Maasai manyatta visit, August 2024

Together in prayer, we stood in the middle of a cattle boma, surrounded by a thorn hedge with the scent of cattle heavy in the air, facing a wooden cross. The family, hearts riven in grief by the loss of their father and community elder, encircled Bishop Given Gaula as he prayed for them all. Bishop Given explained to me that the most honoured men are buried where the cattle are gathered at night so that they can be close.

This was a pastoral visit unlike any other. We had travelled for 5 hours from Kondoa town, Tanzania to reach this remote Maasai family. We were greeted warmly, given chairs and refreshments and introduced to the adults. The widow, graceful in her sadness, took me by the hand and led me into their traditional manyatta home. It was so dark inside that I could only be led, bent over for the low roof and careful as I peered into the rooms trying to make out the mats and sleeping cloths. I felt honoured as I was drawn into the heart of their home.

Bishop Given spent time talking with members of the family; praying for a small child with hydrocephalus and advising a hospital visit; with a wizened old lady full of aches and pains; and for the 9 year old first born son now, as tradition determines, head of the extended family.

As we were leaving the homestead, this young man, bearing such heavy responsibility, took off his necklace and placed it over my head, a parting gift.

After a joyful service in the newly constructed church nearby, we said our goodbyes and took our leave. On the return journey Bishop Given told me the story of how this church was founded. One of his pastors started regularly visiting the Maasai family and surrounding community, and began Sunday services under a tree. The graceful widow was one of those attending and soon became a Christian. She then began sharing her new found faith with her neighbours and so the little congregation grew. In time they worked together to make bricks and raise funds to build the church.

As I look at the precious necklace, I pray that this part of God’s family will continue to grow and thrive, through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy.