(7th Nov 07/uem) An Indonesian choir is presently touring in the Eastern and Coastal Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT-ECD). 

The project choir from Sumatra unites traditional and modern elements in their  programme. The musicians perform in various congregations and visit church institutions within the diocese, thus promoting inter-cultural exchange between Tanzania and Indonesia.

"This choir has become a blessing to many people who saw them on stage or in the various churches they visited", says Emmanuela Mtatifikolo, youth officer of the UEM Africa Region in Dar-es-Salaam. The choir's performance conveys a vivid impression of religious life in Indonesia, says Emmanuela.

Apart from singing, the choir also have had time to discuss church live in Tanzania and getting to know the structures of the ELCT, which has 20 dioceses four of which are members of the United Evangelical Mission. The Indonesian guests also met choir groups of the diocese and shared experiences and challenges they face at present.

The guests said they were very much impressed by ELCT's annual youth and children's Sunday. At this particular day, it is the young people who lead the service.

The Indonesian choir congratulated the church in Tanzania for giving leadership positions to qualified women in the church, such as Rev. Hoyce Mbowe, who is district pastor in the Kinondoni district and member of the Executive Committee of the UEM.

At the moment, the members of the choir are staying with hosting families in the Ilala district. On November, 6h, the choir and their Tanzanian hosts have an appointment with the Indonesian embassador to Tanzania. They will return to Indonesia on November, 8th, the UEM Regional Office in Dar reported.