An MAF flight delivered an enthusiastic and experienced minister to a village in central Tanzania – where he has decided to spend the rest of his life, serving the local people.
Story by Annet Nabbanja
In a display of courage and commitment, Obadia Stephano Ndalu made a permanent decision to serve the people of the remote community of Mahaka as their local pastor.
Obadia has served in ministry for 18 years, working in several locations including Nhinhi, Ibihwa, Wiliko, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, and Mpwayungu.
As MAF flew him to his new home, Pastor Obadia took with him only a few necessities of life: a mattress and some kitchen supplies. The one item he perceived as necessary over all physical possessions was prayer.
“What made me accept to come to Mahaka was to fulfil my calling to serve God, without considering the place,” he said, referring to Matthew 28:19, which calls followers of Jesus to “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
People still believe in traditional healers and they worship at graves.
When Obadia arrived, he found that the community faces spiritual challenges.
“People still believe in traditional healers and they worship at graves,” he said.
Despite this, his hope and expectation is to see Mahaka transformed, for people to believe in God, and to see the church grow and increase.
The day he was welcomed into Mahaka left memories dear to his heart, and the community has continued to be supportive since then.
“On the day I was received by the people of Mahaka, I felt very happy. The people showed love,” he said. “The reception was good. People sang and danced. The community gives a lot of cooperation because they are happy to receive a church minister. Even government leaders work well with us.
“When MAF helped me reach Mahaka, I felt like a high-ranking government leader because they received me well,” he said. “Without the support of MAF, it would have been very difficult for me to reach Mahaka because there is no road for vehicles.”
Obadia emphasised the importance of MAF’s work in remote areas – not only transporting evangelists, but also medical personnel.
“The role of MAF is very big, especially in rural villages. MAF helps by bringing doctors and pastors. Without MAF, these people cannot reach such places.”
The MAF team is pleased to see Mahaka now has its own clinic and nurse, meaning the monthly maternal clinic flights have reduced in frequency. MAF pilot Roshan Stephen confirmed that this reduction doesn’t mean the village is off the radar.
The role of MAF is very big, especially in rural villages.
“It’s not like we’ve completely let go of the village, but we just slowed down the number of flights because the village itself is sustaining. So, we would like to focus on more places where help is needed, till they get to a stage where they can sustain themselves.”
MAF continues to fly evangelists to Mahaka to strengthen the work of Obadia and to support his ministry.
Obadia requested for prayers that he may continue to love God and be patient.