I learned a new, impactful word on our 2026 mission trip to the SELVD. Honestly, I learn a lot of new things every time I come to Tanzania. This one though has really stuck with me. Four letters, two syllables, big impact!

ZOGO – it is the Sukuma word for COME.

As we were walking through and around the villages of Mihama, Mwamadulu and Nyahwa, Kishapu District Pastor Ignace would say “Nyanda, zogo” or “ng’wanike zogo” – “boy come” or “girl come” – if we came to a home and the children were shy … or scared or seeing a mzungu (white person) for the first time. At first it was a command. “Come here! You have a guest. Don’t be afraid.” Coming from a Pastor, it held authority behind it.

But later in the visit, sometimes only a few minutes later, it became an invitation. Zogo – Come hear the story we want to share with you about our Savior Jesus. Zogo – Come and be baptized. Join us as part of God’s family. Zogo – Come here, the mzungu wants to give you a gift!

I picked up on this while watching Ignace interaction with the people, especially the children, we were ministering to. I was able to start using the word effectively myself. Sunday as we were preparing to worship at the “Church in the Sunflower Field” in Mihama, as curious people walked by, I said “Zogo” as an invitation to come and worship.

Many times in the Bible, God’s word also tells us ZOGO – COME! And he also uses us as a command and an invitation.

This invitation reminds me so much of Pastor Ignace as he is so joyfully sharing the gospel with the churches in the Kishapu District. He also loves to sing!!  I genuinely cherish the time with him, Odolous, Damiano and Matthias singing along with Mark, Sharon, Jane and I out to our mission area each day!! We found many songs we knew that we could sing in English and they in Swahili!

I am so thankful that 10 years ago God said Zogo – Come to Tanzania. This was my fourth trip.  I am beyond grateful for the friends, the lessons and the place of comfort and restoration He has provided to me in Tanzania. I wait patiently for the time He tells me Zogo for a longer term situation … Kama Mungu akipenda. Until then, I am here for my friends when God calls them to zogo to the US so they can study and further advance the gospel. And I will continue to assist them in my short term trips … and encourage others Zogo, come with us and experience the miracles God is working everyday in Tanzania.