steventodd.org
 
 
Linda and I just returned from a very special trip to the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Central Africa.  It was ten  years ago, when I first entered this massive refugee camp where hundreds of churches had been planted.  Each year I returned and this past June, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of ministry here.  We held a massive graduation celebration for over 500 refugee pastors who have participated in our training program. Two years ago, in response to a unique request, Linda helped establish a vocational sewing school for the refugee women, which they named, “The Linda Centre.”  We were so pleased to see how it has grown and how it has empowered scores of refugee women, even providing additional income for them.  A church in Berlin, Germany donated soccer balls, people from the USA helped provide more sewing machines, a generator, even another flannelgraph set!
Refugee project - june 2010
Arriving in Kigoma, Tanzania (note the “VIP Only” sign???)
We had a flat tire early into our trip, but it was only flat on the bottom.
A new sign, but not much else has changed in the past 10 years.
Our team - Pastor Daffa and Mama Lillian, along with Steven & Linda
Posing with hundreds of refugee pastors who have become my friends.
Teaching along with Pastor Daffa, our good friend and partner
Eagerly listening and absorbing as we teach.
Linda outside the “Linda Centre.” A US friend designed the logo for us.
The sewing school has two shifts of students learning and working.
An eager student of the Linda Centre showing a dress she is making.
Measuring Mama Linda to alter a garment they made for her.
The head tailor / instructor for the school (look at the iron).
We were able to provide additional sewing machines this year.
Presenting a gift of a new “Betty Lukens” flannelgraph set.
Praying over the flannelgraph set, that it would be used to God’s glory!
Linda demonstrates how to tell a story using the flannelgrophs.
Through the generosity of a church in Berlin, Germany, we gave soccer balls.
The have established “inter-mural” games which blesses the whole camp
The ‘grandstand’ at the soccer field.
The graduation processional.  They asked me to bring my doctoral robe.
Hundreds of pastors eager to receive their diplomas.
Colorfully dressed women dancing in the procession.
Thousands came to join in the celebration.
Steven with Pastor Ndola, who has served as an interpreter for years.
Colorfully dressed!
Linda and Steven at the home of  Mlala and family - little “Linda’s” parents
Little refugee children everywhere!
Two years ago, “Mama” is overjoyed by the gift of sewing machines
Mama reacting joyfully as she and Linda greet each other again!
Preparing food for us.
Our dear friend, Andy Blake, former MAF pilot, now missionary in Kigoma
Andy & team have started a primary & secondary school for at-risk girls.
Some of the soccer balls went to the students at Andy’s mission school
Ten years! Steven with refugee children back in August, 2000.
The red soil of this region stays in your clothes and heart forever!