Well, we've been home now for almost three weeks! I can't believe it. I am missing Africa: the weather, our friends, the children, the work we were doing out in the bush at Naitolia and also at St. Cecilia's. Though I must admit it's nice to be able to brush my teeth without using bottled water. And to use flush toilets on a regular basis instead of the choo or squatty potty. To know that "white gold" or toilet paper is readily available is also a great reminder of the benefits of living in the U.S.A.
Our team is scheduled to share our stories about our trip the weekend of August 21/22 in Wichita at Glenn Park Christian Church, and also Mulvane Christian Church. Times will be shared when they are known. Hope to see some of you there.
Thanks again for those of you who supported us before our trip, during our trip, and during our re-entry into American life. We appreciate you more than you can know!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Home at last. . .
Well the team finally made it home! It was a long journey--fraught with baggage problems, sickness, delays--but after many hours we arrived back in Wichita on Saturday night, June 12th, about 10:00 p.m. I don't know about the rest of the team, but after being back home about a week, I'm just barely starting to get back in the swing of things. My mind is "bongo la la" or brain asleep. I feel like my heart and mind are still back in Africa, while my body is here in the U.S. trying to run on auto pilot.
It was good to see friends and family again and get back into our normal routines, but it takes awhile to process our experiences in Africa, and so it seems we are double-minded at the moment (but not necessarily in a bad way).
How was it?--everyone seems to want to know. And there is no short answer. It was wonderful, and eye opening, and shocking, and extreme. It was heart wrenching, sad, thrilling and rewarding. It was exhausting, uplifting, encouraging, and thought provoking. We will be sharing with you all more in the days and weeks ahead as we process what we've seen, heard, and learned. God will continue to teach us in the days ahead as we remember events, people, and circumstances. We only spent two weeks in Tanzania, but we bring home memories to last a lifetime.
Pray for the team members as we acclimate to our "life as normal" in the U.S. And pray also for Steve, Peter, Rachel Marty, Scola, Polycarp, and the other people in Tanzania that touched our lives while we were there.
We learned after we got back home that Polycarp's friend who was in the hospital passed away. Keep his wife and children in your prayers as well.
Asante sana (thank you very much).
It was good to see friends and family again and get back into our normal routines, but it takes awhile to process our experiences in Africa, and so it seems we are double-minded at the moment (but not necessarily in a bad way).
How was it?--everyone seems to want to know. And there is no short answer. It was wonderful, and eye opening, and shocking, and extreme. It was heart wrenching, sad, thrilling and rewarding. It was exhausting, uplifting, encouraging, and thought provoking. We will be sharing with you all more in the days and weeks ahead as we process what we've seen, heard, and learned. God will continue to teach us in the days ahead as we remember events, people, and circumstances. We only spent two weeks in Tanzania, but we bring home memories to last a lifetime.
Pray for the team members as we acclimate to our "life as normal" in the U.S. And pray also for Steve, Peter, Rachel Marty, Scola, Polycarp, and the other people in Tanzania that touched our lives while we were there.
We learned after we got back home that Polycarp's friend who was in the hospital passed away. Keep his wife and children in your prayers as well.
Asante sana (thank you very much).
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Packing up and moving out
Today is our last "full day" in Arusha. We did some final shopping and then went to Picasso's Cafe for lunch. Some ate potato soup, others chose hamburgers, or salads.
After we came home we started packing. It is with some sadness we are leaving. We've enjoyed our time here and will miss those people we have met during our stay. In other ways we are homesick and ready to come home again, where water is plentiful and clean, electricity is usually available and traffic is not as dangerous and roads are much smoother. Praise God for potholes. Whenever we encounter another pothole in the U.S., we will remember the rough roads here in Arusha, and be grateful that most of our roads are paved and smooth, compared to here, where the majority of the roads are full of potholes and huge craters! The road to Steve's house (which is on the side of Mount Meru) is exactly what you would expect if you were climbing a mountain--rough and rocky. It is not that far from the main road, but you can definitely feel the bumps and jostling as you come up the hill to his house. He's told us we were "squashing his tires" which is true. The right rear tire has a slow leak, which causes us to have to refill it many times during the week. We have indeed "squashed his tires."
After we came home we started packing. It is with some sadness we are leaving. We've enjoyed our time here and will miss those people we have met during our stay. In other ways we are homesick and ready to come home again, where water is plentiful and clean, electricity is usually available and traffic is not as dangerous and roads are much smoother. Praise God for potholes. Whenever we encounter another pothole in the U.S., we will remember the rough roads here in Arusha, and be grateful that most of our roads are paved and smooth, compared to here, where the majority of the roads are full of potholes and huge craters! The road to Steve's house (which is on the side of Mount Meru) is exactly what you would expect if you were climbing a mountain--rough and rocky. It is not that far from the main road, but you can definitely feel the bumps and jostling as you come up the hill to his house. He's told us we were "squashing his tires" which is true. The right rear tire has a slow leak, which causes us to have to refill it many times during the week. We have indeed "squashed his tires."
We just got back from Khan's (chicken in the ditch) where we had our last meal together in Arusha. Breakfast tomorrow will be an a la carte affair at about 4:30 a.m. as we have to load the car and head to the airport by 5:30 a.m. We finished our last devotion talking about our time here and how we need to set apart time to commune with God throughout the day and continue to develop our one on one relationship with him. We also talked about our trip and our time here and what we were able to accomplish.
Now there are some of us munching on Scola's chocolate chip cookies. We will definitely miss her cooking!
Please pray for us tomorrow that our journey will be problem free and on schedule and that we will make it through customs without problem. We are flying from Kilimanjaro to Nairobi then onto London where we will spend the night. Then we will fly from London to Denver and finally back to Wichita. Pray also that our bags will not be lost en route.
We hope to bring our stories, pictures, and testimonies back to you and your churches sometime after our return. It may be a few weeks before we're ready to do so. It will take us some time to debrief, unpack, and ponder our learnings before we're ready to share with you how God has impacted us.
For now we had better get to bed, as 4:00 a.m. will get here shortly! Bwana Asifiwa! Praise the Lord!
Safari
We had a wonderful time on safari, except for the fact that 4 people got sick the second day. The first day we went to Lake Manyara. There we saw giraffes, elephants, monkeys, antelope, hippos, dik-diks, and a variety of birds, flamingoes, and guinea fowl.
We spent the night at the Bougainvillea Resort. It was very lovely and had an outdoor swimming pool. John, Sametta, and Ricky decided to go swimming right after we got there. It was not a heated pool, so it was quite CHILLY. They didn't stay in too long!
When 4 members of the team woke up the next day, feeling quite poorly, we assumed it was food poisoning, we just didn't know the source. We didn't know if it was the boxed lunches we had on the first day of safari, or the dinner at the hotel. So those 4 team members didn't enjoy the 2nd day as much, but they hung in there like troopers.
The second day we went to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a caldera (sunken volcano). We took lots of pictures. We were blessed to see the BIG FIVE, which include the hippo, cape buffalo, lion, cheetah, and rhinocerous. We learned later that it is rare to see them all in one day so we were excited that we were able to see them all.
We returned that evening to Steve's house, tired, dusty, and exhausted, and some still sick. We enjoyed a light dinner of cheese quesadillas and delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies made by Scola. We will miss her tremendously. Steve is indeed blessed to have her help with running the household.
That night during devotions we talked about the wonder of God's creation and how wonderful it is to see the animals in their natural habitat and to see how the circle of life as planned by God is so perfectly choreographed. We saw a pack of hyenas munching on a dead punda-milia (zebra) and birds that perched on the giraffes and other animals, feeding on their parasites. God has it all perfectly figured out.
We look forward to sharing our trip pictures with everyone. Steve is right now loading them all on a CD for us to take home with us.
We spent the night at the Bougainvillea Resort. It was very lovely and had an outdoor swimming pool. John, Sametta, and Ricky decided to go swimming right after we got there. It was not a heated pool, so it was quite CHILLY. They didn't stay in too long!
When 4 members of the team woke up the next day, feeling quite poorly, we assumed it was food poisoning, we just didn't know the source. We didn't know if it was the boxed lunches we had on the first day of safari, or the dinner at the hotel. So those 4 team members didn't enjoy the 2nd day as much, but they hung in there like troopers.
The second day we went to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a caldera (sunken volcano). We took lots of pictures. We were blessed to see the BIG FIVE, which include the hippo, cape buffalo, lion, cheetah, and rhinocerous. We learned later that it is rare to see them all in one day so we were excited that we were able to see them all.
We returned that evening to Steve's house, tired, dusty, and exhausted, and some still sick. We enjoyed a light dinner of cheese quesadillas and delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies made by Scola. We will miss her tremendously. Steve is indeed blessed to have her help with running the household.
That night during devotions we talked about the wonder of God's creation and how wonderful it is to see the animals in their natural habitat and to see how the circle of life as planned by God is so perfectly choreographed. We saw a pack of hyenas munching on a dead punda-milia (zebra) and birds that perched on the giraffes and other animals, feeding on their parasites. God has it all perfectly figured out.
We look forward to sharing our trip pictures with everyone. Steve is right now loading them all on a CD for us to take home with us.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Shopping in Arusha
Today the team hit the streets of Arusha to do some shopping. There was a fine mist during the day and overcast skies. This was actually fine with us as we didn't have to battle the hot sun. Our assistant driver was unavailable in the morning, so all 9 of us crowded into one vehicle. We called our adventure, "A day in the life of a sardine." We loaded some black crates on the top of the vehicle to hold our wares, as there was no room in the vehicle for any extra things. We shopped for shukas, spears, fabric, cashews, coffee, and other gifts. Stan met a man on the street who was homeless and looking for a job. He talked to him and prayed with him. During our devotion tonight we reminded ourselves that we need to continue with our goal of being ambassadors for Christ, both here in Africa while we're still here and also when we get home as we share our adventures, our lessons, our answered prayers, and how God transformed us.
We ate dinner (fortunately we took 2 vehicles as Polycarp, our driver showed up in time for dinner) at a place called Khan's or affectionaly referred to as "Chicken in the ditch." It is a place where they grill the chicken out on the sidewalk and there are a couple of cement tables along the wall of the building. They offered delicious salads, naan, something called Zanzibar pizza, and chicken. We ordered our drinks at the walk up window. The smoke drifted over our table as we discussed the events of the day.
Tomorrow our safari company is picking us up at 8:30 a.m. to take us to Lake Manyara, then the following day we will be visiting the Ngorongoro crater, which has been called the 8th wonder of the world. I won't be updating the blog tomorrow, so you'll have to check for updates on Wed. night/Thursday morning (Tanzania time).
We have been blessed by the many friends we've met, the people we've been able to pray for, preach to, share with. They have touched our hearts, and our spirits. We can hardly wait to come back and share with everyone our adventures. Wish us a safari njema (good journey) tomorrow.
Asante sana (thank you).
We ate dinner (fortunately we took 2 vehicles as Polycarp, our driver showed up in time for dinner) at a place called Khan's or affectionaly referred to as "Chicken in the ditch." It is a place where they grill the chicken out on the sidewalk and there are a couple of cement tables along the wall of the building. They offered delicious salads, naan, something called Zanzibar pizza, and chicken. We ordered our drinks at the walk up window. The smoke drifted over our table as we discussed the events of the day.
Tomorrow our safari company is picking us up at 8:30 a.m. to take us to Lake Manyara, then the following day we will be visiting the Ngorongoro crater, which has been called the 8th wonder of the world. I won't be updating the blog tomorrow, so you'll have to check for updates on Wed. night/Thursday morning (Tanzania time).
We have been blessed by the many friends we've met, the people we've been able to pray for, preach to, share with. They have touched our hearts, and our spirits. We can hardly wait to come back and share with everyone our adventures. Wish us a safari njema (good journey) tomorrow.
Asante sana (thank you).
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Church in Ngarenaro
Today the group went to church in Ngaranero, a slum on the outskirts of Arusha. We first took a tour of the village. We meandered through narrow dirt paths, that were full of rocks, ruts, water, and drainage. Watching your footing was a necessity as the paths were very uneven. We also had to dodge other people on foot along with piki-pikis (motorcyles) that used the paths as well. The houses were very close together and the path just meandered around aimlessly. It was hard to keep any sense of direction on which way you were going. We finally found a pump in an open area where people were paying to get some water. They carried the water in large plastic buckets back to their homes. There were several stores and places of business in the village. We found it interesting when we saw a guesthouse called the Obama Bar & Guesthouse.
Later, we went to the church, a small building that held about 40-50 people. After a wonderful worship service which included a special performance by the choir and the childrens' choir, Stan, Connie & Ricky all shared a brief teaching with the group. Carol & Vernie taught the children--they had about 50 kids crowded into a small room about 10 x 10 feet jammed with wooden benches. At the end of the service, after the children had returned to the main sanctuary, they had all the children come up to the front and the entire congregation prayed for them. I thought that was unique and special. The pastors prayed for protection, guidance, blessing, and wisdom for the children. I guess this is something they do every week.
Then we went out to eat at an Indian restaurant called Big Bite. The entire team ordered several entrees and shared them amongst the team. It was very filling. We enjoyed butter chicken, veggies and rice, garlic rice, grilled spicy chicken, tofu mixed with cheese sauce, and tofu with spinach, and naan--a thin flatbread. It was all delicious. We were joined by Polycarp, our interpreter, and Peter and his daughter, Rachel. Peter was the pastor of the church in Ngarenaro.
Then we came home and had a double wedding vow renewal service. Stan and Connie were commemorating 5 years of marriage, and John & Sametta are getting ready to celebrate their 10th anniversary. We bought several dozen roses and held the service out in Steve's back yard in front of the bird of paradise plant. Peter officiated and his daughter Rachel was our flower girl. Each spouse repeated their vows to one another and the guests "trilled" in the background, making a joyful noise to celebrate the event.
We then had a delicious dinner of spaghetti, homemade bread, and some poppyseed cake.
Now some of the team is watching a movie, while others have gone on to bed to get some much needed rest.
Tomorrow we are going out in the town of Arusha to do some souvenir shopping. Please pray for our safety and that we can find the items we are looking for. Many are shopping for thank you gifts for our benefactors who helped us get here to Tanzania. Let us take this moment to thank all of you for your monetary gifts, your words of encouragement, and your prayers.
We appreciate you!
Later, we went to the church, a small building that held about 40-50 people. After a wonderful worship service which included a special performance by the choir and the childrens' choir, Stan, Connie & Ricky all shared a brief teaching with the group. Carol & Vernie taught the children--they had about 50 kids crowded into a small room about 10 x 10 feet jammed with wooden benches. At the end of the service, after the children had returned to the main sanctuary, they had all the children come up to the front and the entire congregation prayed for them. I thought that was unique and special. The pastors prayed for protection, guidance, blessing, and wisdom for the children. I guess this is something they do every week.
Then we went out to eat at an Indian restaurant called Big Bite. The entire team ordered several entrees and shared them amongst the team. It was very filling. We enjoyed butter chicken, veggies and rice, garlic rice, grilled spicy chicken, tofu mixed with cheese sauce, and tofu with spinach, and naan--a thin flatbread. It was all delicious. We were joined by Polycarp, our interpreter, and Peter and his daughter, Rachel. Peter was the pastor of the church in Ngarenaro.
Then we came home and had a double wedding vow renewal service. Stan and Connie were commemorating 5 years of marriage, and John & Sametta are getting ready to celebrate their 10th anniversary. We bought several dozen roses and held the service out in Steve's back yard in front of the bird of paradise plant. Peter officiated and his daughter Rachel was our flower girl. Each spouse repeated their vows to one another and the guests "trilled" in the background, making a joyful noise to celebrate the event.
We then had a delicious dinner of spaghetti, homemade bread, and some poppyseed cake.
Now some of the team is watching a movie, while others have gone on to bed to get some much needed rest.
Tomorrow we are going out in the town of Arusha to do some souvenir shopping. Please pray for our safety and that we can find the items we are looking for. Many are shopping for thank you gifts for our benefactors who helped us get here to Tanzania. Let us take this moment to thank all of you for your monetary gifts, your words of encouragement, and your prayers.
We appreciate you!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Remembering Marty
Today was the first anniversary of Marty's death. We all went to her gravesite in the morning. Steve bought several dozen roses and we laid them on her grave. I was reminded of my first time in Africa and Marty had gone out and bought roses and placed them in our rooms to welcome us to Africa. A few tears were shed as we remembered her life and legacy. Her grave is on some land that Peter owns. He and his daughter came with us. Her name is Rachel Marty (named after Marty and her daughter Rachel). He explained to us how difficult it was for his daughter when Marty (whom she regarded as her grandmother) passed away. Her own mother had died just a year and a half before Marty's passing. So at the young age of 5, she has already lost two dearly loved people. Marty's body lies next to Cecilia, Peter's wife. We comforted ourselves with the knowledge that she was in heaven, and that she had fought the good fight.
We also got the chance to meet some of Peter's family, including his father.
Later, we went to the grocery store and did some shopping. We stopped at the coffee house to buy some coffee, but they didn't have the kind that Steve recommended, so we plan on going back there on Monday. We also got some gelato which was delicious. We had such yummy flavors as vanilla, double chocolate chip, mango, coconut, and coffee. It was delicious!
Later we came back to the house with some new tennis balls for Sheila, the dog. We grilled some hamburgers on the grill and ate dinner and then after devotions watched a movie.
Tomorrow is church in Ngaranero at Peter's church. Vernie, Carol, and Tina are going to teach the children and Stan, Ricky, and Connie are going to do some preaching. Please pray that we are effective in our teaching and that the Spirit of God anoints us all as we share with the Tanzanians.
We also got the chance to meet some of Peter's family, including his father.
Later, we went to the grocery store and did some shopping. We stopped at the coffee house to buy some coffee, but they didn't have the kind that Steve recommended, so we plan on going back there on Monday. We also got some gelato which was delicious. We had such yummy flavors as vanilla, double chocolate chip, mango, coconut, and coffee. It was delicious!
Later we came back to the house with some new tennis balls for Sheila, the dog. We grilled some hamburgers on the grill and ate dinner and then after devotions watched a movie.
Tomorrow is church in Ngaranero at Peter's church. Vernie, Carol, and Tina are going to teach the children and Stan, Ricky, and Connie are going to do some preaching. Please pray that we are effective in our teaching and that the Spirit of God anoints us all as we share with the Tanzanians.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Suffer not the little children to come unto me
Today was another exciting day. We started the day off with some french toast for breakfast. Then the women headed back to the nursery for another day of playing with the kids, telling them some bible stories about Jesus, singing some songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children." They are all so precious. They told us their names again, their ages and their favorite fruits. One boy's answer was CHOCOLATE! And another girl's answer was SPAGHETTI.
The men (Stan, Steve, John & Ricky) stayed at Steve's house and did some more work with the solar panels and did some steel work. Later Sametta and Tina helped to plant some flowers and plants along the side of the house. Carol & Vernie ventured for a walk outside the compound. Connie took some pictures in her role as official photographer and spent some time writing in her journal and reflecting on her experiences so far.
Connie & Stan ventured out after dark to see the constellation the Southern Cross.
Polycarp was feeling better today so we praised the Lord for that. We were thrilled that he felt well enough to accompany us to the nursery. He did another great job interpreting today.
We visited with Isack (a local regional pastor) who came by to visit. We were disappointed that we could not visit with Asnath (his wife) as she was picking up her daughters from boarding school. They are currently working in Dodoma though their home is in a remote Maasai village named Mairowa. Isack presented us all with necklaces with a map of Africa and told us to be sure and come back and help Steve as he was now alone and needed help and encouragement. He also hoped that we would never forget Africa. I don't think that anyone could ever forget Africa after visiting here. It definitely captures your heart!
Tomorrow we plan on visiting Marty's gravesite. I'm sure this will be an emotional time for Steve as well as those of us who knew Marty. So please pray for God's presence and comfort to be with us as we go.
The men (Stan, Steve, John & Ricky) stayed at Steve's house and did some more work with the solar panels and did some steel work. Later Sametta and Tina helped to plant some flowers and plants along the side of the house. Carol & Vernie ventured for a walk outside the compound. Connie took some pictures in her role as official photographer and spent some time writing in her journal and reflecting on her experiences so far.
Connie & Stan ventured out after dark to see the constellation the Southern Cross.
Polycarp was feeling better today so we praised the Lord for that. We were thrilled that he felt well enough to accompany us to the nursery. He did another great job interpreting today.
We visited with Isack (a local regional pastor) who came by to visit. We were disappointed that we could not visit with Asnath (his wife) as she was picking up her daughters from boarding school. They are currently working in Dodoma though their home is in a remote Maasai village named Mairowa. Isack presented us all with necklaces with a map of Africa and told us to be sure and come back and help Steve as he was now alone and needed help and encouragement. He also hoped that we would never forget Africa. I don't think that anyone could ever forget Africa after visiting here. It definitely captures your heart!
Tomorrow we plan on visiting Marty's gravesite. I'm sure this will be an emotional time for Steve as well as those of us who knew Marty. So please pray for God's presence and comfort to be with us as we go.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Link to photos
Check out our team photos here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=177291&id=511199104&l=91170c17ca
Mungu akubariki (God bless you!)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=177291&id=511199104&l=91170c17ca
Mungu akubariki (God bless you!)
Today's adventures
Today the team split up into two groups. The women went to visit St. Cecilia's preschool. This is Peter's preschool that just opened in January. It is named after his late wife. The women went with Polycarp, our interpreter. We visited with Peter about his vision for the school. He showed us the grounds, the buildings, the new classroom which recently had a tin roof installed. We thought we were going to install the roof while we were here, but it was already done. Peter also shared with us his desire to dig a well. The cost here for digging a well with a machine in order to provide for clean water is $12,000. If he digs the well himself, it will be much cheaper, but the water will be unclean and not usable for drinking as he would not be able to dig as deep. There were about 33 children enrolled at one time, but now the number has dwindled to about 20, with 16 being present today. Many of the families cannot afford to pay the small monthly fee that covers basic expenses and salaries for the two teachers. The small room contained some benches and small tables, and no supplies that we could see. There were some charts on the wall with some English words as English language is one of the subjects they teach there. We were blessed by the children and their eagerness to engage in our Bible storytelling efforts. Polycarp was definitely enthusiastic about his role in interpreting, and turned out to be quite the actor as he enacted some of the stories. Vernie also came into her element as she was an excellent teacher and interacted well with the children. Peter even invited her to stay in Africa and work at the school full time.
The men stayed at Steve's house and worked on the solar panels on Steve's house. They visited the lumber shop and built some more secure brackets for the solar panels. Steve hopes to install at least 2 more solar panels in order to reduce the cost of electricity that he has to pay each month. We praise God that there were no accidents--no one fell off the roof, though there was one member who slipped and almost fell. Apparently, there is a slippery patch up on the roof.
We drove to dinner tonight and had to drive through a rough part of town. Steve warned us about the dangers of hanging out in this area, and immediately locked the car doors. Not two minutes later, as we were stopped in traffic, someone came up to the vehicle, bumped into it, and ripped off the sideview mirror. We were shocked and saddened by this thievery.
We look forward to visiting the nursery school tomorrow. The men will continue to do some labor at the house that Steve needs done.
Continue to pray for our safety and for God's will to be done in us and through us.
Also, our interpreter, Polycarp, was not feeling well this evening so keep him in your prayers that he will recover and be able to go with us to St. Cecilia's tomorrow.
Bwana Asifiwa!
The men stayed at Steve's house and worked on the solar panels on Steve's house. They visited the lumber shop and built some more secure brackets for the solar panels. Steve hopes to install at least 2 more solar panels in order to reduce the cost of electricity that he has to pay each month. We praise God that there were no accidents--no one fell off the roof, though there was one member who slipped and almost fell. Apparently, there is a slippery patch up on the roof.
We drove to dinner tonight and had to drive through a rough part of town. Steve warned us about the dangers of hanging out in this area, and immediately locked the car doors. Not two minutes later, as we were stopped in traffic, someone came up to the vehicle, bumped into it, and ripped off the sideview mirror. We were shocked and saddened by this thievery.
We look forward to visiting the nursery school tomorrow. The men will continue to do some labor at the house that Steve needs done.
Continue to pray for our safety and for God's will to be done in us and through us.
Also, our interpreter, Polycarp, was not feeling well this evening so keep him in your prayers that he will recover and be able to go with us to St. Cecilia's tomorrow.
Bwana Asifiwa!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Naitolia
Went to Naitolia for the second day today. Was a great day as we shared with the Maasai people in the village. We showed a video entitled, the World Without Christians which demonstrated the effect that the church has on the world. Enjoyed some good discussion and questions within our small groups.
The local pastors also held a small worship service after our video sessions. Isack preached and there was also a healing service. It was awesome!!
We came back and ate dinner at a restaurant called Arusha Coffee Cafe. We heard some kind of monkey which was on the roof (we ate outside) and also saw a bunch of bats flying in a tree as we left. The food was very good.
We are still tired. We got one of our suitcases in today, and plan on stopping by the office tomorrow to see if we can claim it.
Tomorrow the women are going to a nursery school and teaching some English and also some Bible stories using flip charts.
The men are staying at Steve's house to do some work with solar panels. In the afternoon we are taking tours of the city of Arusha, running some errands, and doing some money exchanges.
Keep praying!! We are all having a great time.
The local pastors also held a small worship service after our video sessions. Isack preached and there was also a healing service. It was awesome!!
We came back and ate dinner at a restaurant called Arusha Coffee Cafe. We heard some kind of monkey which was on the roof (we ate outside) and also saw a bunch of bats flying in a tree as we left. The food was very good.
We are still tired. We got one of our suitcases in today, and plan on stopping by the office tomorrow to see if we can claim it.
Tomorrow the women are going to a nursery school and teaching some English and also some Bible stories using flip charts.
The men are staying at Steve's house to do some work with solar panels. In the afternoon we are taking tours of the city of Arusha, running some errands, and doing some money exchanges.
Keep praying!! We are all having a great time.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Trip to the bush
Well we traveled to the village of Noritalia today, a remote Maasai village. We set up a projector and screen (a white sheet hung up with twine and held straight with rocks. We then played 2 videos which were followed by small group discussions and further follow up teaching from the video. We had great participation from the people as they asked questions, made comments, and read Scripture in Swahili. It went quite well we thought and we are looking forward to returning tomorrow when we will show the 3rd video, hear preaching from Isack (a local regional pastor) and worship with the Tanzanians. There will also be a healing service so pray that many people will be healed and saved.
Some of us experienced the joy of using the choo (toilet) which consisted of a hole dug in the ground surrounded by tarps to afford some privacy.
We also saw them butchering and cleaning the goats that were part of the lunch provided to those attending the seminar. We hope to have some pictures posted soon.
We are still tired, running on adrenaline, a little sleep, and lots of coffee and caffeine. I think we are still suffering from some jet lag. So pray that we would renew our strength as we wait on Him and that we would have a blessed and productive time tomorrow out in the bush.
Some of us experienced the joy of using the choo (toilet) which consisted of a hole dug in the ground surrounded by tarps to afford some privacy.
We also saw them butchering and cleaning the goats that were part of the lunch provided to those attending the seminar. We hope to have some pictures posted soon.
We are still tired, running on adrenaline, a little sleep, and lots of coffee and caffeine. I think we are still suffering from some jet lag. So pray that we would renew our strength as we wait on Him and that we would have a blessed and productive time tomorrow out in the bush.
Monday, May 31, 2010
First Full Day
Praise Report--we got our luggage finally from the airlines. We are still missing 1 large bag and 1 large carry-on so continue to pray that these are returned quickly. The team members who received their long lost luggage were thrilled to have clean clothes to put on! It was great to take a shower, and put on some CLEAN CLOTHES!! Hallelujah!
Today we prepped for our video trainings that we are going to do out in the bush tomorrow and the next day. Watched the videos in Swahili and had Polycarp explain to us what was going on in the videos so we could ask appropriate questions in the small groups. We then reviewed the set up of the video packs which we will run from a generator in the bush tomorrow. I am amazed that we can use technology to further the gospel--bringing truth to the Maasai out in a remote location. God has provided us with a wonderful tool to proclaim his Word.
We enjoyed a Tanzanian lunch today prepared by Scola and her sister Hilda. It consisted of ugali, rice, and a mash of meat and cabbage. Followed by a dessert of snickerdoodles. Scola is a wonderful cook and we are blessed to have her prepare our meals.
Dinner was at McMoody's--a take off from McDonald's. We enjoyed pizza, hamburgers, fries, and shakes. Yummy!
Pray that we minister effectively to the Tanzanians tomorrow--that we would be led by the Spirit and that the power of the Word would go forth to accomplish that for which it was sent. Pray that hearts and lives would be changed as they hear the Word of God. Pray also for safe travel and that everything would go smoothly as we set up the video packs and tents.
Mungu nakupenda sana! God loves you!
Today we prepped for our video trainings that we are going to do out in the bush tomorrow and the next day. Watched the videos in Swahili and had Polycarp explain to us what was going on in the videos so we could ask appropriate questions in the small groups. We then reviewed the set up of the video packs which we will run from a generator in the bush tomorrow. I am amazed that we can use technology to further the gospel--bringing truth to the Maasai out in a remote location. God has provided us with a wonderful tool to proclaim his Word.
We enjoyed a Tanzanian lunch today prepared by Scola and her sister Hilda. It consisted of ugali, rice, and a mash of meat and cabbage. Followed by a dessert of snickerdoodles. Scola is a wonderful cook and we are blessed to have her prepare our meals.
Dinner was at McMoody's--a take off from McDonald's. We enjoyed pizza, hamburgers, fries, and shakes. Yummy!
Pray that we minister effectively to the Tanzanians tomorrow--that we would be led by the Spirit and that the power of the Word would go forth to accomplish that for which it was sent. Pray that hearts and lives would be changed as they hear the Word of God. Pray also for safe travel and that everything would go smoothly as we set up the video packs and tents.
Mungu nakupenda sana! God loves you!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Finally here. . .
Praise God!!! We finally made it here!! We are so thrilled!! We finally made it to the Kiliminjaro airport at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. We are all suffering from exhaustion I think. Our brains are still in Kansas, but our bodies are here in Tanzania.
I'll give more updates when I get some rest. We had our orientation session with Steve and Polycarp. We were so tired, we kept falling asleep.
Our next prayer request is about our luggage. We got to the airport in Kilimanjaro and discovered that our luggage had mysteriously disappeared. We only had one piece show up amongst the entire team. So please pray for the quick and speedy return of our luggage as it contains our medicines, our clean clothes, sunscreen, etc.
We just lost our electricity--luckily I'm on my laptop with battery power. But my battery is about to die, so I'm going to sign off for now.
Thanks for all your prayers!!! We continue to need them!!! We are excited about our plans for the next week. Tomorrow we're prepping for the video training sessions.
I'll give more updates when I get some rest. We had our orientation session with Steve and Polycarp. We were so tired, we kept falling asleep.
Our next prayer request is about our luggage. We got to the airport in Kilimanjaro and discovered that our luggage had mysteriously disappeared. We only had one piece show up amongst the entire team. So please pray for the quick and speedy return of our luggage as it contains our medicines, our clean clothes, sunscreen, etc.
We just lost our electricity--luckily I'm on my laptop with battery power. But my battery is about to die, so I'm going to sign off for now.
Thanks for all your prayers!!! We continue to need them!!! We are excited about our plans for the next week. Tomorrow we're prepping for the video training sessions.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
In London--halfway there!
Well, we finally departed Chicago around 9:08 p.m. Friday. We all were able to get on the same flight so we were extremely thankful for that--especially Sametta as she was scheduled to fly by herself. TAfter an 8 hour flight, the team is now in London and waiting our departure for Nairobi. We had made plans to go and see some sights in London, but due to the fact that we got here later than our original plans, and then we had to stand in line to get checked in for our next leg of the flight, and it's rainy and overcast today, we decided to stay in the airport instead. This was probably a good idea as we are all tired. It's hard to sleep on those international flights!!
The airport security is a little more strict in London than in the States. Two of the team members were delayed in security due to having liquids in their carry-on bags and we had to do some quick drinking and some re-packing of our items.
So keep praying. We are only halfway there!!!
The airport security is a little more strict in London than in the States. Two of the team members were delayed in security due to having liquids in their carry-on bags and we had to do some quick drinking and some re-packing of our items.
So keep praying. We are only halfway there!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
On our way. . . we hope
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
We met at the church this morning at 11:00 a.m., loaded up the van and went to the airport. We successfully got all our bags checked and made it through security checkpoints. Unfortunately, the first leg of our flight met with some delays.
Because of weather problems in Chicago (we heard tornadoes) our plane arrived late to Wichita. Then once on the plane, there were some wind sheers reported which led to additional delays. When we finally departed, we were about 2 hours behind schedule. We ended up missing our connecting flight from Chicago to London; it left about 5 minutes before we made it to the departure gate. Therefore, we are spending the night in Chicago, and won't be leaving until tomorrow (Friday) to fly to London. Basically, we are one day behind schedule, but should be arriving on Sunday morning instead of Saturday morning in Tanzania at the same time of day as originally planned.
We were blessed by the fact that a church in Mulvane, KS blessed us in the last couple of weeks with some additional funding and supplies. We were able to use this additional funding to help pay for our unexpected expenses of a hotel stay. Also, we have a nice hotel in Chicago with plenty of hot running water, free wi-fi, and sleep number beds--a nice prelude to our expected accommodations in Arusha.
We ask for your prayers as we are currently scheduled to have to split up the team to fly on three separate flights from Chicago on Friday. Obviously, this is not ideal. John is calling the travel agent again tomorrow to see if there is any way that we can all get booked on the same flight, but with 8 of us, and it being a holiday weekend, we don't anticipate this being a realistic possibility.
God is certainly teaching us patience and flexibility and that He is always in control and that we are not!
Mungu akubariki, Bwana Asifiwa
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
We met at the church this morning at 11:00 a.m., loaded up the van and went to the airport. We successfully got all our bags checked and made it through security checkpoints. Unfortunately, the first leg of our flight met with some delays.
Because of weather problems in Chicago (we heard tornadoes) our plane arrived late to Wichita. Then once on the plane, there were some wind sheers reported which led to additional delays. When we finally departed, we were about 2 hours behind schedule. We ended up missing our connecting flight from Chicago to London; it left about 5 minutes before we made it to the departure gate. Therefore, we are spending the night in Chicago, and won't be leaving until tomorrow (Friday) to fly to London. Basically, we are one day behind schedule, but should be arriving on Sunday morning instead of Saturday morning in Tanzania at the same time of day as originally planned.
We were blessed by the fact that a church in Mulvane, KS blessed us in the last couple of weeks with some additional funding and supplies. We were able to use this additional funding to help pay for our unexpected expenses of a hotel stay. Also, we have a nice hotel in Chicago with plenty of hot running water, free wi-fi, and sleep number beds--a nice prelude to our expected accommodations in Arusha.
We ask for your prayers as we are currently scheduled to have to split up the team to fly on three separate flights from Chicago on Friday. Obviously, this is not ideal. John is calling the travel agent again tomorrow to see if there is any way that we can all get booked on the same flight, but with 8 of us, and it being a holiday weekend, we don't anticipate this being a realistic possibility.
God is certainly teaching us patience and flexibility and that He is always in control and that we are not!
Mungu akubariki, Bwana Asifiwa
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Holy Alphabet
Received via email. . .
The Holy Alphabet
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
"I am too blessed to be stressed!"
The shortest distance between aproblem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything
The Holy Alphabet
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
"I am too blessed to be stressed!"
The shortest distance between aproblem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything
Friday, May 14, 2010
12 days and counting. . .
I'm exhausted!!! I've spent the last day and a half trying to get my daughter home from the Czech Republic and I remember anew how taxing international travel can be. There were problems with her itinerary, a rescheduled flight, a missed connection, a scrambling in Canada to get a hotel room where she is having to spend the night, frantic calls with the airline, the paging system at the airport, and the booking agent. Exorbitant luggage fees--so she ended up leaving some of her stuff in Prague and hopefully will get it mailed back to her someday. Even with all the wonder of technology, it was still difficult to connect with her via SKYPE, email, or Facebook, etc. because I didn't know where she was at any moment. And she had stopped her cell phone service when she left the States and it hasn't been reinstated yet. So she was virtually inaccessible.
As I'm finally taking a deep breath this evening, knowing that she'll get some rest tonight before tomorrow's college graduation, I'm wondering if our team will encounter any of the same difficulties and I can only pray--hopefully not ALL of them!
Zech 4:6 It's not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.
All my frantic worrying, agitated phone calls, and untamed stress was really for nothing. I felt totally useless on my end and unable to effect any change or assistance for my daughter as she was traveling. All my might and power was for naught--except for maybe helping to get her a hotel room--but it literally took me 2-1/2 hours to get that accomplished. All this to say, it may be a rough road ahead for our missions trip, but we need to learn a lesson (at least I need to learn this lesson)--that we need to be flexible, adaptable, and trust in God to work out all the details. Expect to be frustrated. Expect things not to go exactly as planned. But ultimately TRUST GOD. He's still in control!
As I'm finally taking a deep breath this evening, knowing that she'll get some rest tonight before tomorrow's college graduation, I'm wondering if our team will encounter any of the same difficulties and I can only pray--hopefully not ALL of them!
Zech 4:6 It's not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.
All my frantic worrying, agitated phone calls, and untamed stress was really for nothing. I felt totally useless on my end and unable to effect any change or assistance for my daughter as she was traveling. All my might and power was for naught--except for maybe helping to get her a hotel room--but it literally took me 2-1/2 hours to get that accomplished. All this to say, it may be a rough road ahead for our missions trip, but we need to learn a lesson (at least I need to learn this lesson)--that we need to be flexible, adaptable, and trust in God to work out all the details. Expect to be frustrated. Expect things not to go exactly as planned. But ultimately TRUST GOD. He's still in control!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
13 days and counting. . .
Let us never forget who we are in Christ and what He's done for us!!
Believe the truth--which is the Word of God, and do not listen to the lies of the enemy.
Ephesians 1:7
I am forgiven--all my sins are washed in the blood.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I am a new creature.
1 Corinthians 6:19
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:13
I am delivered from the power of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10
I am strong in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:4
I am holy and without blame before Him.
Ephesians 1:6
I am accepted in Christ.
Colossians 1:12
I am qualified to share in His inheritance.
Revelation 21:7
I am victorious.
Romans 6:2,11
I am dead to sin.
Jeremiah 31:3
I am loved with an everlasting love.
John 8:31-33
I am set free!
Colossians 2:12
I am raised up with Christ and seated in the heavenly places.
Romans 8:37
I am more than a conqueror!
1 Thessalonians 1:4
I am beloved of God.
1John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one does not touch me.
Romans 8:17
I am a joint heir with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18
I am reconciled to God.
Deuteronomy 28:2
I am overtaken with blessings!
Ephesians 1:13
I am sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2:10
I am complete in Christ.
Romans 8:1
I am free from condemnation.
Colossians 2:7
I am firmly rooted, built up, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Philippians 1:6
I am being changed into His image.
Philippians 4:19
I have all my needs met by God according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 2:16
I have the mind of Christ.
John 6:47
I have everlasting life.
John 10:10
I have abundant life.
Philippians 4:7
I have the peace of God which passes understanding.
Ephesians 2:18
I have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Jesus Christ.
John 14:12
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:4
I possess the Greater One in me because greater is He in me than he who is in the world.
John 10:14
I know God's voice.
Colossians 1:27
Christ is in me the hope of glory!
© Copyright 2001-2007 :: Women of the Well - Deborah Lovett ::
Ephesians 1:7
I am forgiven--all my sins are washed in the blood.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I am a new creature.
1 Corinthians 6:19
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:13
I am delivered from the power of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10
I am strong in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:4
I am holy and without blame before Him.
Ephesians 1:6
I am accepted in Christ.
Colossians 1:12
I am qualified to share in His inheritance.
Revelation 21:7
I am victorious.
Romans 6:2,11
I am dead to sin.
Jeremiah 31:3
I am loved with an everlasting love.
John 8:31-33
I am set free!
Colossians 2:12
I am raised up with Christ and seated in the heavenly places.
Romans 8:37
I am more than a conqueror!
1 Thessalonians 1:4
I am beloved of God.
1John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one does not touch me.
Romans 8:17
I am a joint heir with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18
I am reconciled to God.
Deuteronomy 28:2
I am overtaken with blessings!
Ephesians 1:13
I am sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2:10
I am complete in Christ.
Romans 8:1
I am free from condemnation.
Colossians 2:7
I am firmly rooted, built up, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Philippians 1:6
I am being changed into His image.
Philippians 4:19
I have all my needs met by God according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 2:16
I have the mind of Christ.
John 6:47
I have everlasting life.
John 10:10
I have abundant life.
Philippians 4:7
I have the peace of God which passes understanding.
Ephesians 2:18
I have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Jesus Christ.
John 14:12
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:4
I possess the Greater One in me because greater is He in me than he who is in the world.
John 10:14
I know God's voice.
Colossians 1:27
Christ is in me the hope of glory!
© Copyright 2001-2007 :: Women of the Well - Deborah Lovett ::
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
14 days and counting. . .
Only two more weeks!!
As we get ready these last two weeks, let us be saturated in your Word so that it will overflow from us as we share with others.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5
As we get ready these last two weeks, let us be saturated in your Word so that it will overflow from us as we share with others.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
15 days and counting . . .
There is an old hymn that goes, "Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back."
It seems like we've encountered a lot of opposition even from believers, we've heard some discouraging words, people questioning why in the world are you going to Africa, when people need to hear the Good News right here in America? One answer to that is that we have been called to go to Africa at this time. And we're trying to be obedient to walk through the open door that God has set before us. So even though not everyone is supporting us 100%, we are still going to follow Jesus into Tanzania, East Africa, believing that he has a purpose and plan for us to go.
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
So instead of being "dissed" --disappointed, disillusioned, despairing, discouraged, we are going to remember God's word that says, What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
It seems like we've encountered a lot of opposition even from believers, we've heard some discouraging words, people questioning why in the world are you going to Africa, when people need to hear the Good News right here in America? One answer to that is that we have been called to go to Africa at this time. And we're trying to be obedient to walk through the open door that God has set before us. So even though not everyone is supporting us 100%, we are still going to follow Jesus into Tanzania, East Africa, believing that he has a purpose and plan for us to go.
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
So instead of being "dissed" --disappointed, disillusioned, despairing, discouraged, we are going to remember God's word that says, What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Monday, May 10, 2010
16 days and counting. . .
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:6, 9-11
I pray that God will work in our hearts and lives as we go to Africa. May he use this missions trip to change our hearts, open our eyes, make us more spiritually mature, teach us more about him, and grow us ever more into his image. It's not only those we are going to serve that will be changed, but we will be changed as well.
I pray that God will work in our hearts and lives as we go to Africa. May he use this missions trip to change our hearts, open our eyes, make us more spiritually mature, teach us more about him, and grow us ever more into his image. It's not only those we are going to serve that will be changed, but we will be changed as well.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
17 days and counting. . .
Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God. Isaiah 66:9
I have a friend who is 9 months pregnant. In fact her due date is tomorrow. I saw her on Friday and she looked like she was going to have the baby any moment. As we continue to get ready these last few days before our departure, I'm sure we feel a lot like she does--ready, expectant, eager, nervous, tired. So many emotions will fill us during these next few days. Doubts, worry, excitement, trepidation, fears. Is this really going to happen? Are we ready to "deliver?" The verse from Isaiah 66 above says it all, God has brought us this far--will he not deliver on the plan that he has for us to go to Tanzania? Of course he will. He is still in control and he will help us through our "labor and delivery" as we press on towards our goal of going to Tanzania. So press in, don't doubt!! We're almost there!
I have a friend who is 9 months pregnant. In fact her due date is tomorrow. I saw her on Friday and she looked like she was going to have the baby any moment. As we continue to get ready these last few days before our departure, I'm sure we feel a lot like she does--ready, expectant, eager, nervous, tired. So many emotions will fill us during these next few days. Doubts, worry, excitement, trepidation, fears. Is this really going to happen? Are we ready to "deliver?" The verse from Isaiah 66 above says it all, God has brought us this far--will he not deliver on the plan that he has for us to go to Tanzania? Of course he will. He is still in control and he will help us through our "labor and delivery" as we press on towards our goal of going to Tanzania. So press in, don't doubt!! We're almost there!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
18 days and counting. . .
We are "MISSIONARIES"
I still remember when I went on my first short-term missions trip, and someone called me a "missionary" for the first time. And I thought, NO, NOT ME!! Missionaries are those noble, self-sacrificing, super-spiritual people, I thought to myself. But later, gradually, I realized that I was indeed a "missionary," albeit a short-term one, but a missionary nonetheless. Attending a missions banquet once, a man handed me his business card. His title was "Missions Enthusiast." And I thought to myself, that's what I am, a "Missions Enthusiast." So to all the members of our team, no matter what we call ourselves, we are meeting the definition below:
"A missionary is a person who, in response to God's call and gifting, leaves his or her comfort zone and crosses cultural, geographic or other barriers to proclaim the gospel and live out a Christian witness in obedience to the Great Commission."
— Definition adopted by the International and North American Mission Boards in 2000.
http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.213022/k.16FD/Sending_Missionaries.htm
I still remember when I went on my first short-term missions trip, and someone called me a "missionary" for the first time. And I thought, NO, NOT ME!! Missionaries are those noble, self-sacrificing, super-spiritual people, I thought to myself. But later, gradually, I realized that I was indeed a "missionary," albeit a short-term one, but a missionary nonetheless. Attending a missions banquet once, a man handed me his business card. His title was "Missions Enthusiast." And I thought to myself, that's what I am, a "Missions Enthusiast." So to all the members of our team, no matter what we call ourselves, we are meeting the definition below:
"A missionary is a person who, in response to God's call and gifting, leaves his or her comfort zone and crosses cultural, geographic or other barriers to proclaim the gospel and live out a Christian witness in obedience to the Great Commission."
— Definition adopted by the International and North American Mission Boards in 2000.
http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.213022/k.16FD/Sending_Missionaries.htm
Friday, May 7, 2010
Quote from Margaret Mead
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
I heard this quote today and I thought to myself that our mission team is a small group of thoughtful committed Christians and we hope to change the world when we go to Africa--we want to change one heart and life at a time as we sow seeds of faith, truth and God's love.
I heard this quote today and I thought to myself that our mission team is a small group of thoughtful committed Christians and we hope to change the world when we go to Africa--we want to change one heart and life at a time as we sow seeds of faith, truth and God's love.
19 days and counting. . .
Received this email today and thought it meaningful as we draw ever nearer to our departure date:
My prayer is that as our team goes to Africa, that we will dance with God and allow Him to lead us!
G U I D A N C E
Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
My prayer is that as our team goes to Africa, that we will dance with God and allow Him to lead us!
G U I D A N C E
Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
20 days and counting. . .
What can God do through us?
We were driving home from Wichita last weekend after our most recent missions team meeting. On the way home, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of ineptitude and unworthiness. I thought about our group and wondered why in the world God had chosen us to go and be his ambassadors. What would we actually accomplish for His glory? I suddenly wondered, "What were we thinking?" We weren't "special" in any way. We were just normal, everyday Christians with our hang-ups, imperfections, and self-centered ways, and I thought to myself--there's just no way we can make an impact for the kingdom of God. We weren't good enough, educated enough, or spiritual enough. Then God spoke to me and reminded me about Jesus choosing his disciples. As Jesus was walking along the dusty roads, I can just hear God telling him, "There, see that fisherman over there, mending his nets? Go and call him to follow you." And Jesus probably thought to himself, "Are you kidding me?" And after he had selected the twelve, I wonder if he had moments when he thought--"Is this it? Is this all I'm going to get--these twelve imperfect, sinful men? Are these the ones who are going to go and proclaim the Gospel, taking it to the uttermost parts of the earth?" And I hear God, saying, "Yes, just wait and see--I will use these imperfect vessels to accomplish my will. They just need to be discipled by you, and led by the Spirit, and they will be suitable to go into all the earth and spread the Good News." And so too will we.
We were driving home from Wichita last weekend after our most recent missions team meeting. On the way home, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of ineptitude and unworthiness. I thought about our group and wondered why in the world God had chosen us to go and be his ambassadors. What would we actually accomplish for His glory? I suddenly wondered, "What were we thinking?" We weren't "special" in any way. We were just normal, everyday Christians with our hang-ups, imperfections, and self-centered ways, and I thought to myself--there's just no way we can make an impact for the kingdom of God. We weren't good enough, educated enough, or spiritual enough. Then God spoke to me and reminded me about Jesus choosing his disciples. As Jesus was walking along the dusty roads, I can just hear God telling him, "There, see that fisherman over there, mending his nets? Go and call him to follow you." And Jesus probably thought to himself, "Are you kidding me?" And after he had selected the twelve, I wonder if he had moments when he thought--"Is this it? Is this all I'm going to get--these twelve imperfect, sinful men? Are these the ones who are going to go and proclaim the Gospel, taking it to the uttermost parts of the earth?" And I hear God, saying, "Yes, just wait and see--I will use these imperfect vessels to accomplish my will. They just need to be discipled by you, and led by the Spirit, and they will be suitable to go into all the earth and spread the Good News." And so too will we.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
21 Days and Counting
Only three weeks away! I can't believe it. So many things left to do! So little time! May God prepare us spiritually for this "safari" (in Swahili this means journey).
As we make final preparations, I thought I would refresh our thoughts on WHAT TO PACK--a discussion we had at one of our earlier meetings:
Bible
journal
binoculars
medicines/first aid kit
reading material (book/magazine)
earplugs
sleeping mask
bug spray
sunscreen
hat with wide brim
hand sanitizer
wet wipes
water bottle
fanny pack
camera
passport
immunization record
copies of airline tickets (e-tickets)
neck wrap pillow
skirts for women
lightweight jacket
umbrella & rain poncho
sturdy shoes
carry on bag with at least 1 change of clothing
toiletries
flashlight (if large, will need to put in checked baggage)
anti-malarial meds
list of addresses (for mailing postcards)
world alarm clock
sunglasses
Charmin to go
batteries/extra SD cards for camera
IPOD
towel & washcloth
cash (preferably $50 & $100 newer bills)
aspirin (to take on the airplane to reduce chance of blood clots)
Mints or gum
As we make final preparations, I thought I would refresh our thoughts on WHAT TO PACK--a discussion we had at one of our earlier meetings:
Bible
journal
binoculars
medicines/first aid kit
reading material (book/magazine)
earplugs
sleeping mask
bug spray
sunscreen
hat with wide brim
hand sanitizer
wet wipes
water bottle
fanny pack
camera
passport
immunization record
copies of airline tickets (e-tickets)
neck wrap pillow
skirts for women
lightweight jacket
umbrella & rain poncho
sturdy shoes
carry on bag with at least 1 change of clothing
toiletries
flashlight (if large, will need to put in checked baggage)
anti-malarial meds
list of addresses (for mailing postcards)
world alarm clock
sunglasses
Charmin to go
batteries/extra SD cards for camera
IPOD
towel & washcloth
cash (preferably $50 & $100 newer bills)
aspirin (to take on the airplane to reduce chance of blood clots)
Mints or gum
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
No Favoritism with God
Acts 10:34-35 I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Preach to all nations
Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Are we sharing the Good News with others?
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Are we sharing the Good News with others?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Importance of Prayer Warriors
This story illustrates the critical reason to have prayer partners while you're out on the mission field.
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan ...
“While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I travelled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival In the city, I observed two men fighting, one of who had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time witnessed to him of the Lord Jesus Christ. I then travelled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.'
At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.”
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day that this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
"On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?"
The men who had met together that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were--he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
Psalm 91:1-2,4 (NLT) — Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT) — ... I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
Found on website: http://www.wilsonmar.com/1prayers.htm
on April 14, 2010
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan ...
“While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I travelled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival In the city, I observed two men fighting, one of who had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time witnessed to him of the Lord Jesus Christ. I then travelled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.'
At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.”
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day that this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
"On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?"
The men who had met together that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were--he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
Psalm 91:1-2,4 (NLT) — Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT) — ... I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
Found on website: http://www.wilsonmar.com/1prayers.htm
on April 14, 2010
Spiritual Gifts
The team recently took a spiritual gifts inventory. We are excited about the prospect of using our spiritual gifts during this missions trip to build up the body of Christ.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fundraisers--Wichita area April 8-11
The team is hosting a couple of events this weekend to raise funds for our trip. One is a garage sale from April 8-10 at 2916 S. Euclid Ave, Wichita, KS (a couple of blocks down from Glenn Park Christian Church). Lots of cool stuff! Check it out. Also on Sunday the 11th we're havng a fundraiser at the S&J Diner in Haysville, KS. Time: From noon to 2:00 p.m. Where: 7301 S. Broadway-- Just south of 71st Street in Haysville. All you can eat buffet: Adults: $8.99 Kids 12 & under $3.99. The team will be waiting tables. Hope to see you at one or both events. Tell your friends!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The U in JesUs
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son…
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on?
God stuck U in the name of His Son…
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Our Competence Comes from God
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:2-6
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:2-6
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Info about Arusha
Great link to information about Arusha, the city in Tanzania where we will be staying. I found it of particular interest that the sister cities of Arusha include Kansas City, MO and Durham, NC. This site gives details about the weather, the culture, population, geography, schools, etc. Check it out!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arusha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arusha
Swahili
Swa·hi·li (swä-hē'lē)
n. pl. Swahili or Swa·hi·lis
A Bantu language of the coast and islands of eastern Africa from Somalia to Mozambique. It is an official language of Tanzania and is widely used as a lingua franca in eastern and east-central Africa. Also called Kiswahili.
Swahili. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Swahili
n. pl. Swahili or Swa·hi·lis
A Bantu language of the coast and islands of eastern Africa from Somalia to Mozambique. It is an official language of Tanzania and is widely used as a lingua franca in eastern and east-central Africa. Also called Kiswahili.
Swahili. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Swahili
Tanzania
A country of east-central Africa on the Indian Ocean. Inhabited since prehistoric times and settled by Bantu peoples by the tenth century, most of the region became a German protectorate in 1891 and passed to the British in 1920 as Tanganyika. Zanzibar, a narrow strip along the coast, was a British protectorate after 1890. Tanganyika achieved independence in 1961 and joined with Zanzibar in 1964 to form Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is the capital (until 2005) and the largest city; Dodoma is the designated capital. Population: 39,400,000.//-->Tan·za'ni·an adj. & n.
tanzania. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tanzania
tanzania. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tanzania
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Proclaim His Name in all the earth
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (NIV)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Prayer for God's blessings
Dear Lord,
Thank you that we now have our airline tickets reserved. Now we pray that you will provide the total funding to pay for these tickets and also for the rest of our trip. We have cast our bread upon the water, and we ask that you would bring it back to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over from your storehouses in heaven.
Increase our faith as we wait patiently for your provision.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Thank you that we now have our airline tickets reserved. Now we pray that you will provide the total funding to pay for these tickets and also for the rest of our trip. We have cast our bread upon the water, and we ask that you would bring it back to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over from your storehouses in heaven.
Increase our faith as we wait patiently for your provision.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fundraiser & Plane Tickets
We have a team fundraiser planned for Valentine's Day in Haysville, KS at the S&J Diner from noon to 2:00 p.m. The address is 7301 S. Broadway. So if you're in the neighborhood, stop by for some good food. All you can eat buffet for adults is only $8.99 and for kids 12/under only $3.99.
The team is already getting ready to make our flight arrangements. Please pray for cheap fares and short layovers! I guess the World Cup is going on and the prices are up!
Thanks so much for all your prayers during this preparation time.
The team is already getting ready to make our flight arrangements. Please pray for cheap fares and short layovers! I guess the World Cup is going on and the prices are up!
Thanks so much for all your prayers during this preparation time.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Unreservedly His
"Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly," Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Heavenly treasures vs earthly treasures
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.- Matthew 6:19-21
Consecrated to Him for service
"The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a [wo]man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." Henry Varley
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Help for Farmers in Tanzania
Our daughter-in-law is Executive Director of this organization called Africa Rising. We received an update from them on Facebook:
Subject: Radio-free community development
"The latest addition to the Africa Rising family is FADECO (Family Alliance for Development and Cooperation). Through radio broadcasts in rural Tanzania,they help farmers adopt practices that are both productive and earth-friendly. Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/l/c16c9;www.fadeco.org."
Stan and Connie Dunn
Subject: Radio-free community development
"The latest addition to the Africa Rising family is FADECO (Family Alliance for Development and Cooperation). Through radio broadcasts in rural Tanzania,they help farmers adopt practices that are both productive and earth-friendly. Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/l/c16c9;www.fadeco.org."
Stan and Connie Dunn
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