Keep On Campaigning

I am truly amazed this picture loaded for us to enjoy! These children love to stop by in the afternoons to watch the Gospel film, The King of Glory.

As I watched it with them, in the midst of such spiritual darkness I thought about how amazing is it to have had our eyes opened to the truth of who God is, where everything came from, why there is so much suffering in the world, and how each individual can be saved, forgiven, and personally know the true and living God through Jesus Christ! To whom much is given, much is required.

We have been shut out of the internet in TZ because of the election here. As we have seen in the US during the recent and somewhat unresolved election, even here there have been riots, voter suppression, conflict, and varied opinions. Truly, having the right leader is extremely important, especially when the problems in this world and in our nation are so challenging. Therefore it is no surprise to see the passion, anger, and frustration as these opposing parties disagree on the issues.

As a Christian, we must be reminded that the solution to the many problems in the world is not any presidential candidate, it is the Gospel.

Jesus Christ, God clothed in humanity, entered this world by a miracle (virgin birth), and left this world by a miracle (resurrection), and while He was here, He paid the sin debt of every Human with His blood by dying on the cross. The Just for the unjust, He took our place in Judgment, so now anyone who believes on Him can be forgiven and receive everlasting life.

So as a Christian, I am constantly campaigning and getting the Word out! There is One who will never lie to you, never fail you, and One who has the only solution for the true problem in this world - SIN. He knows you, loves you, and is able to save you to the uttermost!

Personally, I used to think religion was a sham or even a business for certain kinds of people... until I decided to see if God was real for myself after my Dad‘s death twenty years ago. Privately I asked God to prove Himself to me if He was real, and that I wanted to know Him. It didn’t take long, perhaps a few weeks of reading and seeking, and I was convinced and happily turned to the Lord Jesus by faith and believed on Him. I have never been the same! I have never hungered or thirsted for another. I am completely safe and satisfied in Christ. Now, I live and serve my King, not to earn a place in His kingdom, but because I already have a place in His kingdom, and also in His heart.

So if you have put your hope in any certain presidential candidate, or if politics has become your focus, or for many, your distraction (like me)... come to the only One who will not disappoint you, and the only One who truly loves you. Then live the rest of your life campaigning for Him!

We are so enjoying teaching these children each week the Word of God. Gerald is a gifted teacher and glows when he is teaching children. We alternate who teaches each class and discuss what passage we will teach next as we work through the Old Testament.

Every other Saturday I join the Boys Club which meets at the chapel in Kigoma. About 15-20 boys come each week for a Bible lesson, songs, snack, and of course soccer! Below is a picture of one of my recent visits. Also before the lesson, I have been meeting early with the young guys who lead the Boys Club to encourage and train them to be good communicators of the Gospel.

Street boys is going well, although the numbers have dropped off since we returned from furlough. One suggested last week to move the time from morning to evening because the boys tend to sleep late and miss our meeting. We are currently praying about making this change. We have been averaging from 5 to 15 each week.

There is so much more to share between ladies meetings, home school fun, Elaina is now singing in the choir at the chapel on Sundays, Isaac turns 13 in a week, everyone is healthy now from multiple bouts with sickness, Jennifer and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and so much more!

We are also excited about a new direction we believe the Lord is leading us in, and covet your prayers as we step out in faith and obedience. Lord willing, we are planning to start a Christian camp here in Ujiji not far from the schools where we teach.

After much prayer, we have located a plot of land, agreed on a price, and are most likely going to close the deal late November or early December as the Lord leads. We are excited about the many ways God will use a small camp in this area, and will trust Him to lead us through the process. Below is a picture of the land.

Thank you all for your interest in the Lord’s work here in Kigoma/Ujiji and especially for your prayers. May we stay focused on our Lord, and make our lives one big thank you to our amazing Savior,

reaching many with the Gospel. He won my vote :)