Mambo Sawa Sawa
Mambo Sawa Sawa . . . Mambo Sawa Sawa . . .
[Things Are Good, Very Good!]*
That refrain from a popular song –at least in the Lutheran Circle in East Africa- is one that was often stuck in my head during my time in Mombasa and Iringa. Truth be told, it is actually the tune that popped into my head after my run-in with the mwizi in Kariakoo.
In many ways, it sums up many of my experiences and encounters with communities of faith –predominantly Christian ones– in Afrika ya Mashariki. There is a palpable sense of joy, hope, and optimism among the members of these communities that is difficult to put into words. To know it you must experience it.**
This attitude stands in stark contrast to the assessments/observations made concerning a congregation that has grown near and dear to me here in the CT. . .
WORRIED ABOUT THE FUTURE: Almost everyone I spoke with (with the exception of the youth) seems to understand the dire situation in which the congregation is in, They worry about the congregation’s future. Many don’t expect the congregation to be here in ten years. Uncertainty is the common denominator.
Worry & Uncertainty.
Right here in Connecticut, one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Land of jobs, homes, food, and easy access to healthcare.
Surrounded by abundance, the dominant theme is scarcity.
Fear of losing what they have.
Sifahamu.
I don’t understand
. . . the source of that fear
. . . how to combat it
. . . where faith, hope, and trust went
Is it Cultural?
That refrain from a popular song –at least in the Lutheran Circle in East Africa- is one that was often stuck in my head during my time in Mombasa and Iringa. Truth be told, it is actually the tune that popped into my head after my run-in with the mwizi in Kariakoo.
In many ways, it sums up many of my experiences and encounters with communities of faith –predominantly Christian ones– in Afrika ya Mashariki. There is a palpable sense of joy, hope, and optimism among the members of these communities that is difficult to put into words. To know it you must experience it.**
This attitude stands in stark contrast to the assessments/observations made concerning a congregation that has grown near and dear to me here in the CT. . .
WORRIED ABOUT THE FUTURE: Almost everyone I spoke with (with the exception of the youth) seems to understand the dire situation in which the congregation is in, They worry about the congregation’s future. Many don’t expect the congregation to be here in ten years. Uncertainty is the common denominator.
Worry & Uncertainty.
Right here in Connecticut, one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Land of jobs, homes, food, and easy access to healthcare.
Surrounded by abundance, the dominant theme is scarcity.
Fear of losing what they have.
Sifahamu.
I don’t understand
. . . the source of that fear
. . . how to combat it
. . . where faith, hope, and trust went
Is it Cultural?
. . . Societal?
. . . Theological?
. . . Political?
Regardless
We need help
What would it take
. . . to see opportunities instead of roadblocks?
. . . to dance while giving an offering?
. . . to sing –and mean - mambo sawa sawa?
My dream
To bring the fearful
In touch with the hopefilled
So that they might be changed
-------------------------------------------------------
*Check out the song in the video clip below.
** It is a far cry from being there, but hopefully the afforementioned clip gives you a slight taste of a Sunday Service in East Africa.
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