November Update

Dear praying friends and family, we are rejoicing in the hope of our eternal inheritance which we have in Christ. We have received more blessings from God our Father than we could ever count. We trust you are thanking the Lord as well during this thanksgiving season.

Women's Retreat

In mid-November, Gina had the opportunity to attend a conference in the big city with 50+ other women. Luke and the kids managed just fine without her cooking and cleaning for 5 days while Gina enjoyed fellowship, great teaching and pampering at a fancy hotel. The team that hosted the retreat were very encouraging and generous. Here is a a link to their ministry website: http://www.purejoyinternational.org

Trip to Burundi and Kibondo

A couple hours after picking Gina up from the airport we went on a 3 day trip to Burundi to visit one of Luke's childhood friends, Davidi, whom he had not seen for 15 years. We had a nice time with Davidi and his new bride, as well as with relatives (Luke's brother and uncle and their families). On our way back to Tanzania we took a different route and border crossing we had not tried before, in order to visit a new church plant in the town of Kibondo. We stayed with them for 3 full days, with 2 days of seminars and the Sunday meeting with them. We returned on Monday Nov. 24, very tired, but glad to be home.

Visiting Nyakarago with Davidi and Melissa.

Ladies busy cooking the meal.

Small children being prayed for in the church.

Discipleship Course

We continue faithfully with the discipleship course although 1 more student has traveled, so that leaves only four. We have one more module (Old Testament Survey) for 3 weeks and then our 2nd term will be over. Pray for wisdom for us leaders as to how to proceed next term and in the future as well. We want to be as effective as possible, and pursue God's purpose for us. 

Christmas

There are several things going on for Christmas. The northern churches and the southern churches are each separately getting ready for a 3 day conference; a time for fellowship and encouragement. The youth in the town church plan to lead the church service next week, followed by a year-end celebration to God for having brought us through another year. The following Sunday will be a special Sunday School program service. 

Family

At the moment Gina and all 3 kids have nasty colds and coughs, and Aaron has tummy trouble as well. Please pray for healing for them, and that we would grow in grace and in faith through the many challenges we face. 

We are so thankful to God for those of you who stand together with us in prayer and giving. One day you will receive your reward from the all-knowing Master. Your labor of love will not be forgotten.

In His grace,

Luke, Gina, Esther, Emily, and Aaron Johnson