November News

Look closely for the bananas!

We have had a busy November here in Kigoma, Tanzania, as many of you have with the holiday season now in full swing “COVID-style”. We live in a country where it’s like the pandemic never even happened! No restrictions, no masks, and everything continues on just as it did before. The hospitals are not overflowing here, but are operating at normal capacitiy. We are thankful this part of Africa seems to have been spared from the worst of the pandemic, but we continue to pray for many who are still in the midst of it.

The picture above has been a regular sight in the maktaba lately. Schools are winding down, and exams have begun, which has given many of the kids time off from school. Many of the children in the neighborhood love to watch “The King of Glory” and “The Jesus Film”, and lately have been coming in the mornings to see the films.

The maktaba is a hub of activity. Recently I learned that Gerald had been through the EE program (Evangelism Explosion) that we used at North Ridge Bible Chapel several years ago! He even brought in his EE pin with 2 question marks to show me. He took the course here in Tanzania in a town called Mwanza. EE has been used to equip so many Christians to effectively share and explain the Gospel clearly.

Our ministry in the schools continues to go well. We made it to the book of Judges before the exams started, and we plan on resuming our systematic study of the Scriptures in January when the schools reopen. Schools in Tanzania closed in December and again in June every year. The door is open in the schools here in TZ to teach the Bible to the students one hour or one class per week. Few Tanzanian Christians take advantage of this opportunity. As our Lord said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few...” Please pray with us for the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into this part of the harvest!

Every Thursday for almost 2 years I played soccer with the street boys in Kigoma, built relationships with them, taught them the Gospel of Christ weekly, and helped them with medicine in times of sickness and injury. We would average 15-20 boys each week, but since returning from the USA in August, we have averaged 3-5 boys each week. Occasionally no one would show up! After much prayer over this, I believe the Lord is leading me to stop this work and focus on other areas of ministry. Although I will not be actively teaching them the Scriptures each week, God will continue His good work in them! Please join me in continuing to pray for them :)

We visited a village church last Sunday which we have visited many times in the past called “Kizinga”. They meet outside under a few mango trees with a tarp hung overhead and a few benches. Our kids like going here because it is often a few degrees cooler, and they get a rare opportunity to wear their long sleeves.This time it was almost down to 70, and I even wore my coat! I spoke on Joshua 2 “Rahab - Prostitute to Evangelist”. It was a good challenge and reminder for us all to be diligent to warn others of the coming judgment! Below are some pictures of our visit, and of one brother gathering mangos to take back to town.

We had the privilege of hosting a Thanksgiving meal at our house for the Americans in town again this year. It was a wonderful time, but unfortunately Jennifer nor I took any pictures to be able to show you our amazing spread! We had no turkey unfortunately, but plenty of chicken, vegetables, and desserts for everyone!

This past month we became parents of a teenager! Isaac turned 13 and has really made us proud in so many ways. We are so thankful for him and are excited to see the plans the Lord has for him in the future. Happy Birthday Isaac!

Last but not least, we are continuing to make progress on our investigation of this plot of land we are hoping to buy and build the first Christian Camp in this region. We are moving slow and carefully, trying to cover every angle before we make the purchase. We would ask you to please pray for us as we go through this process, for God’s protection and blessing.

A camp here could be used in so many ways to reach many children with the Gospel, to train young teachers of the Gospel, to strengthen the body of Christ and much more. We are excited, but moving forward cautiously and prayerfully.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we serve the Lord here in TZ!