We have just finished a 3 day music and worship seminar for youth choir leaders and songwriters, and we praise God that it was a great success. 36 people from 4 different dioceses in the central zone of Tanzania took part. The picture above shows the whole group. We covered subjects such as "What are church choirs for and why do we sing"; "how can we use music to worship God and help others to worship"; "how to read the Word of God and write meaningful songs", as well as some basic music theory and song writing techniques. 3 talented musicians and evangelists, Musa Njagamba, Canon David Haj, and Amani Shabani taught the seminar together with myself. The picture above shows Musa Njagamba teaching.
It was a wonderful time of spiritual refreshment and fellowship as well as learning together. Participants said that they found the seminar was a huge blessing and encouragement and they have never seen such a seminar available before. As well as learning a great deal everyone met with God and many people renewed their commitment to Christ. They are desperate for more training and encouragement in this area. Many of those participating, as well as being leaders in their choirs, are also leaders in their parishes, deaneries and even dioceses so we encouraged them to take home some of what they have learnt and teach and encourage others. We also made a video of the event to help them in this.
We held the seminar at St. John's University, as the students are currently away there was space available for accomodation and teaching.
We are now keen to hold a similar seminar in the remaining 4 zones of Tanzania, as it is something which is very much needed. There is huge talent amongst the youth choirs in Tanzania but there is a great need to improve skills and understanding in the areas of music and worship. Musical training is need as well as spiritual and theological training as all songs are written by the choirs themselves.
We need to raise more money to make this possible. As the participants contributed to this seminar themselves we only needed around £400 to run it. We would need a similar amount for each of the other zones. Please consider whether you are able to contribute to help us in this work. You can contribute on our "Just Giving" page above. You can also donate to this page by text message - just text ACTY77 followed by the amount to 70070 - for example ACTY77 £10. We would be really grateful for any assitance you are able to give us.
We are also grateful for your prayers for this projects and all our work within the youth office.
In the last post I said that we had found a new staff member, though unfortunately he has been unable to take up the post. Please pray as we look for another person to fill this role. We have selected a diocese to take part in the next stage of the small loans and saving project and now just need a project officer to run it!
We are also grateful for your prayers for this projects and all our work within the youth office.
In the last post I said that we had found a new staff member, though unfortunately he has been unable to take up the post. Please pray as we look for another person to fill this role. We have selected a diocese to take part in the next stage of the small loans and saving project and now just need a project officer to run it!
