Over 150 attendees from 5 different countries
I wish there were some way to relay with words the overwhelming excitement and pride I experienced at this year's Tanzania Leadership Conference(TLC). The ACSOP faculty: Ahimidiwe Kimaro, Charles Mwanga, Losotwa Michael, and Godfrey Mngoma, planned, organized and directed the conference from start to finish. With each passing day, I watched like a proud older brother, the way each of them carried out their various roles in the conference. Brethren, it is such a thrill to witness the effects of all your years of support coupled with years of work by missionaries, both past and present. These four men selflessly submitted themselves first to the Lord and have since gladly received instruction on how to mature in Christ as leaders, teachers and administrators. The conference went off without a hitch.
As is the case with any successful program, the four mentioned above could not have carried out the logistical tap dance on their own. The staff at ACSOP did a phenomenal job of making sure that the campus was clean and that the guests had good meals, clean rooms, and clean laundry. Speaking of guests, there were over 150 in attendance and 5 countries represented - truly amazing. The speakers did a good job of sticking to their assignments and were a great blessing to all who listened. Overall it was a good week of fellowship, education and edification.
LEADERS HELPING LEADERS
En route I linked up with Bear Valley staffers Michael Hite and Wes Autry in Amsterdam. Wes is the coordinator for the work in Cambodia and was visiting Tanzania for the first time. Wes has worked closely with Phanat Ouch (pronounced panot ooch), director of the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap. Phanat traveled to Tanzania so that he and Wes could spend time observing how the ACSOP operated and to spend time interviewing the faculty. Wes, Phanat and Michael were speakers for TLC as well and did a fantastic job.
While Phanat is a native Cambodian he was actually raised and educated in America. In fact, he went to High School just outside of Austin, TX (my high school played his high school in football - who knew?) and then went on to receive a finance degree from Texas State University. He later decided to attend the Southwest School of Biblical Studies. Phanat's desire was to travel to Cambodia and work with his native countrymen, a desire he has been fulfilling for the past 8 years.
I can't tell you how encouraging it was to see the ACSOP faculty sharing their wisdom and experience with Wes and Phanat. Who could have ever imagined that brethren from two developing countries on opposite sides of the world would ever come together to help each other mature in their work?! What a super example of global, kingdom, cooperation!
CONCLUDING REMARKS
I apologize for the time between reports. I generally try to get a report out on a monthly basis however we have had some distractions in the form of illness and medical procedures. Anita continues to struggle with her back but we think there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Shehad a steroid injection that gave her some temporary pain relief. Since she received some relief the doctor believes he now knows the source of her pain, her sacroiliac joint, and will seek to sever the nerves that cause the pain by performing a rhizotomy. If successful, she could have pain relief for 2-3 years. We are hopeful she will be scheduled soon.
The future for the work in Tanzania, and the other Bear Valley schools, is very exciting. I am anxious to share with you some very ambitious plans that our Tanzania team is currently working on. Hopefully I can reveal them next month. Trust me when I say that, Lord willing, the future is very bright and there is much, much more work to be done.
On behalf of Anita and myself, we want to express our deep gratitude for your continued support. As we enter into the holiday season and enjoy the family time and the good meals together, let's keep our brethren around the globe in our prayers as they continue their journey toward heaven.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
Yours in Christ,
Sean and Anita Hochdorf
To see the Hochdorf report with pictures, please click here.