"What good can come out of Nazareth?" they sneered. "What good can happen in Bariadi?" with a chuckle. The answer in both cases: plenty. Nazareth is known world-wide; Bariadi is the locally infamous Capital of Uchawi (witchcraft) in a tribe known for its expertise in matters of the evil spirits. It is also, though not so severely as other areas of Sukumaland, suffering environmental degradation due to rapid population growth, past villigization programs, over-grazing, etc. In fairness to the people, the demands of daily survival do not leave much time for planning for tomorrow.

This was the milieu to which we were sent in 1977 to plant the Good Seed by starting St. John's Parish in the new district center of Bariadi - now the fastest growing town in this part of Tanzania. The third objective of the Parish was to care for the land. We could have picked an easier one.

But on Pentecost Sunday, May 1996, we hosted "Celebrate Earth and Water Day," a sort of graduation for our parish development projects. We met to thank God, take stock of our progress, congratulate all who participated, and to close out some parish works (basically meaning disengagement by the pastor) by handing over to others.

Bishop Al Balina, assisted by four priests, presided at a joyous outdoor Mass attended by thousands of all faiths. Amongst many guests from the government, NGO's, and our ecumenical group, the guest of honor was Dr. Pius Ng'wandu, Minister of Water from Dar es Salaam. But the special people were from two groups: selected environmentalists (wakereketwa) and a representative from each user group of thirty functioning shallow wells.

The Bishop prepared an exceptional homily, clearly stating the Church's social teaching and practice, concentrating on the environment and development works in the diocese. The representative of each user group proudly brought some water from its well, and these were poured together and blessed by the Bishop. Later the water was used in planting two commemorative trees.

After Mass, the dignitaries were shown a special demonstration of methods and equipment used by the water crews - all very professionally prepared and explained. The altar was removed from the stage, and in true African fashion the second ceremony began with appropriate songs. In fact, more well-prepared choirs showed up than we could fit into the program.

The thirty representatives from the shallow well groups were presented: some selected from targeted areas in the district (such as Mhango and Ng'wamapalala). All of those within the parish boundaries, who had completed new wells or repaired old wells, were given certificates of ownership by the Minister and other mementos. It was fun to see common villagers all dressed up, some in suit and tie, for the feast. Everyone was proud of our cooperation that had resulted in Bariadi District being Number One in Shinyanga Region and indeed in the nation in shallow well production during 1995.

The champion tree planters then had their chance to be congratulated and to be given a classy certificate and other prizes that showed the importance of their pioneering works. Each of our two dozen Small Christian Communities had selected one champion, not necessarily Catholic, from its area; while others were selected from around the district. Among the Wakereketwa wa Hifadhi Ardhi (Soil Conservation Environmentalists) are people with whom we have worked for almost twenty years: over fifty bright-eyed villagers who have made a significant step in land regeneration by tree planting and proper farming and herding. They are the ones upon whom we most depend to carry the torch in the future in the Green Bariadi Group.

The Minister of Water exhorted the people to use the present opportunity for assistance in obtaining good water supplies. He stated flatly that "Bwana Bure amekufa" (the days of free handouts are over). A big meal (two cows worth) followed with several hundred guests served in the parish hall and hundreds of others from the Small Christian Communities and shallow well groups cooking for themselves outside. It was a unique and meaningful feast - one that should bind and inspire others to continue the works we helped start.

Herb's Biography             Herb's Reflections

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