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Published: February 28th 2013
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Groundbreaking Worship Service
Dr. Benson Bagonza, Bishop, Leads The groundbreaking began with a worship service to thank God for all He has done and to ask His blessing on KARUCO. Bishop Benson Bagonza, Brighton and the choir got things started. The honored guests were welcomed. The list was long and in typical Tanzanian fashion, each of the 13 special guests and groups were carefully thanked. Brighton prepared an English version of this introduction that included the honored guests (attached at the end of this report). I was happy have it to help get a bigger picture of all those who care about KARUCO.
I caught just a few words in Swahili but couldn't follow along, but the liturgy was similar to other Lutheran services so the rhythm and flow made sense.
The Honorable Vice Chancellor of Tumaini University Makumira,
Rev. Professor Joseph Parsalaw, sat to my left and translated for me at critical points. I doubt that was in his job description for the day, but like most Tanzanians I know, the professor met another person's need when he saw it. The bishop's sermon was on 'Faith' and belief in the unseen. Fitting for the day. One speaker, later in the day, thanked the bishop for what
Groundbreaking Dedication Service
Dr. Brighton Katabaro, KARUCO Coordinator Welcomes she said was the shortest African service she had ever attended. The audience applauded heartily.
The Groundbreaking Stone
The ELCT made a 3-D triangle about 4.5 feet tall.
Bishop Bagonza invited the honored guests 1)
Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Engineer Christopher Chiza; 2)
Honorable Kjell Bergh,
Consul of Tanzania,
U.S.A. and Professor Jan Hansen, CEO Educate Tanzania; to join 3) the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) at the groundbreaking stone in front. The marker was covered in satin and draped with yellow ribbon around it. The bishop led us in prayer, thanking God for bringing KARUCO into reality and for each person's contribution. The bishops prayed specifically for ETI and the other honored guests. ETI was singled out more than once over the course of the day for being 'dear' and 'beloved'. The bishops asked God's blessing on our time together and on KARUCO - amen. Each of us was given a scissor and then cued to cut the ribbon.
Cut! We lifted the cloth. I saw immediately the 24"x18" gold colored inset at the base.
Reading the inscription on the Groundbreaking Stone was very touching. To see the culmination of
Educate Tanzania on Groundbreaking Stone
Educate Tanzania will forever be on the KARUCO Groundbreaking Stone so much effort and to have this place dedicated to Kingdom work was humbling and inspiring. The service closed and the choir sang and danced during the short time between the worship service and the groundbreaking ceremony. Brighton then escorted Kjell and me to the next tent over to sit at the table for honored guests.
After some well-deserved fanfare, the Groundbreaking Program began. Scroll down for more photos. Take me to the Educate Tanzania website: http://educatetanzania.org
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