March Update

Dear praying friends and family,

We hope that you have been busy in the master’s service in whatever way He has enabled you to serve Him. In Ephesians 4 Paul tells us that the risen Christ gave gifted leaders to the church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building upon the body of Christ” (v. 12). We feel that this is our special task and calling at this time. Please pray with us to that end. 

Family

Our last general email was the news of Michael’s birth (Mid-February). Since then we have been adjusting to a new schedule of being up in the night and caring for a newborn, as well as taking care of the other 3 kids. This has made home life busy, but we continue to count our many blessings. The older kids are learning to be helpful in many ways and a delighted to have another sibling. However, it is especially hard for Gina and Esther to keep to a regular schedule with homeschool each week day.

Discipleship Course

The discipleship course has been in session since the beginning of March and Peter Y. is currently teaching our 3rd module on New Testament Survey 3 times a week. On some of the Sundays we have been trying to visit the village churches with the students, for their practical experience and to encourage the saints in these locations. Tomorrow we will travel 3 hours to the village of Sigunga along Lake Tanganyika. By the end of this session, Lord willing, we will have our first graduating class in May 2015, and in hope we pray for many more in the future.

One new development is that we are currently in the process of purchasing another property close to the church for the discipleship course’s needs. As we prayerfully seek the Lord we trust that He will guide us and provide for us in the days ahead.

Students teaching SS kids.

Besides the daily burden of helping people with their many needs we have begun the long process of renewing our work permit, so that we can continue to serve the Lord in this country. Please pray that another 2 year work permit would be granted to us. At the same time there have been motorbike and car repairs, as well as leadership and ministry meetings. Please pray that we would be renewed and strengthened in our inner man each day, in order to accomplish God’s purposes for us at this time. We need wisdom, patience and love in all things.

Upcoming

Next week we will make a 2 day drive up to the city of Moshi, for the Annual General Meeting with our fellow missionaries. Lord willing, we will meet up with Luke’s parents (Harry & Ruth Johnson) who are returning from the US after Ruth’s heart operation. After the meeting Gina, Michael and I will fly to Dar Es Salaam to visit the US Embassy and  work on Michael’s legal documents, before returning to Moshi and then driving back to Kigoma. 

Please pray for us in these travels: 

1. For safety and that the old car would run well

2. For our meeting with fellow missionaries, that it would be profitable 

3. For Michael’s paperwork

And do not forget to pray for the Tanzanian church, especially for the leaders, that many who are sleeping would wake up and serve the Lord with humility, sincerity, and gladness.

Believers in the village of Kahwibiri.

Thanks for reading and partnering in prayer with us in the work of the gospel.

In Christ,
Luke, for the family