Dear Co-Laborers:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” --- (commonly attributed to) Quaker Stephen Grellet
OPPORTUNITIES: Another week has quickly passed and with it possible lost opportunities. Wherever you live, there are many ways to be involved in God’s work and our hope is that you will. Life in Tanzania, East Africa is filled with so many opportunities that it will literally overwhelm you. Today, several visitors worshipped with us, including Esther, who “just lived in the neighborhood and wanted to attend.” Another visitor, Monica, is the sister of a weak member named Helena (who wasn’t there today). Lucy, Paulina’s cousin with whom Trina has studied, was also there for both Bible class and worship. Due to our schedule being busier than usual (both Lindsey and Abigail are taking ACSOP classes), we haven’t been able to complete the study with Lucy. Rehema, sister of new convert Teresia, has also been attending regularly and requested a study. A Christian of several years and employee of ACSOP, Faustina, has agreed to teach Rehema. Paulina (Trina’s translator) and Trina discussed which ladies (listed below) are capable of conducting a study and she will work on arranging with Lucy. Please pray that these ladies will take on this responsibility of teaching others the “first principles.”
UNITY: Loveness, wife of Mrutu, taught the Ladies class on this important subject using scriptures such as 1 Cor. 12:14-26 and Eph. 4. Loveness, truly a lovely person with a sweet, humble spirit, has been a Christian for several years and is now capable of teaching. Trina’s translator, Paulina, is also a good teacher (she taught last week) and is a diligent Bible student. Another lady in class has the knowledge but lacks the confidence or desire to teach. Two other ladies, Janet Deo and Rosemary Lembris, have the confidence but lack the knowledge! So, these two ladies have enrolled in the Kisongo Bible School (four nights a week). Janet says she is really enjoying it and, we’re sure, soaking up the knowledge like a sponge. Saturday is the only day of the week that she is not learning (worship and bible class on Sundays and Thursdays, Kisongo Bible School M,T,W,F). It is the same with Rosemary, her husband, Lembris and three others. Jimmy has completed the series on the Gospel of John in Sunday morning Bible class. He is now having question and answer sessions in Bible class. An ACSOP student, Faustin, preached to a packed auditorium in worship. Our younger children had to be held in laps as there was no extra seating.
BOYS AND BUGS are such a natural combination so, at Stuart’s request, we hosted a special day for boys (ages 6-12) to study them. Using the computer and projector, Jimmy taught on the working / living relationship, defenses and communication of bugs, showing how this knowledge refutes the theory of evolution. Information from the Apologetics Press website (http://apologeticspress.org/DiscoveryTopics.aspx) was very useful. The boys watched short videos showing a Bombardier Beetle defending itself by shooting a hot chemical spray at enemies and viewed ants “milking” aphids. Afterwards, the boys played dodge ball, ran through an obstacle course, played Tug-of-War and had a wet-sponge battle. This event was, as normal, a family effort and, to give “credit where credit is due:” Lindsey baked banana bread, Abigail made the lemonade and took pictures, Heather and David set up the obstacle course, Candace and Stuart helped out tremendously doing several things while Elijah, Naomi and Matthew helped by being cooperative and sweet. Right before playing Tug-of-War, a poisonous centipede “made an appearance” but, due to the quick action of the kids, died quickly due to stoning and stomping.
TECHNOLOGY: As any of you who have visited here know, Tanzanian “technology” isn’t always up-to-par as in the good ‘ole U.S.A. For some reason, our internet at home has been on and off for several weeks now. If you have written an email and we have not responded, now you know the reason. The internet might be on for 5 minutes, then off again. So bear with us, and rest assured we are not ignoring you.
THANK YOU…for helping us with this great work. While it is challenging and frustrating at times (mainly dealing with government issues or having to go to three different stores to buy cooking gas), it is very rewarding and fulfilling. Our sincere appreciation is extended to you for your continued prayers and support.
Serving Together for Him,
Jimmy, Trina and Family