Teaching the Loved

No human will ever be able to comprehend the weight of the little word “so” as it is used in John 3:16, (“For God so loved the world”) because we will never be able to fully grasp the greatness of the love that it describes. A love that is unconditional, eternal, amazing and relentless. God demonstrated His own love for us by sending His Son into the world to die for us, and take the judgment that we all deserved for our sins.

Much of our ministry here in Ujiji is simply teaching precious souls that they are loved. Whether we are teaching children in the government schools, explaining the Gospel to Muslims in the maktaba, teaching the street boys under a shade tree, or showing the King of Glory, we are teaching precious souls that they are greatly loved.

The first time meeting with the street boys was the same day the President of TZ came to campaign for His re-election. Only five boys came because many were afraid of being thrown in jail again if they were seen on the streets. We played 3 on 3, I shared the Gospel, and these guys got extra water and bananas :) Next week we expect a much larger crowd. I know my labor was not in vain as these guys appreciated hearing about God’s love for them.

I have been busy teaching over these past 2 weeks. Gerald and I are continuing to teach through the Scriptures in two elementary schools. We are in Genesis with one class studying recently where Abraham’s faith was tested as God asked him to offer his only son Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham demonstrated his love for God and his amazing faith as he obeyed, only to be stopped before he actually laid the knife to his son. It would be on that same mountain where many years later, God would offer His own Son for the sins of the world.

As it says in Romans 8:30 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” It is a joy to teach them about the amazing Love of God for sinners.

Also, on Wednesday nights we have our missionary meeting, where missionaries in the area gather together for singing, prayer, teaching, and fellowship. I have had the privilege of teaching the children, (above), and also the adults on separate nights. (Below) This past Sunday I preached at the chapel on “The Love of God”. Elaina decided to sketch her dad while he was preaching :) At least she got something out of the message!

The verse we started with for our message was 1John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” We considered how the days of our lives were written in a book before we were born (Psalm 139:16), that God’s thoughts of us are as many in number as the sand (139:17-18), and how he keeps our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). His love and care for those who know Him is often overwhelming!

Gerald and Harry have a good system in place to grade and record the scores of the Emmaus courses. Several have received certificates for the first and second levels which have 7 courses in each level. Gerald is one test away from his third certificate, and is now grading the level one courses. We praise the Lord for these courses and the way He is using them to feed His flock.

The Lord is working here in Ujiji and Kigoma, revealing Himself and His love to many. We are thankful for these many open doors the Lord has given us here to simply “Teach the Loved”. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer, holding the rope, as we continue in the Gospel work here in Ujiji and Kigoma.

As I write this blog post, several children have gathered together for the afternoon showing of a Gospel film. ❤️

“Let the little children come to ME, and do not forbid them, for such is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19:14