We have visited two Lutheran secondary boarding schools in recent days and were greeted by wonderfully energetic students. They met us with frond wreaths, singing, dancing, and high spirits. Lutangilo Secondary School is developing rapidly under the leadership of its headmaster Sebastian Chuala. We stopped at Lutangilo on our way back to Iringa from Idunda. It is a special place for us because St James has contributed to the school fees for many Lutangilo students from Idunda. We met with the current Idunda students as a group and were introduced to each one. The school has about 230 students, more than double the size when Sebastian became headmaster a few years ago. Girls’ dormitories have been built; a science lab is under construction (with cornerstone laid by bishop of the St Paul Area Synod); and a water pumping system runs on solar power. 

     Image School is somewhat larger.  It was started by Doctor Pastor Ngogo some 15 years ago when his office was located in the shade of a tree. He had a vision of a modern secondary school, and under his leadership the school has become notable for the academic successes of its students and for its beautiful campus. Our visits to the schools reminded me of the founding of Lutheran schools in the Upper Midwest by visionary Lutheran immigrant pastors.  Many of those schools developed into strong church-related colleges and have provided pastors and professional people for generations.  We hope and pray that both Lutangilo and Image will continue to make similar contributions to the future of Tanzania.