You Gotta Meet Philipo & Marta Siasi!

This energetic pastor has been making great use of the two of the tools we brought in June.  He has audio scriptures (from World Mission in Grandville, MI) in 2 languages--Iraqw and Datooga/Barabaig.

With just one of these units in the Iraqw language, Philipo has started 6 listening groups, in which they first hear a Scripture passage and then follow up with teaching or questions for further understanding and application.

That's right! Philipo travels every night to different areas to disciple these 6 groups!

As the pastor of a local Pentecostal church, he has also taken his church leaders (elders and group leaders) as well as other pastors through the Activation International Discipleship Class. And there is fruit!...

Petro Nehu (pictured here on the far right) was originally one of this church's evangelists; however, the church leadership has sent him to live among the tribespeople in a nearby Barabaig village. He has learned the language and has immersed himself there, where he is now utilizing the second audio unit as a kind of missionary tool to the usually-resistent Barabaig.

Petro's strategy is to take the audio Bible to places in the village where people gather, and there he begins to play it out loud. In no time at all, people begin to gather to listen. Oh, they do love a good story! Peter tells us that over time a few have begun to ask questions, leading some of them to convert to Christianity! Praise the Lord! God is beginning to build His church in this "unreached people group."

Though she is quiet and graceful, we came to see that Philipo's wife Marta is indeed a strong and capable partner for Philipo. She also has used the church's audio scriptures among some of the women in Dawari.

She was especially blessed with one of the gifts we brought to them in their home. In addition to a Christmas card bearing the group picture from the discipleship class, I brought in a small paper gift bag containing several pair of reading glasses. I asked whether either of them might benefit from them. The excitement in the room was vibrant!

Quite quickly, Philipo found a pair that would help him very well. Then hesitating, as if waiting for permission, Marta's eyes began to well up with tears. We welcomed her to try them, as well. After trying one pair after another, she finally set upon her specific strength: +2.75. With tears coming down her cheeks, she explained that we don't even understand what a blessing this is for her. She had gotten to the point of being almost unable to read her Bible, except in the very bright light outdoors. She and her husband had been praying earnestly for glasses; yet, out in the remote "bush," she knew that her dreams of ever receiving such a modern, urban blessing were almost impossible.

When we arrived with our seemingly-meager gift of a few pair of reading glasses from the Dollar Store, she knew that we were merely God's delivery service, meant to find her even in her home and give her God's answer to her prayer. She sat there for a few minutes, unable to speak and unable to contain the tears.

As we prayed together for their ministry, for their marriage and family, and for their church's outreach, the Holy Spirit bound our hearts together. Thus, as we were leaving, Marta asked Susan to wait just a moment, as she ran back into the house. One minute later, she emerged dressed in a different wrap, and she presented Susan with the gift of her own special, Barabaig shawl. This prayer shawl, carrying the tears of a true intercessor, is a real treasure to our team.  

Unity in Prayer!

Before we left Gendabi one morning, a small group of intercessory pray-ers walked us by way of a thin wisp of a footpath out to a plot of land where they plan to build a new building--a prayer house! These men are strong in prayer, having seen the effects and freedom in their lives and in others in the village.

A few of them have been to our teaching conferences and the growing movement toward unity in this region has been stirring them. Thus, they began meeting cross-denominationally, even house to house, praying together for healing, for blessing, for deliverance, for comfort, for direction. Over time, the group has grown in spiritual strength and in number. They share together the victories as well as the challenges, and spend concentrated time in prayer for each other. 

One pastor shared with the group a vision he had of finding a place where pray-ers of any denomination could go, any time of the day or night…a place dedicated solely to prayer. And of course, they prayed about it! Without much hesitation, they began to contribute money from their own pockets (not from the church's coffers!) to make the initial purchase of the land.

They were eager for us to see the plot, eager for us to join them in a prayer of blessing in this place. (Wow, there are very few pictures of me, aren't there? But I was there, really!) We walked its boundaries and dedicated this place to be a beacon within the community. God spoke to the group through a prophetic word, and confirmed it within the group through His Biblical Word. What a privilege it was to join them and be a part of the unity in prayer! In this village that has long struggled under the consequences of generations-held devotion to false gods, the churches in Gendabi are building a Godly stronghold in their community! May it be strategic in overcoming Satanic strongholds and may it usher in a season of spiritual harvest for the Kingdom!

Look closely at these prayer warriors. 

Pray with us for these spiritual pioneers who are taking new territory
for the Kingdom of the One True and Living God. 

Pray for their unity. 

Pray for strength and encouragement. 

Pray for discernment and wisdom. In Jesus' name.

Meet Gabriel Magang

Our dear friend Gabriel is a very busy man. He fulfills many roles in his community and indeed the entire region.

·   He is pastor of the Gendabi Village Lutheran Church, on the northern slopes of Mt. Hanang.

·   He is current chairman of the Unity Committee. In this position, he brings strong leadership to the association of ministry leaders in the area; but he also assists in the organization and development of Activation International's conferences and training classes.

·   He is overseer of 7 branches (church plants) which spread down into the valley. 

We had the joy of meeting with him and his wife in their home as they served us a generous meal. (They continuously offer us more food. They just can’t understand why we don’t eat more!)

We heard Gabriel's testimony of God's calling on his life even at an early age. Christianity was foreign to his family's pagan beliefs, and he faced serious trouble for his pursuit of God. However, he had experienced the One Who answers even the prayers of a child, and he was determined to know that God!

Though he had very little schooling, God opened up opportunities for him in leadership. While he never had to seek it out, he was often being pushed forward by friends and colleagues. As Gabriel was faithful, God paved the way for him; and now in his old age he is a true leader in his community, in his denomination, and even among fellow-ministers throughout the Manyara Region.

One morning during our visit to Gendabi, he invited us to his home for breakfast (More food!) He asked several local pastors to join us, and together we enjoyed sweet Christian fellowship. We had prepared ourselves to be there for just a short time, to visit and talk about what God is doing in this village. However, our "short breakfast meeting" turned into a 7 hour Bible study and prayer group, as we delved into the Word of God together! Bob had a particularly wonderful time sharing some of the new things that he has been studying. By the time our visit was done, we were exhausted...but they were energized and ACTIVATED!

Truly Gabriel's home is a place for cross-denominational fellowship, spiritual nurture, and discipleship. Every day, he had local church and village leaders stop in for chai. He helps to guide them in understanding the Word and Biblical principles. I'm convinced that his house should have a revolving door!

One God and Father of us all! (Eph.4:6)

We had the privilege of greeting the Dawari village Lutheran Church (one of seven daughter churches of the Gendabi village Lutheran Church, under the oversight of Gabriel Magang). What a heart-warming experience for us to join with the family of faith in this remote village! As we have worshipped with various denominations in the Mt. Hanang area, we have the privilege of experiencing the richness and diversity of worship styles. We can see some of the "customization" that each church has: different music styles, different backgrounds, different tribes. However, there is a certain sense of commonality when we realize that we (American, Iraqw, Barabaig, Gogo) are family--children of God.

Once again, during the service, a time of prayer was designated for the small bags of grain brought by the congregants. Because this is a subsistence farming area, every kernel and every seed represent the potential of food. These believers brought their potential to the church for prayers of blessing, since planting will begin in the coming days as the fall rains are anticipated.

(Sorry, I did not feel the freedom to take pictures in this church. Because it is a very remote village, even our presence as strange, white foreigners seemed to be enough of a distraction. We in no way wished to draw attention away from the service.)

The time of Sunday offerings is a very formal time in the Lutheran church here, with each person coming one at a time to bring their offering to the designated basket in the front. Many of these people do not deal with money in their day-to-day lives; thus, for those without money, an offering is still brought--mats woven from the grass plains, bags of beans or grain, even chickens and goats, presented to the Lord as an offering of their means.

When the service had finished, the congregation spilled out to the shade of the surrounding trees. Non-monetary items received in the offering were then presented in a sort of auction style, and anyone in need of these items had the opportunity to purchase the beans...or maize...or chicken. Money gathered in this manner was then added to the offering money, and the family in need was privileged with this special blessing.

Even I was able to purchase an intricately woven grass mat--my new prayer mat!. I met the elderly woman who made it. I thanked her for the detailed work and for her gift to the Lord. She felt honored to have given it to the Lord. I felt honored to be blessed with it. And the church was blessed to add to its offering.

Note: Neema, to whom I introduced you in the previous post, is one of two evangelists at this church.

Meet Neema, a Woman of Influence

Neema is a wonderful woman of God whom we have known for several years; however, we were blessed to become even more acquainted with her this summer at the Discipleship Class in Katesh. She brings an energy and joy to the room; and her spiritual hunger for God is evident as soon as we begin teaching, as she leans forward in her chair and prepares to absolutely absorb the teaching like a sponge.

In her church, Neema holds the position of Evangelist, but in the village of Dawari she is known and respected as the Chairwoman. It is in this position that she advocates to regional authorities for the needs of the village and assists the villagers in obtaining land and settling disputes.  How fortunate for these people to have a godly woman as a leader in their community!

Neema has a strong heart to help the Barabaig within her district. Because the government has recently built a school in a bordering Barabaig village, she has been encouraging families and their children to prepare for their future by allowing their children to be educated. (These will be some of the first educated and literate Barabaig children!) She loves them and wants to see them survive and THRIVE as a people-group that is loved by God. So though she is happy to be involved with many responsibilities both in her church and in her village, she prays for a time when some of those burdens may be released so that she can pursue God's work among the Barabaig tribe more whole-heartedly.

As she served us a generous meal in her home, her husband Petro (obviously proud of his wife) regaled us with stories of her ministry and influence: how she has been a help to so many, how even the village men appealed to the area government to ask for her to be the local chairperson. She is a wonderful leader and also a wonderful wife and mother. Together, Neema and Petro possess a great deal of wisdom and a strong understanding of practical and Godly ways to help meet needs and to teach new ways that will assist their personal and collective economy.

Please pray for their daughter Rachel (pictured here between Bayo and her sister Upendo), who is faced with special challenges in life because she is unable to hear. Although she is deaf and has had no benefit of education, she is quick, has spunk, and has a sweet disposition. Susan played ball with her in the yard for a few minutes, and Rachel took to her quite quickly!

Before we left, we took a few minutes to pray for healing for Rachel's ears and for quick development to "catch up" to others. Please join us in this prayer as we seek God for the health and future of this beautiful young woman.

Tire Trouble *sigh*

This week we were blessed to be able to borrow Paul's car to travel to the areas of Dawari, Gendabi, and Basotu.  What a blessing it was for us!  We packed our food and belongings and all crawled (or, quite honestly squeezed) into the little Escudo. The roads to the more remote villages can be kind of fun...and can be a bit of a challenge at times.

The morning after we arrived in Gendabi, we went outside to find that a rear tire of the car was flat.  It took most of the day to discover that this particular kind of tire was not able to be repaired locally, nor was there a new tire to be purchased for at least 50 kilometers! Though we had a spare that we could put on the car temporarily, the conditions of the bush roads warrant that one should never travel without a spare!

In the end, our dear friend and ministry partner Bayo climbed onto the back of a motorcycle (a village taxi). Then, carrying the flat tire behind him also (just imagine it--2 people and a car tire on a 125! Wish I could have gotten a picture of that!), Bayo rode to another town where he worked to figured out how to repair the tire and returned it to us by evening. 

A New Arrival in Paul's Home

Bob got a chance to help Paul install his new Sawyer water filter. Paul had been hearing from others about this filter, but until now he was unable to acquire one for himself.

This $50 filter will save lots of time and money for his family. They will no longer have to wait for the sediments to "settle out" after bringing water to the house. They will no longer have to gather extra firewood each day for the fire (or worse yet, pay an extra $22 per month for a large bag of charcoal), nor will Paul's wife have to boil the water thoroughly in order to kill parasites and bacteria. They do not have to wait for the water to cool before they can drink it. All in all, this filter will pay for itself in just 3 months, and that's only the financial savings! The labor that is saved is significant, especially to a very busy family like theirs. 

If many more people owned a filter, Tanzania would save many trees from being cut down. The air quality would be spared from the smoke produced from charcoal and heat. Many babies would not die from contaminated water, the leading cause of infant mortality throughout Africa. Within minutes, pure, fresh, good-tasting water is available. The filter is easily back-flushed to clean it; and with no moving parts, the filter will continue for years to come!

Nevertheless, the initial price tag for a filter is too steep a climb for half the pastors, however convinced they are of the benefits.

Meet Paul Mlayda

We had originally met this gifted leader at the Discipleship class in June, and he has absolutely RUN with it! By August we were already beginning to hear stories about his progress. Now, because of his excellent English and his heart for the ministry, we were able to work with him for a few weeks in November while Bayo was unavailable. As we sat and visited with him and his dear wife, we could see how his countenance lights up when we begin to talk about God and how He is at work.

He showed strong leadership potential even at an early age; and by the time he was in his 20's, he was employed with the Tanzanian national farms. Though he was not yet a Christian, he was a faithful worker, and his strengths and natural abilities gained him favor in the workplace. However, he had a serious weakness in his life prior to his conversion: alcohol.

As he rose to management level with the government farms, there were some of his coworkers who became jealous of his success. Knowing his habit of going to the local bar, they devised a plan to slip poison into his drink. The slow, agonizing effects of that poison were horrible, but Paul remarks that this was when God got ahold of his life. His debilitation led him to seek out a local Lutheran pastor he knew, Gabriel Magang (you will meet him soon!). Gabriel came to his bedside at the hospital and spent much time praying for him. As the Lord healed his body, he found his mind becoming transformed as well, and his attraction to alcohol was broken.

Paul's face brightens as he recalls that God's healing of his body was only the beginning of Paul's life transformation! --body, soul, and spirit! From that same year, he began evangelizing everyone he could talk to!

Today, Paul is a strong community leader in Katesh. He has a multi-pronged approach to his ministry efforts, however.

• He knows and understands the need for ministry leadership training. Thus, several years ago, he committed to unity with others in Katesh to organize a cross-denominational intercessory prayer group, where an average of 40-50 people meet for training and prayer 3 nights a week. He says that very strong leadership is growing out of that prayer group, and it is out of that prayer group that many very strong evangelists have emerged.

• Three years ago, Paul and these other evangelists began open-air evangelistic meetings. These have become very fruitful, at times gathering up to 1500 people in villages and towns around Manyara Region to listen to the Gospel! During these rallies, the evangelism team meets each morning to pray for the preaching team and for the people who will attend. By mid-morning, all the pastors of the local churches are encouraged to join together for a bit of training and some preparation for any who may be making commitments to Christ during the meetings. Around 4pm, lively Christian music begins to alert the community, and people come from every direction to participate and listen to the teaching. 

Results vary from community to community, but Paul is thrilled that so many give their lives to Christ in every place! He even reported 46 conversions in one evening rally this September! 

(I can't wait to tell you more stories; but for now, I must move on.)

Complications of "bush travel"

Traveling in the bush has it’s challenges, 

one of which is lining up the needed elements to be able to upload a blog entry. 

With all the technology available at our fingertips in America, 

it may seem hard to imagine being in a place where the internet is 

either completely unavailable or the bandwidth is so low it cannot even send a simple email. 

Radio towers still need electricity, and we also need electricity 

to charge our computers and phones if they are to be of any use to us, 

not to mention the need for modems with enough power to connect to the internet.  

This week, several days in the more remote bush areas have rendered us incapable of blogging, 

so please bear with us as we work to catch up on the interim days 

when we travel back to more accessible areas to purchase supplies and prepare for more travel.

Home Sweet Home...kinda

We have enjoyed being back in Katesh. We had spent much of June in this house; so we knew well what to expect. Although we are not headquartered from this village, we have found a comfortable place where we can get work done during the day, utilize clear phone and internet signal (yes, even to update the blog!), and rest well at nights.

But one of the features we especially like is the gorgeous scenery and sunsets. Night after night, we witness the heavens declaring the glory of God!

. . .Thus, we seem to return here every time we have a break in our schedule for a day or two. 

Meet Philipo and Danford

Pastor Philipo and his head elder Danford both attended our Discipleship Class in June. They felt the training they received was a breath of fresh air, encouragement not to give up or lose heart. They have been called by God for a purpose. When they follow Jesus their Rabbi, He will make their pathway clear.

We sat over lunch with them, and though the language barrier was a bit difficult at the beginning, within just a few minutes we all got used to the rhythm of conversation and started to enjoy ourselves. The aim of our visit, however, was more than just small talk. As we began to talk about the struggles and the successes within the church, it became clear that our visit was very timely. Discouragement had begun to nag at them.

The ministry is very difficult. When Philipo was sent to Katesh to start a church years ago, God had given him a very strong ministry vision in a dream; however, as time has gone on, he was beginning to doubt because despite his efforts and his faithfulness, thing just weren't "panning out."

For the next hour and a half, we prayed together and coached them through some of the struggles.

• ·         The spirit of unity between Philipo and Danford bound them firmly together. Both of them are committed to working together and holding each other up.
• ·         God renewed His vision for this church, and refreshed them with more clarity.
• ·         Both leaders understand the next steps to take in the growth and development.

We were delighted to see the faithfulness of the Lord as he has led these men to make an impact in their community.  Clearly, the Lord has been leading them, both through His Word and through dreams and visions. He has a clear plan. And though He has been leading them and their church through a period of tearing down old foundations built on wood, hay and stubble, they are poised and ready to build something new, based instead on the unchanging foundational truth of the Covenant of God. 

As we left, they expressed their deep gratitude to us for coming, but more importantly their thanks to God for encouraging and building HIS church.

Blessing for the Harvest

Near the end of the service, a special prayer was arranged. All those who were preparing to plant their fields in the coming weeks brought some of their seed. Bob held up this bag of combined seed, presenting it to the Lord. They bowed their heads and asked for God's blessing and for a fruitful harvest.

Even in the back of the church, the women joined in prayer...blessing the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness, and asking for His provision for the future. What a blessing it was for us to join with them and look together to the Lord of the harvest.

Yes, the rains are beginning, which soften the ground enough to plow and then plant.  These dear people recognize their partnership with God and ask for His blessing on the seed before it ever goes into the ground, looking forward into the time of harvest.

Elder Danford gave a short exhortation regarding evangelism. His heart as an evangelist becomes so clear when he speaks, and the congregation responds verbally with "Amen" and "Hallelujah" and an exuberant tongue-fluttering cheer to the Lord.

Then it was time for Pastor Philipo to proceed with his message. The atmosphere changed once again, as this strong shepherd addressed the flock with care and concern, teaching them the word of the Lord.

I couldn't help but notice Pastor Philipo's Bible. Though weathered and worn, it seemed to me to be strangely beautiful for the wear, bespeaking the years of prayer, years of use, years of relationship with his God.  

Our First Sunday in Tanzania

The Church of God in Katesh portrays a typical dilemma for the pastor.  The congregation that had been meeting in his home for 10 years had outgrown the severe limits of the four walls of his residence.  Building a church structure made sense. 

But today, the few benches inside give the hint that money isn't exactly pouring into the building fund.  Walls are relatively cheap to erect, but the roof is the big expense.  Meanwhile, rain erodes uncovered walls.

Pastor Amasi and Elder Danford are courageous and full of faith, building both the congregation and the building at the same time.  As the walls of the church go up, and a roof is stretched over the top, God is leading them and teaching them His ways. Hallelujah!  He is faithful to build His church!

We arrived early in order to have time to pray and walk through the church buildings and around the grounds.

As the congregation arrived for worship, they began to find their seats on the primitive benches. And though the conditions were quite basic, there was no lack in the spirits of the people. We were generously welcomed and urged to join them as they sang and danced in joyful worship before the Lord. The choir was fun and energetic, with joyful singing before, during and even ending the service. How delightful!

Meet Anastasia Makuya

(Unfortunately, though her husband attended the Discipleship Class with her, we were only able to meet with Anastasia this time)

This beautiful Tanzanian Pastor's wife is not only lovely on the outside, but her heart reflects the heart of her Father, God. And believe it or not, these are not her children pictured with her, but her GRANDchildren!

Anastasia has quite a testimony. As she shared with us, we watched a dramatic transformation in her demeanor from gracefully quiet to a joyful enthusiasm filled with deep conviction. Born to Muslim parents, she had a very strict upbringing. As a young teenager she attended a "gathering" with her friends, which turned out to be a church meeting.  For the first time she heard the powerful message of the Gospel, and she made the choice to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  Immediately, she received the Holy Spirit in very obvious ways.  There was no question for her; she knew (from experience) this was real, and for her there was no turning back!

She was severely persecuted by her family with terrible beatings and public renunciation of her place in the family and community.  While she was permitted to sleep in her parents' house, she was relegated to the floor. She could not use anything (including furniture) that belonged to the family. But nothing could convince her to renounce her conversion to Christianity.

A few years later she met Yohana Makuya, who hoped to become a pastor (also, later becoming a member of the Unity Committee, partnering with us to organize conferences for ministry leaders across the Rift Valley). They met...and married...and now have many children. Today, she actively works in the church, teaching and leading Bible Studies. She joys in even having been given the opportunity to preach a few times!

She looks forward to having more preaching and teaching opportunities, and says the training from AIM regarding Bible Study methods has been most helpful and is easy to teach others, too! She is, however, still hoping for audio scriptures in the future, to assist in teaching those without reading skills.

Mystery Meat!

See Bob's excitement!  There is something rather...tubular on his spoon. (He's pretty sure it was an intestine. At least he had a spoon today!)  He ate it, but his ministry companions did not.  

What ironic food for someone with a digestive disorder! 

In Tanzania, the softer meats are considered the luxury food, best given to honored guests. Thank You, Jesus, for soft meat. Thank you, Tanzania, for your hospitality.  

Prayer boomerang???

We encouraged and prayed over them and blessed them, praising God for the Spiritual wisdom of their ways and actions. We rejoice together with them as the beliefs that they model within a hostile, pagan environment bring forth much fruit because they are accompanied with the Spirit who is drawing them.

By the time we walked back ‘home’, with LuLu as our night guard and guide, Susan noticed that the pain in her legs was fairly negligible, and the redness of the burn was nearly gone!  She slept peacefully, and while the evidence of broken blisters and discoloration remain as proof of the seriousness of the burn, this morning she was able to dress and feel comfortable again, as usual.

She says it reminds her of the lepers who were healed “as they went.”  (Luke 17:11-14)

She is ready for another full day. We have wonderful worship music playing through the speakers of my computer. God is so wonderful and so worthy of our praise and worship!

Meet Lulu and Margareta, Fellow-Disciples of Jesus Christ

LuLu is a Barabaig "missionary" to his own tribe in the remote bush; Margareta, his wife, is a quiet and timid woman from the Iraqw tribe.

They attended the Discipleship Class in June (see them in the class picture below), and we were happy to meet them again.

We listened for hours to the wonderful stories of God’s grace and power in this lovely ministry couple. Lulu, his mother, and his siblings suffered greatly when they became Christians. His father is a wealthy landowner and powerful witchdoctor who beat them in an attempt to get them to renounce their new faith in God. When he refused, his father went to the courts to legally disown him, his mother, and his 5 younger brothers. He no longer had a home, no longer had access to the field on his father's land (therefore, no food), and no money for anything.

Though Lulu has been a Christian now for a number of years and now has a beautiful family and a stable home in Katesh village, he continues to face persecution as a church-planter and disciple-maker among his tribe, the "unreached" Barabaig people. Lulu and Margareta go together as a couple to the extremely remote Barabaig villages. Though the tribe is very resistant to Christianity's message (viewing it as a religion of the "foreigners"), they become very curious as this Christian couple display a life of love and respect for one another. As their curiosity rises, the people become hungry for the kind of life that is built on love, peace, and joy. The Gospel then may slowly be introduced, and they listen...not because someone came with a direct word, but with a word spoken rather by actions.

Lulu reports that when just five Barabaig become believers, they start a church. These new converts pay a significant price to claim the name of Jesus because their tribe is hostile to new ideas and practices. However, once they have counted the costs and decided to accept Christianity, they are steadfast and will not be dissuaded!  

A Bit of an Accident

Last night we had an odd occurrence, but God proved Himself mighty again. Prior to leaving the house for an evening of fellowship in the home of one couple from our first Discipleship Class, Susan was cooking some chicken to make broth for a meal today.  It was done and needed to cool so we could put it away before leaving. She poured the boiling hot broth into a heavy glass pitcher that would fit in the small refrigerator. As she was just turning away the pitcher burst, its glass pieces falling to the floor and shattering throughout the kitchen.  The hot broth splashed all over her thighs, instantly burning them through her pant legs, with no ability to peel the cloth away to relieve the heat.

I was just walking into the kitchen and jumped into action. Bob also stepped in from outside, and together we began to pray and claim healing over Susan's burns, even as she hurried to her room to remove the hot clothing. We began to treat the burns while continuing to pray. Swelling and blisters began to form, and I went to check our first aid kit for any help we could find. 

Over the next hour we did everything we knew to do and the pain began to reduce.  Susan called upon the Lord to rebuke the enemy who was trying to keep her from the very thing the Lord called us here to do; she declared her allegiance and intention to follow Christ despite the obstacles that would rise up against her.

After resting and treating her burns with medicine for about a half hour, she put on a dress that she could gently hold away from her thigh; we headed out the door, walking down the now-muddy path to the home of our dear fellow-disciples for dinner. 

Throughout the evening the pain continued to reduce! Praise God!

In Tanzania, But Still Traveling

On our travels from Arusha to Katesh, Bayo told us that the rains should be starting within a week or two, and the fields could not be planted until it rains.  As we crossed the plains on our way we saw very few green shrubs, and literally NO living grass, only dried stubble and most places the ground was completely bare, devoid of all life. 

However, just as we arrived in Katesh, literally as we crossed the last mountain before coming to the village, it began to rain. Within 2 weeks it will all be green again!

Farmers are out with their plows now and planting the first of the summer crops!  God is Provider! 

Of course the rains cause electrical power outages, and the first 24 hours we had very intermittent electricity.  But God is gracious, we had power long enough to cool the refrigerator and small freezer to ensure the food we brought from Arusha is preserved and safe. The resident that live nearby are kind enough to bring us water for washing and flushing toilets (yes, we have toilets in this house!), so we are blessed to have all we need for our comfort.

Quick Trip to TZ

God has blessed us with the opportunity to make a quick 6-week trip to the Manyara Region next week!

Surprise!

While this is the quickest trip that we have ever planned, it is also a trip with an itinerary unlike any other trip we have ever planned, as well.

We have been leading conferences for ministry leaders in the Rift Valley of Northern Tanzania since 2008 with the aim of equipping and activating them in their call and gifting for ministry. We have seen such maturity developed. Praise God!

In recognition of their growth and missional advancement and in encouragement of the indigenous leadership that has taken large strides in the past several years, we are now able to turn over the majority of the training events/conferences to them.

Thus, in June 2012, Activation International saw the need for another area of development: teaching them not only to be disciples of Christ. . .but also to follow Jesus' instructions in Matthew 28:18-20,
to go and make disciples of all nations.

The Discipleship Class was very successful. As reports come in about the expansion and spiritual growth in the region, God has been tugging on the hearts of the Activation International Teaching Team, urging us to return briefly to encourage them in the work, to ensure strong and balanced leadership and sound doctrine, and to thwart any infiltration or sabotage from the Enemy. Thus, arrangements are underway for us to meet with each of the members of the Discipleship Class personally in their villages so that we may coach and exhort them in the ministry and work God has entrusted to them.

Please pray with us!

Update from Tanzania!

We heard a wonderful report from a church leader who went through our recent discipleship training in Katesh, Tanzania.

Our dear brother, Paul, is one of two speakers who have presented 3 seminars in August. The open-air seminars have been teaching the Biblical basis of unity, and they are drawing in huge numbers! As of the beginning of September the 3 seminars have seen attendance of 800, 1000, and 1500 people!

Now THAT’S indigenous leadership, empowered to effectively reach the people! Hallelujah!

These gatherings, Paul tells us, will continue through the end of October. This is where you come in. Will you please pray for Paul, Bayo, and the other leaders who are continuing to present this sound Biblical teaching all over the area? Certainly the enemy will not want to see this effective work continue, so they will need our prayers for continued effectiveness, empowerment, and protection.

God has told AIM from the beginning that if we teach the foundational truths He gives to us to the indigenous church leaders, then THEY will become effective change-agents, following HIS leadership to transform their communities and their region. Today, we are seeing that fruit in action! Thank You Jesus for your faithfulness, and your goodness, and your heart and mission to reach every nation, tongue, tribe and people to make disciples, teaching them all you have commanded. 

Peeking in on Choir Practice

Thought you might enjoy a little video of a Katesh Lutheran Church choir practice. They meet each day in the afternoon; and with the use of keyboards and speakers, they have a pretty "modern" Tanzanian choir. Enjoy! (Oh, and make sure your speakers are on! You don't want to miss this!)

Friends & Fellow-Disciples of Christ

What a privilege it was to work with the ministry leaders (4 women and 8 men) of our second Discipleship Training who gained an abiding love for the power of the Word of God, a bond of unity with their brothers and sisters in ministry, and a deeper understanding of BEING a true follower of Jesus. Each departed with a stronger commitment to follow Christ through the process of learning, understanding, doing, and teaching. Yes, the groundwork is laid for the indigenous leadership movement! This has been one of the goals of our work here in Tanzania!

SISTERS?  Susan developed a strong friendship with one dear lady, Neema, a Barabaig evangelist and the chairman of her village. "Neema" is the Swahili word meaning Grace, the name of Susan’s mother, and it truly was a good description of this lovely Christian woman. Though Neema speaks no English, and though Susan speaks no Swahili or Barabaig, they seemed to find ways to communicate. Through a bit of translation help, they laughed together as Neema suggested that she would be Susan’s Tanzanian Mama. . .until Susan explained that she was the elder one, and thus would have to be Neema’s big sister, instead!

Digging for Truth. . .and Lovin' It!

Between sessions their excitement was obvious in broad smiles and animated conversations, as they began to make plans to put into practice what they were learning. They began to organize and discuss their thoughts about simple Bible Study methods in small discipleship groups in their communities and in their churches, and even among other pastors.

Open Bibles and pens in hands! 

Yes, this is a working class, and each of the participants are digging for discernment and understanding. 

This culture lives all of life in community, so working together in small groups was a very productive approach to such an activity. At one of the tables, three men and three women shared equal roles, using tools and easy questions to dig deep for truth.

Opportunity for Creativity

Discipleship Training is a much smaller, more casual atmosphere; and the AIM teaching team utilized the opportunity to be a bit creative.

Our teaching style was much more personal. We were blessed not only to share Biblical truths, but also to share our lives! We all toiled with deep, difficult concepts. We shared life's struggles and prayed together. We united ourselves together to seek God's face. . .and He was found of us!

In the absence of classroom tools like electronics, whiteboards, or even blackboards, we creatively used printed papers (in Ki-Swahili) and tape directly on the wall, creating visual charts that they could recreate in their notes.

These ministry leaders really learned a lot while having fun working in teams, studying the Word, and using new methods to learn to discern the interpretation for themselves. They discovered that they are indeed able to glean deep truth from the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, even though they are usually auditory learners. It was gratifying to see them uncover Biblical treasures.