Tanzania: Easter Remembrance

Last Supper

On Wednesday evening, our last supper in Longido, our group had a special worship service. Sabina, Alex and I (the 3 leaders) washed the feet of all the students. One student later apologized – he hadn’t showered or washed his feet the entire trip, and I’m pretty sure he only had 1 or 2 pairs of socks. This humble foot-washing was a reflection of the Passover meal when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.

After eating our meal, we shared communion together. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Jesus wants us to remember Him, his death and resurrection. The tradition He started with his disciples is one we continue even now.

Death

While Jesus was on the cross, the repentant thief recognized Jesus’ holiness and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

The children in Tanzania said something strikingly similar to me. “Jill, when you go back to America, remember me.” Maybe these kids didn’t have hope that I would ever come back. But what mattered was this: even if we never see each other again, you are imprinted in my memory, and I in yours.

These children remembered the BFA students who came on the trip last year. The day we arrived, they came up to me and asked, “Where is Amanda? Is Mikala here? Do you know Maddie?” They loved it when they received proof that these students remembered them, too – like a letter from Amanda to Esupat.

The thief on the cross wanted Jesus to remember him. But Jesus promised that rather than just being together in memory, they would be together in actuality, in Paradise.

Resurrection & Return

Jesus rose from the dead on that first glorious Easter morning, proving that He had the power to bring that thief into Paradise. But Jesus didn’t stop there. Earlier, after washing the disciples’ feet, he had given them a promise for the future after the resurrection.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. . . I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:2-3, 6).

Jesus had to leave, even after the resurrection, but He promised to come back and take us to be with him.

Before we left Tanzania, several girls asked if I would be coming back. A few asked me if I could take them to America.  Even if I were able to take them to America, all their problems would not be solved. They long to be in Paradise, and America is not it.

My prayer is that these children will know this Jesus. He knows their names, He remembers their sorrows, joy, and pain. He will come back one day. He can give them a better home. There will be no more tearful goodbyes once they are in their Father’s house!

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Hallelujah!