WANYAMA TRIP UPDATE

Posted in the October 2022 Newsletter

Happy All Hallow’s Eve

November  1st, is a special day in the life of the church where we remember the  saints. I find it a special time to think about the Christians that have  impacted our faith. Mostly, this reflection includes those who have  already left this world such as my mom, who made one of the largest  impacts ever on my faith. I often also spend time thinking about those  who are currently making an impact on my faith and on the church around  the world.

After  spending three weeks of travel during the end of September and  beginning of October, I can definitely say that Rev. Bonface Wanyama is  one of those people. I had the pleasure of hearing his presentations and  sitting in meetings, but also sharing car rides and meals. We talked  about students, shared dreams for the church, and I listened to his  heart. Rev. Wanyama has a heart for his students and shepherding their  lives and callings during their time at Wesley College and beyond.

In  addition to this special time I also met many authentic, faithful world  changers in Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. We found people  who are balancing the great work they do in their own communities with  supporting the work of Wesley College in Tanzania. It was truly a time  to remember that none of the work of Wesley College happens in a vacuum  or because of only a few people. It takes the effort and dedication of  hundreds to accomplish the formation of servant leaders for the church  and community in Tanzania. It was a truly a time of remembering what a  great cloud of witnesses is able to accomplish in the lives of others.

Thank  you to everyone who hosted, housed, and joined in community with Rev.  Wanyama during his first trip to the US. It was a special experience.

For anyone who missed Rev. Wanyama while he was here in the US, you can click on the link here and  hear his story, in his own words, of why he does what he does and why  he identifies so closely with the students at Wesley College.

It  is a heart-touching story and displays just a little of the heart and  spirit I was able to experience during our three weeks on the road  visiting our own body of Christ who are committing to being the hands  and feet that we need in the world.

Blessings,

Eric Soard

Executive Director, Wesley College Foundation