Pre-PRAYER-ing for TZ!

As we approach Easter Sunday, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, we are reminded why we are preparing to return to Tanzania. Christ laid down His life for us, and forgives all who believe on Him, giving them eternal life. The only rightful response to this love is to follow Him wherever He leads, and live our lives as a giant “Thank You” to Him. The empty tomb reminds us of Christ’s victory over death and sin, and the Gospel is the message of that victory offered to all who believe! For God so loved the world, you and me, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. In response to that love, we go… across the street or across the oceans, we go...

We are pre-PRAYER-ing to return to TZ, which means we need the prayers of God’s people to move mountains and move us through the challenges ahead. Without prayer, there is no power. We know we must go “forward on our knees” and we also know God answers prayer!

Our first big prayer request is the granting of our work visa and resident visa. John has spent the last month getting all of our paperwork together and the proper signatures and stamps in the right place on each document. The process is now online, and has been completed. We are waiting for an answer from the Tanzanian government on whether it will be granted. Please join us in prayer over this visa that it would be granted very soon.

We plan to return to Tanzania in early July after our children finish school the first week of June. Once we hear an answer on our visa, we will purchase flights and begin preparations for our departure.

Another item for prayer is regarding schooling for Isaac. He has expressed a desire to go to RVA, a private Christian school in Kenya for missionary kids. Although I was not open to this idea at first, as it will take him away from us 3 months at a time, the Lord has worked in my heart. It will be really good for Isaac, and we believe it is God’s will that he goes. We have applied and we are waiting on an answer regarding his acceptance into the school.

Isaac has a few friends from Kigoma and Burundi that are already enrolled in the school, and he is excited about the possibility of going.

We covet your prayers on these two big things we are waiting on, the answer regarding both our visa and Isaac’s acceptance into RVA.

Back in Tanzania, Gerald has been faithfully serving the Lord in our absence. He has been such a blessing, and has proven to be a faithful brother. He has been continuing to teach at the local schools, and is often invited to come and teach the Bible at other churches.

The maktaba continues to be a hub of activity where the Gospel is found, heard, understood, and discussed. Books are checked out each week and returned, Emmaus courses are picked up and graded, and The King of Glory is shown each afternoon. All of this work continues because of Gerald’s faithfulness.

While we wait the answers to the visa and RVA, I (John) have a busy schedule of ministry ahead here in NC, and I covet your prayers for fruitful ministry of the Word. Many people ask what I have been doing while in the US since my mom’s passing. The Lord continues to keep me busy wherever I am! Below is a peek at my schedule for the next several weeks:

4/10 North Ridge Bible Chapel
4/16 Zoom Youth Conference
4/21 Faith Bible Chapel
4/22-23 NC Youth Rally
4/24 Pittsboro Bible Assembly
5/1 Shannon Hills Bible Chapel
5/8 North Ridge Bible Chapel
5/16-20 Mt. Top Youth Camp
5/22 North Ridge Bible Chapel
5/29 Parkway Bible Assembly

One of the highlights of this year has been a Bible study out in the country on Tuesday nights. A group of around 10-15 young guys started a Bible study, most were new or young believers, some have not yet made their decision for the Lord. We meet in an old country store, no longer being used. What an exciting time we have each week as we study and discuss God’s Word together!