Another Day, Another Soul

The days begin to run together and our time seems short, but it is fun--very fun. I don't know that Tanzanians know what to think of us North Texans. We must look like a crazy bunch!

The first day we saw nearly 500 professions of faith in Christ. We rejoice in the work, and know it is only the beginning. The distance between our two cultures almost guarantees that many of those professions are incomplete. There must be follow-up to preserve the harvest so that is why we plant churches! There is no better place to grow in Christ than a church and for many of these people, there is not a church withing walking distance, so they have zero opportunity to be discipled. Bibles are more precious than fresh water, and fresh water is plenty dear.


Tanzanians are very receptive to our bunch. In many ways they are amazed we would take the time to come to them. In the bush (countryside) where we are working, they know they are poor and don't understand why we would even be interested. So they are touched when we tell them the love of Christ made us come. They are very open, but the culture gap couldn't be wider. Our best strategy is to mentor and encourage leaders, for it will be they who really connect with the Tanzanians and disciple them to maturity.

It is our last full day of field ministry before we close this part of our trip. Tomorrow, we will revisit Fonelisco and celebrate the work with a closing rally at a nearby church. The pastors in each of the eight areas will be there with many of their people. The celebration will be packed and we will try to get pictures enough to give you the feeling of the event. There will be choirs and music and preaching and food and everyone will have a great time in the Lord. He is good!



I went out with Donna this morning. We haven't done that together for four years. She is a joy to work with. Her love for Christ really shows and the Tanzanians catch it. It reminds me that none of us could do this work without each other. Thanks for those who are supporting us financially and with prayers.

For the Harvest,
Phil

In The Thick Of It

Our trip here was rather uneventful, although some others lost their bags. Although we don't look like it in the picture, we are quite exhausted already and trying to stay awake in London so we can get our sleep schedules coordinated to Africa time.

This is us in front of Buckingham Palace (minus Scott and Phil) We arrived in Mwanza Saturday morning ready for a full day of ministry, which we did.

After checking into the hotel, we made our way to the opening rally, where we heard some choirs and experienced some great worship. We met our translators for the week there, and did some last minute training.


The next day was Sunday. After worshipping in each of the churches, (each team went to their respective sites. See Donna with new friend.) we ate lunch and then went to Fonelisco.


Words cannot describe the experience we had there. These street kids performed for us by singing and dancing some tribal dances. The orphanage has very little, but they love these kids and it shows. And the kids know it.


Scott was able to record some really great audio of it which I'm sure we will use in some kind of video soon.

Monday was the first day of real evangelism. I went out with Steve and Jessica, who both did terrific. We stumbled upon four guys sawing logs with a giant ripsaw. After we tried our hand at it (and were even more thankful for POWER tools at home) Steve settled in and shared the gospel with them.


It turns out that the main guy in the group was a witch doctor. He told us that he had been thinking about becoming a Christian and hoping someone would tell him about Christ. Steve led him to recieve Christ sitting on the log. It was a phenominal experience which don't think any of us will ever forget.

Much more to share but that's all we have time for today.

Blessings,
Phil

Ready to Pray?

Our team is hours from lifting off. In fact, some already have. We are coming from all parts of the U.S. and will converge on Mwanza, Tanzania for a week of evangelism, training, orphan ministry, and all around fun.

Will you pray for us? We are trusting the Lord for His help and strength in this work He has called us to. And we pray He moves and gets the glory.

Check back often and we'll try to keep you posted regularly. Perhaps you will feel like a genuine part of the trip. If you are praying, you will certainly be part of the results.

We're counting on you.

Phil