NyerereQuite often in life, our quest informs our pursuits. And it is these pursuits that build up our lives and shape us for the future. Such is the case of one young man, Nyerere Lekeni, our recent accounting graduate from Moshi Cooperative College.

Just over two years ago, a young man clad in Maasai traditional attire came to our office in Moshi, Tanzania. His action was moved by a deep desire to study accounting. Pastor Rita, Faith and I sat with him at the office just to ascertain exactly what it was that he really wanted. Despite our various suggestions, this young man seemed very fixated on studying accounting and nothing else. It is important to note that this was an unusual level of determination for a Maasai youth. Many will not move with this kind of focus to pursue education. Many choose to remain in the villages and become traditional warriors, hunt lions and take care of their family’s flocks. So this was quite astonishing to observe, but also clearly God-driven.

Nyerere's Mother in Their Home VillageAfter talking with him, Faith took him to the Moshi Cooperative College where they went straight to the admissions department. On arrival, Faith told us that they found another young man at the desk who warmly welcomed Nyerere and strongly encouraged him. He was quite excited to see a young man dressed in traditional Maasai garb. He immediately made the effort to introduce him to a lecturer at the College who was also from the Maasai tribe. After the assessment, Nyerere was informed that the college would accept him to study for a Diploma in Accounting. They obtained a list of what was required and came back to the office. Then the preparations to pursue his quest began, and a short while later, he commenced his studies.

While in College, Nyerere worked hard and obtained good results. Akiba Commercial Bank in Moshi offered him an opportunity to work there during his field attachment. (A period of internship required by the college.) During this time, he was assigned various duties, chief among them opening new accounts for customers. While at the bank, the management liked his work. Nyerere continued to volunteer to work at the bank even when his field attachment was over, to continue to gain more practical experience. After his field attachment was completed, at the end of last year, Nyerere graduated with a diploma in Accounting, fulfilling his long-held dream.

For surely there is a latter end [a future and a reward],
and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18 (AMPC)  

Nyerere: the First College Graduate in His FamilyHowever, the journey for Nyerere does not end there. Last Fall, when Pastor Rita returned to Tanzania, we met together once again. Nyerere told us that he had been praying that he would be able to continue with his studies and earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. God is faithful. By God’s grace, Hidden with Christ Ministries was able to pay for Nyerere to continue with his studies. He is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the Moshi Cooperative College in Moshi town.

Without the support of our generous donors, young men like Nyerere, would not have the opportunity to realize their dreams. Your kindness has helped many young people and children move from the dreaming phase to actualizing their dreams. For more than two decades, young lives in Tanzania have been totally transformed. We are grateful to all who have partnered with Hidden with Christ Ministries in this important work.

To God be the Glory; great things He hath done…
From the Hymn – TO GOD BE THE GLORY – by Fanny Crosby - 1875

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