Weddings

The bride and groom are never to lift a finger. Their assistants are there to fuss over them. Like, wipe the sweat from their faces, adjust the veil, and adjust the "cool" sunglasses. The bride does not show emotion and has her eyes downcast at all times and bows low to her husband at the appropriate times. The groom however is more free to "be himself".

Attendants fussing over Abeli and Bernadeta.

The "Icky, Mud-wedding"

On Saturday we attended a wedding in a nearby village. Our car was loaded with people as we headed out at 9 am to get there in time for the ceremony that was to start at 10 am. Just before noon the bride finally arrived with her attendants and proceeded to the nearest house to finish getting ready. An impromptu meeting was started while we waited for the bride, and the rain started to pour! The man leading the ceremony eagerly called for the bride, asking that she'd come because we had all waited long enough. She finally made it out, under umbrellas and some 3 girls helping her keep the white dress from getting all muddy. 

Bernadeta, the bride being escorted to the chapel.

The rain never let up, and the walk to the reception was a mucky mess. 

People trying to stay dry during the reception and walking barefoot for a better grip.

Finally wanting to head home after 4 pm we made our way to the car to find that the kids had tried their hand at some "mud art" on the windows of our car. So, the wedding will go down in history, as Esther likes to call it: "the icky, mud-wedding".

May 1, 1915 - Sept. 13, 2011

Eleanor Loizeaux Johnson passed into the presence of her Savior on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 2:40 AM.

Grandma enjoying a sail with her son Harry.

Visiting Grandma in Virginia July 2011

Our last visit with Grandma this summer was especially sweet. She was up early, making her mile-long walk before the heat of the day. At meal times we lingered at the table to chat. She was happy to meet Emily and watch Esther in the pool. She spoke of loved ones that weren't following the Lord, and you could see that her heart was really burdened for those individuals. She wanted to know of the work in Tanzania and how Luke was managing with the many teaching engagements, glad that he was using his spiritual gift. She encouraged me (Gina) to devote my time to my children during their young age. That visit will never be repeated, but we're so glad we could see her one last time this side of Glory. We will miss her greatly.

August Update

Our month in Moshi has come to an end. Tomorrow we load up the car and drive to Kigoma. We are eager to get back after being away for 4 months, including our furlough.

The main purpose for our stay in Moshi is so that Luke can teach at BBC. 

Last year Luke taught the first year students-- 2 of them. However this year, there are 31 first-year students. A huge answer to prayer! The classrooms don't look so barren and it's encouraging to see the desks being used by men and women studying God's Word. 6 of the students come from the Kigoma region. Luke is right now finishing up his Survey in Basic Christianity class by grading the tests. 

Last week church leaders from northern Tanzania gathered for meetings that serve the legal purpose of the assemblies. But they also enjoyed the Bible teaching and the mutual encouragement among brothers. 

The men who attended the week-long meetings. + the cooks, who wanted to be in the photo.

Please pray for safety on our road trip across Tanzania. 

Pray that we'd settle in quickly into life and responsibilities that await us in Kigoma.

We really appreciate your prayers.

In Christ,

Luke, Gina, Esther and Emily

Grandma Eleanor

Uncle George and Grandma relaxing in the July heat.

Esther fondly remembers visiting Grandma Eleanor in Virginia and even took pictures with her disposable camera. We just got word that Grandma had a stroke. This is after a long week of adjusting medications due to a heart problem and were waiting to put in a pacemaker. Please pray for her, and for the family.

In Moshi for a month

BBC students doing a "team building" activity; they managed to balance 10 screws on the head of another screw.

We are in Moshi, (northern Tanzania) for a month. Luke is busy teaching two courses to 31 students at Berea Bible College (BBC). This is the first time the college has had so many students and it's a big answer to prayer. Last year Luke taught only 2 students, so this increase has changed the dynamics of the classroom.

Back to Tanzania

We are in NJ, at the CMML "mansion" and having a wonderful time. Tomorrow, Monday the 25th we head to the airport to get on a British Airways flight that will take us to London and then a second flight that will take us to Dar Es Salaam, TZ.

The boxes and suitcases we mailed on ahead arrived OK except one. A box was broken into and Luke's amplifier was stollen. So Luke might make his way to the FedEx office in town tomorrow to report that something was missing from one of the boxes.

Our 3-month furlough was a first for us. We enjoyed our visits to Chicago, Dubuque, Seattle, Yakima, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Melbourne, FL., Brooksville, FL., Columbia, SC., Charlotte, NC., Roanoke, VA., Baltimore, MD., and Belmar, NJ.

3 months seemed like a good length, for some it may seem long and for others short. That is what worked for us this time, and we'll just see what happens the next time we come State-side. Doing both West and East was a push, but I'm glad we did it.

Looking forward to getting back. Esther is excited. Emily could care less!

Pray for us as we travel. Thanks.

June

Dear Praying friends,

Greetings from the north west USA. One month into our furlough and we're starting to feel at home, just in time for packing up and getting back on the road!

It's been encouraging to visit with friends and see many fellow believers while we share about the Lord's work in Tanzania. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Tanzanian church. Annual meetings for the elders in our area are taking place these 3 days. “Wings of the Morning” sailing ship will be re-launched this coming week and moored in a safer harbor, Lord willing. And dad and mom Johnson are busy moving house once again.

Our girls are adjusting well to so many changes and all the traveling. Emily was sick during our first week, but has recovered and is now back to her wiggly self with two new teeth. Esther loves playing with so many new friends and looks forward to her Sunday School class we've consistently attended for the past 4 weeks. Pray for us as we pack boxes and suitcases to send on ahead.

Thank you for your prayerful support, we really appreciate it.

Serving The Highest Master,

Luke, Gina, Esther and Emily Johnson

My fun girl...

Seeing snow!

In a BIG bathtub, so they are both able to be in at the same time.

Running around EBC campus.

Picking a wedgie... it was a faze and I'm glad it's over!

Emmaus graduation

Congratulations Joy, Christopher and Amanda!

Christopher, the graduate with his sister.

Christopher and Mom.