportunity to glorify God, and at least five choirs took part.
Brother Siegmund Gutknecht presented his personal story about his life experience in the truth, beginning with his childhood and going through his adult years, how he came in contact with the Adventist message, and the times he was miraculously saved from death during World War II. It was after these incidents that he came in contact with the message of Reformation. He thanked the Lord that his life had been spared so he could become a tool for the Lord and that he was permitted to work for the Lord for many years and up to today. After this wonderful testimony, we were led into the precious hours of the Sabbath.
Sabbath
The Sabbath morning services began as Brother Bright Fue opened the Sabbath school. The adult classes were taught by Brothers Matthew Malata and Stephen Odhiambo.
At the beginning of the divine service, the combined youth choir and the children’s choir sang. Brother Di Franca’s study was titled “The Messengers of Glad Tidings.” Isaiah 52:7 describes how wonderful it is to be the Lord’s messenger! According to Psalm 19:1, even the firmament is a messenger of good news. 2 Timothy 3:16 describes how the holy Scriptures give men the good news. Hebrews 1:1, 2 says that God Himself speaks to men through creation, the prophets, Christ, and His apostles. They have all carried the good news to fallen humanity. And 1 Peter 2:9, 10 says that we ourselves are called to be messengers of the glad tidings, even as was the healed demoniac, as recorded in Mark 5:18-20.
In addition, God speaks to us through letters, and 1 Corinthians 3:2, 3 describes how we are open letters from Christ which are read by all men. Brother Di Franca concluded his study with a story about two friends–one a believer and the other an unbeliever. One day the two men met in a theater, and the unbeliever was astonished to see the believer in such a place. He asked him what had happened to his religion. The believer answered him that religion is like a dress–sometimes it can be on, and sometimes it is taken off. It so happened that later the unbeliever became very sick; and in his critical condition, the believer visited him and entreated him to accept his religion and become a Christian. But the dying friend answered him, “A religion which you can decide to leave at home like a dress is not something I want,” and so he died. Such was the impression of a false messenger. Let us heed the counsel of 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 and be a sweet savour of Christ!
Songs of praise by the Arusha and Dar youth choirs closed this service. After lunch, we gathered again for the Sabbath afternoon program, which was led by Brother Parmenas Shirima. Opportunity was given for special testimonies, and several choir songs were presented. Brother Di Franca then presented the newly elected Tanzanian Union leadership team and gave a short related study. Brother Norbert Gutknecht presented a study to close the Sabbath.
Sunday and Monday
We were privileged to enjoy the special celebration of the wedding of Brother Samwel Zawadi and Sister Meekness Samwel. They were thankful that Brother Siegmund Gutknecht could officiate at the service.
After the wedding service, our visitors spoke a few words of farewell to the congregation, as it was necessary for them to leave for their trip back to Germany from Nairobi. We waved good-by to them and then returned to the wedding celebrations.
In the afternoon, we gathered for a baptismal service, conducted by Brothers Andwele Mwanjabeki and Brother P. Katambo. Seven souls were added to the church through baptism.
On Monday morning, we gathered for a special study entitled “How to Attain to Perfection Through Christ’s Righteousness,” presented by Brother Shirima. This study was intended to correct certain false ideas presented by extreme elements claiming that once one receives Christ’s righteousness, he becomes perfect and never commits sin again.
Following lunch, the newly elected union officers were given an opportunity to present to the congregation their plans for the new term of office. This took us up to 4 p.m., after which Brother Mwambene presented a brief study to close the conference. Everyone agreed that the conference was well attended and blessed by God, for we were revived and very happy as we sang the parting song, “God Be with You Till We Meet Again.”
May God bless the rich fruits of this conference!
–Parmenas Shirima, Tanzania
