The New Normal

Life is very different here on the other side of the world. Whether it is goats wandering into the maktaba, petting a zebra from my car window, Sam eating a fish the size of his head, or seeing 5 adults squeezed on one motorcycle (my new record! I don’t to ever expect to see 6!)… yes, life is very different here!

Even though we have been back in Tanzania for almost 6 weeks now and are very settled back into the work here, each day I am reminded in unique ways… yep we are back in TZ. Whether it’s the sound of roosters crowing early in the mornings, the Muslim prayer calls echoing all over town throughout the day, or the crowd of beggars waiting for us as we leave our local market. This is our new normal :)

One thing we will need to get used to is Isaac being away at school for 3 months at a time. We are still adjusting to this “new normal” for us, especially at meal times and family devotions. Thankfully we are able to text with him daily and FaceTime with him at least once a week.

It was great to see Rift Valley Academy for the first time. We were very impressed with not only the facilities, but especially the staff. It was also good for all of us to see where Isaac will live, eat, and sleep. He is in good hands there and seems to be adjusting well. He especially likes that there are several basketball courts!

The work back here in Ujiji is going really well. A few highlights and prayer requests are first of all regarding prison ministry. There is a pastor working in the prisons who is going to start using the Emmaus courses, PTL! Pray for this open door and for fruit among these prisoners taking the courses!

Secondly, we have found a great property in Ujiji near the schools and maktaba for a youth camp. Please pray for God’s protection and clear leading as we begin this process!

Thirdly, the students have returned to schools in TZ after a break. Pray for Gerald and I as we continue teaching through the Gospels over the next few months. Pray for soft and receptive hearts among these children :)

I, John, recently picked up a group of boys from our chapel and drove them to Ujiji for a field trip of sorts to visit the maktaba. Most of these boys had never left their neighborhoods, nor had ever seen Ujiji! They were so excited and we all had a great time watching The King if Glory and reading a Kids EE tract in Swahili together before heading back.

We are so thankful for your prayers and interest in the work of the Lord here! We are excited about the future camp and opportunities this will bring for the Gospel in this area.

We are thankful for this “New Normal” knowing we are all right where the Lord wants us to be (including Isaac!),

2 Thessalonians 3:1

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,”