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July 2015
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas 2007 Newsletter
”Now THAT’S what I call Christmas!!”
This exclamation resounded through the house the other day. Acacia was thrilled to
finally have a Christmas tree that she and her sisters could start decorating. They had
been asking since December 1st, “when will we get the tree?”
24th or 25th?
Many people ask us whether we as a family celebrate Christmas Eve according to
Danish custom or Christmas Day in keeping with American tradition. The answer to
that is – YES! We do both. We take the best from both backgrounds and blend them
into a new Hall family Christmas symphony. Some years we emphasize the 24th Eve,
other years the 25th.
When it rains, it pours..
Literally, that is. This year the rainy season came late, really late, but I think in
volume we must be up to average already seeing as we have had some serious
downpours lately. Thus this letter was written mostly by receding battery power on
the laptop because of a power cut likely caused by lightning…
Merry Christmas
We just returned from an English Christmas Carol Service. The message was about
how we sometimes don’t want the baby Jesus to change, but that inevitably he will,
and that we must dare to meet him when he comes to us and dare change with him.
Tomorrow, Rachel and Acacia will be part of a Christmas play at the Danish School,
which emphasizes Simeon‘s longing for the Messiah and his excitement when he did
indeed get to see God’s Salvation in the Christ child before his death. May we long
for Jesus the same way he did!
We wish you a joyous Christmas and a blessed and exciting New Year!
With love from
Rachel, Acacia, Mikaela, Naomi,
Lyle and Jette
Monday, November 5, 2007
November 07 Simba Ulanga Update
I again send greetings from Simba Ulanga, he continues to go on in his ministry despite the continual persecutions. Thank you again to those who have helped Simba (family and ministry) out financially in the past. I may have shared this before about something that is on my heart. If you are reading this, you have received our updates telling about Simba Ulanga and his testimony. Due to the impact of his testimony on those who have read it, the Lord has placed it on my heart to have all of his notes translated from Swahili into English and eventually French. I have asked him if I could take the several hundred pages of notes, and begin this project. I am looking for two translators right now actually, and have talked with several who are interested. I believe it will take about 6, maybe 8 months. I would like to pay those who are actually translating, a salary. This work takes time, and without paying them, we will go through many translators, and this is not such a good idea. Eighty dollars ($80) a month would be a good salary for each translator. We do need a new or newer computer as well as a printer and a simple photocopy machine. There will also be a need for some basic office supplies. All of these are more expensive here than in the US. If we can raise $2,500 for the office and $1,280 as salary for the two translators for 8 months, we can get the job done. We have a small, extra little house in the backyard of our home that can be used for the office space to house the work as it is being completed. Anyway, this is a project that is starting and will be ongoing for a while. Since you all know Simba and his story, I am asking you to help me get this powerful testimony into a format that people can read and share with others. If you wish to help with this project, send an email to our US office, uzimausa@ywamuzima.org and they will respond with an invitation email allowing you to give via credit card. Or, if you prefer, you can send a check to UZIMA, P.O. Box 1875, Silverdale, WA 98383. Be sure you put on the check that this is for the Simba translation project.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers
Much love from
Lyle and Jette, Rachel, Acacia, Mikaela, Naomi
Monday, October 1, 2007
September Update
Greetings from Tanzania.
We have recently returned from our time in Denmark & USA and are settling in, this time in the town of Iringa. This is the town where Jette and I first met. The second time I saw her, I just knew that this was going to be my wife! 12 years and 4 kids later we are back to our meeting place.
Jette is now teaching in a Danish school for missionary kids. There are 19 students and she teaches all of them depending on the day. Our girls love the school and don’t want to come home. A house was provided for us, in the nice part of town near the governor’s house which means 24-hour electricity and water – what a change! It is quite windy and cold here in the highlands this time of year. We were even able to get an internet connection right in our house; so no more internet cafés…
People here have found out about Lyle’s construction background and I have been asked for help already. I will be helping some of them; more as a consultant than a builder. Also, I will be teaching in various bible schools around Tanzania. As well as studying Swahili and trying to gather my handwritten notes from the past years and get them typed onto my laptop.
Most of you know that Uzima has been put on hold, but is not forgotten. Our time in Kigoma was not easy but we learned some valuable lessons through it all. We still carry Uzima in our hearts, and during this year we will continue to take our lives and future to the Lord for direction.
Masai Celebration Day.
I have just returned from a great day in a Masai village with Rachel. Today was a celebration day for about 20 young men (age 18-20) who were now entering into adulthood. We drove for an hour into the bush and in the middle of no-where we found a few small Masai huts.Everyone was wearing beautiful jewelry of all kinds. Ladies dressed in blue or purple wrap-around outfits and most of the men in red. What a sight! Nearly all day men were dancing, chanting and jumping.
During different times of the day different clans would arrive from neighboring homes. One thing we do in the west when we come to an event, often we let ourselves in and join the party; well, not here! There was protocol to be followed. I watched as one group of ladies came closer to the village, they stopped just outside and started to sing. They sang for five minutes until five ladies from the home clan came out to greet them in song. The visiting clan then offered gifts to the family. These gifts were brought back to the huts. A few minutes later some other ladies came out to join the visitors in song, implying that we accept your gifts and then led the guests onto the grounds of the home. Once they were all together these ladies continued to sing for two hours, dancing and sharing their jewelry, taking off some of their own and giving it to the visitors and vice versa.
After some time a group of young men (for whom this ceremony was held) came chanting. Several of them had put red color in their hair and on their face for decoration. Each carried a special branch from a far away tree. Others then came out to meet them. The young men presented these branches (which would be used in the house) to the older women. After they were received, the young men made their way to a tree in whose shade were about 15 teenage girls. Several young men began to leap high into the air while others would chant in deep voices. From time to time the girls would sing. Men chanted and the ladies sang.It occurred to me that the Masai people don’t use drums in their culture, unlike most African tribal groups. I‘d have liked to beat a drum and join in, but no drum was to be found! Instead, I tried to jump with them for a bit, and then figured it was time to join the real men who were sitting under another shade tree. These were older men who had moved from manhood into becoming an elder. This takes place around the age of 35-40.
In some Masai clans, once boys become men they do not cut their hair until they reach the eldership stage. You will often see Masai warriors with long beautiful hair all braided. It is on the other hand very common for the ladies of all ages to be bald. This is a sign of beauty. And many of them are very beautiful.
Anyway, back under the tree with the elders; we sat down and smiled and chatted enjoying the cool shade, escaping the mid-day sun. I did not sit too long; I discovered another clan making their customary way to the ceremony and wanted to go see this happen. This clan came in differently from the others; all walking in a straight line, one man then one woman. I’m not sure why, but everybody seemed to be in the right place and every step seemed to be in order. As the day went on the different clans joined together; the unmarried girls singing and the young men chanting and jumping.
All the married ladies sat in a different area under a tree singing and telling stories all through song. It was a fascinating time. Rachel had her eyes open, enjoyed herself very much and was full of questions.
Lunch was served around 3 pm. Goat meat, rice and sauce, along with a coke, (not cold, but good in the heat of a long day). We stayed for a few more hours as the ceremony went on. People continued to come. The afternoon sun made for some nice photo opportunities. The ceremony would go on into the night, a cow would be brought in later that night and blood would be drawn from a vein in the neck. Mix with warm milk and enjoy! We did not stay for this event, maybe next time!
It is hard to convey the life and warmth you feel from the people. Most of them can’t read or write, many have never been to one day of school, but the joy and love for life comes out, especially through song and dance. Personally, I just need to be among these types of people, it feeds my soul somehow. If only my spirit could understand these people, how much better could I in turn minister to them in spirit and in truth? These traditional cultures are spirit cultures whereas western cultures are truth/science (fact) cultures. This is a gap that has to be understood and bridged in order for “white” missionaries to see true transformation take place here. This can take a lifetime.
I am discovering that to understand the soul and spirit of a person or tribe will require your own soul and spirit. Not just giving them the truth (soul/mind) of the gospel but the Spirit of the Word itself; this they will identify with because of their own spiritual worldview. God, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear!
Blessing to all of you, Thank you for sticking with us; you are always welcome to come for a visit. Please keep praying with us as we continue to seek the Lord for our future steps.
Much love from Lyle and Jette, Rachel, Acacia, Mikaela, Naomi
P.O Box 1088, Iringa, Tanzania.
We have recently returned from our time in Denmark & USA and are settling in, this time in the town of Iringa. This is the town where Jette and I first met. The second time I saw her, I just knew that this was going to be my wife! 12 years and 4 kids later we are back to our meeting place.
Jette is now teaching in a Danish school for missionary kids. There are 19 students and she teaches all of them depending on the day. Our girls love the school and don’t want to come home. A house was provided for us, in the nice part of town near the governor’s house which means 24-hour electricity and water – what a change! It is quite windy and cold here in the highlands this time of year. We were even able to get an internet connection right in our house; so no more internet cafés…
People here have found out about Lyle’s construction background and I have been asked for help already. I will be helping some of them; more as a consultant than a builder. Also, I will be teaching in various bible schools around Tanzania. As well as studying Swahili and trying to gather my handwritten notes from the past years and get them typed onto my laptop.
Most of you know that Uzima has been put on hold, but is not forgotten. Our time in Kigoma was not easy but we learned some valuable lessons through it all. We still carry Uzima in our hearts, and during this year we will continue to take our lives and future to the Lord for direction.
Masai Celebration Day.
I have just returned from a great day in a Masai village with Rachel. Today was a celebration day for about 20 young men (age 18-20) who were now entering into adulthood. We drove for an hour into the bush and in the middle of no-where we found a few small Masai huts.Everyone was wearing beautiful jewelry of all kinds. Ladies dressed in blue or purple wrap-around outfits and most of the men in red. What a sight! Nearly all day men were dancing, chanting and jumping.
During different times of the day different clans would arrive from neighboring homes. One thing we do in the west when we come to an event, often we let ourselves in and join the party; well, not here! There was protocol to be followed. I watched as one group of ladies came closer to the village, they stopped just outside and started to sing. They sang for five minutes until five ladies from the home clan came out to greet them in song. The visiting clan then offered gifts to the family. These gifts were brought back to the huts. A few minutes later some other ladies came out to join the visitors in song, implying that we accept your gifts and then led the guests onto the grounds of the home. Once they were all together these ladies continued to sing for two hours, dancing and sharing their jewelry, taking off some of their own and giving it to the visitors and vice versa.
After some time a group of young men (for whom this ceremony was held) came chanting. Several of them had put red color in their hair and on their face for decoration. Each carried a special branch from a far away tree. Others then came out to meet them. The young men presented these branches (which would be used in the house) to the older women. After they were received, the young men made their way to a tree in whose shade were about 15 teenage girls. Several young men began to leap high into the air while others would chant in deep voices. From time to time the girls would sing. Men chanted and the ladies sang.It occurred to me that the Masai people don’t use drums in their culture, unlike most African tribal groups. I‘d have liked to beat a drum and join in, but no drum was to be found! Instead, I tried to jump with them for a bit, and then figured it was time to join the real men who were sitting under another shade tree. These were older men who had moved from manhood into becoming an elder. This takes place around the age of 35-40.
In some Masai clans, once boys become men they do not cut their hair until they reach the eldership stage. You will often see Masai warriors with long beautiful hair all braided. It is on the other hand very common for the ladies of all ages to be bald. This is a sign of beauty. And many of them are very beautiful.
Anyway, back under the tree with the elders; we sat down and smiled and chatted enjoying the cool shade, escaping the mid-day sun. I did not sit too long; I discovered another clan making their customary way to the ceremony and wanted to go see this happen. This clan came in differently from the others; all walking in a straight line, one man then one woman. I’m not sure why, but everybody seemed to be in the right place and every step seemed to be in order. As the day went on the different clans joined together; the unmarried girls singing and the young men chanting and jumping.
All the married ladies sat in a different area under a tree singing and telling stories all through song. It was a fascinating time. Rachel had her eyes open, enjoyed herself very much and was full of questions.
Lunch was served around 3 pm. Goat meat, rice and sauce, along with a coke, (not cold, but good in the heat of a long day). We stayed for a few more hours as the ceremony went on. People continued to come. The afternoon sun made for some nice photo opportunities. The ceremony would go on into the night, a cow would be brought in later that night and blood would be drawn from a vein in the neck. Mix with warm milk and enjoy! We did not stay for this event, maybe next time!
It is hard to convey the life and warmth you feel from the people. Most of them can’t read or write, many have never been to one day of school, but the joy and love for life comes out, especially through song and dance. Personally, I just need to be among these types of people, it feeds my soul somehow. If only my spirit could understand these people, how much better could I in turn minister to them in spirit and in truth? These traditional cultures are spirit cultures whereas western cultures are truth/science (fact) cultures. This is a gap that has to be understood and bridged in order for “white” missionaries to see true transformation take place here. This can take a lifetime.
I am discovering that to understand the soul and spirit of a person or tribe will require your own soul and spirit. Not just giving them the truth (soul/mind) of the gospel but the Spirit of the Word itself; this they will identify with because of their own spiritual worldview. God, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear!
Blessing to all of you, Thank you for sticking with us; you are always welcome to come for a visit. Please keep praying with us as we continue to seek the Lord for our future steps.
Much love from Lyle and Jette, Rachel, Acacia, Mikaela, Naomi
P.O Box 1088, Iringa, Tanzania.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Simba Ulanga #5
It has been a long time since you have heard anything about Simba’s case due to many things, my apologies.
A late report on Simba Ulangas last appearance in court April 20th.After a three day trip by car, bus and train Simba arrived in Kigoma. The hearing did not take long; he was just informed that his court date has been postponed until June 29th.
There were many mixed feelings over this. What do we do with this man called Simba Ulanga, how do we control his influence?
When Simba was let out on bail his probations were stiff. “You are not allowed to hold any public debates, you are not allowed to even read the scriptures if you are preaching to any public gathering.”
I believe what is happening is that if they put him back in prison, this will cause a big stir among the Christians and they will for sure take actions. If they release him from their custody than he will continue to go on holding debates and preach in open air meetings, but if they continue to postpone his court dates than the court wins both ways and keep both the Christians and the Muslims content, this also keeps Simba off the streets. Sounds good, let’s do it. A smart move or not, this is what is happening.
The rest of his team continues to travel holding open debates and teaching seminars around the country of Tanzania. Simba has said that he will travel with them to different places but his involvement will be limited. Simba just mentioned to me the other day that Daniel, one of his team members was also now involved in prison time and now in court cases over the same issues.
One may argue if debates are really the way to go. Debating is arguing and ends up doing more harm than good. Well we all have our opinions, but culturally speaking holding debates is quite effective in an African context. In Kigoma after this whole thing with Simba at least three high ranking Muslim leaders (these are Simba’s targets) have given their lives to the Lord. It sounds similar to the ministry life of the Apostle Paul, he often went to the temple to debate scriptures with the religious leaders.
Now these three converted Muslims from Kigoma are on the run to keep from being killed. Different church members have taken these into hiding. But this is a different story. I have some stories how the Lord has truly intervened on their trail of death but there are some stories that end in murderous deaths of these new believers. Why some live and some not, only God knows.
What I long to see is a type of Safe House for new Muslim converts to find a place of refuge. Create a place of refuge where these new believers can get a bed, discipleship, a bit of support, and see that they get started out in a good way. For many new converts from many different religions not just Islam, the day they give their life to the Lord or when they are water baptized, they loose family, house, job, and friends. These new converts need someone there to help them through this time.
How many sermons end with the great promises of God’s abundant love, his blessings and his comforts when you give your life over to him? He will never leave you nor forsake you.
For many though, salvation costs them their whole life and literally life itself in many cases.It does not seem to cost westerners very much because we really do not have to give up anything. Many just go on living as they did before with some minor changes. God is added to there already busy schedule.
Many people marvel at the edge that Simba and his team live. The way God is using them in mighty ways. Many want to live on this edge as well but find it hard to bare the price of the cross. We all want the power of the resurrection, but first it is the cross we must go through.
Let us not loose faith in our calling. Many people have not necessarily lost their faith; they have just lost their need for it. For without faith, it is impossible to please God.Hebrews 11:6
I have just heard again from Simba about his last court the 29th of June, it was short and sweet. All charges have been dropped, you are a free man.
Simba again has asked that I say thank you for the different support that has come in. He is now looking for some good interpreters to begin with some of the translation work that needs to be done.
Simba did mention also that he was on his way to the city of Mwanza to work with his team mate Daniel to get him out of his prison and court situation.Keep them in your prayers.
Blessings to you all as we continue to do our part to see the Glory of God influence those around us.
Lyle
A late report on Simba Ulangas last appearance in court April 20th.After a three day trip by car, bus and train Simba arrived in Kigoma. The hearing did not take long; he was just informed that his court date has been postponed until June 29th.
There were many mixed feelings over this. What do we do with this man called Simba Ulanga, how do we control his influence?
When Simba was let out on bail his probations were stiff. “You are not allowed to hold any public debates, you are not allowed to even read the scriptures if you are preaching to any public gathering.”
I believe what is happening is that if they put him back in prison, this will cause a big stir among the Christians and they will for sure take actions. If they release him from their custody than he will continue to go on holding debates and preach in open air meetings, but if they continue to postpone his court dates than the court wins both ways and keep both the Christians and the Muslims content, this also keeps Simba off the streets. Sounds good, let’s do it. A smart move or not, this is what is happening.
The rest of his team continues to travel holding open debates and teaching seminars around the country of Tanzania. Simba has said that he will travel with them to different places but his involvement will be limited. Simba just mentioned to me the other day that Daniel, one of his team members was also now involved in prison time and now in court cases over the same issues.
One may argue if debates are really the way to go. Debating is arguing and ends up doing more harm than good. Well we all have our opinions, but culturally speaking holding debates is quite effective in an African context. In Kigoma after this whole thing with Simba at least three high ranking Muslim leaders (these are Simba’s targets) have given their lives to the Lord. It sounds similar to the ministry life of the Apostle Paul, he often went to the temple to debate scriptures with the religious leaders.
Now these three converted Muslims from Kigoma are on the run to keep from being killed. Different church members have taken these into hiding. But this is a different story. I have some stories how the Lord has truly intervened on their trail of death but there are some stories that end in murderous deaths of these new believers. Why some live and some not, only God knows.
What I long to see is a type of Safe House for new Muslim converts to find a place of refuge. Create a place of refuge where these new believers can get a bed, discipleship, a bit of support, and see that they get started out in a good way. For many new converts from many different religions not just Islam, the day they give their life to the Lord or when they are water baptized, they loose family, house, job, and friends. These new converts need someone there to help them through this time.
How many sermons end with the great promises of God’s abundant love, his blessings and his comforts when you give your life over to him? He will never leave you nor forsake you.
For many though, salvation costs them their whole life and literally life itself in many cases.It does not seem to cost westerners very much because we really do not have to give up anything. Many just go on living as they did before with some minor changes. God is added to there already busy schedule.
Many people marvel at the edge that Simba and his team live. The way God is using them in mighty ways. Many want to live on this edge as well but find it hard to bare the price of the cross. We all want the power of the resurrection, but first it is the cross we must go through.
Let us not loose faith in our calling. Many people have not necessarily lost their faith; they have just lost their need for it. For without faith, it is impossible to please God.Hebrews 11:6
I have just heard again from Simba about his last court the 29th of June, it was short and sweet. All charges have been dropped, you are a free man.
Simba again has asked that I say thank you for the different support that has come in. He is now looking for some good interpreters to begin with some of the translation work that needs to be done.
Simba did mention also that he was on his way to the city of Mwanza to work with his team mate Daniel to get him out of his prison and court situation.Keep them in your prayers.
Blessings to you all as we continue to do our part to see the Glory of God influence those around us.
Lyle
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