The Song of the Ihama Tree

The Ihama tree

It always good to be in Igumumoyo! We joined Pastor Joseph and the small group that meets in this village for the service on Sunday morning. This church is materially poor and hugely generous. We are always so encouraged and inspired by their consistent and strong faith, never expecting anything from us but always giving to us. Their building hardly classifies as a building (Tim got sunburned preaching!) but the space is gradually filling up!

Igumumoyo Church (a few months ago)

Not far from the open spot the church meets in, is a large type of palm tree, locally called Ihama. The huge leaves make a remarkably loud clacking in the wind, almost a strong rain-like patter. As our Swahili voices rose a cappella in song across the fields, the tree seemed to join in with its rhythmic clear clack. Amazingly beautiful! It reminded me of something I recently listened to on Psalm 148, that marvellous chapter where all creation praises the Lord! This clip is absolutely incredible to listen to, as the sound of the stars singing in the heavens above are played alongside the sound of the whale in the ocean deep and then joined with English voices. I just would love to add the Igumumoyo Ihama tree to this symphony score … as well as the small ensemble of Swahili voices from this village. It puts in perspective just how immensely huge God's orchestra is, yet still how valued each small part is! Yes, let all creation sing His praise!

After the service, we went back with Pastor Joseph and Mama Daniel to their small home for the most enormous mountain of rice and beans you ever saw… each! A large group of children also gathered at their home and soon a large plate was placed on the ground and they all gathered around with speedy hands to tuck into it all! 

Lunch from Mama Pastor

Mama Daniel showed us the bumper crop of jackbeans they have harvested after the first year of the project. It is plenty to provide all the new CA group farmers with seeds this year as well as to replant at the church demonstration plot. We have about fifteen new farmers who have now completed the conservation agriculture training and are ready to plant, along with the existing group from last year!

After lunch, Amisadai and Louisa went with a couple of girls to fetch water - from beside another of these Ihama trees. They were given one of the fruits for us to take home and try, along with a bag of tomatoes from Mama Daniel's garden. 

The Ihama fruit

Trying to crack it open!

It took a great deal of effort to crack open the Ihama fruit! I tried; Angel tried; and our guard took over with his machete. It seemed a bit like a coconut, but when after much sweat and hacking, we finally got inside, I was a bit surprised to see a stringy orange mass resembling a squash. It had a very strong smell … and a very strong taste. I probably preferred the song of the Ihama to the fruit of the Ihama!

 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
    he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.^[a]

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
    stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
    creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
    old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his faithful,
    for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!

And if you are interested in singing trees, check out this NG article on talking trees! How Trees Secretly Talk to Each Other