Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus.

 I am a pastor in the rural part of —— Kenya. We are focused on spreading the gospel across the country and beyond.

I wish to say a big thank you for sending me “The Shepherd’s Staff ” book .In every page I read, I always find the words of inspiration and instruction. May God bless you so much and may He continue to supply for your needs that you may continue  to bless many and expand His kingdom.

 I pray that He will  help me to do His will.

 Thank you once more and God bless you !

 Yours in christ , pst. Jonah

Joseph was a devout Jew, eagerly awaiting the coming of Emmanuel, the Messiah. Then Emmanuel came. Matthew recorded it this way in his gospel:

“The Birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregant.” (Matt 1:18 The Message)

Joseph, is this what you were expecting?

Mark’s gospel begins with John the Baptist, a rugged wilderness man as much spectacle as message to the people of Israel, who was announcing the coming of Messiah. Luke’s gospel records that John sent his disciples to see if Jesus was the One – this was after John had baptised Jesus. Jesus, upon the disciples’ arrival, immediately healed, “many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.” (Luke 7:21 NIV)

Then he (Jesus) turns to them (John’s disciples) and asks, “Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves fortunate!” (Luke 7:23 The Message)

Another version says, “You’re blessed if you don’t fall away on account of me.” (NIV) which essentially means, “don’t be offended if I’m not what you were expecting.”

John’s gospel begins with the amazing story of the Word become flesh. John writes, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10 The Message)

He wasn’t what they were expecting. We here this from other voices as well:

“How can this be?”, asks Nicodemus. (John 3:9 NIV)

“What miracle will you give us so we can see it and believe you?”, the crowd asks. (John 6:30 NIV)

“Who is this Son of Man, sir? Tell me so I may believe in him.”, asks a man who has just been touched and healed by the Son of God. (John 9:36 NIV)

What were you expecting this year? And how did you react when you encountered Christ as he was in your situation? We are often blind, thiking we have sight. We’ve convinced each other of so much about things that we don’t understand. So much, that when we are confronted by Truth – by God Incarnate – we stumble.

Yet this is the message of Christmas. Emmanuel, God with us, whether we recognize him or not.

Throughout the year, we look at Christ Jesus in many different ways: as servant, as God, as King, as Master, as Conqueror, as Lover. At Christmas time we see him as a baby. But I charge you today – don’t assume that you know how he’ll appear when you see him in your situation. He is Emmanuel, God with us. He is with you.

Will you, as Martha did by her brother Lazarus’ grave before the miracle, say, “I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”? (John 11:27 NIV)

Or will you, like the Jews, “still not believe him”, “even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs”? (John 12:37 NIV)

Will you, like Mary at the grave site, think that he is the gardener as you stare at his face though you are close family of his? (John 20:15)

Will you, like Thomas, call him master and God when you see him? Or will you be those, “who have not seen and yet believe”? (John 20:28-29 NIV)

He is with you – Emmanuel – and my prayer is that you would see him clearly as he is; and worship him.

Nipe Jibu is an amazing movie, painting a picture of hope for modern African youth. Will you help us make the dvd release a reality? We were only able to make this movie because many people gave of themselves by supporting the film with their time, skills, and donations. The release will happen for the same reasons – this is one great way to connect with Pamoja. On behalf of everyone here: the cast, crew, and the many people who will be impacted by the movie, Thank You!

You didn’t come to Tanzania to relax, you came to volunteer at Pamoja – we know that – but it’s also true that you’re somewhere pretty special, and you will definitely want to do some exploring. There’s lots to do while you’re in Tanzania, so plan a week on the end of your trip if you can, and do some exploring in this wonderful country. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

On Base and in Arusha

At Pamoja

While you’re at Pamoja, there are several activities to keep you occupied on and around the base. There are periodic movie nights on base, dinners at someone’s house, a bicycle to take out for a ride, and beautiful places to go for a late-afternoon walk. We have a climbing wall up the outside of our studio and a zipline from the parking lot into the valley (and you thought we were boring!). We’ve also got something we call a waterslide. It’s actually more of a super-duper-unbelievable-slip-and-slide. If you want to go down it, we’ll make you sign a waiver first. But it’s super fun!

In Arusha

On weeknights and weekends, there are all sorts of things to do in and around Arusha. Khan’s Barbeque is a place we frequent for its “chicken in the ditch” ambiance. There’s Mapinduzi (Revolution), with the renowned meal of Zigni served up hot for lunch by Hassan and his team. There’s Dreamers, which is a bit quieter than Mapinduzi but also serving cheap, delicious, and authentic Tanzanian food. Then there’s the Njiro Cinema complex, which feels like a little western enclave in Arusha. There (and no where else) you can get Dr. Pepper. There are two movies playing each week, one a Hollywood flick, just a bit out of date, and the other a Bollywood feature. There are also 10 restaurants serving everything from Indian vegetarian to burgers to pizza.
But it’s not all just food. There’s also the Snake Park, an hour’s drive from Pamoja, where you can see snakes (all safely behind glass) and other animals which are being rehabilitated. Closer to home there’s the Mt Meru Game Sanctuary, with an exceptionally friendly Eland (elk-like-creature), some vicious zebras, a crocodile, and some cool (and stinky) African porcupines. They also have good coffee. There are several hotels in the area with swimming pools that we frequent – most often these days it’s the Arusha Safari Lodge on the Old Moshi Road – that’s an especially great after-church destination.

Further Afield

Zanzibar

For a relaxing vacation, head out to the Island of Zanzibar, via plane or bus & ferry. A flight costs about $300 USD round trip, and going by bus & ferry is much cheaper, but takes twice as long. For meals & lodging in Zanzibar, 25-30 dollars a day is average, and most of the activities in the area are fairly inexpensive. You can stay at the Jambo Guest House in Stone Town, or many other similar places. To go snorkeling, $50 will rent a boat for however many people can fit on it, and all the gear is about $10 per person. If you’re doing a boat ride anyway, you might as well stop off at Prison Island to see the giant sea turtles. You can also do a day-or-more-trip up to the north of Zanzibar – Kendwa or Nungwi. Prices have risen recently because of the influx of tourists, but there are lovely beaches, great guest houses and hotels, and if you’re the type that prefers to just soak in the rays, it’s the best spot to be. Back in Stone Town, enjoy wandering around, laying on the beach of the Indian Ocean, shopping in the tourist district, or perhaps venture into the real market and look for a bargain on a treasure to take home.

Safari

If you have a desire to see all the big animals of Africa, head out on a two day, one night safari, which costs about $400 (it all depends on how many people, where you stay, and what you’re looking for), and go through two major game parks. Lions, giraffes, and elephants galore! We highly recommend Khan’s Safaris – we deal with Nadeem regularly and he always treats us fairly, gives us a good deal, his drivers know their stuff, the cars are clean and maintained, and guests have always had great experiences.

Maasailand

To really get involved in the culture here, a trip to Maasailand is about seventy five to a hundred dollars, for the whole trip. The cost always varies, depending on how many people go, and the length of the stay. Sleeping in tents out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the sounds of cows and singing Maasai, is definitely an experience that can’t be found elsewhere. This is an excellent thing to do if you have the chance – go see one of the areas where Pamoja is actively partnering, listen to the En-kata Choir sing, see the school they’re building, and be a real part of what’s going on.

Paragliding

Friends of ours at Dust Busters offer paragliding for the adrenaline junkies out there. The course takes two days and is well worth the few hundred bucks. It’s a physically challenging activity, but is incredibly fun. Not to mention Tanzania is a beautiful country, perfect for paragliding! If you want to try it, but aren’t sure about going by yourself, consider going for a tandem flight.

Dirtbiking

You could also take a dirtbike expedition, if that’s something you like doing. Several of us here at Pamoja own our own bikes, and we love riding them here. If you have the chance to do a dirtbike safari you’ll thoroughly enjoy it (and you’ll definitely find it exhilarating and challenging).

Climb Kilimanjaro

Let’s not forget one of the main reasons tourists come to Tanzania. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro (or it’s shorter but more challenging sibling Mt Meru) is an activity worth doing. It’s not cheap – the government has set rather steep fees for the park – but climbing the tallest peak (or #3 peak, in Meru’s case) is well worth the challenge. It can be done in 5 days, or you can add a day or two, depending on the route you take. Watch the sun rise over Africa from the very peak!

So you’re coming to Tanzania. Chances are good you’re either on a KLM flight into Kilimanjaro Airport, or a BA flight into Nairobi. KLM into Kilimanjaro Airport is by far the most convenient, and if you can find flights for a good price (we highly recommend you check out orbitz and travelocity before booking), then by all means, fly directly here! Other times it’s possible to save up to a thousand dollars a ticket by flying into Nairobi. In those cases, pay the extra Kenyan transit visa ($10 or so), and take a 6-hour shuttle ride on the Impala Shuttle direct from the airport to Arusha. Even if you have to spend $50 to spend the night at a Nairobi guest house, it can still be well worth the effort.
In case there should be a problem with your e-tickets as you travel you should know who they were purchased through, either the airline directly or the name and contact info of the travel agent or website you used.
Keep a copy of your e-ticket itinerary in your carry-on luggage, and keep our contact info handy as well (we’ll send that to you ahead of your trip).

Baggage

Somewhere along the way, perhaps at the check in counter in Canada or the US, or perhaps upon arrival in Europe, the staff at the check-in booth may try to tell you that you may not have your second piece of baggage. They’ll cite new rules and won’t seem to know much. This is not true, be sure to insist on your two bags at 50 pounds each. If you want to have some back up info, print off the KLM website’s page to show, and things should work out. The link is: http://www.klm.com/travel/cn_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.htm
There’s a similar page for BA that you can find if you need it.

Visa Application Information

If you’re flying into Kilimanjaro airport, blue visa application cards will be passed out early in your flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro so you’ll have lots of time to complete them. If you’re flying into Nairobi, you’ll get the equivalent paperwork for Kenya on the airplane – you need a transit visa for Kenya which is US $10. Then you’ll fill out the Visa application for Tanzania on the bus or at the Namanga border.
Either way (bus or plane), if you are entering Tanzania without a permit already in hand, you must remember that you’ll need $50US CASH if you are a Canadian or $100US CASH if you are American to purchase a three month Visitors Visa. You must purchase this once you arrive, there is no other option. If you have a copy of your Volunteer or Resident’s Permit, you DO NOT need to buy an entry visa. Simply present your copy of the permit to the immigration folks and they’ll stamp you through as a “returning resident”, even if you’ve never been here before.
Whether you have a permit in hand or not, you must fill out the Entry cards. Most of the questions are easy enough, but you’ll need to know a few things:
Purpose of travel/visit is #5 Visiting friends and relatives if you’re entering the country on a Visitors Visa. If you have a valid Volunteer or Resident’s permit in hand then your purpose of travel/visit is #1 Returning Resident.
Physical address while in Tanzania
i) PO Box 1966, Arusha
ii)
iii) Plot # 98/2 and 98/3
iv) Tengeru
v) 027-255-3059
vi)
vii) Pamoja Ministries

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Once you’re in the airport…
Do NOT take any pictures at the airport. You may not take video or still pictures of any government building, and they very well may not only confiscate your camera but also detain you if you do. It’s a pity, because we’d all like to stop and take a picture of the Welcome to Kilimanjaro sign on the outside of the building, but it’s strictly prohibited.
You’ll get off the plane and walk a short distance from the plane to the terminal building. It will be chaos as you enter the building. Directly ahead of you on the left will be a number of customs booths with orderly lines. These are not clearly labeled. If you already have a residence permit or volunteer visa, head for these lines. You want to stand in the very short “Returning Resident’s” line. If you will be entering on a Visitors Visa, you must veer to the right, and join the mob that will be crowding a window set in to the right hand side wall. Experience says there will be no line, it is mostly just whoever is the pushiest. Have your US cash in your hand along with your passport. When it is your turn, simply hand your passport and your money to the person sitting behind the window. They will stamp your passport, and may or may not give you a separate receipt for the money. Don’t worry either way – the visa is your receipt.
Once you’re through passport control, you will enter the luggage arrival area. Try to gather and stack your luggage on the free carts provided without the assistance of the porters. They must be tipped (not much) and often seem to be in cahoots with the customs officials; they’ll take your things to the RED lane and begin opening them for the customs officials regardless of your instructions. If you are in a unique situation and require the help of a porter, have one or two American dollars in your pocket to tip the porter, and insist that once he has loaded your heavy luggage on the cart for you that you now capable of pushing the cart yourself.
As you finish gathering your luggage, take a minute to look up and toward the exits. You’ll see a partition blocking the view of the exit doors. On your right of the partition is the green “nothing to declare” aisle – plan to take that route. On the left is the red inspection stands – go there only if a customs officer asks you to do so. Chances are good that you’ll be able to walk straight out the door without stopping at the customs counters. It’s best just to make little eye contact and just head out the doors – they’ll stop you if they want to inspect your luggage.
If you are stopped, no problem, just answer their questions using the guidelines below if possible. If they ask for duty or begin to argue about the items you’ve brought for the ministry, simply ask that we be allowed to bring back the proper documentation – someone from the Pamoja team will be waiting and watching and praying just on the other side of the one-way windows. Probably just a “come on back” gesture (with the agreement of the customs official) will bring us back, but if not ask if you can leave your luggage long enough to come to the doors and get us. Do not agree to pay any duty without a Pamoja representative there. There are very rarely problems, but occasionally we do get called in to explain the contents of a piece of luggage.
Having your luggage readily identifiable will make gathering it much easier.
Know what’s inside the luggage you’re carrying.
Think ahead to know how you’ll explain what you’re carrying.
Always head for the GREEN (nothing to declare) customs door on the right, not the red (something to declare) tables on your left.
Continue walking unless a customs official orders you to the RED line.
If you are traveling with others, don’t wait for everyone and amass a mountain of luggage to take through together. It’s better to just straggle through as you get your pieces. Gather you things near the conveyor, not near the exits
Walk on through without stopping unless confronted by a customs official.
If questioned about the contents of your luggage start with a long list of your personal items: clothes, toiletries, snacks, books, cameras, etc.
If questioned further, ask what it is that you are to declare. You have none of the items listed (nothing for resale, non-personal electronics, alcohol, street drugs, cigarettes, etc.)
Avoid the term gifts. They are dutiable.
Use the phrase “things I’m going to use here.”
Books, if you have them, are not dutiable.
Computers and peripherals, if you have them, are not dutiable.
The customs officers are not generally impressed by the fact that you are bringing things in for the ministry, but it is worth mentioning that you are coming to volunteer at Pamoja Ministries.
Do not pay any duty; firmly request that we come back to assist you. We’ll be watching and available just outside. Understand that duty is quite negotiable, but if you don’t get a receipt, you’ve paid a bribe. We have in the past left the item that is causing the problem at the airport and come back the next day to deal with customs. For some reason, duty is much less in the daylight. We can recommend to you if this is the best course of action.
Tell the truth, please don’t lie. Our God can and does take very good care of us.
Be pleasant with the customs officials. Smile!
Should you be missing a piece of luggage file a claim and we’ll pick it up at the KLM office in Arusha.
Take heart, you’re not that far from a real bed and a good night’s sleep!

Now for the final note. There is no need to worry. This may seem a little overwhelming, but it truly won’t be a problem for you. This information could be helpful to you as you travel though. You may want to print a copy to keep with you as you travel!

Tanzania’s medical system is not great, but there are resources and options in case of emergency. In Arusha we have several good clinics where you can get blood work, x-rays, and medical assessments done. The ALMC (Arusha Lutheran Medical Center) has recently been completed and offers very good services. For serious emergencies, Nairobi is a short airlift away, and South Africa and Europe are both reachable. Get travel medical coverage, and then don’t worry!

Vaccinations

The vaccinations that you need to consider before coming here are Yellow Fever (which is absolutely mandatory), Tetanus (strongly suggested), Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, and Meningitis (not required but may be suggested – talk to your local travel health clinic).

Malaria

You’ll also want to make some decisions about Malaria medicine. In Arusha, malaria is not very prevalent, but it doesn’t take much traveling to get into areas where malaria is quite common. If you do get malaria there are instant blood tests that can diagnose it, and treatment should begin swiftly. Most of the time, when an otherwise healthy person gets malaria and it’s treated quickly and aggressively, recovery is swift, but it’s not a disease to be ignored.