Evangelism Update
Last time we wrote to you was in February after our 3 day seminar on the topic of Muslim evangelism. I am pleased to say that a handful of believers have continued visiting people in the Gungu neighborhood once a week, on Tuesday afternoons. Some continue to show interest but few are ready to make any commitment or decision. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of those who have been blinded by Satan to the truth of the Gospel.
Disciples of Jesus School
A little more than a week after the seminar on evangelism the “Disciples of Jesus” wooden classroom building was broken into in the night and the 18 plastic chairs that we use were stolen. We reported it to the police but nothing has been recovered. We rejoice in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance. Pray that we would continue to rejoice and persevere.
The “Disciples of Jesus” school has continued and the first term will end with an exam on Friday. Then we take a 2 week break before beginning again. We have had 4 ministry trips (see previous post) to village churches with the students this term, which has kept me busy as I drive them to each village. We divided the students into 2 groups and they take turns leading and teaching Sunday School, and preaching (for the men) the short message and the main message. They have done well and we advise and evaluate them each time.
Annual General Meeting
At the end of March our family took the “Express Train” to Dar Es Salaam. We rented a cabin and spent 2+ days seeing the Tanzania countryside. The train is not really “Express” but it is nicer than the old train. When we got there we had our Annual General Meeting of missionaries with Steve and Gill Davies (Echoes of Service) and Harry & Ruth Johnson. As a bonus we got to spend a day at a water park with the kids while there, before returning to Kigoma by train.
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| CMML and Echoes of Service missionaries in Tanzania. |
Visitors
In Dar Es Salaam my parents met up with John Kinlaw and his son Isaac, arriving from North Carolina, who are interested in the possibility of serving God in Kigoma. They flew back together and spent the nearly 2 weeks with us, seeing the different ministries. We really enjoyed our fellowship together and the encouragement they were to us. Pray for wisdom for the Kinlaws as they seek the Lord’s guidance for them in the coming days.
Easter
On Easter Sunday we went to the village church of Sambala. The road was very muddy going and even worse returning as it rained for most of the service. Praise the Lord for His protection, and that we did not get stuck.
Seminar on Family
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, following Easter we have had a seminar on the Christian family, talking about child rearing, husband and wife responsibilities, budgeting and other topics. It was well attended with over 40 coming each day. Pray for God’s word to change the church families for the better, and that Christ’s love and light would shine through them to others.
Our family
Last week we enjoyed a visit from the cousins that live in Burundi, Jesse and Joy Johnson and their boys. They all spent a day sailing on Grandpa's boat and many other outings that mostly involved swimming. Our girls are always eager to take part in any social event and look forward to our weekly missionary meetings, the lunches we share with our unsaved Latvian friend and her daughter, and even the yearly easter egg hung in our yard.
Upcoming
Last week we enjoyed a visit from the cousins that live in Burundi, Jesse and Joy Johnson and their boys. They all spent a day sailing on Grandpa's boat and many other outings that mostly involved swimming. Our girls are always eager to take part in any social event and look forward to our weekly missionary meetings, the lunches we share with our unsaved Latvian friend and her daughter, and even the yearly easter egg hung in our yard.
Upcoming
My father and I have been planning a boat trip to visit and minister in some southern churches. We may be gone 7 - 10 days. Please pray for Gina as she takes care of the 4 kids while I am gone, that God would give her grace and strength. Pray for preparations, last minute repairs, and who to take along to help and minister. Pray for protection, fruitful ministry, and mutual encouragement.
Thank you so much for lifting us up before the Father, the God of miracles.
In Him we trust,
Luke and Gina, Esther, Emily, Aaron and Michael Johnson
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