Still Waiting...

Happy New Year from the Kinlaws!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a good start to this new year!

We have been a little distracted as we began 2020, but in a good way. :) Kittie (John's mom) and Elizabeth (John's sister) came to visit us here in Kigoma for the second time in a year! They both came out together last March for close to two weeks, and returned for their second visit on January 2, 2020. We have enjoyed both of their visits so much and have made many memories together that we will never forget.

Their visit, which was planned several months before we applied for our visa renewal couldn't have been at a better time for us. As many of you know, our visa renewal was rejected by the Tanzanian Government back in early November. This came as a shock to us, and although we had heard about other missionaries in the country who had been rejected, we didn't think it would happen to us! We submitted an appeal, along with two other German missionaries, also serving in TZ under CMML-Tanzania, in early/mid December.

As of today, Saturday January 11th, we have not received an answer to our appeal. The waiting has been challenging to say the least, but we are confident the Lord will accomplish His will in this situation. The "What if's" will drive you crazy, and the "not knowing" what the next step will be has a similar effect! God has a plan, He is not frustrated or confused, and we are surrendered to His will for our lives. We can see the goodness of God in the timing of their visit during this challenging time.

We celebrated our January birthdays this past week with cake and ice cream.

This month Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Elaina all have birthdays!

Although I (John) have had to step back from some of my responsibilities while we wait for an answer to our appeal, the work has continued on! In each of the on-going outreaches, I have partnered with a faithful Tanzanian believer to share in the work. This has proven to be a blessing during this time, as they have carried on the work with me playing more of a supporting role instead of a leading role.

The street boys soccer ministry, which takes place every Thursday, is continuing to go well. This picture was taken on the Thursday after Christmas. A good group came out to play soccer, heard a message from God's Word, and then after receiving some refreshments, received a gift of clothing. Last year at Christmas, since many of them walk around in bare feet, I gave them all a pair of shoes (similar to flip-flops). This year someone donated blue jeans in various styles and sizes to be given to the boys for Christmas. This was most likely the only Christmas gift these boys received.

Thank you for praying for these boys! We are continuing to share the Gospel with them each week and trusting the Lord to open their eyes to His amazing love for each of them. We pray they will receive the greatest gift of all, the Lord Jesus Christ! One verse I share with them often is:

Romans 6:23

"For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord."

The reading room or "Maktaba" is going well. We were closed over the week of Christmas until the New Year, but have since reopened and are receiving visitors regularly. I'm thankful for Gerald, a dear brother who serves with me in this ministry. Gerald also returned to one of the schools to teach the children as the school year started back this week. We appreciate your prayers as we sow the Good Seed in Ujiji!

Back in early December I (John) had the opportunity to share a Christmas Message to the Boys Club and Girls Club at their Christmas party. This took place on a Saturday morning starting with a time of games, then everyone came together to hear the Word, and then their was a meal served. I gave a Christmas message from John chapter one, and we looked at the many ways the beginning verses paint a clear picture of the Savior. It was a fun time together, and we thank the Lord that these precious children heard the Gospel.

Our ministry to the poor also continues while we wait an answer to our visa. We help a few widows and abandoned wives in various ways on a weekly basis. January is when the new school year starts here in Tanzania and the school needs are more than many can afford. Many families need help with getting notebooks, school supplies, school clothes, and some school fees. So the last week has been very busy with many visitors, calls, and texts asking for help to get their kids back to school.

So where do we go from here?

There is a lot that we do not know, but we DO know a few things regarding the near future. IF we are granted our visa, we will continue on with our plan to return to the US late April for a 4 month furlough. IF we are rejected, we will purchase a one-time, 3 month visa for those wrapping up business in the country and return to the US late April. So either way, Lord-willing of course, we will return to the US at the end of April.

We so appreciate all of your prayers and support for the work here, and especially during this time. We know the Lord has a plan, He is at work, and we can rest in His faithfulness.

PSALM 33:11

"The counsel of the LORD stands forever,

the plans of His heart to all generations."