December Update

Christmas 2013

Dear family and praying friends, we are thankful to God for giving us another year to serve him on this earth. This may be the year Christ returns to take us to be with him! Let us work while it is still day, because the night is coming when no one can work (John 9:4).

The Holidays

Our family was able to celebrate Christmas in Burundi with Luke's parents and 2 brothers, Jesse & Danny, and their families. We enjoyed our time together, although some of the travel plans had to be changed due to a flu that we passed around generously. We returned to Kigoma, Tanzania for the New Year and are now looking ahead to more ministry.

Ministry

On Sunday, Jan. 5, Luke & Esther went to the village of Songambele along with some of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. They baptized two new believers, a young man and a young woman. Afterwards we were able to meet with the leaders of the church and of the different ministries and help them to evaluate how things are going, and see where the needs are that we can help out with. It was a good time of discussion and we thank the Lord for their growth so far. 

On Friday, Jan. 10, Luke was able to sit down and discuss plans with Peter Yamungu (one of the deacons) for starting a discipleship course for the youth. The discussion went very well and we hope to include others in this planning stage. Please pray with us that God would clearly guide in each decision, and that His perfect will would be accomplished in and through us. Pray for protection from the attacks of the Enemy who will no doubt oppose this endeavor, and for unity of purpose and vision among us.

Next week Luke plans to go by boat with his Dad to the village of Kigalye for follow up on the evangelism done twice last year.

Family

In December Gina and I celebrated 8 years of marriage, and Esther completed 7 years of life. We praise the Lord for his kindness to our family. Gina continues to homeschool Esther, who is in the first grade. Esther especially loves the books and stories that they read for school. Emily loves to play with Esther and also with her brother, but is often bored when Esther is in school. Aaron is eating solids now but has not yet attempted to crawl from his sitting position.

Furlough

Praise: We were able to purchase tickets for our furlough this summer. Please pray for us as we attempt to make a schedule for our time there. We look forward to seeing many of you during that time as the Lord permits.

It is our prayer that we will each serve our King and Savior faithfully in this new year.

With Christian love,

Luke, Gina, Esther, Emily, and Aaron Johnson

Aaron's first Christmas

"Drummer boy"