Changamoto na Matunda

"Changamoto na matunda" means "Challenges and fruits". As I was studying the book of Acts in preparation for the evangelism seminar back in April, I noticed the early disciples experienced both as they reached out with the Gospel.

On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) after Peter preached the Gospel, 3,000 souls were saved that day. Later, after Peter preached the Gospel in the temple after the lame man was healed (Acts 4), 5,000 souls were saved that day. As the disciples continued to share the Gospel, every day multitudes were added to the Lord both men and women (Acts 5) until eventually in Thessalonica (Acts 17) we read that these faithful disciples had turned the world upside down with their message!

What a fruitful ministry these early disciples had, but it was not without its challenges. They were put in prison several times, beaten, Stephen was martyred, James was killed, they faced fierce persecution and many other challenges, but as they scattered into other areas, they went everywhere preaching the Gospel (Acts 8). They refused to allow the challenges they faced to stop the advance of the Gospel, and neither should we!

A missionary in Tanzania told me before we left for the foreign field, "Many challenges await you in Tanzania!" He was absolutely right! Our effort to spread the Gospel has been met with many challenges. It is impossible to see the fruit without facing the challenges. Of course this is true not only in Tanzania, but anywhere in this world where the Gospel is being preached.

In May I was scheduled to preach at a small village church we are helping in the village of Kizenga. Around 10 -15 gather each week under a mango tree to sing praises to the Lord and hear a message from the Word of God. I spoke this Sunday on the blessing of "Salvation in Christ" from Ephesians 1-2. It was a joy to spend this Lord's day together with them and to have the honor of preaching the Word to them.

This is a fully functional bike made completely out of wood! A young boy arrived for Sunday school riding this, it even comes with a cup holder! They may not have the resources we have back in the US, but they are very smart and talented in many ways! :)

The reading room was quiet during the month of Ramadan. The many stores, called "maduka", were closed during the day. We had a few visitors trickle in occasionally, but overall it was very quiet. A few came by seeking Bibles to read during Ramadan, which we were happy to give. Also, a few goats wandered in but didn't find anything they were interested in. :) Now that Ramadan is over, Ujiji is back to normal and the reading room has had many visitors this week.

I am continuing the work among the street boys in Kigoma also. While talking with these guys, I discovered that few were willing to admit they had ever sinned. Now they all know what sin is, its consequences, who Jesus is, why He came into this world to die on the cross, and how to find forgiveness full and free in Christ. Each week I am continuing to explain the Gospel to them from various angles trusting the Lord to bring the fruit in His time. Several of them were recently arrested for sleeping on the streets, and after spending several days in jail, were released and are back on the streets. Please pray for their hearts to be opened to the truth.

WARNING - Just keep scrolling if you have a weak stomach - WARNING

Many of you heard about Elaina's accident back in May. She was climbing some rocks when her foot slipped and landed on a sharp, small tree stump. As you can see, (if you are able to look at these things!) her wound needed several stitches, but since the hospital was low on supplies, Jennifer and another missionary friend who is a nurse bought medicine, gave her several injections to numb the wound, cleaned it, and then taped it up. The obvious concern was infection, especially in this tropical environment, but 13 days after the accident she started to walk and is back to normal today! We greatly thank the Lord for answering our prayers!

Other than John being detained by pol-ce and threatened for pulling into an unauthorized parking lot (unmarked and unguarded) but thankfully later released, John being pick-pocketed, Isaac and Sam both getting malaria, and Jennifer being sick for a while, we had a fruitful month of May!

No work of God will go unopposed by the enemy! If we want to see fruit, we must press on through the challenges and not stop doing what God has called us to do.

While Jennifer was sick, I stayed home to help with the home schooling. I knew this had been a challenge for her each day, but I did not know how much of a challenge until I spent a week in her shoes. Keeping up with daily household chores & cooking, along with hosting various unexpected visitors makes it hard to focus completely on school. We continually pray for wisdom and help in

this area.

We are also praying that the Lord will send us help in the form of a willing teacher with a love for children and a desire for missions. Ally was a huge help for us in language school as she helped Isaac and Elaina with their schooling. We are asking the Lord to send out another "Ally" (or two!). Please pray with us about this, as this is a huge need for our family.

Another big prayer request is regarding work and resident permits, not just for us but for all of the CMML missionaries working in Tanzania. These permits expire every two years, and must be renewed and resubmitted each time. For some it is becoming more difficult to get these permits or "visas" renewed. Ours expires in October of this year, so we will begin our process in a few months. Please pray with us regarding this issue :)

Once again we thank you for your prayers and support of us as we serve the Lord here in Kigoma, Tanzania. Just a reminder that if you would like to visit us, we would love to have you! Karibuni! (You are all welcome) May the Lord bless you!

~ John & Jennifer and the kids :)