Summer/Fall (July - December 2024)
July and August were part of our "home assignment" visiting supporting churches and sharing opportunities for partnership. We also celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary in late August with a trip to Germany, which is where Janice attended high school when her dad was in the military. We had good visits with family, and our ICM-Africa team did a great job doing a large number of college sessions on their own while we were away. All of us had been productive, but we were all ready to get the team back together and operating on all cylinders.
September saw Jim back in Malawi conducting the second session of the Bible college class we have started there. Janice flew to our campus in Mwanza to oversee our 7th graduating class of women. Our executive director, Pastor Dan Finfrock, and two other pastors from supporting churches in the US, spent the last half of the month with us in Tanzania. They taught in one of the classes, presided over another graduation, and taught at our annual expositors conference. It was a busy month full of activities.
Less than 48 hours after our guests flew out, Jim was on a plane going back to South Sudan. He and Pastor Edmond conducted the second session of the second class of students who are going through the diploma program. The instructors they chose from the first class are doing exceptionally well as instructor-trainees, and it is a very encouraging environment to be surrounded by people who are on fire for learning God's Word. After 2 weeks there, Jim moved on to Kenya and joined Pastors Edward and Jeremia for a class going on there for the last half of October.
The very first day of November we both flew from Tanzania to Pakistan. We have an ICM teammate there, but also a family member who was serving at the US Embassy. We were able to get a little familiar with the culture while having a great reunion. We are definitely inspired to return again in the future to investigate ministry opportunities. A few days after returning to Tanzania, Jim and Pastor Edmond flew west to Liberia. There they began the second session of our first class there. It's been a challenging road to find pastors who truly want to learn to preach rather than a way to improve their personal lifestyle, but we now have a class of first-rate men who are very dedicated to the process and outcomes. Jim and Edmond are very encouraged by them.
We departed Tanzania just in time to return to the US at Thanksgiving. Our team of 30 African staff have a very heavy workload in front of them for December-February...it's more than they have ever handled alone. We pray they are able to bear up under the stress and are seeking the Lord's guidance for wisdom. Of course, we are in constant contact with them, but they want to please so much that they hesitate to let us know when they are faced with difficulties. We are enjoying time with family during December, and working on getting many of our medical appointments taken care of as well. We continue to pray for more helpers to join us in the mission field. With so many countries to cover now, it is becoming more imperative, as well as having help to run our English-speaking church.
July and August were part of our "home assignment" visiting supporting churches and sharing opportunities for partnership. We also celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary in late August with a trip to Germany, which is where Janice attended high school when her dad was in the military. We had good visits with family, and our ICM-Africa team did a great job doing a large number of college sessions on their own while we were away. All of us had been productive, but we were all ready to get the team back together and operating on all cylinders.
September saw Jim back in Malawi conducting the second session of the Bible college class we have started there. Janice flew to our campus in Mwanza to oversee our 7th graduating class of women. Our executive director, Pastor Dan Finfrock, and two other pastors from supporting churches in the US, spent the last half of the month with us in Tanzania. They taught in one of the classes, presided over another graduation, and taught at our annual expositors conference. It was a busy month full of activities.
Less than 48 hours after our guests flew out, Jim was on a plane going back to South Sudan. He and Pastor Edmond conducted the second session of the second class of students who are going through the diploma program. The instructors they chose from the first class are doing exceptionally well as instructor-trainees, and it is a very encouraging environment to be surrounded by people who are on fire for learning God's Word. After 2 weeks there, Jim moved on to Kenya and joined Pastors Edward and Jeremia for a class going on there for the last half of October.
The very first day of November we both flew from Tanzania to Pakistan. We have an ICM teammate there, but also a family member who was serving at the US Embassy. We were able to get a little familiar with the culture while having a great reunion. We are definitely inspired to return again in the future to investigate ministry opportunities. A few days after returning to Tanzania, Jim and Pastor Edmond flew west to Liberia. There they began the second session of our first class there. It's been a challenging road to find pastors who truly want to learn to preach rather than a way to improve their personal lifestyle, but we now have a class of first-rate men who are very dedicated to the process and outcomes. Jim and Edmond are very encouraged by them.
We departed Tanzania just in time to return to the US at Thanksgiving. Our team of 30 African staff have a very heavy workload in front of them for December-February...it's more than they have ever handled alone. We pray they are able to bear up under the stress and are seeking the Lord's guidance for wisdom. Of course, we are in constant contact with them, but they want to please so much that they hesitate to let us know when they are faced with difficulties. We are enjoying time with family during December, and working on getting many of our medical appointments taken care of as well. We continue to pray for more helpers to join us in the mission field. With so many countries to cover now, it is becoming more imperative, as well as having help to run our English-speaking church.
Jim at the South Sudan graduation celebration!
Winter/Spring (January-June 2024)
January and February were spent in the US visiting supporting churches and giving reports on what the Lord is doing throughout Africa. It was also a time to spend with family, but that always seems to be not quite enough to sustain us until we can return for the next visit, although we do our best with what we get. We shared the vision and need for more workers to join us in the field, and it seems that many people are interested, but no one feels ready to make that commitment. So we continue to press on, doing what we are able to handle.
In March, we both returned to Tanzania, and within just a few days of arriving home, Jim traveled by 2-day bus ride to our campus at Sumbawanga (the place of witchcraft) to conduct our first graduation there. It was a glorious occasion for everyone, but Jim said the bus ride was grueling. He may delegate the next graduation to one of the staff. He also flew to Liberia (west Africa) to do a 2-week diploma program there with a new group of students. He was not in Moshi very much that month.
April had him flying to Malawi (just south of Tanzania) to do a week-long IBS program for a group of pastors there to see if they are interested in us bringing the diploma program to them. It is a big commitment of time and effort on their part, and we like to give them a sample of what it will be like before anyone makes a decision about moving forward. We also had a visiting pastor from the US come and teach for a week and participate in a couple of classes. Then Jim flew to South Sudan toward the end of the month to conduct the final session of our diploma program there with the first class of students. Janice joined him toward the end, and we both enjoyed the graduation celebration with them. We will be going back to start a 2nd class of pastors, and also training up 5 graduates from the first class as instructor-candidates.
May had Jim returning to Malawi to run the first session of the diploma program for many of the pastors who attended the IBS training the month prior. I also joined him for part of the trip, just to get the lay of the land, and help with any administrative items. In June, he again went back to Liberia for 2 weeks to find more pastors to merge into the existing class of students, as well as went back to South Sudan to start the second class. This was a time of a LOT of traveling!
January and February were spent in the US visiting supporting churches and giving reports on what the Lord is doing throughout Africa. It was also a time to spend with family, but that always seems to be not quite enough to sustain us until we can return for the next visit, although we do our best with what we get. We shared the vision and need for more workers to join us in the field, and it seems that many people are interested, but no one feels ready to make that commitment. So we continue to press on, doing what we are able to handle.
In March, we both returned to Tanzania, and within just a few days of arriving home, Jim traveled by 2-day bus ride to our campus at Sumbawanga (the place of witchcraft) to conduct our first graduation there. It was a glorious occasion for everyone, but Jim said the bus ride was grueling. He may delegate the next graduation to one of the staff. He also flew to Liberia (west Africa) to do a 2-week diploma program there with a new group of students. He was not in Moshi very much that month.
April had him flying to Malawi (just south of Tanzania) to do a week-long IBS program for a group of pastors there to see if they are interested in us bringing the diploma program to them. It is a big commitment of time and effort on their part, and we like to give them a sample of what it will be like before anyone makes a decision about moving forward. We also had a visiting pastor from the US come and teach for a week and participate in a couple of classes. Then Jim flew to South Sudan toward the end of the month to conduct the final session of our diploma program there with the first class of students. Janice joined him toward the end, and we both enjoyed the graduation celebration with them. We will be going back to start a 2nd class of pastors, and also training up 5 graduates from the first class as instructor-candidates.
May had Jim returning to Malawi to run the first session of the diploma program for many of the pastors who attended the IBS training the month prior. I also joined him for part of the trip, just to get the lay of the land, and help with any administrative items. In June, he again went back to Liberia for 2 weeks to find more pastors to merge into the existing class of students, as well as went back to South Sudan to start the second class. This was a time of a LOT of traveling!
Summer/Fall (July-December 2023)
It was good to get back to work and for Jim and I to be together on the same continent again. We got right back to work almost 7 days a week, as the work just never seems to stop. Have I ever mentioned that we could really use some help here?! The Lord just continues to expand our boundaries throughout Tanzania and into other countries.
In August we took a short trip to Egypt to celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary. It was very interesting and refreshing--even though the daytime temps were well over 100 degrees. We saw all the typical tourist sites, took some boat rides on the Nile River, and did a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor which we enjoyed tremendously. It was just enough of a personal reset to propel us through the next 3-4 months.
It was good to get back to work and for Jim and I to be together on the same continent again. We got right back to work almost 7 days a week, as the work just never seems to stop. Have I ever mentioned that we could really use some help here?! The Lord just continues to expand our boundaries throughout Tanzania and into other countries.
In August we took a short trip to Egypt to celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary. It was very interesting and refreshing--even though the daytime temps were well over 100 degrees. We saw all the typical tourist sites, took some boat rides on the Nile River, and did a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor which we enjoyed tremendously. It was just enough of a personal reset to propel us through the next 3-4 months.
September and October were full of travel for us all around our campuses in Tanzania, as well as Jim teaching at a new campus in Kenya. November saw us spending 2 weeks, and over Thanksgiving, teaching in South Sudan to a group of pastors there. You're so far removed from everything American here that it is easy to completely forget about these holidays, except when you see all the Facebook posts of your friends and family gathering together. That reminds us of the sacrifice God has called us to make and makes us homesick, but we counter that with diving right back into work so we don't have time to think about it.
We wrap up this trip with several Bible college graduations on the 21st and 22nd of this month at 2 different campuses, and then jump on a plane back to the US the night of the 22nd. We'll arrive home just in time to spend Christmas Eve with some of our family. Please continue to pray for our physical health, strength/stamina spiritually and emotionally, and for us to be able to glorify the Lord in all we do. We wish you all a blessed season celebrating the birth of Christ.
We wrap up this trip with several Bible college graduations on the 21st and 22nd of this month at 2 different campuses, and then jump on a plane back to the US the night of the 22nd. We'll arrive home just in time to spend Christmas Eve with some of our family. Please continue to pray for our physical health, strength/stamina spiritually and emotionally, and for us to be able to glorify the Lord in all we do. We wish you all a blessed season celebrating the birth of Christ.
Spring (March-June 2023)
Mid-March through the middle of May was our "scheduled" time to be in the USA, but since I was already there, it was just a matter of Jim joining me. Once he arrived, we began our usually busy time of visiting churches around the country, attending the annual ICM Board Meeting, and spending time with our family and friends.
Mid-March through the middle of May was our "scheduled" time to be in the USA, but since I was already there, it was just a matter of Jim joining me. Once he arrived, we began our usually busy time of visiting churches around the country, attending the annual ICM Board Meeting, and spending time with our family and friends.
ICM Board members who have visited us in Tanzania.
We also got to establish a small home for ourselves for future visits, and for the day the Lord might bring us back to the US for longer terms. I spent a good bit of time acquiring some furnishings, bringing all our things out of storage and putting them away, and just trying to make it feel like home. We were very happy with it when all was said and done. And it's right behind where one of our sons lives with two of our grandchildren, so that's an added bonus! Someday...
Our little living room in our new home.
In April we were blessed with the birth of a new grandson, Luke, by our youngest son and his wife. It did wonders for my spirit to be able to snuggle with a newborn for hours on end, just letting him sleep in my arms or on my shoulder. Jim, on the other hand, prefers them being of an age where they can talk to him, run around on the playground, go fishing, or chip a golf ball in the yard with him! LOL To each his own.
In the middle of May, Jim went back to Tanzania and I remained until the end of June...just getting some final medical checkups done, buying supplies, spending a few more weeks with the grandkids, and then attending a high school reunion. But I knew it was time to go back to work when the date finally came; much better to be where you know God has called you than trying to ignore it. :-)
In the middle of May, Jim went back to Tanzania and I remained until the end of June...just getting some final medical checkups done, buying supplies, spending a few more weeks with the grandkids, and then attending a high school reunion. But I knew it was time to go back to work when the date finally came; much better to be where you know God has called you than trying to ignore it. :-)
Us with Luke when he was just a day old. So precious!
Winter (Dec 2022-Feb 2023)
With my dad at Christmas a few years ago.
Shortly after Thanksgiving is when the temperatures in Central and Northern Africa begin to climb. It's summertime--rather than winter--when you're at or below the equator. It's hot, dry, and dusty which brings a whole host of nuisances like daily dusting and mopping if you don't want to sit, walk, or sleep in a pile of red talcum powder dust that floats through the open windows in a constant stream. The dry season also means there isn't enough rain to keep the hydroelectric power flowing, so 12 hours on/12 hours off of electricity is a daily norm. Temps in the 90s, no electricity to power a fan, and constant housekeeping chores can suck all the life and joy out of the work you're trying to accomplish for the Lord!
It was during this time that I received word that my dad's health had deteriorated, and I would need to go back to the US to either help with his recovery or say my goodbyes. Jim was just leaving for a 2.5-week trip to South Sudan and wouldn't return until just before Christmas. I felt like asking the Lord how much more miserable the situation could become, as I was really torn about leaving Jim there alone during this time to deal with everything on his own. It's hard enough to do ministry when everything works well, but it becomes exponentially more difficult when you have to battle the environment, and do it alone. But we prayed and decided the sacrifice was more than worth it, so I used that time that Jim was away to put as much as I could in order with both my ministry duties as well as household things so he could function there alone for a few months. Once he returned, I handed everything over to him and landed in the US in time for Christmas.
I was able to spend about 3 weeks with my father before he passed away, and it is time I will never regret carving out for him. Jim flew home to attend the funeral but then returned to Tanzania to continue working. I remained in the US helping deal with my dad's affairs, and just spending time with my kids and grandchildren. It's been a time of healing and rest for me, both physically and spiritually. Jim survived the time alone and coped with housework by covering all the furniture with sheets so he didn't have to dust anymore--just mop! LOL Wonder if I could get away with that next year?!
It was during this time that I received word that my dad's health had deteriorated, and I would need to go back to the US to either help with his recovery or say my goodbyes. Jim was just leaving for a 2.5-week trip to South Sudan and wouldn't return until just before Christmas. I felt like asking the Lord how much more miserable the situation could become, as I was really torn about leaving Jim there alone during this time to deal with everything on his own. It's hard enough to do ministry when everything works well, but it becomes exponentially more difficult when you have to battle the environment, and do it alone. But we prayed and decided the sacrifice was more than worth it, so I used that time that Jim was away to put as much as I could in order with both my ministry duties as well as household things so he could function there alone for a few months. Once he returned, I handed everything over to him and landed in the US in time for Christmas.
I was able to spend about 3 weeks with my father before he passed away, and it is time I will never regret carving out for him. Jim flew home to attend the funeral but then returned to Tanzania to continue working. I remained in the US helping deal with my dad's affairs, and just spending time with my kids and grandchildren. It's been a time of healing and rest for me, both physically and spiritually. Jim survived the time alone and coped with housework by covering all the furniture with sheets so he didn't have to dust anymore--just mop! LOL Wonder if I could get away with that next year?!
Fall 2022 - Graduations, Visitors, and Weddings
We returned to Tanzania on Labor Day weekend with a long stretch of work in front of us. We had 3 graduations in September, one in each of the college programs. In addition, Jim and I did a teaching in the church of one of our instructors, Pastor Edmond. It's good to be reminded what it's like to be out there teaching, face to face, rather than just administering from behind the scenes. The people are just so receptive to hear from God and apply His Word to their lives!
October brought a few visitors to spend time with us. ICM Board member Pastor Tim Anderson and ICM Founder Pastor Dan Finfrock came for the annual ICM-Africa Pastors' Conference and the Annual General Meeting. The staff are always excited to see them and spend time catching up. Then we had a husband/wife team come who are part of our monthly prayer team. Kevin has come several times before to teach in the college and was doing so again, and Shauna was a blessing to me to have another woman to spend time with...but we also did a couple of women's seminars about waiting for God to bring a husband. This was part of Shauna's testimony and was very well received by the ladies.
We also attended 2 weddings and an engagement party in October. These are always full of surprises for us because we don't completely understand all the customs built within each tribe, so we're always learning something new. But all in all, they are a very festive occasion.
October brought a few visitors to spend time with us. ICM Board member Pastor Tim Anderson and ICM Founder Pastor Dan Finfrock came for the annual ICM-Africa Pastors' Conference and the Annual General Meeting. The staff are always excited to see them and spend time catching up. Then we had a husband/wife team come who are part of our monthly prayer team. Kevin has come several times before to teach in the college and was doing so again, and Shauna was a blessing to me to have another woman to spend time with...but we also did a couple of women's seminars about waiting for God to bring a husband. This was part of Shauna's testimony and was very well received by the ladies.
We also attended 2 weddings and an engagement party in October. These are always full of surprises for us because we don't completely understand all the customs built within each tribe, so we're always learning something new. But all in all, they are a very festive occasion.
40th Anniversary celebration with very good friends!
Summer 2022 - A Time to Refresh
June was a very busy month of work here, with visitors, a mini-preachers conference, lots of classes, and trying to accomplish a lot before heading to the US for 8 weeks. We'd only been back in country 4 months when it was time to go again. These frequent trips in and out of Tanzania break up our work momentum, but they are necessary until we can get our official "work permits" from the government. Right now, we can only stay here 90 days at a time before having to exit the country, wait a week or more, and then return again. Our trip to South Sudan reset them, but Jim was required to be in the US during July for his doctoral program, so off we went again.
We are very confident now that our Tanzanian team can handle just about anything for a couple of months during our absence, but I think Jim really pushed everyone's limits this time. We had 11 classes occur during July and August, and one of those was at a brand new location with the largest class we've ever had! It not only kept our team of 27 busy, but Jim was constantly checking on them via email and instant messaging, and making changes to the plan on the fly. He was like a parent stressing over leaving their child alone for the first time! LOL Thankfully, they all proved themselves very responsible, but Jim certainly didn't get a break.
On the home front, we got to visit with all the family and several of our supporting churches and friends. Those visits seem to get shorter and shorter because we're usually trying to do too much in too short a time, but we want to be able to see as many as possible but always come up short. One of the highlights though was being able to reconnect with 3 couples with whom we comprised a marriage group from about 1997-2011. We hadn't been able to get the group together in more years than we could count, but it turned out that on the weekend Jim and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, everyone was able to have dinner together and join us at the church we had all attended together. It was such a good time of reconnecting, laughing, eating, and just giving thanks to God that we were all together again. That made the whole trip worthwhile.
June was a very busy month of work here, with visitors, a mini-preachers conference, lots of classes, and trying to accomplish a lot before heading to the US for 8 weeks. We'd only been back in country 4 months when it was time to go again. These frequent trips in and out of Tanzania break up our work momentum, but they are necessary until we can get our official "work permits" from the government. Right now, we can only stay here 90 days at a time before having to exit the country, wait a week or more, and then return again. Our trip to South Sudan reset them, but Jim was required to be in the US during July for his doctoral program, so off we went again.
We are very confident now that our Tanzanian team can handle just about anything for a couple of months during our absence, but I think Jim really pushed everyone's limits this time. We had 11 classes occur during July and August, and one of those was at a brand new location with the largest class we've ever had! It not only kept our team of 27 busy, but Jim was constantly checking on them via email and instant messaging, and making changes to the plan on the fly. He was like a parent stressing over leaving their child alone for the first time! LOL Thankfully, they all proved themselves very responsible, but Jim certainly didn't get a break.
On the home front, we got to visit with all the family and several of our supporting churches and friends. Those visits seem to get shorter and shorter because we're usually trying to do too much in too short a time, but we want to be able to see as many as possible but always come up short. One of the highlights though was being able to reconnect with 3 couples with whom we comprised a marriage group from about 1997-2011. We hadn't been able to get the group together in more years than we could count, but it turned out that on the weekend Jim and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, everyone was able to have dinner together and join us at the church we had all attended together. It was such a good time of reconnecting, laughing, eating, and just giving thanks to God that we were all together again. That made the whole trip worthwhile.
May 2022 - Now, THIS is Africa!!!
When I first learned the Lord was sending us to Africa many years ago, I envisioned living somewhere without electricity or running water...a pioneer lifestyle. Praise the Lord, He knows me well and put us in a very comfortable apartment with both of those utilities. Although we don't have air conditioning, and many days we don't have electricity for up to 18 hours, that's about as rough as it gets. There are no fast-food restaurants so every meal is prepared from scratch, and my grocery store is the size of a 7-11 corner store. All of these things seem so normal now.
But this month we went to South Sudan to help out a ministry deep in the interior of the country. Mind you, this is the newest country in Africa, formed in 2011 after years of war and tribal conflicts. The infrastructure of the country (roads, utilities, schools, transportation, etc) is terrible to non-existent, and the government is not stable which makes everything precarious. I tried to read up on the current situation there so we might be better prepared, but it sounded so dire I had to quit.
The reality we faced when we actually arrived there after 2 days of travel was not much different than what I read. There truly was no electricity anywhere--no poles nor lines in sight. No running water unless you had drilled a well and tapped into it. The water available to most people causes typhoid, and sometimes cholera. We had to fly from the capital city of Juba to this interior village in a small Cesna, which only makes the trip once a week. The roads which exist are often not passable because they haven't been maintained, or else you are subject to being attacked by thieves along the way. There are no stores in the village; not even a little cafe/restaurant. Just homes, a school, a church, and the medical compound we were staying on.
When I first learned the Lord was sending us to Africa many years ago, I envisioned living somewhere without electricity or running water...a pioneer lifestyle. Praise the Lord, He knows me well and put us in a very comfortable apartment with both of those utilities. Although we don't have air conditioning, and many days we don't have electricity for up to 18 hours, that's about as rough as it gets. There are no fast-food restaurants so every meal is prepared from scratch, and my grocery store is the size of a 7-11 corner store. All of these things seem so normal now.
But this month we went to South Sudan to help out a ministry deep in the interior of the country. Mind you, this is the newest country in Africa, formed in 2011 after years of war and tribal conflicts. The infrastructure of the country (roads, utilities, schools, transportation, etc) is terrible to non-existent, and the government is not stable which makes everything precarious. I tried to read up on the current situation there so we might be better prepared, but it sounded so dire I had to quit.
The reality we faced when we actually arrived there after 2 days of travel was not much different than what I read. There truly was no electricity anywhere--no poles nor lines in sight. No running water unless you had drilled a well and tapped into it. The water available to most people causes typhoid, and sometimes cholera. We had to fly from the capital city of Juba to this interior village in a small Cesna, which only makes the trip once a week. The roads which exist are often not passable because they haven't been maintained, or else you are subject to being attacked by thieves along the way. There are no stores in the village; not even a little cafe/restaurant. Just homes, a school, a church, and the medical compound we were staying on.
Loading the Cesna on the dirt airstrip.
This was what I had always imagined life in Africa would be like, and here we were. Granted, we were only going to be there 1 week, so you can deal with anything for a short period of time knowing it will end. There are 2 missionary families on the compound, and they've done an amazing job structuring as much of the necessities and comfort for life as one could hope for in the middle of nowhere, but it wasn't always this way. Over the years, they have set up solar power and generators for their electricity, and drilled a well to access water. Outdoor showers and toilets are the norm for visitors, as well as eating outside because it's too hot to be indoors. Praise God for the fans blowing at night though.
The real kicker is the work being done in this region. The Lord has them sharing the gospel while teaching villagers basic health and hygiene, to ensure their spiritual as well as physical health. Many leave their animist ways and proclaim faith in Christ. Then they raise up a pastor/teacher and end up planting a church in surrounding villages--more than 30 so far! Now those pastors need to be trained, which is where we can help. In addition, they have a small hospital to deal with maternity and pediatric patients, trying to ensure moms have a better chance at having a healthy pregnancy, and then dealing with malaria, malnutrition, and a host of other diseases which claim lives far too early. It was mind boggling.
This is when the Lord reminds me that none of us do what we do in our own strength or ability. No one chooses to live for 10 or 20 years without some of the basic necessities of life unless they've been called and equipped to do so for the purpose of building His Kingdom. I look at the conditions in which they are living and ministering and thank God He didn't send me there--thinking I couldn't handle it--but yet I know He would equip me to do so if that was His desire. I'm humbled and broken for the work I've seen going on there, and honored we will be a very small part of it. I've now returned to my luxurious apartment in Tanzania and cannot find a single thing to complain about. Perspective.
The real kicker is the work being done in this region. The Lord has them sharing the gospel while teaching villagers basic health and hygiene, to ensure their spiritual as well as physical health. Many leave their animist ways and proclaim faith in Christ. Then they raise up a pastor/teacher and end up planting a church in surrounding villages--more than 30 so far! Now those pastors need to be trained, which is where we can help. In addition, they have a small hospital to deal with maternity and pediatric patients, trying to ensure moms have a better chance at having a healthy pregnancy, and then dealing with malaria, malnutrition, and a host of other diseases which claim lives far too early. It was mind boggling.
This is when the Lord reminds me that none of us do what we do in our own strength or ability. No one chooses to live for 10 or 20 years without some of the basic necessities of life unless they've been called and equipped to do so for the purpose of building His Kingdom. I look at the conditions in which they are living and ministering and thank God He didn't send me there--thinking I couldn't handle it--but yet I know He would equip me to do so if that was His desire. I'm humbled and broken for the work I've seen going on there, and honored we will be a very small part of it. I've now returned to my luxurious apartment in Tanzania and cannot find a single thing to complain about. Perspective.
November/December 2021 - The 3rd time is NOT a charm!
November was full of activity because we had 2 ICM Board members with us for almost 2 weeks. They presided over a graduation, were the keynote speakers at our first Preachers Conference, and then participated in our annual ICM-Africa Annual General Meeting. It was such an exciting time, and we always enjoy having visitors. I can almost always count on a bag of Hershey's Miniature Chocolates being gifted to me during these times--and not that I need it, but it certainly does my spirit good!!! LOL
December 13th was the date for when Jim had rescheduled his Kilimanjaro climb to, after having it cancelled back in September. He was in shape and ready to go, looking forward to climbing with two of his ICM-Africa instructors. I had jokingly told him I didn't think climbing for the 3rd time was a good idea because both of the other times he came back so physically wiped out that he could barely walk, and no telling what might happen this time. But he was determined. Then on December 10th--while visiting our local hospital to pray over a family who had been in a terrible car accident--Jim was bitten by a poisonous snake. You can read our January 2022 newsletter to get all the details, but the bottom line is that he was hospitalized for 4 days--unable to even stand up--which caused him to have to cancel his Kilimanjaro climb for the 3rd time. At that point, he begrudgingly agreed that maybe the Lord was going to great lengths to keep him from climbing again in order to keep something worse from happening. Not that I would wish a snake bite on him to keep him from climbing, but I was actually relieved to have him reach that conclusion on his own.
Just a few days after being home from the hospital, it was time for us to board a plane to return to the US for an 8-week home assignment. Thankfully Jim was able to walk very carefully on his own which made our travel a little easier not having to deal with a wheelchair, and we returned in time to spend Christmas and New Years with our son, daughter, grandkids, spouses, and my dad and sister. The life of a missionary is rarely ever boring!
November was full of activity because we had 2 ICM Board members with us for almost 2 weeks. They presided over a graduation, were the keynote speakers at our first Preachers Conference, and then participated in our annual ICM-Africa Annual General Meeting. It was such an exciting time, and we always enjoy having visitors. I can almost always count on a bag of Hershey's Miniature Chocolates being gifted to me during these times--and not that I need it, but it certainly does my spirit good!!! LOL
December 13th was the date for when Jim had rescheduled his Kilimanjaro climb to, after having it cancelled back in September. He was in shape and ready to go, looking forward to climbing with two of his ICM-Africa instructors. I had jokingly told him I didn't think climbing for the 3rd time was a good idea because both of the other times he came back so physically wiped out that he could barely walk, and no telling what might happen this time. But he was determined. Then on December 10th--while visiting our local hospital to pray over a family who had been in a terrible car accident--Jim was bitten by a poisonous snake. You can read our January 2022 newsletter to get all the details, but the bottom line is that he was hospitalized for 4 days--unable to even stand up--which caused him to have to cancel his Kilimanjaro climb for the 3rd time. At that point, he begrudgingly agreed that maybe the Lord was going to great lengths to keep him from climbing again in order to keep something worse from happening. Not that I would wish a snake bite on him to keep him from climbing, but I was actually relieved to have him reach that conclusion on his own.
Just a few days after being home from the hospital, it was time for us to board a plane to return to the US for an 8-week home assignment. Thankfully Jim was able to walk very carefully on his own which made our travel a little easier not having to deal with a wheelchair, and we returned in time to spend Christmas and New Years with our son, daughter, grandkids, spouses, and my dad and sister. The life of a missionary is rarely ever boring!
October 2021 - Benefits of not having a permanent work permit!
Standing on the "Edge of the World."
Suffice it to say that we like to travel and see the world. Living in Africa has afforded us a few opportunities to venture to some nice places from here (Cyprus, Cape Town, Kenya and Uganda). But this month we got to venture into an Arab country for a week of sight-seeing and hanging out with one of our children. Although travel these days is quite challenging, we managed to get all our paperwork done to obtain a visa in advance and set off for a 7-day adventure. Given that we still don't have our permanent work permits for Tanzania, a foray such as this every 90 days helps us reset the clock on our existing visas, allowing us to return for another 90 days once we go out for a few days. Can you imagine being forced to take a few days off every 90 days?! Sure!!!
The climate and scenery were wonderful--definitely different than either Africa or the USA. And although we've grown accustomed to being surrounded by many Muslims, being in a country where Christianity is forbidden was a new challenge. We weren't allowed to take a Bible or any book/materials that would be easily identified as Christian. I was also advised not to wear any jewelry that would be draw attention to my faith. Most of that was not a problem, but I was required to wear a traditional Arab outer garment over my clothes whenever we left the resort compound and entered public areas (restaurants, shopping centers, tourist areas). Some of these cloaks are quite beautiful, and I purchased a simple one that would go with anything I wore, but the challenge was going out in the 90-degree heat wearing an extra layer of fabric. It was quite suffocating at times. One day we made a last-minute decision to rush out and get our Covid tests for the return flight and, in my haste, I forgot to grab the cloak! When we arrived at the medical clinic, I didn't know what to do. Thankfully I had on capri slacks--not shorts--so I was advised to rush inside and just be a typical US tourist. Most medical professionals are used to Westerners and thankfully never said a word to me about it, but I was extremely self conscious the entire time. I dashed back to the car as soon as we were done and never forgot to carry it again!
The climate and scenery were wonderful--definitely different than either Africa or the USA. And although we've grown accustomed to being surrounded by many Muslims, being in a country where Christianity is forbidden was a new challenge. We weren't allowed to take a Bible or any book/materials that would be easily identified as Christian. I was also advised not to wear any jewelry that would be draw attention to my faith. Most of that was not a problem, but I was required to wear a traditional Arab outer garment over my clothes whenever we left the resort compound and entered public areas (restaurants, shopping centers, tourist areas). Some of these cloaks are quite beautiful, and I purchased a simple one that would go with anything I wore, but the challenge was going out in the 90-degree heat wearing an extra layer of fabric. It was quite suffocating at times. One day we made a last-minute decision to rush out and get our Covid tests for the return flight and, in my haste, I forgot to grab the cloak! When we arrived at the medical clinic, I didn't know what to do. Thankfully I had on capri slacks--not shorts--so I was advised to rush inside and just be a typical US tourist. Most medical professionals are used to Westerners and thankfully never said a word to me about it, but I was extremely self conscious the entire time. I dashed back to the car as soon as we were done and never forgot to carry it again!
Me--wearing an abaya--and Jim enjoying the sights one evening.
We got to spend some real quality time there...something we miss out on when in the US. The guys played golf several times and I went along as the cart driver. We went horseback riding; hunted for shark teeth in the desert, and went to the Edge of the World which is much like the Grand Canyon. I also got to do some grocery shopping in a first-world store and brought things back to Africa that I don't usually get to bring. That was a real treat for me! All in all, it was a very good trip, but I'm much more appreciative of living in countries like the USA and Tanzania where you can practice your faith openly. I don't know that I would last very long in a world where I had to suppress my faith--unless the Lord called me to serve there. Being grateful for the important things. Check out more pictures under the Gallery.
Some of our staff who gathered for some special meetings to work through issues.
September 2021: Hitting on all Cylinders
This has been a month of great challenges for us, professionally and personally. We thank God that we were back on top of our game from a rest and stamina perspective, because we did not get much sleep this month. Satan seemed to be attacking on several different fronts--in Tanzania as well as in the US--and we were trying to be awake to deal with the problems on both time zones. We would catch 3-4 hours of sleep at night, and maybe an hour nap during the day, but both situations were pretty worrisome which made it even more difficult to sleep. We spent a lot of time in prayer, asking for guidance, wisdom, and answers...occasionally remembering to put it all back into His hands! LOL!
Jim had rescheduled his climb of Mt Kilimanjaro from August to September, and the day before the climb, the tour operator cancelled out due to a death in the family. Jim had worked hard for 7 days before the climb, working out and making sure he was in the best shape to succeed, so he was very disappointed that it was now being postponed a second time. He wasn't happy when I said that God must have a reason to keep him home...and he certainly wasn't happy when that proved true! Everything started happening at once.
Our ministry suffered some serious personnel issues, to the point that Jim was dealing with them almost non-stop for the next 14 days. I can't imagine how bad it might have gotten if he'd been up on the mountain for half of that time, so yes, there was a reason God kept him home. And in the middle of all that, our youngest son was admitted to the hospital back in Florida with a mysterious illness (not Covid) and getting nowhere fast. So I was dealing with him while Jim was dealing with the ministry. Both situations took weeks to calm down, and they certainly caught us unaware, but the Lord had made sure we were well rested, mentally and physically, to deal with these challenges. You know you must be doing something right when Satan puts that much energy into trying to take you down. The ministry is settling down and we made a lot of lemonade out of those lemons, and it is actually much better off now.
This has been a month of great challenges for us, professionally and personally. We thank God that we were back on top of our game from a rest and stamina perspective, because we did not get much sleep this month. Satan seemed to be attacking on several different fronts--in Tanzania as well as in the US--and we were trying to be awake to deal with the problems on both time zones. We would catch 3-4 hours of sleep at night, and maybe an hour nap during the day, but both situations were pretty worrisome which made it even more difficult to sleep. We spent a lot of time in prayer, asking for guidance, wisdom, and answers...occasionally remembering to put it all back into His hands! LOL!
Jim had rescheduled his climb of Mt Kilimanjaro from August to September, and the day before the climb, the tour operator cancelled out due to a death in the family. Jim had worked hard for 7 days before the climb, working out and making sure he was in the best shape to succeed, so he was very disappointed that it was now being postponed a second time. He wasn't happy when I said that God must have a reason to keep him home...and he certainly wasn't happy when that proved true! Everything started happening at once.
Our ministry suffered some serious personnel issues, to the point that Jim was dealing with them almost non-stop for the next 14 days. I can't imagine how bad it might have gotten if he'd been up on the mountain for half of that time, so yes, there was a reason God kept him home. And in the middle of all that, our youngest son was admitted to the hospital back in Florida with a mysterious illness (not Covid) and getting nowhere fast. So I was dealing with him while Jim was dealing with the ministry. Both situations took weeks to calm down, and they certainly caught us unaware, but the Lord had made sure we were well rested, mentally and physically, to deal with these challenges. You know you must be doing something right when Satan puts that much energy into trying to take you down. The ministry is settling down and we made a lot of lemonade out of those lemons, and it is actually much better off now.
August 2021: R & R
As we get older, we find that it takes longer and longer for our bodies and sleep cycles to adjust to African heat and time. For the last several years, Jim's body acts like he has mononucleosis and he can barely get out of bed for 3-4 weeks, sometimes a little longer. He was supposed to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro this month, but had to postpone because his body had absolutely no strength. I think the Lord made sure he got the rest that he forgoes much of the rest of the year!
We caught up on a lot of administrative work, but we also took the opportunity to fly to the island of Zanzibar (part of Tanzania) to play tourist and celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. We had a great time going to spice farms, riding horses on the beach, and spending the day at an animal rescue sanctuary. And yes, that is us sitting next to a very real, wild, cheetah! I was petrified, but Jim snuggled right up to her and got many more pictures! It must've been just what he needed, because we returned to Moshi and he was feeling pretty good.
As we get older, we find that it takes longer and longer for our bodies and sleep cycles to adjust to African heat and time. For the last several years, Jim's body acts like he has mononucleosis and he can barely get out of bed for 3-4 weeks, sometimes a little longer. He was supposed to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro this month, but had to postpone because his body had absolutely no strength. I think the Lord made sure he got the rest that he forgoes much of the rest of the year!
We caught up on a lot of administrative work, but we also took the opportunity to fly to the island of Zanzibar (part of Tanzania) to play tourist and celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. We had a great time going to spice farms, riding horses on the beach, and spending the day at an animal rescue sanctuary. And yes, that is us sitting next to a very real, wild, cheetah! I was petrified, but Jim snuggled right up to her and got many more pictures! It must've been just what he needed, because we returned to Moshi and he was feeling pretty good.
July 2021: Still in the USA!
We had so much to pack into such a short time. We went to California for a meeting with several of the ICM Board members, giving them an update on the progress. That is always an encouraging time. One of our supporting churches there asked us to speak on Sunday because they were kicking off an 8-week "Mission Possible" event and they wanted "real" missionaries to speak to the church! LOL We also got to speak to the children and youth. We were very impressed with the effort they were making to keep missions front and center of the church, of all ages, by promoting a reading program of Christian mission books geared to each age group.
From California, we moved on to Montana to visit a young couple who have supported us for years...they even came and lived/worked with us for almost 6 months! This was our first time to this beautiful state, and they allowed us to play tourists and just completely relax. What a blessing.
We returned to St Petersburg for just a few days to celebrate our youngest son's birthday, then headed off to the Florida Panhandle to see supporters there, as well as visit our daughter and her family, Janice's sister and father, and Jim's youngest brother. This is probably our second home while in the US, because we have quite a bit of family there, but also a very strong supporting church who requests we share every time we're in town. It's also the town where I graduated from high school, and Jim and I got married! Lots of good memories here.
We had so much to pack into such a short time. We went to California for a meeting with several of the ICM Board members, giving them an update on the progress. That is always an encouraging time. One of our supporting churches there asked us to speak on Sunday because they were kicking off an 8-week "Mission Possible" event and they wanted "real" missionaries to speak to the church! LOL We also got to speak to the children and youth. We were very impressed with the effort they were making to keep missions front and center of the church, of all ages, by promoting a reading program of Christian mission books geared to each age group.
From California, we moved on to Montana to visit a young couple who have supported us for years...they even came and lived/worked with us for almost 6 months! This was our first time to this beautiful state, and they allowed us to play tourists and just completely relax. What a blessing.
We returned to St Petersburg for just a few days to celebrate our youngest son's birthday, then headed off to the Florida Panhandle to see supporters there, as well as visit our daughter and her family, Janice's sister and father, and Jim's youngest brother. This is probably our second home while in the US, because we have quite a bit of family there, but also a very strong supporting church who requests we share every time we're in town. It's also the town where I graduated from high school, and Jim and I got married! Lots of good memories here.
Son-in-law Carl and grandson Finn helping Bibi blow out her birthday candles while Jim watches.
Last, but certainly not least, we ventured up to Asheville NC to visit Jim's sister and brother. We always have a good time there. The guys play golf, we all watch the bears who hang around the house every day, and we usually go canoing for a relaxing time. This year was no different. We also have a couple of supporting churches within the area, but we were only able to visit one while we were there. We also drove down to Gainesville GA to visit very good friends for a day, and then returned to St Petersburg to pack up and fly back to Tanzania. It's never long enough, but we know the Lord doesn't want us getting terribly comfortable there and risk getting tempted to not return to work. Until the next time!
June 2021: In the USA
These things called furloughs--which the dictionary defines as "a temporary leave of absence from work"--are probably much more work than our full-time calling as missionaries! We are usually on the move, traveling around the country from city to city, every 4-5 days. We have responsibilities to report to supporting churches and individuals about the Lord's work in Africa, as well as trying to squeeze in some precious time with family while we're in the US. It's definitely a balancing act. I think of the Apostle Paul trying to get around to all the churches he had planted, disciples he made, and churches who supported him during his many years of journeys and realize we're carrying on a very worthwhile calling.
A lot of our time in June was spent with our middle child, Kyle, before he deployed to the Middle East for 2 years. We helped him pack up his belongings and drive them across country to be put in storage, and he flew out on the 1st of July. We hope to be able to fly from Tanzania once or twice during that time to visit him.
These things called furloughs--which the dictionary defines as "a temporary leave of absence from work"--are probably much more work than our full-time calling as missionaries! We are usually on the move, traveling around the country from city to city, every 4-5 days. We have responsibilities to report to supporting churches and individuals about the Lord's work in Africa, as well as trying to squeeze in some precious time with family while we're in the US. It's definitely a balancing act. I think of the Apostle Paul trying to get around to all the churches he had planted, disciples he made, and churches who supported him during his many years of journeys and realize we're carrying on a very worthwhile calling.
A lot of our time in June was spent with our middle child, Kyle, before he deployed to the Middle East for 2 years. We helped him pack up his belongings and drive them across country to be put in storage, and he flew out on the 1st of July. We hope to be able to fly from Tanzania once or twice during that time to visit him.
Kyle driving his Tesla and Janice driving the big moving truck! LOL
Jim and the team standing under a massive tree on their climb up the mountain!
May 2021: Dealing with Illness
I probably say this every month--but it's true...things are so busy that I think we're meeting ourselves coming and going! May was no different. Jim had a big team event scheduled by taking many of his instructors on a climb of Africa's 4th tallest peak, Mt. Meru, early in the month. They all had a great time and saw lots of animals, plus it was a good team-building experience for them; a great way to begin the month!
Just a few days later, Jim and I flew to Uganda to conduct some IBS seminars there and investigate a site we are considering for a future ICM-Africa college location. We are pretty used to having to get Covid tests now before flying, but were unaware we would have to submit ourselves to another one upon landing. Not only is it an added expense, but you then have to wait at the airport for 3-5 hours for the results! Ugh! After getting cleared, we had to spend the night in Kampala and then make an 8-hr drive the next day to our final destination.
Our hosts are Ugandan doctors, and their church and education facilities share a compound with their hospital/clinic. Within about 48 hours of arrival, Jim came down with a deep cough, fever, and flu-like symptoms. After performing x-rays and knowing he had just tested negative for Covid--twice--they determined he had viral pneumonia and started him on a course of treatment. He quickly began feeling better. However, just one day later I came down with the same symptoms and went to the clinic expecting the same result. Unfortunately, I tested positive for malaria which became their focus and they forgot to do a chest x-ray. Needless to say, by the time I got home to our apartment in Tanzania, I was a pretty sick person.
My malaria had cleared up, but the pneumonia Jim had shared with me caused all kinds of havoc. Even though I had tested negative for Covid 4 times in a 7-day period, they still treated me as if I had Covid-related pneumonia. On oxygen for 5 days straight and treated with both Remdesivir and the Ivermectin protocol (the human version!). It kept me out of the hospital and being exposed to actual Covid--along with what would surely have been an even more traumatic experience because hospitals are not sanitary places, and they don't provide any food for you. You have to have family or friends bring you sustenance and help you get up to go down the hall to the bathroom, etc. It's a scary thought. Thankfully though, I always had a peace about NOT being med-evaced out of the country to a first-world hospital, although Jim tells me later that it was because I had no idea how sick I really was. Ignorance is bliss, or trust in the Lord? I choose the latter. He has already appointed the day and hour when I'll be called home and no amount of panic or extra effort on my part will change that. But it did cause us to put some precautions in place in case there was a repeat episode in the future. Life on the mission field certainly presents us with plenty of new challenges and opportunities to trust in the Lord!
I probably say this every month--but it's true...things are so busy that I think we're meeting ourselves coming and going! May was no different. Jim had a big team event scheduled by taking many of his instructors on a climb of Africa's 4th tallest peak, Mt. Meru, early in the month. They all had a great time and saw lots of animals, plus it was a good team-building experience for them; a great way to begin the month!
Just a few days later, Jim and I flew to Uganda to conduct some IBS seminars there and investigate a site we are considering for a future ICM-Africa college location. We are pretty used to having to get Covid tests now before flying, but were unaware we would have to submit ourselves to another one upon landing. Not only is it an added expense, but you then have to wait at the airport for 3-5 hours for the results! Ugh! After getting cleared, we had to spend the night in Kampala and then make an 8-hr drive the next day to our final destination.
Our hosts are Ugandan doctors, and their church and education facilities share a compound with their hospital/clinic. Within about 48 hours of arrival, Jim came down with a deep cough, fever, and flu-like symptoms. After performing x-rays and knowing he had just tested negative for Covid--twice--they determined he had viral pneumonia and started him on a course of treatment. He quickly began feeling better. However, just one day later I came down with the same symptoms and went to the clinic expecting the same result. Unfortunately, I tested positive for malaria which became their focus and they forgot to do a chest x-ray. Needless to say, by the time I got home to our apartment in Tanzania, I was a pretty sick person.
My malaria had cleared up, but the pneumonia Jim had shared with me caused all kinds of havoc. Even though I had tested negative for Covid 4 times in a 7-day period, they still treated me as if I had Covid-related pneumonia. On oxygen for 5 days straight and treated with both Remdesivir and the Ivermectin protocol (the human version!). It kept me out of the hospital and being exposed to actual Covid--along with what would surely have been an even more traumatic experience because hospitals are not sanitary places, and they don't provide any food for you. You have to have family or friends bring you sustenance and help you get up to go down the hall to the bathroom, etc. It's a scary thought. Thankfully though, I always had a peace about NOT being med-evaced out of the country to a first-world hospital, although Jim tells me later that it was because I had no idea how sick I really was. Ignorance is bliss, or trust in the Lord? I choose the latter. He has already appointed the day and hour when I'll be called home and no amount of panic or extra effort on my part will change that. But it did cause us to put some precautions in place in case there was a repeat episode in the future. Life on the mission field certainly presents us with plenty of new challenges and opportunities to trust in the Lord!
March-April 2021: A Good Life
Since returning to life in Tanzania last month, we have been going non-stop. We have lots of administrative work to do, but we also do face-to-face ministry a couple of times a week. We have college classes to oversee, high-school youth group we lead every Sunday evening, marriage seminars to teach, and our own church to lead every Sunday morning. On top of that, we have also made very good friends here (locals and expats) whom we can't imagine doing ministry without.
A mixed blessing in March is that the Tanzanian President passed away, ushering in a new leader--a Muslim woman--who has a kinder, gentler nature and is very business-oriented. Under her leadership, we are extremely hopeful that all our issues with getting long-term work permits and resident visas will be resolved later this year. She is encouraging investors to come from other countries and chastising her officials for putting up roadblocks. There is a new sheriff in town, and we are very relieved! We pray for the Lord to use her in a mighty way!
While doing a marriage seminar in the middle of April, we were teaching verse by verse through 1 Corinthians 7. This chapter is all about commitment to stay with your spouse even when it's difficult, because God doesn't want us walking away from our marriages during tough times, but rather working things out. But the Apostle Paul nor Jesus completely prepare me for some of the question which arise. The main one this time was "If my husband has several wives and I've become a Christian, should I remain in the marriage since we cannot be "one flesh?" Oh...My!!! There is nothing as stressful as people depending on the answer you supply, because they WILL do exactly what you say. I realized that a number of our scriptural interpretations are definitely shaped by the culture we grew up in. First, Americans don't do well with the concept of plural wives, so I think many would counsel her that she can and should separate from her husband. But is that what Scripture says? Paul teaches here that, whatever marital circumstance you are in at the time you are saved, you should remain in it as long as your spouse is agreeable to live with your newfound faith. Whoa! He doesn't say that if you are one of many, you can leave. He also doesn't say threaten the husband with divorce if he doesn't get rid of his other wives, nor does he say anyone is committing adultery in this situation. Although there are many scriptures to support the understanding that monogamy was God's ideal from the beginning, it seems there may be an equal concern for there not to be an unnecessary divorce. It was difficult to be in the position of impacting someone's household--their provision, security, and community standing--based on my answer. But it's all the more reason to provide only His Word--which transcends all cultures--and not my opinion!
Since returning to life in Tanzania last month, we have been going non-stop. We have lots of administrative work to do, but we also do face-to-face ministry a couple of times a week. We have college classes to oversee, high-school youth group we lead every Sunday evening, marriage seminars to teach, and our own church to lead every Sunday morning. On top of that, we have also made very good friends here (locals and expats) whom we can't imagine doing ministry without.
A mixed blessing in March is that the Tanzanian President passed away, ushering in a new leader--a Muslim woman--who has a kinder, gentler nature and is very business-oriented. Under her leadership, we are extremely hopeful that all our issues with getting long-term work permits and resident visas will be resolved later this year. She is encouraging investors to come from other countries and chastising her officials for putting up roadblocks. There is a new sheriff in town, and we are very relieved! We pray for the Lord to use her in a mighty way!
While doing a marriage seminar in the middle of April, we were teaching verse by verse through 1 Corinthians 7. This chapter is all about commitment to stay with your spouse even when it's difficult, because God doesn't want us walking away from our marriages during tough times, but rather working things out. But the Apostle Paul nor Jesus completely prepare me for some of the question which arise. The main one this time was "If my husband has several wives and I've become a Christian, should I remain in the marriage since we cannot be "one flesh?" Oh...My!!! There is nothing as stressful as people depending on the answer you supply, because they WILL do exactly what you say. I realized that a number of our scriptural interpretations are definitely shaped by the culture we grew up in. First, Americans don't do well with the concept of plural wives, so I think many would counsel her that she can and should separate from her husband. But is that what Scripture says? Paul teaches here that, whatever marital circumstance you are in at the time you are saved, you should remain in it as long as your spouse is agreeable to live with your newfound faith. Whoa! He doesn't say that if you are one of many, you can leave. He also doesn't say threaten the husband with divorce if he doesn't get rid of his other wives, nor does he say anyone is committing adultery in this situation. Although there are many scriptures to support the understanding that monogamy was God's ideal from the beginning, it seems there may be an equal concern for there not to be an unnecessary divorce. It was difficult to be in the position of impacting someone's household--their provision, security, and community standing--based on my answer. But it's all the more reason to provide only His Word--which transcends all cultures--and not my opinion!
Leading a session at the marriage seminar
February 2021: A Few Words from Us
The video below is a 15-minute question and answer session conducted at one of our supporting churches in the Florida Panhandle. We hope you will learn a little more about what our lives have been like over the last year from watching this.
Otherwise, we had a great time visiting with all our family...kids, grandkids, parents and siblings. Jim spent a LOT of time golfing with his brothers and friends, but he doesn't get to do it while we're in Tanzania so I happily sent him on his way! LOL I topped my happy tank off with lots of time with my kids and grandkids, as well as my dad and siblings. All in all, it has been a very good trip!
Jim conducting communion at a church in St Petersburg
January 2021: Off to a Good Start!
We began this year in the US because we came home between Christmas and New Year's day. Jim went to Birmingham for 10 days for his PhD program and I went to the Florida Panhandle to stay with my dad and see our daughter and grandkids during that timeframe. We returned to St Pete for just 2 days before traveling to western NC to visit Jim's family and visit 3 churches. We met some new people at a new church, and strengthened relationships with existing churches and supporters. We got to see snow for a couple days as well, but that didn't stop Jim from getting out and playing golf which seems to be his favorite way to unwind now.
Ministry work began again in Tanzania with college sessions and seminars, so it's good to know that our presence isn't always required to keep things running. We're very pleased with the leadership team in place now and give the Lord thanks for His provision. Please keep them in your prayers.
We began this year in the US because we came home between Christmas and New Year's day. Jim went to Birmingham for 10 days for his PhD program and I went to the Florida Panhandle to stay with my dad and see our daughter and grandkids during that timeframe. We returned to St Pete for just 2 days before traveling to western NC to visit Jim's family and visit 3 churches. We met some new people at a new church, and strengthened relationships with existing churches and supporters. We got to see snow for a couple days as well, but that didn't stop Jim from getting out and playing golf which seems to be his favorite way to unwind now.
Ministry work began again in Tanzania with college sessions and seminars, so it's good to know that our presence isn't always required to keep things running. We're very pleased with the leadership team in place now and give the Lord thanks for His provision. Please keep them in your prayers.
We were able to feed all the children a good hot meal the day they came!
Nov-Dec 2020: Closing Out Strong
These last 2 months were pure joy for us as far as ministry work. Our bodies were finally on the right time zone and ministry was happening at full speed all around us. We had college sessions and graduations happening, we were speaking at village churches, doing marriage seminars, attending missionary retreats with fellow servants, and winding up the year with a children's day of fun and games for 225+ kids! It just doesn't get much better than that.
Strangely enough, Tanzania doesn't act like there is a world-wide pandemic going on. No one is wearing masks or social distancing here. The average citizen thinks it has been eradicated from the country, but medical professionals will tell you otherwise. However, it doesn't seem to be overtaking the country the way it is in other places. Maybe there's something about the climate, or some natural immunity the Tanzanians carry which others don't...we have no idea, but life has been pretty "normal" here.
We didn't want it to end, but it was time to return to the US so Jim could attend his Ph.D program in Birmingham, AL the first week of January. We flew back home the day after Christmas and are now in St Petersburg relaxing and enjoying some time with our youngest son, his wife and our grandson. We will remain in the US through March 8 and try to do a few church visits while we're here, so please let us know if you would like to see us and we'll see what we can arrange. Although 2020 was a strange year, we find that it has turned out to have many blessings in disguise.
These last 2 months were pure joy for us as far as ministry work. Our bodies were finally on the right time zone and ministry was happening at full speed all around us. We had college sessions and graduations happening, we were speaking at village churches, doing marriage seminars, attending missionary retreats with fellow servants, and winding up the year with a children's day of fun and games for 225+ kids! It just doesn't get much better than that.
Strangely enough, Tanzania doesn't act like there is a world-wide pandemic going on. No one is wearing masks or social distancing here. The average citizen thinks it has been eradicated from the country, but medical professionals will tell you otherwise. However, it doesn't seem to be overtaking the country the way it is in other places. Maybe there's something about the climate, or some natural immunity the Tanzanians carry which others don't...we have no idea, but life has been pretty "normal" here.
We didn't want it to end, but it was time to return to the US so Jim could attend his Ph.D program in Birmingham, AL the first week of January. We flew back home the day after Christmas and are now in St Petersburg relaxing and enjoying some time with our youngest son, his wife and our grandson. We will remain in the US through March 8 and try to do a few church visits while we're here, so please let us know if you would like to see us and we'll see what we can arrange. Although 2020 was a strange year, we find that it has turned out to have many blessings in disguise.
October 2020: A 3-minute Update
This is an update we prepared for one of our supporting churches recently. It has quite a few pictures and allows you to "hear from us" in a more personal way.
Summer 2020: All Over the Map!
I know the country is supposed to be in a semi-locked down phase, but we seem to be doing almost as much traveling in the Pandemic as we ever have. We're not complaining because we enjoy getting out, and actually having the time to do it without impacting the ministry work!
In June I went up to the FL Panhandle again for a week to spend time with my dad and 3 of our grandkids. They're in a church summer camp program, and I play taxi to get them back and forth each day. While they're at camp, my dad and I get to spend some quality time together, usually doing some work projects together. During this particular trip, he wanted me to help him finish building a fence he'd been working on. It was actually kind of interesting, and I learned something new.
Later that month we flew to Asheville NC to spend a week with Jim's family. They were finally able to gather all 4 siblings and a couple nieces/nephews and have a memorial service for Jim's mom who passed away on March 1. We had some very relaxing days there...the men played golf and we kayaked and hiked.
I know the country is supposed to be in a semi-locked down phase, but we seem to be doing almost as much traveling in the Pandemic as we ever have. We're not complaining because we enjoy getting out, and actually having the time to do it without impacting the ministry work!
In June I went up to the FL Panhandle again for a week to spend time with my dad and 3 of our grandkids. They're in a church summer camp program, and I play taxi to get them back and forth each day. While they're at camp, my dad and I get to spend some quality time together, usually doing some work projects together. During this particular trip, he wanted me to help him finish building a fence he'd been working on. It was actually kind of interesting, and I learned something new.
Later that month we flew to Asheville NC to spend a week with Jim's family. They were finally able to gather all 4 siblings and a couple nieces/nephews and have a memorial service for Jim's mom who passed away on March 1. We had some very relaxing days there...the men played golf and we kayaked and hiked.
L-R: Jim's youngest brother Doug, next youngest brother Allan, Allan's daughter Chelsea, Brenda's husband Mark, Jim's older sister Brenda, Jim, Janice, our son Kyle.
July found us going back to the Panhandle from the 3rd-10th with Kevin, Natalia and little Nolen. It was time my dad (Nolen) met his newest namesake! He is rather proud of both these boys! We celebrated our son Kevin's birthday, as well as had an early celebration of my dad's 90th at the same time. We spent some good time with our daughter, Seretha, and her husband, Carl, as well as the other 2 grandchildren, Lilly Faith and Brent.
Janice's dad, Nolen, with great-grandsons (L) Nolen James Larson and (r) Finn Nolen O'Malley.
I spent my birthday on the 14th in St Petersburg, but then Jim and I flew up to Washington DC for 5 days to visit our other son, Kyle. Although most of the museums were still closed, I got to spend half a day at the Bible Museum while Jim and Kyle played golf. One day I went with them and drove the golf cart, but other days we spent walking around and just hanging out. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum was also closed, but I got to get my picture made in front of it at least, since I finally proved my ancestral lineage last year and became a member. We closed out the month back in St Petersburg.
Some days we feel very unproductive by not being able to do ministry work at the same level to which we're accustomed, but the extra time we're getting to spend with family is a major blessing. Soon enough (we hope), we'll be back at work and probably won't have these opportunities. Until next time!
Some days we feel very unproductive by not being able to do ministry work at the same level to which we're accustomed, but the extra time we're getting to spend with family is a major blessing. Soon enough (we hope), we'll be back at work and probably won't have these opportunities. Until next time!
Becki, Chelsea, Brenda, Janice
May 2020: Traveling Again
At the beginning of the month, we flew from St Petersburg FL to Asheville NC to see Jim's siblings. We were unsure what to expect on the airplane, but the crew did their best to not sit strangers in the same row with each other. Thankfully the plane was just a little over half full which allowed this extra measure of precaution. Everyone wore masks for the duration of the flight and usually throughout the airport. Overall, it was a good experience. We repeated the process 2 weeks later going back home.
While we were gone, Jim went to SC with his brothers and brother-in-law to spend 4 days fishing. I ended up staying in NC and spent time walking about 5 miles each day and trying to get my weary body back into some kind of good physical shape. The hills are a killer on my knees, but I still felt much better for it. When the guys were done at the beach, we all swapped places. They came back to Asheville and spent the next 5 days playing golf, and my niece and Jim's sister and I went to SC. We had relaxing time walking on the beach, reading, and just hanging out. A real girl's trip!
The rest of the month was spent back in St Petersburg trying to find a new normal. We began to see friends during the day if they were available, went to church at the very end of the month once services began being held in person again, and have just tried to continue being outdoors whenever possible for our mental well-being. We're even thinking of planning a trip in July somewhere in the US as an early anniversary celebration. Might as well take advantage of this downtime while we can!
At the beginning of the month, we flew from St Petersburg FL to Asheville NC to see Jim's siblings. We were unsure what to expect on the airplane, but the crew did their best to not sit strangers in the same row with each other. Thankfully the plane was just a little over half full which allowed this extra measure of precaution. Everyone wore masks for the duration of the flight and usually throughout the airport. Overall, it was a good experience. We repeated the process 2 weeks later going back home.
While we were gone, Jim went to SC with his brothers and brother-in-law to spend 4 days fishing. I ended up staying in NC and spent time walking about 5 miles each day and trying to get my weary body back into some kind of good physical shape. The hills are a killer on my knees, but I still felt much better for it. When the guys were done at the beach, we all swapped places. They came back to Asheville and spent the next 5 days playing golf, and my niece and Jim's sister and I went to SC. We had relaxing time walking on the beach, reading, and just hanging out. A real girl's trip!
The rest of the month was spent back in St Petersburg trying to find a new normal. We began to see friends during the day if they were available, went to church at the very end of the month once services began being held in person again, and have just tried to continue being outdoors whenever possible for our mental well-being. We're even thinking of planning a trip in July somewhere in the US as an early anniversary celebration. Might as well take advantage of this downtime while we can!
Spending a few hours with Nolen
April 2020: A New Reality
Like most of the rest of the world, we quarantined ourselves for at least 14 days after flying back to the USA through Europe. Thankfully, we had no sign of illness, and we actually enjoyed the forced downtime. We didn't realize how mentally and physically exhausted we had become through February and March, so we succumbed to many naps, early nights to bed, and extra time reading our Bibles. While still under quarantine, we were able to join our son in rehabbing a house every day, doing physical labor for 10-12 hours each day. This went on for 4 weeks! Now we were just plain tired!!! We were happy to be of some help to him to get this process completed, and grateful for the few occasions we got to spend a few hours with our grandson Nolen.
By mid-April we were driving to the Florida Panhandle to visit Janice's sister and dad, and our daughter Seretha and her family. We had the privilege of babysitting our grandkids each day and helping them get their schoolwork done, and then spending evenings/weekends with Renee and big Nolen. The time flew by very quickly, and before we knew it we were headed back to St Pete to prepare for travel to NC in May.
We were going to visit our son Kyle in Washington DC at the beginning of the month because he was sitting at home during the furlough with not much to do, but then he was chosen to serve on a COVID-19 task force working 6 days a week! He is responsible to procure enough test kits to be used around the country, as well as the "10 most important" medications for patients who are put on ventilators. We are very proud of his involvement and willingness to use his skills this way, and are sure the Lord will provide us an opportunity to visit him later during our furlough.
In the meantime, we are becoming familiar with "Zoom" to hold our monthly prayer team meetings and reconnecting with others, while watching church services online. We certainly miss the face-to-face fellowship we've always enjoyed with each of you and look forward to the time when we can all get together again!
Like most of the rest of the world, we quarantined ourselves for at least 14 days after flying back to the USA through Europe. Thankfully, we had no sign of illness, and we actually enjoyed the forced downtime. We didn't realize how mentally and physically exhausted we had become through February and March, so we succumbed to many naps, early nights to bed, and extra time reading our Bibles. While still under quarantine, we were able to join our son in rehabbing a house every day, doing physical labor for 10-12 hours each day. This went on for 4 weeks! Now we were just plain tired!!! We were happy to be of some help to him to get this process completed, and grateful for the few occasions we got to spend a few hours with our grandson Nolen.
By mid-April we were driving to the Florida Panhandle to visit Janice's sister and dad, and our daughter Seretha and her family. We had the privilege of babysitting our grandkids each day and helping them get their schoolwork done, and then spending evenings/weekends with Renee and big Nolen. The time flew by very quickly, and before we knew it we were headed back to St Pete to prepare for travel to NC in May.
We were going to visit our son Kyle in Washington DC at the beginning of the month because he was sitting at home during the furlough with not much to do, but then he was chosen to serve on a COVID-19 task force working 6 days a week! He is responsible to procure enough test kits to be used around the country, as well as the "10 most important" medications for patients who are put on ventilators. We are very proud of his involvement and willingness to use his skills this way, and are sure the Lord will provide us an opportunity to visit him later during our furlough.
In the meantime, we are becoming familiar with "Zoom" to hold our monthly prayer team meetings and reconnecting with others, while watching church services online. We certainly miss the face-to-face fellowship we've always enjoyed with each of you and look forward to the time when we can all get together again!
Happy to catch one of the last flights out of TZ!
March 2020: Uh Oh!
We often hear about missionaries or Christians who suffer persecution at the hands of governments where they live/serve--and sometimes it is severe (being imprisoned or worse) and other times just a major inconvenience--but it is unnerving nonetheless. I've often marveled at the composure exhibited by many believers and tried to imagine myself in their situations and how I would handle it, but then thanked God I didn't have to find out...and then it happened!
To make this story as short as possible, I had to present myself to the local Immigration office upon re-entering TZ when we returned from Israel in order to have them decide what kind of visa I needed since my previous one had expired and new ones had not been processed yet. Due to a rash of people misusing the cover of NGOs and religious groups as covers for doing illegal activities, it prompted the Immigration officials to want to do a thorough investigation of me, our ministry, and the organization which has sponsored us to be in country since 2012.
In the beginning, I was polite and cooperative, thinking there wouldn't be any issues since we had nothing to hide. But I quickly learned that logic and reason weren't staples in a corrupt, socialist society. I had 2 officers offer to take my passport to the closest border and get me a 90-day business visa for twice the actual cost--1/2 the fee paying for the visa and the other 1/2 going into their pocket. I declined. Then the head officer decided to confiscate my passport to ensure I would return to their offices each day to be subjected to accusations, interrogations, threats of jail/court, and general psychological warfare. This went on for 14 days! Unfortunately, I had a pretty worldly response in the beginning. I was indignant, tried to reason with them, told them they didn't have a legal right to keep my passport, and then became uncooperative and silent. And I have to admit that I was even fearful at one point, having just read a story where 2 members of Parliament had been thrown in jail for disagreeing with the President and nearly been beaten to death by the police. I had visions of them showing up at our home on a Friday night and arresting me, being able to hold me over a weekend when there are no court sessions just to intimidate me. They don't really care whether you're innocent or guilty--they just assume everyone is hiding something and use whatever means are necessary to find that out.
In the end, the COVID-19 situation worked in our favor to end that nightmare. I had notified the US Embassy 3 times about my passport being taken, and they were following up with the local Immigration office to get status reports. When the Embassy closed due to the virus, they contacted the Immigration office and instructed that they release my passport that day or else charge me. So the outcome was that we were told we could not remain in the country while waiting on our new documents to be finalized, had to show proof that we had booked flights out of the country, and paid a fee of $600 for the privilege of remaining 4 days until our schedule flight would depart.
During those 14 days, we realized the Lord might actually be closing the door for us to remain in TZ long term. Maybe He wanted us to move to Uganda, Kenya, or another country--or maybe He was going to call us home? It was difficult to pray through those thoughts in the midst of such turmoil, but it did spur us into action. Jim had several meetings with the staff to brainstorm some changes that would allow them to continue without our physical presence, whether for the short term or indefinitely. In the end, we realized that the changes were all positive, but not things we would have voluntarily decided to do at this point. I think the Lord was having to apply a bit of pressure to get us to relinquish our tight grip on something that has become such an integral part of our lives. Admittedly, we love these people who have become our family and for whom we have sacrificed much, and we just weren't ready for this to happen.
We left TZ on 21 March and arrived back in St Petersburg FL to spend 2 weeks in self-imposed quarantine due to our international travels and potential exposure to COVID-19. Frankly, even though we haven't been able to see any of our family yet, we are happy to be back for this time of reflection and refocusing. I continue to trust that everything happens for a reason, and even though that experience was not one I would like to repeat, I trust that it was part of a bigger plan.
Looking forward to getting an opportunity to see all of our family and many supporters during the next several months. We are currently scheduled to return to TZ on 1 August as long as all our documents are approved by then, and that the Lord has confirmed that is where He wants us for the next few years.
We often hear about missionaries or Christians who suffer persecution at the hands of governments where they live/serve--and sometimes it is severe (being imprisoned or worse) and other times just a major inconvenience--but it is unnerving nonetheless. I've often marveled at the composure exhibited by many believers and tried to imagine myself in their situations and how I would handle it, but then thanked God I didn't have to find out...and then it happened!
To make this story as short as possible, I had to present myself to the local Immigration office upon re-entering TZ when we returned from Israel in order to have them decide what kind of visa I needed since my previous one had expired and new ones had not been processed yet. Due to a rash of people misusing the cover of NGOs and religious groups as covers for doing illegal activities, it prompted the Immigration officials to want to do a thorough investigation of me, our ministry, and the organization which has sponsored us to be in country since 2012.
In the beginning, I was polite and cooperative, thinking there wouldn't be any issues since we had nothing to hide. But I quickly learned that logic and reason weren't staples in a corrupt, socialist society. I had 2 officers offer to take my passport to the closest border and get me a 90-day business visa for twice the actual cost--1/2 the fee paying for the visa and the other 1/2 going into their pocket. I declined. Then the head officer decided to confiscate my passport to ensure I would return to their offices each day to be subjected to accusations, interrogations, threats of jail/court, and general psychological warfare. This went on for 14 days! Unfortunately, I had a pretty worldly response in the beginning. I was indignant, tried to reason with them, told them they didn't have a legal right to keep my passport, and then became uncooperative and silent. And I have to admit that I was even fearful at one point, having just read a story where 2 members of Parliament had been thrown in jail for disagreeing with the President and nearly been beaten to death by the police. I had visions of them showing up at our home on a Friday night and arresting me, being able to hold me over a weekend when there are no court sessions just to intimidate me. They don't really care whether you're innocent or guilty--they just assume everyone is hiding something and use whatever means are necessary to find that out.
In the end, the COVID-19 situation worked in our favor to end that nightmare. I had notified the US Embassy 3 times about my passport being taken, and they were following up with the local Immigration office to get status reports. When the Embassy closed due to the virus, they contacted the Immigration office and instructed that they release my passport that day or else charge me. So the outcome was that we were told we could not remain in the country while waiting on our new documents to be finalized, had to show proof that we had booked flights out of the country, and paid a fee of $600 for the privilege of remaining 4 days until our schedule flight would depart.
During those 14 days, we realized the Lord might actually be closing the door for us to remain in TZ long term. Maybe He wanted us to move to Uganda, Kenya, or another country--or maybe He was going to call us home? It was difficult to pray through those thoughts in the midst of such turmoil, but it did spur us into action. Jim had several meetings with the staff to brainstorm some changes that would allow them to continue without our physical presence, whether for the short term or indefinitely. In the end, we realized that the changes were all positive, but not things we would have voluntarily decided to do at this point. I think the Lord was having to apply a bit of pressure to get us to relinquish our tight grip on something that has become such an integral part of our lives. Admittedly, we love these people who have become our family and for whom we have sacrificed much, and we just weren't ready for this to happen.
We left TZ on 21 March and arrived back in St Petersburg FL to spend 2 weeks in self-imposed quarantine due to our international travels and potential exposure to COVID-19. Frankly, even though we haven't been able to see any of our family yet, we are happy to be back for this time of reflection and refocusing. I continue to trust that everything happens for a reason, and even though that experience was not one I would like to repeat, I trust that it was part of a bigger plan.
Looking forward to getting an opportunity to see all of our family and many supporters during the next several months. We are currently scheduled to return to TZ on 1 August as long as all our documents are approved by then, and that the Lord has confirmed that is where He wants us for the next few years.
Listening to teaching at the site of Gideon's Spring.
February 2020: World Travelers
We returned to Tanzania at the beginning of this month with a full schedule of Bible college graduations and LOTS of work to catch up on in 2 short weeks, which is when we were scheduled to travel to Israel. Unfortunately, we learned that the much-needed registration of ICM-Africa still wasn't finished, and therefore our work permits were not approved either. This put me (Janice) in the position of being in the country during a 30-day grace period which would expire while we were in Israel. I really needed to stay in Tanzania to work the governmental issues, but I had spent an entire year planning the Israel trip and needed to accompany the group to ensure everything went as planned--in addition to which I wouldn't have received any refund for cancelling out.
As planned, our group of 15 pastors and Jim and I departed TZ on 18 February and flew to Israel to join up with 5 US ICM board members and 2 Ugandan doctors. We were now a group of 24 who grew quite close over the 10 days we spent together. It was a wonderful trip--which you'll probably read about in our May newsletter--but we were all ready to return to TZ at the end of the month, especially since Israel was experiencing its first cases of COVID-19 and beginning to restrict travel. In addition, we learned that Jim's mom had been diagnosed with an advanced form of lung cancer and was going downhill rapidly, so he was calling back to the US every day to check in on her situation. He was trying to enjoy the trip and help the TZ pastors learn, but his heart and mind were being pulled back to the family situation at the same time. We even contemplated briefly flying straight back to the US from Israel to try and see her or be there when she passed--which was imminent--but felt we were more needed to escort the pastors back to TZ since most of them had never flown before, much less done international travel. We seem to be faced with difficult decisions more and more these days. But we knew this is what the Lord had called us to, and no matter what our hearts or minds wanted, our spirits knew this was where we belonged. Just 24 hours after arriving back in Tanzania, we learned that Jim's mom passed away. She would be cremated, and a memorial service would be held sometime in the future once we were back in the US again.
We returned to Tanzania at the beginning of this month with a full schedule of Bible college graduations and LOTS of work to catch up on in 2 short weeks, which is when we were scheduled to travel to Israel. Unfortunately, we learned that the much-needed registration of ICM-Africa still wasn't finished, and therefore our work permits were not approved either. This put me (Janice) in the position of being in the country during a 30-day grace period which would expire while we were in Israel. I really needed to stay in Tanzania to work the governmental issues, but I had spent an entire year planning the Israel trip and needed to accompany the group to ensure everything went as planned--in addition to which I wouldn't have received any refund for cancelling out.
As planned, our group of 15 pastors and Jim and I departed TZ on 18 February and flew to Israel to join up with 5 US ICM board members and 2 Ugandan doctors. We were now a group of 24 who grew quite close over the 10 days we spent together. It was a wonderful trip--which you'll probably read about in our May newsletter--but we were all ready to return to TZ at the end of the month, especially since Israel was experiencing its first cases of COVID-19 and beginning to restrict travel. In addition, we learned that Jim's mom had been diagnosed with an advanced form of lung cancer and was going downhill rapidly, so he was calling back to the US every day to check in on her situation. He was trying to enjoy the trip and help the TZ pastors learn, but his heart and mind were being pulled back to the family situation at the same time. We even contemplated briefly flying straight back to the US from Israel to try and see her or be there when she passed--which was imminent--but felt we were more needed to escort the pastors back to TZ since most of them had never flown before, much less done international travel. We seem to be faced with difficult decisions more and more these days. But we knew this is what the Lord had called us to, and no matter what our hearts or minds wanted, our spirits knew this was where we belonged. Just 24 hours after arriving back in Tanzania, we learned that Jim's mom passed away. She would be cremated, and a memorial service would be held sometime in the future once we were back in the US again.
January 2020: New Goals
Setting goals are sometimes exciting, and at other times simply a necessary task in order to evaluate whether or not you are making progress. This year was probably a combination of both. We realized that more financial and physical help is needed to keep up with the exponential ministry growth that has been presented to us, so it was exciting to set goals on how we would manage that, which new opportunities we would follow up on, when it would happen, and many other factors. The less appealing side of that was actually having to ask for people to come alongside us and take on some responsibilities which can be accomplished from the US, and to also make a concerted effort to garner more financial support to fund the new endeavors. Believe me, it's the last thing any missionary wants to devote their time and mental energy to. But without setting goals and asking, people will rarely step forward and participate in God's Kingdom work.
Our goal is to get brand new Bible college classes started in both Kenya and Uganda this year. We feel strongly that the Lord desires to "spread the wealth" to other nearby lands, so we are committed to making that happen. The goal is to begin in late summer or fall of this year. Once they are active, it will give us a total of 6 campuses.
The way to fund it is to again, "spread the wealth," or maybe more appropriately ... "spread the load." Needing an additional $1500 per month to fund these 2 new campuses--and each class session costing $30 per student for a total of $150 for the entire program--we decided that if 50 new donors would pledge $30 per month we would be able to fund everything. It takes a while to get the word out, and we realize that not everyone actually reads the monthly newsletter, so if you can help spread the word to others in your church then we hope to reach our goal by the end of this year. Making the monthly commitment means that a donor is supporting a different pastor each month, totaling 12 pastors for an entire year. Now that's a way to get involved and make a difference!
We visited several more churches in January throughout Tennessee, NC and SC, and then packed up our materials and returned to Tanzania at the beginning of February. Another "home assignment" that came and went much too quickly!
Setting goals are sometimes exciting, and at other times simply a necessary task in order to evaluate whether or not you are making progress. This year was probably a combination of both. We realized that more financial and physical help is needed to keep up with the exponential ministry growth that has been presented to us, so it was exciting to set goals on how we would manage that, which new opportunities we would follow up on, when it would happen, and many other factors. The less appealing side of that was actually having to ask for people to come alongside us and take on some responsibilities which can be accomplished from the US, and to also make a concerted effort to garner more financial support to fund the new endeavors. Believe me, it's the last thing any missionary wants to devote their time and mental energy to. But without setting goals and asking, people will rarely step forward and participate in God's Kingdom work.
Our goal is to get brand new Bible college classes started in both Kenya and Uganda this year. We feel strongly that the Lord desires to "spread the wealth" to other nearby lands, so we are committed to making that happen. The goal is to begin in late summer or fall of this year. Once they are active, it will give us a total of 6 campuses.
The way to fund it is to again, "spread the wealth," or maybe more appropriately ... "spread the load." Needing an additional $1500 per month to fund these 2 new campuses--and each class session costing $30 per student for a total of $150 for the entire program--we decided that if 50 new donors would pledge $30 per month we would be able to fund everything. It takes a while to get the word out, and we realize that not everyone actually reads the monthly newsletter, so if you can help spread the word to others in your church then we hope to reach our goal by the end of this year. Making the monthly commitment means that a donor is supporting a different pastor each month, totaling 12 pastors for an entire year. Now that's a way to get involved and make a difference!
We visited several more churches in January throughout Tennessee, NC and SC, and then packed up our materials and returned to Tanzania at the beginning of February. Another "home assignment" that came and went much too quickly!
December 2019: Closing out the Year
Ever since moving to Tanzania, we've always been able to be back in the US for December. We get to spend the holidays with different family members, but also end up working quite a bit by giving updates to some of the churches we are partnered with. This month was no exception.
We updated 5 churches in St Petersburg FL during the month, and one in the Florida Panhandle. It's always good to reconnect with familiar faces, as well as meet new people. It amazes us how the Lord works in the hearts of people to have them step forward to offer assistance and support in so many ways. Sometimes it's the new acquaintances who are the most supportive, which reminds us just how involved the Lord is with our whole schedule and this ministry. When we least expect it, He introduces us to people who have just the right ability and willingness to help us out.
We have a couple important prayer requests to ask of you for the coming month:
1. We have a number of applications on file with the Tanzanian government that have been dragging on without resolution since September. It includes formally registering ICM-Africa as a non-profit religious organization which must be approved before we can file for our new work permits and residence visas, and those expire in January. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the difficulties in time, and for us to rest in His will and not get anxious about it.
2. We also have an educational trip planned in mid-February to take our 15 Tanzanian Bible college instructors out of the country. The entire trip has been paid for already, but 6 of our pastors have been denied the necessary approval to go. We are now submitting more documentation and appealing on their behalf. Please pray for this to be resolved immediately and in their favor.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Ever since moving to Tanzania, we've always been able to be back in the US for December. We get to spend the holidays with different family members, but also end up working quite a bit by giving updates to some of the churches we are partnered with. This month was no exception.
We updated 5 churches in St Petersburg FL during the month, and one in the Florida Panhandle. It's always good to reconnect with familiar faces, as well as meet new people. It amazes us how the Lord works in the hearts of people to have them step forward to offer assistance and support in so many ways. Sometimes it's the new acquaintances who are the most supportive, which reminds us just how involved the Lord is with our whole schedule and this ministry. When we least expect it, He introduces us to people who have just the right ability and willingness to help us out.
We have a couple important prayer requests to ask of you for the coming month:
1. We have a number of applications on file with the Tanzanian government that have been dragging on without resolution since September. It includes formally registering ICM-Africa as a non-profit religious organization which must be approved before we can file for our new work permits and residence visas, and those expire in January. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the difficulties in time, and for us to rest in His will and not get anxious about it.
2. We also have an educational trip planned in mid-February to take our 15 Tanzanian Bible college instructors out of the country. The entire trip has been paid for already, but 6 of our pastors have been denied the necessary approval to go. We are now submitting more documentation and appealing on their behalf. Please pray for this to be resolved immediately and in their favor.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
September-November 2019: What Happened?!
How many of you have a love/hate relationship with technology the way I do now? Living in a place where electricity and internet are sketchy and unpredictable can present major challenges. For instance, I know I wrote a blog for September and October, but when I logged in to write this month's update, they were nowhere to be found! I have no explanation other than it must not have ever uploaded due to a bad/slow internet connection that day, but I can't change the reality that it isn't there now, and I am not inspired to go back and write something new. What I wouldn't give to have a good administrative assistant on most days! LOL
I am now back in the USA and enjoying our newest grandson, and Jim is winging his way across the ocean today and will arrive this evening. Sometimes even our best laid plans don't work out the way we intended, and we simply have to be flexible. We were both scheduled to fly out of Tanzania on Thanksgiving evening, but 2 days before the flight we had a major development that was going to require Jim's presence until December 1. There was nothing we could do except change his flight reservation and have him join me a few days later. It's not our ideal choice to fly alone, but sometimes these are the kinds of sacrifices that need to be made.
The last month or so has been very full and sometimes stressful, so we're looking forward to seeing friends, family, and visiting churches which is quite relaxing and energizing to us! We are thankful for so many things and are looking forward to the holidays!
How many of you have a love/hate relationship with technology the way I do now? Living in a place where electricity and internet are sketchy and unpredictable can present major challenges. For instance, I know I wrote a blog for September and October, but when I logged in to write this month's update, they were nowhere to be found! I have no explanation other than it must not have ever uploaded due to a bad/slow internet connection that day, but I can't change the reality that it isn't there now, and I am not inspired to go back and write something new. What I wouldn't give to have a good administrative assistant on most days! LOL
I am now back in the USA and enjoying our newest grandson, and Jim is winging his way across the ocean today and will arrive this evening. Sometimes even our best laid plans don't work out the way we intended, and we simply have to be flexible. We were both scheduled to fly out of Tanzania on Thanksgiving evening, but 2 days before the flight we had a major development that was going to require Jim's presence until December 1. There was nothing we could do except change his flight reservation and have him join me a few days later. It's not our ideal choice to fly alone, but sometimes these are the kinds of sacrifices that need to be made.
The last month or so has been very full and sometimes stressful, so we're looking forward to seeing friends, family, and visiting churches which is quite relaxing and energizing to us! We are thankful for so many things and are looking forward to the holidays!
August 2019 - Back to Work!
After a much-too-short summer in the US, we returned to Tanzania on August 9 and were back into the full swing of ministry just 36 hours later! The first few days (weeks for Jim) were a little difficult because of jet lag, but I think we're completely recovered now. We missed our team and were glad to be working alongside them again.
One of the most enjoyable parts of ministry for me is getting to disciple the youth here. These young ladies pictured with me are part of the faithful group of students who attend our church service every Sunday morning at their boarding school. These girls have been with us for 4 years and are getting ready to graduate next month. I'm going to be very sad to see them move on, but I pray their faith grows stronger each day from the seeds which have been planted. One girl came from a Muslim family and now clearly identifies as being Christian.
After a much-too-short summer in the US, we returned to Tanzania on August 9 and were back into the full swing of ministry just 36 hours later! The first few days (weeks for Jim) were a little difficult because of jet lag, but I think we're completely recovered now. We missed our team and were glad to be working alongside them again.
One of the most enjoyable parts of ministry for me is getting to disciple the youth here. These young ladies pictured with me are part of the faithful group of students who attend our church service every Sunday morning at their boarding school. These girls have been with us for 4 years and are getting ready to graduate next month. I'm going to be very sad to see them move on, but I pray their faith grows stronger each day from the seeds which have been planted. One girl came from a Muslim family and now clearly identifies as being Christian.
I missed out on the baby shower for our daughter-in-law in August, but we are very excited at the prospect of a new grandson who is due the first week of October. Just 4 weeks from now! We will not be able to meet him until December when we return for our winter break, so hopefully he doesn't grow too much during those couple of months!
Jim and I celebrated 37 years of marriage this month, and I can truly say that the Lord has been faithful to help us grow closer together with each passing year. With age comes wisdom and a discernment about what is really important in life. Although we are as different as night from day in our personalities--and that can often bring its own challenges--we have learned to trust and rely on each other completely.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
June/July 2019 - From Winter to Summer in 24 Hours!
Living below the equator, even if only slightly below, means the seasons are opposite of areas who are above it. So while the USA is experiencing the heat waves of summer, Tanzania is going through its mild winter and rainy season. It's an enjoyable time to be in country because temperatures at night are in the 50s (nice blanket weather) and only reach mid-70s during the day. This typically lasts from May through September. When it is winter in the USA, we're averaging 90-95 degrees 24 hours a day, without the benefit of central air conditioning. It's not a pleasant time to be there, so we typically return to the States for about 30 days just to give ourselves a reprieve from the oppressive heat.
This year, we had some items on our calendar that required our presence in the US during July, so we had to give up our ideal time of year to live and work in Tanzania and come home to experience summer here. A couple of simple things have been brought to the forefront of my mind.
Living below the equator, even if only slightly below, means the seasons are opposite of areas who are above it. So while the USA is experiencing the heat waves of summer, Tanzania is going through its mild winter and rainy season. It's an enjoyable time to be in country because temperatures at night are in the 50s (nice blanket weather) and only reach mid-70s during the day. This typically lasts from May through September. When it is winter in the USA, we're averaging 90-95 degrees 24 hours a day, without the benefit of central air conditioning. It's not a pleasant time to be there, so we typically return to the States for about 30 days just to give ourselves a reprieve from the oppressive heat.
This year, we had some items on our calendar that required our presence in the US during July, so we had to give up our ideal time of year to live and work in Tanzania and come home to experience summer here. A couple of simple things have been brought to the forefront of my mind.
- I'm reminded every day that I'm not used to being in air conditioning. I get cold extremely easily and often have to put on a sweater, wrap up in a blanket, or simply go outside to thaw out! Floridians think I'm nuts, but freezing is real! I've gotten rather used to living without A/C.
- I didn't realize how much I miss being able to wear shorts in public, or modern dress styles that aren't at least mid-calf length. I look for every excuse now to take my work outside and sit in the sun to put a little color back in my very pale skin. It's like being a flower which opens up to full bloom under the sun's rays. Although I've adapted to customs and clothing styles of our new home, these minor opportunities remind me of some of the freedoms we've voluntarily put aside in order to have credibility with a far more conservative culture. It's all worth it in the end!
- I really miss being around our family. The kids have grown into wonderful young adults raising families of their own. I pray constantly that they will heed the Lord's call and follow after Him in every aspect of life. We miss spending time with our siblings and parents...praying they don't feel abandoned by us and recognize that we are simply being obedient to God's calling upon our lives. But that doesn't make it any easier.
February 2019 - God's Hand of Protection
Sometimes we see God at work in the middle of very big, important things, and sometimes in the small details of everyday life. We know the Lord is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) and omniscient (all-knowing), loving, faithful and true...to name just a few of his attributes. And even though I know these things on an intellectual level, it always amazes me when I experience it first hand, and several times in a short period.
1. February 15 we were making the 2-hour drive up Mt. Meru to our main Bible college campus. The last hour of the drive is up a rough rocky path...hard to even call it a road. It's good for billy goats and motorcycles, but really does a job on a car or truck. It's very slow going. We were about 20 minutes from the campus when our SUV suddenly had no power to make forward progress or climb. The engine was still running, but the car was rolling backward down the mountain! We struggled for about 20 minutes, just sitting on the slope with the emergency brake on and Jim revving the engine. Occasionally he could feel power return, and he would release the brake and try to climb again. Our goal was to try to get to a level place where we weren't in danger of rolling back down the mountain. We called Pastor Loth at the campus to come and help--just to have someone around in case the unthinkable happened. He arrived on his motorcycle with a young man thinking maybe they could push us up the hill. But instead, we began praying for the Lord to rescue us. Little by little, the engine would regain power and we would take off as fast as we could to get as far as possible. Thirty minutes later, we limped onto the campus grounds. From there, we called our mechanic back in Moshi who took a bus and a motorcycle taxi to arrive and make some temporary repairs so we could get home. We prayed for the Lord to protect us from rolling down the mountain, to give the car enough power to get us to safety, and He did!!!
1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
2. That same evening, back in America, our son-in-law was scheduled to fly from Florida to Oklahoma City to help my dad and sister by driving one of their vehicles--loaded down with moving stuff and pulling a fully loaded trailer--back to Florida for them. He was flying one of the budget airlines that only flies maybe twice a week and is known for having maintenance issues. Naturally, they had a problem that night. After being delayed for 2+ hours, we began praying for the Lord to work out a way to get him there safely and on time. If it didn't happen soon, the airport was going to close and we would have to try to buy him a ticket on another airline the next morning. There was a lot at stake from everyone's perspective. Within 30 minutes of praying, they had re-boarded the aircraft and were on their way, landing safely in OKC 2.5 hours later. The Lord cares about the seemingly small details.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
3. Finally, 20 February was the day my dad and sister pulled out of Oklahoma City to begin their long 15-hour drive to Florida. They had had a grueling 4 days of movers being at their houses, loading everything into 2 moving trucks. They were tired, but on their way. Our prayer team was on top of things that whole week, praying to keep them strengthened and safe. Two hours after getting on the road, and not even out of the state of Oklahoma yet, my dad lost his balance in a parking lot where they had made a quick stop. He fell and hit his head on the pavement. There was a LOT of bleeding. He was taken to a hospital and checked out thoroughly where they stopped the bleeding and bandaged his head. No brain bleeds, skull fracture, or anything else showed up on the CT scan so they released him to continue with the trip. They warned he might have a bad headache later, but they made it to Florida without him having even the slightest headache! They were both exhausted, but they were there safe.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11
God is so good, and He sees everything that is going on around us at all times. But He wants us to come to Him in humble dependence, acknowledging who He is and seeking His shelter/protection. He may not always answer the way we think He should, but He will answer!
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Sometimes we see God at work in the middle of very big, important things, and sometimes in the small details of everyday life. We know the Lord is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) and omniscient (all-knowing), loving, faithful and true...to name just a few of his attributes. And even though I know these things on an intellectual level, it always amazes me when I experience it first hand, and several times in a short period.
1. February 15 we were making the 2-hour drive up Mt. Meru to our main Bible college campus. The last hour of the drive is up a rough rocky path...hard to even call it a road. It's good for billy goats and motorcycles, but really does a job on a car or truck. It's very slow going. We were about 20 minutes from the campus when our SUV suddenly had no power to make forward progress or climb. The engine was still running, but the car was rolling backward down the mountain! We struggled for about 20 minutes, just sitting on the slope with the emergency brake on and Jim revving the engine. Occasionally he could feel power return, and he would release the brake and try to climb again. Our goal was to try to get to a level place where we weren't in danger of rolling back down the mountain. We called Pastor Loth at the campus to come and help--just to have someone around in case the unthinkable happened. He arrived on his motorcycle with a young man thinking maybe they could push us up the hill. But instead, we began praying for the Lord to rescue us. Little by little, the engine would regain power and we would take off as fast as we could to get as far as possible. Thirty minutes later, we limped onto the campus grounds. From there, we called our mechanic back in Moshi who took a bus and a motorcycle taxi to arrive and make some temporary repairs so we could get home. We prayed for the Lord to protect us from rolling down the mountain, to give the car enough power to get us to safety, and He did!!!
1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
2. That same evening, back in America, our son-in-law was scheduled to fly from Florida to Oklahoma City to help my dad and sister by driving one of their vehicles--loaded down with moving stuff and pulling a fully loaded trailer--back to Florida for them. He was flying one of the budget airlines that only flies maybe twice a week and is known for having maintenance issues. Naturally, they had a problem that night. After being delayed for 2+ hours, we began praying for the Lord to work out a way to get him there safely and on time. If it didn't happen soon, the airport was going to close and we would have to try to buy him a ticket on another airline the next morning. There was a lot at stake from everyone's perspective. Within 30 minutes of praying, they had re-boarded the aircraft and were on their way, landing safely in OKC 2.5 hours later. The Lord cares about the seemingly small details.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
3. Finally, 20 February was the day my dad and sister pulled out of Oklahoma City to begin their long 15-hour drive to Florida. They had had a grueling 4 days of movers being at their houses, loading everything into 2 moving trucks. They were tired, but on their way. Our prayer team was on top of things that whole week, praying to keep them strengthened and safe. Two hours after getting on the road, and not even out of the state of Oklahoma yet, my dad lost his balance in a parking lot where they had made a quick stop. He fell and hit his head on the pavement. There was a LOT of bleeding. He was taken to a hospital and checked out thoroughly where they stopped the bleeding and bandaged his head. No brain bleeds, skull fracture, or anything else showed up on the CT scan so they released him to continue with the trip. They warned he might have a bad headache later, but they made it to Florida without him having even the slightest headache! They were both exhausted, but they were there safe.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11
God is so good, and He sees everything that is going on around us at all times. But He wants us to come to Him in humble dependence, acknowledging who He is and seeking His shelter/protection. He may not always answer the way we think He should, but He will answer!
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
January 2019 - World Travelers
As we tried to lay out our calendar for the year, which is something we look at about every 3 months, we realized that we may be spending as much time outside Tanzania this year as we will be inside doing ministry. The Lord keeps opening more doors for our ministry, and ICM continues to encourage us to walk through them, so we pray and submit if that's what the Lord confirms.
From January to mid-May, we are here working double-time, trying to get as many of our past students through the full Bible College program as possible. That means a graduation every single month, and sometimes 2 ceremonies! We are back to full Sunday schedules again as well, doing an early morning service at the high school, our regular service at our church, and the evening service for the university-bound students. All this in addition to overseeing a staff of about 20 who are traveling around the country doing seminars every month. We are meeting ourselves coming and going!
In mid-May, our sons will come for a 2-week visit to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with Jim. They are looking forward to that, and so are we. It's the first time any of our children will have been able to see where we live, but they won't be able to stay long enough to experience any ministry with us.
We have another visitor from the US to help us conduct 2 more graduations in June before we return to the US again from June 26-Aug 8. While in the US, we'll be visiting NC, FL, and CA to report to our supporting churches. In addition, Jim will be in Alabama for 10 days as he begins the formal part of his doctoral program in biblical preaching. He will have to be there for 10 days every July and January for the next 2 years.
In September we will travel to a conference in Southeast Asia and meet with other ICM missionaries. October will find us in Cyprus for a Middle East conference, and then probably return to the US in time for Christmas again and the annual missions conference.
Even though our schedule appears to be full, we still welcome visitors who want to experience a small taste of what the Lord is accomplishing here. Please contact us if you would like to come and see first-hand what your prayers and finances are supporting. Six to nine months advance planning is recommended for all our sakes.
As we tried to lay out our calendar for the year, which is something we look at about every 3 months, we realized that we may be spending as much time outside Tanzania this year as we will be inside doing ministry. The Lord keeps opening more doors for our ministry, and ICM continues to encourage us to walk through them, so we pray and submit if that's what the Lord confirms.
From January to mid-May, we are here working double-time, trying to get as many of our past students through the full Bible College program as possible. That means a graduation every single month, and sometimes 2 ceremonies! We are back to full Sunday schedules again as well, doing an early morning service at the high school, our regular service at our church, and the evening service for the university-bound students. All this in addition to overseeing a staff of about 20 who are traveling around the country doing seminars every month. We are meeting ourselves coming and going!
In mid-May, our sons will come for a 2-week visit to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with Jim. They are looking forward to that, and so are we. It's the first time any of our children will have been able to see where we live, but they won't be able to stay long enough to experience any ministry with us.
We have another visitor from the US to help us conduct 2 more graduations in June before we return to the US again from June 26-Aug 8. While in the US, we'll be visiting NC, FL, and CA to report to our supporting churches. In addition, Jim will be in Alabama for 10 days as he begins the formal part of his doctoral program in biblical preaching. He will have to be there for 10 days every July and January for the next 2 years.
In September we will travel to a conference in Southeast Asia and meet with other ICM missionaries. October will find us in Cyprus for a Middle East conference, and then probably return to the US in time for Christmas again and the annual missions conference.
Even though our schedule appears to be full, we still welcome visitors who want to experience a small taste of what the Lord is accomplishing here. Please contact us if you would like to come and see first-hand what your prayers and finances are supporting. Six to nine months advance planning is recommended for all our sakes.
With my dad and sister at Christmas in OKC.
December 2018 - Endings Always Bring New Beginnings
We had much going on as we wrapped up our year in Tanzania around the middle of the month. We try to make sure there is no ministry happening over the Christmas holidays so our team can rest and focus on their families and churches. We were flying back to the US for a quick 30-day visit with family, so there was a lot to attend to before coming home, but we were looking forward to the downtime as well.
Jim went straight to North Carolina to be with his mom and siblings, and I flew to Oklahoma City to be with my dad and sister. Jim's family was all doing well, and he was able to spend some great quality time with his mom and sister (whom he stays with), and played golf with one of his brothers almost every day. He was having a grand time! But when I arrived in OKC, I was presented with new information: my dad had decided he wanted to live closer to our grandchildren (his great-grands) since my mother's passing last year. It was now important for him to make memories with them, so my sister agreed to move with him to NW Florida. That all sounded like a positive thing, and I thought it would happen 6-9 months down the calendar road, but then I was informed they had already made a trip to Florida and bought a house! They wanted to be moved within 2 months! Yikes!!! I spent the next 10 days trying to sort through, give away, and pack/box up as much of my dad's house as possible! He and my sister each live in their own homes, and they were going to have to consolidate and live together in one new home. It would be a good end result, as they could help look after each other (she's not married), but it was definitely going to be a challenge to achieve the desired goal.
Suffice it to say, we got a LOT done in those 10 days, but I was very tempted to cancel my return to Tanzania to stay and help see it through to the completion of their move--to do my part to help shoulder the work--but that was the desire of my flesh and not the call of the Lord. It is difficult to distinguish at times, but He has always been faithful to make it very clear to me when I am to remain and when I'm to leave it to Him. This will close a chapter not only for my dad and sister, but also for me. No longer can I return to the place that feels like home--where I've always spent time being the daughter of two loving parents--but there will now be opportunities to visit with a larger group of family at the same time and know that the Lord has provided more caretakers for the people I love. My daughter and her husband can now help my sister care for dad, and they in turn can provide relief to them by helping/spending time with our grandchildren. I'm jealous, but it will be a win-win for everyone.
The remainder of our holiday was fast and furious: 4 days with our daughter and grandchildren, 5 days with our youngest son and his wife, 1 week in California at a missions conference and meeting with ICM board members, and unfortunately, no time with our middle child who was traveling as much as we were! We'll have to catch up with him on the next visit! We returned to TZ tired, but yet refreshed from seeing everyone, ready to walk through whatever doors the Lord opens in 2019!
We had much going on as we wrapped up our year in Tanzania around the middle of the month. We try to make sure there is no ministry happening over the Christmas holidays so our team can rest and focus on their families and churches. We were flying back to the US for a quick 30-day visit with family, so there was a lot to attend to before coming home, but we were looking forward to the downtime as well.
Jim went straight to North Carolina to be with his mom and siblings, and I flew to Oklahoma City to be with my dad and sister. Jim's family was all doing well, and he was able to spend some great quality time with his mom and sister (whom he stays with), and played golf with one of his brothers almost every day. He was having a grand time! But when I arrived in OKC, I was presented with new information: my dad had decided he wanted to live closer to our grandchildren (his great-grands) since my mother's passing last year. It was now important for him to make memories with them, so my sister agreed to move with him to NW Florida. That all sounded like a positive thing, and I thought it would happen 6-9 months down the calendar road, but then I was informed they had already made a trip to Florida and bought a house! They wanted to be moved within 2 months! Yikes!!! I spent the next 10 days trying to sort through, give away, and pack/box up as much of my dad's house as possible! He and my sister each live in their own homes, and they were going to have to consolidate and live together in one new home. It would be a good end result, as they could help look after each other (she's not married), but it was definitely going to be a challenge to achieve the desired goal.
Suffice it to say, we got a LOT done in those 10 days, but I was very tempted to cancel my return to Tanzania to stay and help see it through to the completion of their move--to do my part to help shoulder the work--but that was the desire of my flesh and not the call of the Lord. It is difficult to distinguish at times, but He has always been faithful to make it very clear to me when I am to remain and when I'm to leave it to Him. This will close a chapter not only for my dad and sister, but also for me. No longer can I return to the place that feels like home--where I've always spent time being the daughter of two loving parents--but there will now be opportunities to visit with a larger group of family at the same time and know that the Lord has provided more caretakers for the people I love. My daughter and her husband can now help my sister care for dad, and they in turn can provide relief to them by helping/spending time with our grandchildren. I'm jealous, but it will be a win-win for everyone.
The remainder of our holiday was fast and furious: 4 days with our daughter and grandchildren, 5 days with our youngest son and his wife, 1 week in California at a missions conference and meeting with ICM board members, and unfortunately, no time with our middle child who was traveling as much as we were! We'll have to catch up with him on the next visit! We returned to TZ tired, but yet refreshed from seeing everyone, ready to walk through whatever doors the Lord opens in 2019!
November 2018 - Much to be Thankful for!
As I sit here in the sweltering November heat, exhausted from yet another busy month, it's easy to be grateful for all the Lord has provided. We are part of a thriving ministry--with a variety of facets--that keep it from ever being boring!
This month, we got to return to "the scene of the crime" where the Lord first confirmed our call to work in East Africa--the slums of Nairobi! There is a pastor there whom we meet in 2008 on our first trip, who has traveled to Tanzania several times over the last 2 years to go through our full training program and wants to help us begin the work there. Pastor Ezekiel has a church and school in the heart of one of the slums, and is determined to help other pastors learn to teach the Word properly. We also got to break bread with our original ministry partners in Nairobi, and they were very gracious to offer assistance in whatever way they could to help us.
We also wrapped up our work with the secondary school students early this month, as well as a pilot program working with the elementary students of the same private school. We realize we could certainly use some additional workers--whether Tanzanian or another English-speaking nationality--because the harvest is definitely ripe and we are struggling to do it all!
Finally, we graduated another class of Bible College students this month when the ICM Founder and Executive Director, Dan Finfrock, came for a visit with two of his other board members. We had a really good time of celebrating, and the ICM-TZ staff and students were very appreciative of them coming all the way from California to officiate.
Finally, the co-pastor of our local church has returned from a furlough in the US and is ready to receive the baton of leadership there, allowing us to prepare for a short, 30-day furlough of our own in late December. All seems to be right in the world at the moment, so we are truly grateful to God for so many blessings! We hope all of you feel the same.
As I sit here in the sweltering November heat, exhausted from yet another busy month, it's easy to be grateful for all the Lord has provided. We are part of a thriving ministry--with a variety of facets--that keep it from ever being boring!
This month, we got to return to "the scene of the crime" where the Lord first confirmed our call to work in East Africa--the slums of Nairobi! There is a pastor there whom we meet in 2008 on our first trip, who has traveled to Tanzania several times over the last 2 years to go through our full training program and wants to help us begin the work there. Pastor Ezekiel has a church and school in the heart of one of the slums, and is determined to help other pastors learn to teach the Word properly. We also got to break bread with our original ministry partners in Nairobi, and they were very gracious to offer assistance in whatever way they could to help us.
We also wrapped up our work with the secondary school students early this month, as well as a pilot program working with the elementary students of the same private school. We realize we could certainly use some additional workers--whether Tanzanian or another English-speaking nationality--because the harvest is definitely ripe and we are struggling to do it all!
Finally, we graduated another class of Bible College students this month when the ICM Founder and Executive Director, Dan Finfrock, came for a visit with two of his other board members. We had a really good time of celebrating, and the ICM-TZ staff and students were very appreciative of them coming all the way from California to officiate.
Finally, the co-pastor of our local church has returned from a furlough in the US and is ready to receive the baton of leadership there, allowing us to prepare for a short, 30-day furlough of our own in late December. All seems to be right in the world at the moment, so we are truly grateful to God for so many blessings! We hope all of you feel the same.
October 2018 - Flying Like an Angel
Jim and I have jetted across the ocean over 40 times in the last 7 years (between the two of us), and around the US almost as much. And that's just since we've been living overseas. We had quite a few miles racked up in the air for the 36 years prior to that as well. All that to say, we sometimes forget what it's like for someone to fly for the very first time, and one who doesn't even watch TV or movies to have some idea what it's going to be like.
When we had to fly to the other side of the country on a prop plane earlier this month to dedicate our new college location, we needed to fly two of our national pastors/instructors with us. Pastor Silas is a pretty knowledgeable man and worked as a government employee most of his life, so he was excited to get the chance to check out this flying thing first hand. Pastor Loth, on the other hand, is a very gentle giant with an innocent spirit. He is extremely intelligent though, as he's taught himself 5 languages simply by reading dictionaries! But he refers to himself as one of my children and calls me "mama" all the time. He didn't appear scared at the thought of flying--just unsure of what was going to happen.
We instructed him through every step of the process...checking in, getting through security, and keeping your boarding pass handy in the gate area. When the time came to board, he wanted his picture made outside the airport, in front of the plane, going up the steps to the plane, and sitting in his seat! This was probably going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him that he was going to savor, and it was refreshing to be reminded how fortunate we are to have this option as often as we do and that I need to stop complaining about it. At least I'm not having to take the slow boat back and forth! Anyway, when we actually got up in the air and leveled off, I turned to Loth and asked him what he thought about being able to fly above everything and see it all so clearly. He said it was like being an angel, without having to die, to get the chance to sit up on the clouds and watch over the world. How profound is that?! It's good to see the world through new eyes now and then to be reminded of our many blessings.
Jim and I have jetted across the ocean over 40 times in the last 7 years (between the two of us), and around the US almost as much. And that's just since we've been living overseas. We had quite a few miles racked up in the air for the 36 years prior to that as well. All that to say, we sometimes forget what it's like for someone to fly for the very first time, and one who doesn't even watch TV or movies to have some idea what it's going to be like.
When we had to fly to the other side of the country on a prop plane earlier this month to dedicate our new college location, we needed to fly two of our national pastors/instructors with us. Pastor Silas is a pretty knowledgeable man and worked as a government employee most of his life, so he was excited to get the chance to check out this flying thing first hand. Pastor Loth, on the other hand, is a very gentle giant with an innocent spirit. He is extremely intelligent though, as he's taught himself 5 languages simply by reading dictionaries! But he refers to himself as one of my children and calls me "mama" all the time. He didn't appear scared at the thought of flying--just unsure of what was going to happen.
We instructed him through every step of the process...checking in, getting through security, and keeping your boarding pass handy in the gate area. When the time came to board, he wanted his picture made outside the airport, in front of the plane, going up the steps to the plane, and sitting in his seat! This was probably going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him that he was going to savor, and it was refreshing to be reminded how fortunate we are to have this option as often as we do and that I need to stop complaining about it. At least I'm not having to take the slow boat back and forth! Anyway, when we actually got up in the air and leveled off, I turned to Loth and asked him what he thought about being able to fly above everything and see it all so clearly. He said it was like being an angel, without having to die, to get the chance to sit up on the clouds and watch over the world. How profound is that?! It's good to see the world through new eyes now and then to be reminded of our many blessings.
Our first class of Bible college graduates. These men are our instructors and campus headmasters/principals. Principals are seated in front and instructors behind them.
September 2018 - Major Milestones
Oh my goodness...what a busy and blessed month! We've had two more teams visit us and conducted several more Bible college sessions. However, the most amazing thing was conducting our very first graduation from the ICM Bible College. This was a special group because it was our current instructors and campus principals. These are the men who are setting the example and leading other students through the 2.5 year program. Most of these men have been with us for about 5 years and now know the Bible material very well now. This last session provided them with Systematic Theology, Church History (with an African context), and Pastoral Ministry as well as going through the book of Daniel verse by verse. They loved the new information and said it will be very helpful to them, and are anxious to study it more in preparation to teach it later this year.
A small short-term team from NW Florida came to participate in the last few days of this session and help us conduct the graduation. Pastor Ryan helped Jim teach the book of Daniel, and a husband/wife team acted as MC over the ceremonies and official photographer. I must also say that I do not have any idea how we would have pulled this off so well without their assistance. It was not glamorous work, but we had to sort through 60 unmarked graduation gowns to find the right sizes, then wash and iron them, and have stoles/collars made which also needed to be pressed. Diplomas had to be designed and printed, graduation caps made, decorations arranged, a ceremonial program thought up, and catering ordered. Whew! I never knew that running a Bible college could be so complex at times. Again, our heartfelt thanks to this team from The Gathering Church who rolled up their sleeves and jumped in and did whatever was necessary! Missionary work is rarely glamorous. :-) See the pics in our gallery.
Oh my goodness...what a busy and blessed month! We've had two more teams visit us and conducted several more Bible college sessions. However, the most amazing thing was conducting our very first graduation from the ICM Bible College. This was a special group because it was our current instructors and campus principals. These are the men who are setting the example and leading other students through the 2.5 year program. Most of these men have been with us for about 5 years and now know the Bible material very well now. This last session provided them with Systematic Theology, Church History (with an African context), and Pastoral Ministry as well as going through the book of Daniel verse by verse. They loved the new information and said it will be very helpful to them, and are anxious to study it more in preparation to teach it later this year.
A small short-term team from NW Florida came to participate in the last few days of this session and help us conduct the graduation. Pastor Ryan helped Jim teach the book of Daniel, and a husband/wife team acted as MC over the ceremonies and official photographer. I must also say that I do not have any idea how we would have pulled this off so well without their assistance. It was not glamorous work, but we had to sort through 60 unmarked graduation gowns to find the right sizes, then wash and iron them, and have stoles/collars made which also needed to be pressed. Diplomas had to be designed and printed, graduation caps made, decorations arranged, a ceremonial program thought up, and catering ordered. Whew! I never knew that running a Bible college could be so complex at times. Again, our heartfelt thanks to this team from The Gathering Church who rolled up their sleeves and jumped in and did whatever was necessary! Missionary work is rarely glamorous. :-) See the pics in our gallery.
Megan (left) and Gabby (right) at the ICM Bible College, Meru Campus
August 2018 - Young at Heart
A lesson I've learned this last year is how important it can be to have people you can share life with--both the ups and downs--and to not think you can make it through life without allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others. Although we can know this intellectually, sometimes pride or fear get in our way of actually applying it to our lives, and then we find ourselves not in such good shape. That's where I found myself when we went home to the US in May. Life and ministry circumstances had led me to lead a fairly lonely existence, deprived somewhat of female companionship over the last few years, and I realized I was pretty depressed when we got home. Becoming aware of it was a good first start, and getting biblical counseling was the next good move. I was soon feeling better, but knew something would need to be done differently upon returning to the field. To that end, I began praying for the Lord to lead me into new friendships here that would allow me to remain healthy.
In the middle of August, we had two young women from one of our supporting churches come for a 2-week visit. One is in her 20s; the other in her early 30s. They both have professional careers. One is married, the other is not. One I had met and corresponded with over the last year, and the other was a complete stranger to me. Yet, after spending nearly 24/7 with them over those 2 weeks, I felt I had found new lifelong friends. There are traits in each of them which I greatly admire, but what was most profound was the joy and excitement they expressed as they encountered my everyday existence. As is common in life, we can develop a bit of a hum-drum attitude as we mature and age physically...sort of an Ecclesiastes complex--"there is nothing new under the sun." I had certainly begun to take my life here for granted; it was becoming too "normal." It reminded me of how the Lord Jesus had cautioned the church at Ephesus that they had lost their first love--meaning the zeal and ardor they had originally felt at receiving salvation and their reason for commiting their lives to Him--and that they needed to return to that. The application of that Scripture was coming home to roost!
Needless to say, their youthful enthusiasm was extremely contagious and I felt my spirit lighter and more joy-filled than it had been in a long time. I was truly saddened when the time came for them to go home, but I was also overjoyed that the Lord had been so faithful to answer my prayer in a way I'd never dreamed. I am now enjoying the female friendships I have here to a much greater extent, and look forward to seeing what He has in store for the remainder of the year.
A lesson I've learned this last year is how important it can be to have people you can share life with--both the ups and downs--and to not think you can make it through life without allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others. Although we can know this intellectually, sometimes pride or fear get in our way of actually applying it to our lives, and then we find ourselves not in such good shape. That's where I found myself when we went home to the US in May. Life and ministry circumstances had led me to lead a fairly lonely existence, deprived somewhat of female companionship over the last few years, and I realized I was pretty depressed when we got home. Becoming aware of it was a good first start, and getting biblical counseling was the next good move. I was soon feeling better, but knew something would need to be done differently upon returning to the field. To that end, I began praying for the Lord to lead me into new friendships here that would allow me to remain healthy.
In the middle of August, we had two young women from one of our supporting churches come for a 2-week visit. One is in her 20s; the other in her early 30s. They both have professional careers. One is married, the other is not. One I had met and corresponded with over the last year, and the other was a complete stranger to me. Yet, after spending nearly 24/7 with them over those 2 weeks, I felt I had found new lifelong friends. There are traits in each of them which I greatly admire, but what was most profound was the joy and excitement they expressed as they encountered my everyday existence. As is common in life, we can develop a bit of a hum-drum attitude as we mature and age physically...sort of an Ecclesiastes complex--"there is nothing new under the sun." I had certainly begun to take my life here for granted; it was becoming too "normal." It reminded me of how the Lord Jesus had cautioned the church at Ephesus that they had lost their first love--meaning the zeal and ardor they had originally felt at receiving salvation and their reason for commiting their lives to Him--and that they needed to return to that. The application of that Scripture was coming home to roost!
Needless to say, their youthful enthusiasm was extremely contagious and I felt my spirit lighter and more joy-filled than it had been in a long time. I was truly saddened when the time came for them to go home, but I was also overjoyed that the Lord had been so faithful to answer my prayer in a way I'd never dreamed. I am now enjoying the female friendships I have here to a much greater extent, and look forward to seeing what He has in store for the remainder of the year.
July 2018 - Making and Maintaining Connections
Our "home assignment" is now complete, and I'm sitting in the Amsterdam airport waiting on the final flight to take us home to Tanzania. It's been a very productive time of updating all our supporters on the ministry progress that has occurred over the last 18 months, as well as a time of being introduced to new churches and supporters.
I'm seeing a great similarity between doing full-time ministry work and being associated with the military (which I have been all my life). Just about the time you make great friends, build a strong team and network, and get really comfortable, the Lord shuffles the deck! Over the last 10 years we've been affected by 3 church splits which disbursed a great number of our supporters across many churches...some we've lost contact with and others have remained committed no matter what. Then there are the normal life circumstances of job changes, marriages, retirements, and deaths. Through it all, we've learned that we must depend solely on Jesus for our sustenance, and He truly does work all things to the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). We praise the Lord for making all things new in both relationships and ministry.
Unfortunately I was not able to remain in the US long enough to attend my high school reunion which began the day we left (yesterday), but we have at least 5 teams of visitors scheduled to come to Tanzania between now and the end of this year. It's great to have people come to see the ministry work, meet the people, and just experience life here. The invitation is always open if you would like to come. See you next month!
Our "home assignment" is now complete, and I'm sitting in the Amsterdam airport waiting on the final flight to take us home to Tanzania. It's been a very productive time of updating all our supporters on the ministry progress that has occurred over the last 18 months, as well as a time of being introduced to new churches and supporters.
I'm seeing a great similarity between doing full-time ministry work and being associated with the military (which I have been all my life). Just about the time you make great friends, build a strong team and network, and get really comfortable, the Lord shuffles the deck! Over the last 10 years we've been affected by 3 church splits which disbursed a great number of our supporters across many churches...some we've lost contact with and others have remained committed no matter what. Then there are the normal life circumstances of job changes, marriages, retirements, and deaths. Through it all, we've learned that we must depend solely on Jesus for our sustenance, and He truly does work all things to the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). We praise the Lord for making all things new in both relationships and ministry.
Unfortunately I was not able to remain in the US long enough to attend my high school reunion which began the day we left (yesterday), but we have at least 5 teams of visitors scheduled to come to Tanzania between now and the end of this year. It's great to have people come to see the ministry work, meet the people, and just experience life here. The invitation is always open if you would like to come. See you next month!
"Home Assignment" Schedule in the US: May-July 2018
We will be working in the US (home assignment) for 3 months in order to report to all our supporters which will require quite a bit of travel. Please see schedule below and contact us for visiting opportunities. We would love to make as many group presentations as possible in order to update everyone. If you don't see your area on the list, please contact us and we'll see what we can work out. We really want to see you!
May 8-June 3: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
June 5-7: Mentone, CA
June 9-15: Fort Walton Beach/Destin, FL
June 16-July 1: Western NC/Eastern TN
July 2-13: Oklahoma City, OK
July 14-17: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
July 18-22: Southern Virginia
July 23-25: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
Phone: 727-310-5488
Email: [email protected]
We will be working in the US (home assignment) for 3 months in order to report to all our supporters which will require quite a bit of travel. Please see schedule below and contact us for visiting opportunities. We would love to make as many group presentations as possible in order to update everyone. If you don't see your area on the list, please contact us and we'll see what we can work out. We really want to see you!
May 8-June 3: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
June 5-7: Mentone, CA
June 9-15: Fort Walton Beach/Destin, FL
June 16-July 1: Western NC/Eastern TN
July 2-13: Oklahoma City, OK
July 14-17: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
July 18-22: Southern Virginia
July 23-25: Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
Phone: 727-310-5488
Email: [email protected]
April 2018 - S.A.L.T. and Showers!
We experienced a "first" this year, which really isn't all that unusual if we stop to think about it...but we were invited to attend a conference within the country for missionaries serving here. It is called S.A.L.T. (Serving and Living in Tanzania). This is the 4th year it has been held here, and the in-country missionary/coordinator gets a church in the US to provide speakers and a small team to come here, provide a children's program, a worship leader, and teacher for the adults in order to refresh everyone. I didn't really think I needed it, but boy was I wrong! The teaching was absolutely fabulous--provided by a senior pastor from Montana who is also on the board of the Masters Seminary. We met so many other missionaries from all over the country and learned a little bit about what each of their ministries are. It's amazing how the Lord really does use us all as His hands, feet, arms, legs, eyes and ears to provide a unified body of believers. It was great to make new friends and know that if we are ever in need when traveling around for our own work, we could probably get someone to come to our rescue. We also got to enjoy a half day of play...all the men went to play golf (Jim's team won, of course!) and we ladies went to a salon and got manicures/pedicures. That's something I usually only get to do when in the US. Very nice. All in all, I think this will be an annual event for us.
The "shower" part of the month is that the rainy season has begun. Most of the country waits anxiously for this time of year because they are heavily dependent on farming for their own sustenance, as well as selling the crops for income. A good rainy season can make them or break them. The good thing is that we've had LOTS of rain and the corn is growing tall and green. The bad part is that this is the heaviest rainy season they've had in 20 years! The roads we travel--which are mostly dirt--are almost impassable because they are either so muddy we get stuck, or they're a raging river. It is causing great devastation around much of the country. There is expected to be another 2 weeks of rain into the middle of May, so let's pray it slows down considerably. Thankfully, we only have one more week to be venturing out into the wilderness.
The "shower" part of the month is that the rainy season has begun. Most of the country waits anxiously for this time of year because they are heavily dependent on farming for their own sustenance, as well as selling the crops for income. A good rainy season can make them or break them. The good thing is that we've had LOTS of rain and the corn is growing tall and green. The bad part is that this is the heaviest rainy season they've had in 20 years! The roads we travel--which are mostly dirt--are almost impassable because they are either so muddy we get stuck, or they're a raging river. It is causing great devastation around much of the country. There is expected to be another 2 weeks of rain into the middle of May, so let's pray it slows down considerably. Thankfully, we only have one more week to be venturing out into the wilderness.
March 2018 - Things are Hopping and Happening Here!
The Kitsons and Larsons
It seems like we've been "hopping" around the African continent a lot this month! We went down to Muizenberg, South Africa, at the beginning of the month to visit and minister with fellow missionaries, the Kitsons, from our home church in Florida. We spent 4 days with them and happened to arrive just as they were inaugurating a new church building they've been working on for several years. We were able to pitch in to help do construction cleanup and set up for the first service. It was a great time of worship and celebration, and we were honored to be a part of it. Muizenberg has a big surfing community, and the young worship leader of the church talked Jim into doing an hour of surfing lessons with him! Check out the photos in the photo gallery section! I give Jim a lot of credit for trying something so physically challenging, and he did pretty well! i also did a lot of praying for his safety because they were surfing in False Bay, home to many great white sharks!!! The Kitsons do a lot of street ministry to share the Gospel because their church and home are in a high-crime and poverty stricken area. Please pray for their efforts and safety as they go about the Lord's work. We hope to continue making trips there every 12-18 months to come alongside them.
Jim and his surfing instructor heading out into shark-infested waters!!!
Our next stop was in Cape Town to visit with some retired missionary friends and do a small road trip around the Western Cape. We saw some great sites in/around Cape Town, did a little supply shopping, and then headed along the coast to Kleinmond to spend a few days. We made several day trips to look at old mission sites, museums, do some hiking, etc. It was a really good break for us. You can find a few picture highlights from this in the Photo Gallery as well.
Finally, we've been back at work almost non-stop since March 8. Our work permits and residency visas were approved, so nothing stood in the way of us making a full-court press again. We've had 2 Bible college sessions this month, staff traveling to Kenya and Burundi again doing seminars, and me meeting with a group of 7 female pastors who are ready to begin our brand new ICM Women's IBS training program. We're all very excited about this, and they can't wait to begin! Our ministry with the high school and college group continues each Sunday and we're beginning to get many questions from them each week about the Scriptures. Please keep all these efforts in your prayers.
Finally, we've been back at work almost non-stop since March 8. Our work permits and residency visas were approved, so nothing stood in the way of us making a full-court press again. We've had 2 Bible college sessions this month, staff traveling to Kenya and Burundi again doing seminars, and me meeting with a group of 7 female pastors who are ready to begin our brand new ICM Women's IBS training program. We're all very excited about this, and they can't wait to begin! Our ministry with the high school and college group continues each Sunday and we're beginning to get many questions from them each week about the Scriptures. Please keep all these efforts in your prayers.
February 2018 - A Month of Challenges
It has been a month of challenges, with both good news and bad. On January 28, I had to return to St Petersburg, FL, for additional medical treatment. The infection that was cleared in Oklahoma City last month returned 3 days after getting back to Tanzania. They treated it the best they could, but ran out of antibiotic options and sent me home to be seen by specialists. In addition, 5 days before coming home I learned my mother had been admitted to the hospital in kidney failure. I contemplated going straight back to Oklahoma to be with my mom and see doctors for my issue at the same time, but all my records and primary care doctors are in Florida, so that's where I needed to go.
Upon arriving in Florida I learned my mom had been moved to ICU and was on dialysis. I also found out it was going to be almost 10 days before I could see a specialist in Florida, so after spending a few days recovering from the trip from Africa and gaining a little strength, I flew to Oklahoma to see my mom in the hospital. At 87 years of age, she was not doing well. The physical stress on her body and mind were significant, and she was looking at months of recovery in a rehab facility IF her kidneys would respond to dialysis. After 10 days of treatment, the doctors were thinking that was less and less likely. Mom had expressed after several illnesses last year and months in rehab that she really didn't want to go through that again. She was tired and ready to see Jesus, so she made us promise that we would not put her through that again. The decision was made to bring her home under hospice care, which we did on February 6. I only got to spend about 12 hours with her at home before I had to fly back to FL to keep my medical appointments on Feb 8. She passed into glory the morning of February 9 with my dad and sister present. A few days later I flew back to Oklahoma to help my dad and sister drive to Arkansas where the funeral would be held. My mom and dad were born and raised there, and wanted to be buried in the family plot with parents and siblings. Kyle, Kevin and Natalia were able to fly to Arkansas as well and say farewell to mom and support my dad. Seretha is in the 3rd trimester of a high-risk pregnancy and was not allowed to travel. I flew back to Florida from there on February 16 in order to keep more doctor appointments. My sister and other relatives took my dad back home and stayed with him for a while.
Now, I just have to say that at every single appointment I had with a doctor during these last 4 weeks, not one of them could find any sign of infection! They could see the previous lab results from January which clearly showed how sick I was, and that the bacteria was resistant to everything we had thrown at it, but there was no sign of it at all. Was it dormant? Was it gone? Would it come back again any time soon? No one knows for sure, but as I said last month...the Lord has a purpose for everything. I think He ensured I would be in the US at a critical time to allow me to be present to say goodbye to mom and send her on her way to see Jesus. The purpose of the infection had been served.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Is 55:8–9.
Upon arriving in Florida I learned my mom had been moved to ICU and was on dialysis. I also found out it was going to be almost 10 days before I could see a specialist in Florida, so after spending a few days recovering from the trip from Africa and gaining a little strength, I flew to Oklahoma to see my mom in the hospital. At 87 years of age, she was not doing well. The physical stress on her body and mind were significant, and she was looking at months of recovery in a rehab facility IF her kidneys would respond to dialysis. After 10 days of treatment, the doctors were thinking that was less and less likely. Mom had expressed after several illnesses last year and months in rehab that she really didn't want to go through that again. She was tired and ready to see Jesus, so she made us promise that we would not put her through that again. The decision was made to bring her home under hospice care, which we did on February 6. I only got to spend about 12 hours with her at home before I had to fly back to FL to keep my medical appointments on Feb 8. She passed into glory the morning of February 9 with my dad and sister present. A few days later I flew back to Oklahoma to help my dad and sister drive to Arkansas where the funeral would be held. My mom and dad were born and raised there, and wanted to be buried in the family plot with parents and siblings. Kyle, Kevin and Natalia were able to fly to Arkansas as well and say farewell to mom and support my dad. Seretha is in the 3rd trimester of a high-risk pregnancy and was not allowed to travel. I flew back to Florida from there on February 16 in order to keep more doctor appointments. My sister and other relatives took my dad back home and stayed with him for a while.
Now, I just have to say that at every single appointment I had with a doctor during these last 4 weeks, not one of them could find any sign of infection! They could see the previous lab results from January which clearly showed how sick I was, and that the bacteria was resistant to everything we had thrown at it, but there was no sign of it at all. Was it dormant? Was it gone? Would it come back again any time soon? No one knows for sure, but as I said last month...the Lord has a purpose for everything. I think He ensured I would be in the US at a critical time to allow me to be present to say goodbye to mom and send her on her way to see Jesus. The purpose of the infection had been served.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Is 55:8–9.
January 2018 - Why Am I Here Lord?
I'm beginning to detect a pattern of something that happens often when I visit my family in Oklahoma City. I get sick--and not just a cold--but sick enough to end up in an ER or admitted to the hospital. I have joked several times that I'm allergic to Oklahoma, but there must be something to it. I've also praised the Lord that at least I was in the US when these illnesses occurred because it meant I had access to good medical care--not the scary hospitals which are in Africa! You have to look for the silver lining in everything ! LOL However, what I've really discovered is that there is always a Divine reason for these occurrences--something the Lord wanted to teach me, or someone He wanted me to talk to.
January 1 began another of these episodes of me becoming ill, getting treatment through a local Urgent Care clinic for a few days, then being admitted to the hospital for 4-5 days. Nearly 10 days of my visit with my parents found me incapable of spending much quality time with them. On the third day of hospitalization, when I was beginning to think a little clearer and feel better, I found myself asking God, "Why am I here, Lord?" So far, there had been no clear purpose revealed. I wanted/needed to be at home with my family--that's why I was there. What was this diversion about? Sometimes, all we need to do is ask.
That evening, the senior nurse for the overnight shift was sent to my room to explain a procedure they were planning to perform on me the next day. It had become common knowledge on my floor that I was a missionary living in Africa, and this nurse began telling me about short-term trips he had made to South America doing medical missions. He had not been able to go in several years and really missed the work. He was struggling with the pull of his obligations in the US vs his desire to get back into the mission field. We talked for quite some time, with him being encouraged to begin pursuing those opportunities again. Finally! That conversation must be the reason I was here, so now I can go home (I thought)! However, the Lord had another appointment for me.
The next day, a new nurse was assigned to me and she came in during a lull on the floor and said she had been waiting to talk to me. My ears perked up and I finally had the feeling that this was the one! She is why I am here! She was also feeling a strong pull of using her medical skills to go into the mission field full time, but she had no idea where or how to start. It's amazing how the Lord prepares us for these opportunities, but within the last 6 months I had met a couple of people doing medical missions and could recommend organizations for her to contact, as well as just encouraging her about the process of leaving everything familiar behind and setting off in whatever direction the Lord would send her. When she left the room, a weight was lifted from me and I knew my job was done. I was released the next day and cleared to fly home to TZ with Jim as originally scheduled (which had been in serious jeopardy).
My illness was nothing compared to trials that many of my friends and some supporters are going through or have come through, but I know that whether the challenge we face is life-threatening or not, the Lord just wants to see if we will use it to His glory. Will we lean into Him for strength, courage, wisdom, and peace to face the trial and look for the purpose, or will we allow it to swallow us up? Most people I know are standing strong in Him, and I'm thankful there are so many Christian medical professionals out there who will openly pray with us and be missionaries right where God has placed them!
I'm beginning to detect a pattern of something that happens often when I visit my family in Oklahoma City. I get sick--and not just a cold--but sick enough to end up in an ER or admitted to the hospital. I have joked several times that I'm allergic to Oklahoma, but there must be something to it. I've also praised the Lord that at least I was in the US when these illnesses occurred because it meant I had access to good medical care--not the scary hospitals which are in Africa! You have to look for the silver lining in everything ! LOL However, what I've really discovered is that there is always a Divine reason for these occurrences--something the Lord wanted to teach me, or someone He wanted me to talk to.
January 1 began another of these episodes of me becoming ill, getting treatment through a local Urgent Care clinic for a few days, then being admitted to the hospital for 4-5 days. Nearly 10 days of my visit with my parents found me incapable of spending much quality time with them. On the third day of hospitalization, when I was beginning to think a little clearer and feel better, I found myself asking God, "Why am I here, Lord?" So far, there had been no clear purpose revealed. I wanted/needed to be at home with my family--that's why I was there. What was this diversion about? Sometimes, all we need to do is ask.
That evening, the senior nurse for the overnight shift was sent to my room to explain a procedure they were planning to perform on me the next day. It had become common knowledge on my floor that I was a missionary living in Africa, and this nurse began telling me about short-term trips he had made to South America doing medical missions. He had not been able to go in several years and really missed the work. He was struggling with the pull of his obligations in the US vs his desire to get back into the mission field. We talked for quite some time, with him being encouraged to begin pursuing those opportunities again. Finally! That conversation must be the reason I was here, so now I can go home (I thought)! However, the Lord had another appointment for me.
The next day, a new nurse was assigned to me and she came in during a lull on the floor and said she had been waiting to talk to me. My ears perked up and I finally had the feeling that this was the one! She is why I am here! She was also feeling a strong pull of using her medical skills to go into the mission field full time, but she had no idea where or how to start. It's amazing how the Lord prepares us for these opportunities, but within the last 6 months I had met a couple of people doing medical missions and could recommend organizations for her to contact, as well as just encouraging her about the process of leaving everything familiar behind and setting off in whatever direction the Lord would send her. When she left the room, a weight was lifted from me and I knew my job was done. I was released the next day and cleared to fly home to TZ with Jim as originally scheduled (which had been in serious jeopardy).
My illness was nothing compared to trials that many of my friends and some supporters are going through or have come through, but I know that whether the challenge we face is life-threatening or not, the Lord just wants to see if we will use it to His glory. Will we lean into Him for strength, courage, wisdom, and peace to face the trial and look for the purpose, or will we allow it to swallow us up? Most people I know are standing strong in Him, and I'm thankful there are so many Christian medical professionals out there who will openly pray with us and be missionaries right where God has placed them!
December 2017 - Dashing Around
The first 2 weeks of December were spent running one last 10-day Bible College session in Moshi and then wrapping up our last 2 Sundays of leading the church for a while. We closed up our apartment and headed back to the US for a quick 30-day visit with our family.
We touched down in Washington DC and spent 4 days with both our sons and daughter-in-law, playing tourist and visiting all the museums and monuments. We walked an average of 9-10 miles each day in some pretty cold weather, and my blisters had blisters! All in all though, it was a really good time.
We then flew to the Florida Panhandle to visit our daughter Seretha, son-in-law, and grandkids for 2 days. We celebrated Seretha’s birthday and dropped off some Christmas presents for the kids. They are all doing well, but it was a much too short visit.
Jim and I then split up and he flew to Asheville NC and I went to Oklahoma City. His mother was going to celebrate her 90th birthday and Jim would remain with her and his siblings for the next 3 weeks, and I was going to spend the time with my parents and sister. It isn’t ideal to spend the holidays apart, but it’s necessary to spend some prolonged time with our parents. When it’s time to catch our flight back to Tanzania, we’ll meet up in the Atlanta airport to head home together. Next month, it’s back to work!
We touched down in Washington DC and spent 4 days with both our sons and daughter-in-law, playing tourist and visiting all the museums and monuments. We walked an average of 9-10 miles each day in some pretty cold weather, and my blisters had blisters! All in all though, it was a really good time.
We then flew to the Florida Panhandle to visit our daughter Seretha, son-in-law, and grandkids for 2 days. We celebrated Seretha’s birthday and dropped off some Christmas presents for the kids. They are all doing well, but it was a much too short visit.
Jim and I then split up and he flew to Asheville NC and I went to Oklahoma City. His mother was going to celebrate her 90th birthday and Jim would remain with her and his siblings for the next 3 weeks, and I was going to spend the time with my parents and sister. It isn’t ideal to spend the holidays apart, but it’s necessary to spend some prolonged time with our parents. When it’s time to catch our flight back to Tanzania, we’ll meet up in the Atlanta airport to head home together. Next month, it’s back to work!
November - Thanksgiving
We had 7 more visitors this month, which is always a blessing and encouragement to us. Two were Jim's siblings who are the first family members to visit since we moved here in 2011--that was very exciting for us. Our family finally got an opportunity to see and experience the wonderful people and environment the Lord has called us to serve. I'm pretty sure it had a lasting impression on them.
Our other visitors were from one of our main supporting churches, and the others were ICM Board members. Both these groups came to dedicate and officially open the ICM Mt Meru Bible College campus. It was an exciting time for everyone.
There were many church visits, teachings, mountain climbing, animal sightings, eating, and many other activities. Please take a look at our photo gallery page to see some of these events.
One more month until 2017 is over...it's so hard to believe!
We had 7 more visitors this month, which is always a blessing and encouragement to us. Two were Jim's siblings who are the first family members to visit since we moved here in 2011--that was very exciting for us. Our family finally got an opportunity to see and experience the wonderful people and environment the Lord has called us to serve. I'm pretty sure it had a lasting impression on them.
Our other visitors were from one of our main supporting churches, and the others were ICM Board members. Both these groups came to dedicate and officially open the ICM Mt Meru Bible College campus. It was an exciting time for everyone.
There were many church visits, teachings, mountain climbing, animal sightings, eating, and many other activities. Please take a look at our photo gallery page to see some of these events.
One more month until 2017 is over...it's so hard to believe!
A large family of giraffe who came out to greet us one day!
October - Visitors!
This has been an extremely busy, but exciting and fun month! I love that Sunday School and Wednesday evening programs for the elementary kids are back in full swing, as they keep me on my toes with all their questions. The kids from the international school wanted me to come on campus once a month just to spend time answering questions we don't have time to address in class, but alas, the headmaster does not allow any religious programs on site. Let's just pray the Lord provides ways for us to focus on the important things! Maybe next year...
We had a husband/wife team from Virginia visit us this month, and we had an exhausting time going from sunup to sundown almost every single day for 10 days. Sandy and I were able to do 2 women's seminars which were very well received, and I picked up some new insight on Proverbs 31 which I will use from now on. Love it when I can learn something new right alongside everyone else!
This has been an extremely busy, but exciting and fun month! I love that Sunday School and Wednesday evening programs for the elementary kids are back in full swing, as they keep me on my toes with all their questions. The kids from the international school wanted me to come on campus once a month just to spend time answering questions we don't have time to address in class, but alas, the headmaster does not allow any religious programs on site. Let's just pray the Lord provides ways for us to focus on the important things! Maybe next year...
We had a husband/wife team from Virginia visit us this month, and we had an exhausting time going from sunup to sundown almost every single day for 10 days. Sandy and I were able to do 2 women's seminars which were very well received, and I picked up some new insight on Proverbs 31 which I will use from now on. Love it when I can learn something new right alongside everyone else!
Janice and Sandy listening to questions being posed by attendees.
|
The host pastor's wife, Janice, Sandy, and translator Emmy wearing the shawls we were presented.
|
September - School and Ministry
Many of you know that we've been taking seminary courses at Moody Theological over the last few years, and we're almost done! Yay! This is our next to last semester, and I'm finally taking a class that is challenging my current understanding of Scripture beyond anything I could have imagined. It is all focused around women's ministry and finding common ground to work from regardless of cultural backgrounds. There are so many thoughts going on in my head which I want to begin writing about, but don't have the time because I MUST write for homework and get it submitted on time! LOL Suffice it to say, I'm fired up about getting back out into churches here and resuming my women's seminars, but I will be adding some very valuable insights which I'm anxious to get feedback from the women on. Stay tuned...maybe I can share it with you when I'm back in the US on the next furlough!
Many of you know that we've been taking seminary courses at Moody Theological over the last few years, and we're almost done! Yay! This is our next to last semester, and I'm finally taking a class that is challenging my current understanding of Scripture beyond anything I could have imagined. It is all focused around women's ministry and finding common ground to work from regardless of cultural backgrounds. There are so many thoughts going on in my head which I want to begin writing about, but don't have the time because I MUST write for homework and get it submitted on time! LOL Suffice it to say, I'm fired up about getting back out into churches here and resuming my women's seminars, but I will be adding some very valuable insights which I'm anxious to get feedback from the women on. Stay tuned...maybe I can share it with you when I'm back in the US on the next furlough!
August 2017 - Much to Celebrate!
This has been a very busy month for us. All our ministry activities were in full swing...running the church, Sunday services for the boarding school, the university student group each Sunday night, trying to get the remaining construction details of the Bible college finished, securing our 3rd and 4th Bible college locations/campuses, and the list goes on! Of course, we wouldn't trade any of it because we can clearly see the Lord working in all these endeavors...that's what keeps us going and makes it all worthwhile.
In addition to ministry, Jim and I were able to get away for 2 days to celebrate 35 years of marriage. For those who know us well, you know what a major accomplishment this is for us, and a testament to the life-changing power of surrendering one's self and marriage to God. There are probably even people who may have lost some money if they had wagered whether or not we would make it based on how we were doing even 20 years ago, but it's never a good idea to bet against God. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can do this thing called marriage without God right in the middle of everything!
This has been a very busy month for us. All our ministry activities were in full swing...running the church, Sunday services for the boarding school, the university student group each Sunday night, trying to get the remaining construction details of the Bible college finished, securing our 3rd and 4th Bible college locations/campuses, and the list goes on! Of course, we wouldn't trade any of it because we can clearly see the Lord working in all these endeavors...that's what keeps us going and makes it all worthwhile.
In addition to ministry, Jim and I were able to get away for 2 days to celebrate 35 years of marriage. For those who know us well, you know what a major accomplishment this is for us, and a testament to the life-changing power of surrendering one's self and marriage to God. There are probably even people who may have lost some money if they had wagered whether or not we would make it based on how we were doing even 20 years ago, but it's never a good idea to bet against God. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can do this thing called marriage without God right in the middle of everything!
We saw the Lord answer prayers this month in a rather unexpected way. As mentioned last month, my 86 year old mother's health began declining rapidly, and I fully expected she would pass away within 60 days. My prayer was that it would be peaceful for both her and my father. Instead, here we are 30 days later and my mother is improving daily! She is no longer bed-ridden, has her appetite back, and is proving us wrong on all counts! The Lord is so very good that He even provides what we fail to ask for!!!
The next few months are going to be busier than ever with ministry, school, church, and team visits from the US...but we are looking forward to what God wants to teach us during the coming months. I hope you'll keep checking back to see how it's going!
The next few months are going to be busier than ever with ministry, school, church, and team visits from the US...but we are looking forward to what God wants to teach us during the coming months. I hope you'll keep checking back to see how it's going!
July 2017 - Celebrating Freedom, Beginnings, and Endings
July is usually a fairly happy month for a couple different reasons:
1. We celebrate Independence Day, whether in the US or Tanzania
2. We celebrate our youngest child's birthday
3. We celebrate MY birthday (Janice - aka Bastille Day)
This year, things were a little different. We had both moments of happiness and challenging trials.
We were in Tanzania on July 4th and the families who normally host the Independence Day celebrations for the US expats in Moshi were all out of the country! No one to host, and very few to attend. We stayed home and worked on homework! We'll be glad to gain independence from that by this time next year!
We did get to speak to our son on his 30th birthday, so that was all good. But we pretty much worked all day on mine and just let it go by. I did, however, get a number of wonderful greetings on Facebook which honestly made my day so much brighter. After a while, it's all about the relationships and not the material things.
Unfortunately, the Lord is really stretching us in regard to living out Luke 14:26 which says, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple." It has been very difficult at times to be away from our elderly parents when they need their children the most, and our siblings, children, and grandchildren. My mother's health is failing fast, and I keep expecting to get a message any day now saying it's time to come home and say goodbye. We're not able to be a daily part of our children's lives as they are getting married and starting families, nor be around our grandchildren. Any one of these would be reason enough to pack up and return to the US permanently, or to have never left in the first place. But this is part of discipleship...learning to trust God enough to take care of your loved ones while you are fulfilling an assignment He has tasked you with. Now if He hasn't called you away, then no problem making all or one of these groups of people a priority in your life, but still second to the Lord. However, when you clearly know He has asked you to take up your cross and follow Him--to make a choice--there can be no hesitation.
We routinely try to make a trip back to the US at least once a year for our regular furlough. This past year allowed us to make two trips because of our youngest child getting married, so that allowed us to see the entire family a second time. It was such a blessing to have everyone together in one place for such a happy occasion, and I knew at the time that it was a memory that would stay with me always. In the middle of July, however, Jim learned that one of his younger brothers was being admitted to hospice with end-stage cancer. It was a complete surprise and shock. This brother had been estranged from the family for over 30 years but had recently come back into the family fold. We were told he had 2-6 months to live, but Jim felt it was urgent to return to the US immediately to see him. His sole purpose was to share the Gospel and let him know that God loved him, because this beloved brother was not saved and had been homeless most of his adult life. Jim was on a plane barely 24 hours after being notified, and sitting with his brother 2 days later. The sheer fact that Jim flew 8,000 miles to spend time with his brother spoke volumes about unconditional love. Jim had to explain his brother's terminal condition to him because no one had really done that yet. God moved in some amazing ways over the next 48 hours, but the end result was that the brother accepted Christ and then passed away peacefully. How painful to reconnect with one you've missed your whole life and then lose them so quickly, but how wonderful to know that the Lord was merciful in His plan to use you as His instrument in the salvation of your loved one. This was a moment Jim will never regret or forget.
As the month closed out and Jim was still in the US, he had an opportunity to meet with the man who pastors our Baptist church here in Tanzania (who was home on a year-long furlough). He was informed by the pastor that the Lord was calling him to a new assignment, and he would not be returning to Tanzania to resume his pastoral role of our church. He was placing it in Jim's hands as the sole pastor now. Leading this church brings great joy to Jim, so it was as if the Lord was rewarding him for his faithful obedience to everything God has asked of him so far.
There are still more challenges ahead with regard to our family, and trying not to let those relationships cause us to put the Lord in a subordinate position, so we ask for continued prayer that we will always respond according to His will and not simply our own earthly desires. Discipleship is not easy, but it definitely pays eternal rewards!
1. We celebrate Independence Day, whether in the US or Tanzania
2. We celebrate our youngest child's birthday
3. We celebrate MY birthday (Janice - aka Bastille Day)
This year, things were a little different. We had both moments of happiness and challenging trials.
We were in Tanzania on July 4th and the families who normally host the Independence Day celebrations for the US expats in Moshi were all out of the country! No one to host, and very few to attend. We stayed home and worked on homework! We'll be glad to gain independence from that by this time next year!
We did get to speak to our son on his 30th birthday, so that was all good. But we pretty much worked all day on mine and just let it go by. I did, however, get a number of wonderful greetings on Facebook which honestly made my day so much brighter. After a while, it's all about the relationships and not the material things.
Unfortunately, the Lord is really stretching us in regard to living out Luke 14:26 which says, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple." It has been very difficult at times to be away from our elderly parents when they need their children the most, and our siblings, children, and grandchildren. My mother's health is failing fast, and I keep expecting to get a message any day now saying it's time to come home and say goodbye. We're not able to be a daily part of our children's lives as they are getting married and starting families, nor be around our grandchildren. Any one of these would be reason enough to pack up and return to the US permanently, or to have never left in the first place. But this is part of discipleship...learning to trust God enough to take care of your loved ones while you are fulfilling an assignment He has tasked you with. Now if He hasn't called you away, then no problem making all or one of these groups of people a priority in your life, but still second to the Lord. However, when you clearly know He has asked you to take up your cross and follow Him--to make a choice--there can be no hesitation.
We routinely try to make a trip back to the US at least once a year for our regular furlough. This past year allowed us to make two trips because of our youngest child getting married, so that allowed us to see the entire family a second time. It was such a blessing to have everyone together in one place for such a happy occasion, and I knew at the time that it was a memory that would stay with me always. In the middle of July, however, Jim learned that one of his younger brothers was being admitted to hospice with end-stage cancer. It was a complete surprise and shock. This brother had been estranged from the family for over 30 years but had recently come back into the family fold. We were told he had 2-6 months to live, but Jim felt it was urgent to return to the US immediately to see him. His sole purpose was to share the Gospel and let him know that God loved him, because this beloved brother was not saved and had been homeless most of his adult life. Jim was on a plane barely 24 hours after being notified, and sitting with his brother 2 days later. The sheer fact that Jim flew 8,000 miles to spend time with his brother spoke volumes about unconditional love. Jim had to explain his brother's terminal condition to him because no one had really done that yet. God moved in some amazing ways over the next 48 hours, but the end result was that the brother accepted Christ and then passed away peacefully. How painful to reconnect with one you've missed your whole life and then lose them so quickly, but how wonderful to know that the Lord was merciful in His plan to use you as His instrument in the salvation of your loved one. This was a moment Jim will never regret or forget.
As the month closed out and Jim was still in the US, he had an opportunity to meet with the man who pastors our Baptist church here in Tanzania (who was home on a year-long furlough). He was informed by the pastor that the Lord was calling him to a new assignment, and he would not be returning to Tanzania to resume his pastoral role of our church. He was placing it in Jim's hands as the sole pastor now. Leading this church brings great joy to Jim, so it was as if the Lord was rewarding him for his faithful obedience to everything God has asked of him so far.
There are still more challenges ahead with regard to our family, and trying not to let those relationships cause us to put the Lord in a subordinate position, so we ask for continued prayer that we will always respond according to His will and not simply our own earthly desires. Discipleship is not easy, but it definitely pays eternal rewards!
June 2017, Happy Anniversary!
We've just begun our 7th year of ministry here, and it truly seems like just yesterday that we arrived. We're quite comfortable here now (mentally) and consider it "home." It's a place of refuge in that we're removed from the constant bombardment of information that seems to dominate the US when we're there. We get news only when we purposely get on the internet and look for it. Otherwise, we're focused on the things we need to do and experience minimal distractions.
One thing which became a dominant piece of news that we were keenly aware of on a daily, sometime hourly, basis this month was that a couple of our supporting churches were going through pastoral changes. Two of our other churches had an interim pastor for the last two years and have recently installed new permanent senior pastors. It was clear that these men were called by God to shepherd these flocks, and the congregations are excited and flourishing under their leadership. It's an awesome thing when we wait upon the Lord to work things out according to His plan. Two other churches were just heading into the unknown waters of having their senior pastor move on to other callings. It is always a sifting process...sometimes to wake people up out of their comfortable slumber and get them to step up in big ways to serve in the church and fill in the gaps. Sometimes it throws people out of the nest completely, either to move them on to another church or ministry where God will help them grow more, or else it can be to see who is following Christ and who is following a man.
We learned many years ago that the church should be centered around Christ and His Word, not the pastor. Pastors are not necessarily meant to stay in one place or church forever because they need to grow and change as well, and sometimes God uses extreme measures to pry them loose from the stronghold of a particular congregation... for everyone's benefit. We praise God for the churches and believers who remained faithful to their commitment to each other and the local community and are now reaping the benefits by having new Godly leaders, and we pray for the other churches and their flocks to be patient and persevere for the sake of Christ...knowing He hears their pleas and will deliver them a new leader in His timing. An unbelievable joy will then rise from the pain and ashes.
We've just begun our 7th year of ministry here, and it truly seems like just yesterday that we arrived. We're quite comfortable here now (mentally) and consider it "home." It's a place of refuge in that we're removed from the constant bombardment of information that seems to dominate the US when we're there. We get news only when we purposely get on the internet and look for it. Otherwise, we're focused on the things we need to do and experience minimal distractions.
One thing which became a dominant piece of news that we were keenly aware of on a daily, sometime hourly, basis this month was that a couple of our supporting churches were going through pastoral changes. Two of our other churches had an interim pastor for the last two years and have recently installed new permanent senior pastors. It was clear that these men were called by God to shepherd these flocks, and the congregations are excited and flourishing under their leadership. It's an awesome thing when we wait upon the Lord to work things out according to His plan. Two other churches were just heading into the unknown waters of having their senior pastor move on to other callings. It is always a sifting process...sometimes to wake people up out of their comfortable slumber and get them to step up in big ways to serve in the church and fill in the gaps. Sometimes it throws people out of the nest completely, either to move them on to another church or ministry where God will help them grow more, or else it can be to see who is following Christ and who is following a man.
We learned many years ago that the church should be centered around Christ and His Word, not the pastor. Pastors are not necessarily meant to stay in one place or church forever because they need to grow and change as well, and sometimes God uses extreme measures to pry them loose from the stronghold of a particular congregation... for everyone's benefit. We praise God for the churches and believers who remained faithful to their commitment to each other and the local community and are now reaping the benefits by having new Godly leaders, and we pray for the other churches and their flocks to be patient and persevere for the sake of Christ...knowing He hears their pleas and will deliver them a new leader in His timing. An unbelievable joy will then rise from the pain and ashes.
May 2017, "To every thing there is a season..."
This was a time that encompassed a lot of different emotions...concern, excitement, grief, joy, pride, uncertainty, and LOTS of change! Through it all, we experienced the true peace that comes from knowing that the Lord was in charge of everything we were experiencing. We've all heard the saying that the Lord doesn't give you more than you can handle, but sometimes He gives you things specifically because you need to handle them. I could bore you with the details of all the myriad things that crossed my path over the last 45 days, and ways in which I learned and grew, but let's just leave it at that and you take my word for it.
This month marks the completion of 6 years ministering in Tanzania. We are getting ready to return there the first week of June and begin another long stretch of ministry. We will be taking over our English-speaking church again with Jim pastoring while our pastor comes home for another year-long furlough. On top of that, we begin a new version of our ministry with the transition to offering a full Bible college curriculum to Tanzanian pastors. We are also in the last phases of our own seminary education as we have just 3 more classes to complete before attaining our masters in Intercultural Studies (Missions). We're excited about all of these things.
As we return, please remember to keep us lifted up in prayer...to transition back to our ministry life as quickly as possible, and for our bodies to make the time and environmental adjustment as easily as possible. For me, the frequent visits to the US pose their own challenges...trying to find a balance in living between two very different worlds--both of which I love--but feel torn between. I'm just thankful the Lord continues to provide me the opportunities and means to go back and forth between them. :-)
This month marks the completion of 6 years ministering in Tanzania. We are getting ready to return there the first week of June and begin another long stretch of ministry. We will be taking over our English-speaking church again with Jim pastoring while our pastor comes home for another year-long furlough. On top of that, we begin a new version of our ministry with the transition to offering a full Bible college curriculum to Tanzanian pastors. We are also in the last phases of our own seminary education as we have just 3 more classes to complete before attaining our masters in Intercultural Studies (Missions). We're excited about all of these things.
As we return, please remember to keep us lifted up in prayer...to transition back to our ministry life as quickly as possible, and for our bodies to make the time and environmental adjustment as easily as possible. For me, the frequent visits to the US pose their own challenges...trying to find a balance in living between two very different worlds--both of which I love--but feel torn between. I'm just thankful the Lord continues to provide me the opportunities and means to go back and forth between them. :-)
March 2017, Returning to Ministry
The time finally came for us to pack up our supplies and return to Tanzania. Five large suitcases/trunks, 2 roll-aboard bags and two backpacks to get us home. We always have to load up on office supplies, books/materials for the training center, and personal items when we're in the US, so its quite an effort to get it all home. Once here though, our apartment looks like a cyclone hit it because it takes a while for us to find the energy to put it all away...our sleep patterns are off, it's hot (no a/c) and we usually have ministry activities that begin immediately upon our return. Anyway, we're back to "normal" now.
I was quickly reminded how much I enjoy teaching the children's Sunday School class and how much I had missed them for 3 months! They are always so full of questions, and it is encouraging to see the lightbulbs go off over their heads as the Lord speaks to their hearts through His Word! Sharing the Gospel with them and pouring into their lives is very rewarding.
The Lord has also given me a ministry to youth and women, and I was able to resume both this month. We began meeting every Sunday evening again with the Training for Life (TFL) college-bound students. We do some worship music videos and then show them Christian movies and have discussion afterward. Many of them are pretty worldly and this is often their only opportunity to have actual discussions about God and find out that God is still relevant and cares about how they live their lives.
We also began our second class of women coming through the Mt. Kilimanjaro Training Center, and I have the privilege and responsibility to teach overviews of many of the Old and New Testament books. Two of the women who graduated in our first class are coming back through as observers, taking notes in order to begin teaching the next class of women. It is so difficult for women to leave their homes for 10 days at a time to attend...they have all the responsibility for growing/harvesting crops, raising children, caring for sick family members, etc. Only about 65 percent of those invited actually arrive to begin the class. Those who do come have moved heaven and earth to get here. Please pray for this current class, that nothing comes up to call them home, and that they are able to return for the remaining 2 sessions in September and October.
I was quickly reminded how much I enjoy teaching the children's Sunday School class and how much I had missed them for 3 months! They are always so full of questions, and it is encouraging to see the lightbulbs go off over their heads as the Lord speaks to their hearts through His Word! Sharing the Gospel with them and pouring into their lives is very rewarding.
The Lord has also given me a ministry to youth and women, and I was able to resume both this month. We began meeting every Sunday evening again with the Training for Life (TFL) college-bound students. We do some worship music videos and then show them Christian movies and have discussion afterward. Many of them are pretty worldly and this is often their only opportunity to have actual discussions about God and find out that God is still relevant and cares about how they live their lives.
We also began our second class of women coming through the Mt. Kilimanjaro Training Center, and I have the privilege and responsibility to teach overviews of many of the Old and New Testament books. Two of the women who graduated in our first class are coming back through as observers, taking notes in order to begin teaching the next class of women. It is so difficult for women to leave their homes for 10 days at a time to attend...they have all the responsibility for growing/harvesting crops, raising children, caring for sick family members, etc. Only about 65 percent of those invited actually arrive to begin the class. Those who do come have moved heaven and earth to get here. Please pray for this current class, that nothing comes up to call them home, and that they are able to return for the remaining 2 sessions in September and October.
Jan & Feb 2017
Time has flown by again...3 months have come and gone and we are now packed and ready to return to Tanzania. It has been an extremely busy yet productive time for us here, and the Lord has shown great favor upon the ministry by providing a few new partner churches and many individual supporters. He even introduced us to a few people who are exploring calls into part- or full-time missions work who may come and intern with us later in the year. We are always willing to mentor Christians while they work through this process, so we look forward to that opportunity.
We got to do several Inductive Bible Study seminars at different churches while in the USA, and they were very well received. People have responded to the training very favorably and appreciate having a better idea what we are doing in East Africa. It is a very simple, yet helpful method to learn which makes it ideal for the environment in which we work.
Our visits with family were very encouraging, but never long enough. That is the toughest part of being away, yet we know the Lord has us all right where we're supposed to be. In the meantime, we have a wedding in our near future (May 2017) to look forward to, and we WILL return very briefly to attend that joyous event! Stay tuned for LOTS of info and pictures on that in the coming months.
Time has flown by again...3 months have come and gone and we are now packed and ready to return to Tanzania. It has been an extremely busy yet productive time for us here, and the Lord has shown great favor upon the ministry by providing a few new partner churches and many individual supporters. He even introduced us to a few people who are exploring calls into part- or full-time missions work who may come and intern with us later in the year. We are always willing to mentor Christians while they work through this process, so we look forward to that opportunity.
We got to do several Inductive Bible Study seminars at different churches while in the USA, and they were very well received. People have responded to the training very favorably and appreciate having a better idea what we are doing in East Africa. It is a very simple, yet helpful method to learn which makes it ideal for the environment in which we work.
Our visits with family were very encouraging, but never long enough. That is the toughest part of being away, yet we know the Lord has us all right where we're supposed to be. In the meantime, we have a wedding in our near future (May 2017) to look forward to, and we WILL return very briefly to attend that joyous event! Stay tuned for LOTS of info and pictures on that in the coming months.
In the USA!!! (December 2016 - January 2017)
As of December 11, we will be in the USA to begin our 3-month furlough. That sounds like a long time, but believe us, it flies by in no time...mainly because we have a LOT of places to visit, people to see, and reports to give. That doesn't mean we don't enjoy it or get rest, it just means we aren't in any one place for very long. So, when you see us, make the most of it...give us a hug/handshake, give us the scoop on how you've been, and don't let the moment pass you by...otherwise, we'll be gone in a blink! :-)
Our Schedule (so far):
Dec 11-24: Asheville NC
Dec 18 Speaking at Sunrise Baptist Church morning services (Asheville)
Dec 25-Jan 1: Saint Petersburg, FL
Jan 2-6: Chicago, IL (Moody Theological Seminary)
Jan 7-23: Saint Petersburg, FL
Jan 8 Speaking at Calvary Chapel Southside St Pete morning service
Jan 9 Mainlands Life Group (St Pete)
Jan 11 Speaking at Calvary Chapel St Petersburg evening service
Jan 15 Preaching at Northeast Presbyterian Church morning services
Jan 16-18 SE Pastors' Conference, Merritt Island FL
Jan 20-21 Teaching Inductive Bible Study @ NE Presbyterian Church
Jan 23-Feb 2 Oklahoma City, OK
Feb 3-6 Preaching/teaching at First Southern Baptist Church, Florence, CO
Feb 7-9 Saint Petersburg, FL
Feb 10-20 Fort Walton Beach, FL
Feb 12 Preaching at The Gathering morning service
Feb 17-18 Teaching Inductive Bible Study @ The Gathering
Feb 21-Mar 2 Saint Petersburg, FL
Mar 2-5 Greeneville, TN
Mar 5 Preaching at Calvary Chapel Greeneville TN
Mar 8 Depart for return to Tanzania
If you would like to catch up with us while we're in your area, please send us an email and let's see what we can work out!
As of December 11, we will be in the USA to begin our 3-month furlough. That sounds like a long time, but believe us, it flies by in no time...mainly because we have a LOT of places to visit, people to see, and reports to give. That doesn't mean we don't enjoy it or get rest, it just means we aren't in any one place for very long. So, when you see us, make the most of it...give us a hug/handshake, give us the scoop on how you've been, and don't let the moment pass you by...otherwise, we'll be gone in a blink! :-)
Our Schedule (so far):
Dec 11-24: Asheville NC
Dec 18 Speaking at Sunrise Baptist Church morning services (Asheville)
Dec 25-Jan 1: Saint Petersburg, FL
Jan 2-6: Chicago, IL (Moody Theological Seminary)
Jan 7-23: Saint Petersburg, FL
Jan 8 Speaking at Calvary Chapel Southside St Pete morning service
Jan 9 Mainlands Life Group (St Pete)
Jan 11 Speaking at Calvary Chapel St Petersburg evening service
Jan 15 Preaching at Northeast Presbyterian Church morning services
Jan 16-18 SE Pastors' Conference, Merritt Island FL
Jan 20-21 Teaching Inductive Bible Study @ NE Presbyterian Church
Jan 23-Feb 2 Oklahoma City, OK
Feb 3-6 Preaching/teaching at First Southern Baptist Church, Florence, CO
Feb 7-9 Saint Petersburg, FL
Feb 10-20 Fort Walton Beach, FL
Feb 12 Preaching at The Gathering morning service
Feb 17-18 Teaching Inductive Bible Study @ The Gathering
Feb 21-Mar 2 Saint Petersburg, FL
Mar 2-5 Greeneville, TN
Mar 5 Preaching at Calvary Chapel Greeneville TN
Mar 8 Depart for return to Tanzania
If you would like to catch up with us while we're in your area, please send us an email and let's see what we can work out!
I'm Just a City Girl (November 2016)
In early November I went to visit Gideon and Zipora to see how they were doing with their new daughter. We had a nice visit, but they wanted to repay me in some way with a gift for helping get Zipora to the hospital and staying with her through surgery. They decided to give me a live chicken so I could bring it home and make chicken soup for Jim! Oh...my!!! I quickly told them that our landlord does not allow live animals on the property, to which they countered, "no problem. Just kill it as soon as you get home." Thankfully, I know them well enough to be honest and admit that I've never killed a chicken, don't know how, and didn't really want to learn. They were astonished that I had never killed one before, so they promptly said they would kill it and de-feather it so I could still bring it home. I no longer had an argument. I managed to avoid watching them slit the chicken's throat, but I did watch them put it into a large tub of boiling hot water after they drained the blood, which somehow makes it easier to pull the feathers out. They don't really know how to cut a chicken into the parts we're familiar with...it just gets chopped up in whatever chunks they can manage, so it wasn't a pretty sight when I took it home, but at least it wasn't still flapping and squawking! I've been here 5 years now and that's the closest I've come to actually having to deal with someone giving me a live animal and expecting me to prepare it to eat! I took some pictures of the whole ordeal, but have decided to show you something more pleasant from that visit--Zipora, Abigail Bridget, and Godsave.
In early November I went to visit Gideon and Zipora to see how they were doing with their new daughter. We had a nice visit, but they wanted to repay me in some way with a gift for helping get Zipora to the hospital and staying with her through surgery. They decided to give me a live chicken so I could bring it home and make chicken soup for Jim! Oh...my!!! I quickly told them that our landlord does not allow live animals on the property, to which they countered, "no problem. Just kill it as soon as you get home." Thankfully, I know them well enough to be honest and admit that I've never killed a chicken, don't know how, and didn't really want to learn. They were astonished that I had never killed one before, so they promptly said they would kill it and de-feather it so I could still bring it home. I no longer had an argument. I managed to avoid watching them slit the chicken's throat, but I did watch them put it into a large tub of boiling hot water after they drained the blood, which somehow makes it easier to pull the feathers out. They don't really know how to cut a chicken into the parts we're familiar with...it just gets chopped up in whatever chunks they can manage, so it wasn't a pretty sight when I took it home, but at least it wasn't still flapping and squawking! I've been here 5 years now and that's the closest I've come to actually having to deal with someone giving me a live animal and expecting me to prepare it to eat! I took some pictures of the whole ordeal, but have decided to show you something more pleasant from that visit--Zipora, Abigail Bridget, and Godsave.
The Lost Art of New Life (October 2016)
October began with my translator, Zipora, having an emergency C-section at the local hospital, and me acting as mother/grandmother of the two because the husband/father was a 2-hour ride away at their home in the mountains. It's common in this culture for people to have pseudo-relatives (extra mothers, fathers and siblings), so there weren't too many strange looks at me being presented as Zipora's mother except for the difference in our skin color! However, I think my knowledge of medical procedures and prodding questions helped ensure she got better care, and before we knew it, little Bridget arrived just in time to be greeted by her dad.
October began with my translator, Zipora, having an emergency C-section at the local hospital, and me acting as mother/grandmother of the two because the husband/father was a 2-hour ride away at their home in the mountains. It's common in this culture for people to have pseudo-relatives (extra mothers, fathers and siblings), so there weren't too many strange looks at me being presented as Zipora's mother except for the difference in our skin color! However, I think my knowledge of medical procedures and prodding questions helped ensure she got better care, and before we knew it, little Bridget arrived just in time to be greeted by her dad.
Hospital procedures and care on a ward here are quite different than what we're accustomed to. No one is allowed into the delivery room with mom, and doctors and nurses don't present a compassionate, reassuring persona at all, so mom is completely on her own during that difficult time—no cheerleading squad to encourage her! Once the delivery is accomplished, moms are taken to a maternity ward where approximately 10 women share an open room. If mom had a C-section, she is hooked up to an IV for 24 hours and the baby is brought to her for feedings only, but if it was a natural birth, baby is put in bed with mom within a few hours. I noticed quite a camaraderie among the moms on the ward, with more experienced moms coaching the new ones, watching each other's babies while someone ambles down the hall to the bathroom, etc. It was a very positive experience from that regard and moms seem to recover much faster. In addition, food/meals are not provided to patients by the hospital, so relatives must bring it in. It is usually a thermos of a hot liquid mush (think runny oatmeal), a thermos of hot tea, and a bottle of water. Women generally don't eat solid foods for the first several months after delivery in order to get enough liquids for milk production. All I could think of was that most American women would not do well in that environment, and though I'm thankful for the modern medical knowledge and equipment we have available, the social and instructive atmosphere of these moms sharing a recovery space seems beneficial. But, after a 2-day hospital stay, I transported Gideon, Zipora and Bridget back to their home to settle in with big brother Godsave.
I also made a quick trip back to the US for our daughter Seretha's wedding which was very nice. She lives in the Florida Panhandle. Her husband has a 3 year old son, Brent, so our granddaughter Lilly Faith now has a little brother whom she dotes on.
Our youngest son, Kevin, also got engaged while I was home and we look forward to that wedding sometime in 2017. I also spent about 5 days with my parents and sister in Oklahoma City which was very nice. It was definitely a quick trip, but well worth it.
Our youngest son, Kevin, also got engaged while I was home and we look forward to that wedding sometime in 2017. I also spent about 5 days with my parents and sister in Oklahoma City which was very nice. It was definitely a quick trip, but well worth it.
Between Two Worlds (August 2016)
Jim was very busy with seminars for the entire month. He supervised the first-ever Level 5 pastoral training program up in the hills of Mt. Meru, and then held two back-to-back pastoral training center programs in Moshi. They are grueling 14-hr days with no days off, but the good thing is that he gets fed two solid meals each day, so we didn't have to worry about him trying to shop and cook for himself while I was still in the US. No matter what the schedule is like, he always has that smile on while doing the Lord's work!
On the other side of the world, I was enjoying the creature comforts of good highways, air conditioning, "always-on" electricity and internet, lots of choices in the supermarket, and the joy of spending time with my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and childhood friends. But all good things in moderation (and not wanting to get so spoiled I wouldn't want to leave), so I flew back to Tanzania mid-August to rejoin Jim in time to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. It was good to be back together, and even though both of us are very independent and capable people--very able to function without each other--we realized how much more relaxed we are and able to face the world with a different attitude when we're together. So, it's all good now!
We would ask you to keep Jim's brother, Gordy, in your prayers as he has been undergoing chemo and radiation for throat cancer, and my father who has been hospitalized just today (Aug 31) for dehydration, low blood pressure and low heart rate. His 86th birthday is Sept 6 (next week). It's hard being away from family at times like this, but we trust the Lord to care for them, and us, in His own way.
Jim was very busy with seminars for the entire month. He supervised the first-ever Level 5 pastoral training program up in the hills of Mt. Meru, and then held two back-to-back pastoral training center programs in Moshi. They are grueling 14-hr days with no days off, but the good thing is that he gets fed two solid meals each day, so we didn't have to worry about him trying to shop and cook for himself while I was still in the US. No matter what the schedule is like, he always has that smile on while doing the Lord's work!
On the other side of the world, I was enjoying the creature comforts of good highways, air conditioning, "always-on" electricity and internet, lots of choices in the supermarket, and the joy of spending time with my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and childhood friends. But all good things in moderation (and not wanting to get so spoiled I wouldn't want to leave), so I flew back to Tanzania mid-August to rejoin Jim in time to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. It was good to be back together, and even though both of us are very independent and capable people--very able to function without each other--we realized how much more relaxed we are and able to face the world with a different attitude when we're together. So, it's all good now!
We would ask you to keep Jim's brother, Gordy, in your prayers as he has been undergoing chemo and radiation for throat cancer, and my father who has been hospitalized just today (Aug 31) for dehydration, low blood pressure and low heart rate. His 86th birthday is Sept 6 (next week). It's hard being away from family at times like this, but we trust the Lord to care for them, and us, in His own way.
Birthdays & Other Celebrations (July 2016)
Continuing our brief vacation, we traveled to Florida to see Seretha and Lilly Faith (daughter & granddaughter). We were able to begin planning details of Seretha's upcoming October wedding to her fiancè, Carl, and purchase a guitar and lessons as a belated birthday present for Lilly Faith. We also spent a lot of time in the pool at our timeshare place since it is the first time we've been able to visit in the summer!
We then went to St Petersburg FL to spend time with both Kevin and Kyle. Kyle still lives in Boston, but he drove down with his Doberman, Jonesy, and his paramotor to go flying over Ft. DeSoto. Kevin lives in St Pete and has a Labrador named Barkley, so both grand dogs got to meet and play together for the first time. Kevin's fiancèe, Natalia, was also able to join us for all of our gatherings and we had a great time together.
Continuing our brief vacation, we traveled to Florida to see Seretha and Lilly Faith (daughter & granddaughter). We were able to begin planning details of Seretha's upcoming October wedding to her fiancè, Carl, and purchase a guitar and lessons as a belated birthday present for Lilly Faith. We also spent a lot of time in the pool at our timeshare place since it is the first time we've been able to visit in the summer!
We then went to St Petersburg FL to spend time with both Kevin and Kyle. Kyle still lives in Boston, but he drove down with his Doberman, Jonesy, and his paramotor to go flying over Ft. DeSoto. Kevin lives in St Pete and has a Labrador named Barkley, so both grand dogs got to meet and play together for the first time. Kevin's fiancèe, Natalia, was also able to join us for all of our gatherings and we had a great time together.
After an early birthday celebration for me in St Pete, Jim and I drove to Atlanta on July 13 to catch flights to separate destinations...he was going back to TZ and I was going back to Oklahoma City. Jim flew home through Istanbul, Turkey, which was one night before the coup attempt, and when we flew to the US through there in June, it was 10 days before the airport bombing, so we are very thankful for the Lord's protection and timing in both circumstances. I will be flying home through there on August 14 and trusting again that He is in control.
Jim hit the ground running when he got back to TZ with many ministry activities, and I have been physically busy helping my sister move to be closer to my parents. I'm also trying to help my parents sell a home they have in Colorado, sell their motor home, and just get some of their medical issues addressed. It has been a blessing to be here for these situations, and I'm very thankful the Lord provided the time and means for me to help. I am going to Arkansas with my sister and parents in August to see family, and then returning to TZ. It's been a great time!
Jim hit the ground running when he got back to TZ with many ministry activities, and I have been physically busy helping my sister move to be closer to my parents. I'm also trying to help my parents sell a home they have in Colorado, sell their motor home, and just get some of their medical issues addressed. It has been a blessing to be here for these situations, and I'm very thankful the Lord provided the time and means for me to help. I am going to Arkansas with my sister and parents in August to see family, and then returning to TZ. It's been a great time!
Ladies (L-R): Brenda, Mrs. Larson, Judy;
Guys (L-R): Doug, Al, Gordy, Jim
June Joys (2016)
We have both had some extreme joys this past month, and they are great reminders that we just need to trust and obey in order to receive unexpected but tremendous blessings. The first 2 weeks of June were normal, yet busy, with ministry work. Then we were able to fly back to the US for a quick visit with our families. Jim went to Asheville (North Carolina) and Janice went to Oklahoma City.
TOGETHER AGAIN: Jim is one of 6 siblings, but they haven't all been together in over 24 years, and it has been that long since he has seen one of his younger brothers. To his surprise, this brother (Gordy) had just moved to Asheville two days before Jim arrived, and the only other sibling who doesn't live there drove up when he heard he was the only one not in attendance. So, all 6 siblings got to spend a few days reconnecting. Gordy, however, was recently diagnosed with throat cancer which necessitated his move to be around family while he undergoes very aggressive treatment. He is now attending church with his family, so we pray the Lord calls and Gordy would respond.
In Oklahoma City, Janice got to spend Father's Day watching her 85-year old parents be baptized together! This was truly an answer to prayer, and a tremendous blessing not only to family members in attendance, but there was hardly a dry eye in the congregation watching this powerful testimony of what a "good, good Father" the Lord is to continue to draw people to Him even very late in life.
We have both had some extreme joys this past month, and they are great reminders that we just need to trust and obey in order to receive unexpected but tremendous blessings. The first 2 weeks of June were normal, yet busy, with ministry work. Then we were able to fly back to the US for a quick visit with our families. Jim went to Asheville (North Carolina) and Janice went to Oklahoma City.
TOGETHER AGAIN: Jim is one of 6 siblings, but they haven't all been together in over 24 years, and it has been that long since he has seen one of his younger brothers. To his surprise, this brother (Gordy) had just moved to Asheville two days before Jim arrived, and the only other sibling who doesn't live there drove up when he heard he was the only one not in attendance. So, all 6 siblings got to spend a few days reconnecting. Gordy, however, was recently diagnosed with throat cancer which necessitated his move to be around family while he undergoes very aggressive treatment. He is now attending church with his family, so we pray the Lord calls and Gordy would respond.
In Oklahoma City, Janice got to spend Father's Day watching her 85-year old parents be baptized together! This was truly an answer to prayer, and a tremendous blessing not only to family members in attendance, but there was hardly a dry eye in the congregation watching this powerful testimony of what a "good, good Father" the Lord is to continue to draw people to Him even very late in life.
(Top) Janice's mom being baptized by pouring because she isn't able to get in and out of the baptistry. (Bottom) Her dad being baptized with her mom and other family watching.
Mayhem in May (2016)
What a busy month we've had! We had two simultaneous Pastors' Training Centers going on at the same time early in the month, the graduation of our first class of female students, a third training center class begin the final week of the month, a trip to Nairobi to meet with the ICM directors of Uganda, Kenya & Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the graduation of the university-bound students we've worked with over the last 3 months. And then you have to add in regular church and Bible study ministry, schoolwork, and just keeping up with daily life. Whew! But we wouldn't change any of it (well...I will actually be glad when school is over for good)! What's amazing is that as I review pictures to select for the newsletter and website, they all either bring a smile to my face or tears to my eyes. The Lord has endeared these people to us so much, and when we become aware of the depth of our reaction just at the memory these pictures evoke, we are very thankful indeed that He has blessed us in this way.
As I write this, I'm sitting in a conference room in Nairobi, overwhelmed by being in a modern city again with overcrowded roads, teeming masses of people from around the world, shopping galore, wi-fi at my ready access, and many things I haven't seen in months. It's hard to believe this is only 210 miles from where I live in Tanzania; it's more like a world away. I am, however, going to buy several HUGE heads of lettuce at the market before I go home (it's the simple things). (Update: they were out of lettuce when I went back to the market. Guess everyone else had the same idea!)
We are definitely into winter now. When we need to close the windows at night and put a blanket on the bed, wear long pants and a sweater during the day, then you know we've turned the corner. It won't last long though. By end of July, we'll be coming out the other side. Of course, our winter means a low of about 50 degrees and a high of 70 degrees! I know, that's spring or fall for most of you, so I'll stop complaining about how thin my blood has become and how cold my feet are! Until next month...
What a busy month we've had! We had two simultaneous Pastors' Training Centers going on at the same time early in the month, the graduation of our first class of female students, a third training center class begin the final week of the month, a trip to Nairobi to meet with the ICM directors of Uganda, Kenya & Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the graduation of the university-bound students we've worked with over the last 3 months. And then you have to add in regular church and Bible study ministry, schoolwork, and just keeping up with daily life. Whew! But we wouldn't change any of it (well...I will actually be glad when school is over for good)! What's amazing is that as I review pictures to select for the newsletter and website, they all either bring a smile to my face or tears to my eyes. The Lord has endeared these people to us so much, and when we become aware of the depth of our reaction just at the memory these pictures evoke, we are very thankful indeed that He has blessed us in this way.
As I write this, I'm sitting in a conference room in Nairobi, overwhelmed by being in a modern city again with overcrowded roads, teeming masses of people from around the world, shopping galore, wi-fi at my ready access, and many things I haven't seen in months. It's hard to believe this is only 210 miles from where I live in Tanzania; it's more like a world away. I am, however, going to buy several HUGE heads of lettuce at the market before I go home (it's the simple things). (Update: they were out of lettuce when I went back to the market. Guess everyone else had the same idea!)
We are definitely into winter now. When we need to close the windows at night and put a blanket on the bed, wear long pants and a sweater during the day, then you know we've turned the corner. It won't last long though. By end of July, we'll be coming out the other side. Of course, our winter means a low of about 50 degrees and a high of 70 degrees! I know, that's spring or fall for most of you, so I'll stop complaining about how thin my blood has become and how cold my feet are! Until next month...
April Showers (April 2016)
Yes, I know that sounds trite, but that is exactly what happens here during April and May, only they aren't just small showers...they are heavy downpours! Chunks of paved roads wash away, dirt roads become impassable mud pits, the rivers begin flowing again, and most importantly, crops begin to grow! Additionally, the dust dies down and the temperatures begin to drop, leading us into Fall/Winter. It is a welcome relief to everyone. This picture was taken April 24 as we were returning from doing the Sunday church service at the high school we minister in. Everyone is competing for the small bit of dry land that remained! We gave them the right of way.
Moshi is a pretty multi-cultural, international city for a variety of reasons, and our local church has had 31 different countries represented by members of our congregation. Some very good friends of ours are Filipino and they invited us to a birthday celebration to experience a Filipino "Boodle Fight." It turns out this is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food is laid out on top of banana leaves...rice, beef, chicken, pork, watermelon & mango was on the menu for us. There are no plates or silverware--you just stand in place and eat whatever is in front of you! First of all, the food was delicious and we busted our "low carbohydrate" eating plan in a big way, and ate WAY too much, but it was awesome. Second, it is so much fun to watch a bunch of dignified Westerners figure out how long they're going to try to try to keep up that front before giving up and just getting messy and enjoying themselves! We're not sure why it's called a "food fight", but I can see that if there were lots of soldiers standing at the tables and not enough food, they would definitely be diving in! Good times! (Click on the pictures below to see them full-sized)
Yes, I know that sounds trite, but that is exactly what happens here during April and May, only they aren't just small showers...they are heavy downpours! Chunks of paved roads wash away, dirt roads become impassable mud pits, the rivers begin flowing again, and most importantly, crops begin to grow! Additionally, the dust dies down and the temperatures begin to drop, leading us into Fall/Winter. It is a welcome relief to everyone. This picture was taken April 24 as we were returning from doing the Sunday church service at the high school we minister in. Everyone is competing for the small bit of dry land that remained! We gave them the right of way.
Moshi is a pretty multi-cultural, international city for a variety of reasons, and our local church has had 31 different countries represented by members of our congregation. Some very good friends of ours are Filipino and they invited us to a birthday celebration to experience a Filipino "Boodle Fight." It turns out this is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food is laid out on top of banana leaves...rice, beef, chicken, pork, watermelon & mango was on the menu for us. There are no plates or silverware--you just stand in place and eat whatever is in front of you! First of all, the food was delicious and we busted our "low carbohydrate" eating plan in a big way, and ate WAY too much, but it was awesome. Second, it is so much fun to watch a bunch of dignified Westerners figure out how long they're going to try to try to keep up that front before giving up and just getting messy and enjoying themselves! We're not sure why it's called a "food fight", but I can see that if there were lots of soldiers standing at the tables and not enough food, they would definitely be diving in! Good times! (Click on the pictures below to see them full-sized)
Ultimate Frisbee "Most Improved Player" (Left) and "MVP" (right) with Coach Jim
We also took a couple days off to go up into the mountains right after this "food fight" and enjoyed walking through the mountain villages. The pictures on the top front cover of the May newsletter are from that trip, and there are many more pics on the Photo Galleries page, so check those out when you can.
Jim coaches Ultimate Frisbee every week at the International School of Moshi and they had their annual sports banquet on April 21. This is Jim with two of the students who received MVP and Most Improved Player awards. He gets a LOT of enjoyment from this.
We also got to visit my translator, Ziporah, and her husband Gideon, and son Godsave this month. It has been almost a year since I've seen her. With her being a new mom, and me being so busy helping Jim with all the main ministry activities, I haven't really had time to go do teaching anywhere, so it was good to reconnect with her again. She is considered our daughter in this culture, which makes Jim and I grandparents of Godsave, so there will always be a connection with us.
Jim coaches Ultimate Frisbee every week at the International School of Moshi and they had their annual sports banquet on April 21. This is Jim with two of the students who received MVP and Most Improved Player awards. He gets a LOT of enjoyment from this.
We also got to visit my translator, Ziporah, and her husband Gideon, and son Godsave this month. It has been almost a year since I've seen her. With her being a new mom, and me being so busy helping Jim with all the main ministry activities, I haven't really had time to go do teaching anywhere, so it was good to reconnect with her again. She is considered our daughter in this culture, which makes Jim and I grandparents of Godsave, so there will always be a connection with us.
Gideon, Ziporah and Godsave in their home. Godsave is 15 months old.
Breakthroughs (March 2016)
We have been catching up on a lot of administrative work and school work over the last two months while awaiting the finalization of our new work permits and residency visas, but that has finally been resolved which has allowed Jim to "hit the road" again! I think we were both thankful he could finally get out of the house again! LOL He has done 5 seminars this month, in addition to our youth leadership, church responsibilities, and his coaching so things are really beginning to get hectic again.
The demand for seminars is increasing and we're getting requests to bring it to other neighboring countries. We just scheduled basic seminars for Burundi in June and will send a team of our Tanzanian trainers to conduct it. We're also going to Nairobi at the end of May to have meetings with representatives from Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to evaluate taking this model there as well. If you know of anyone who feels called to mid-term or long-term missions, is gifted with administration, leadership and/or teaching abilities, please put them in touch with us. The Lord may be opening some doors for people to intern with us for a period and then send them to oversee one of these other countries and replicate the model. Please pray with us to discern God's particular leading in this subject of expansion, both territorially as well as financially and from a staff perspective.
We have been catching up on a lot of administrative work and school work over the last two months while awaiting the finalization of our new work permits and residency visas, but that has finally been resolved which has allowed Jim to "hit the road" again! I think we were both thankful he could finally get out of the house again! LOL He has done 5 seminars this month, in addition to our youth leadership, church responsibilities, and his coaching so things are really beginning to get hectic again.
The demand for seminars is increasing and we're getting requests to bring it to other neighboring countries. We just scheduled basic seminars for Burundi in June and will send a team of our Tanzanian trainers to conduct it. We're also going to Nairobi at the end of May to have meetings with representatives from Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to evaluate taking this model there as well. If you know of anyone who feels called to mid-term or long-term missions, is gifted with administration, leadership and/or teaching abilities, please put them in touch with us. The Lord may be opening some doors for people to intern with us for a period and then send them to oversee one of these other countries and replicate the model. Please pray with us to discern God's particular leading in this subject of expansion, both territorially as well as financially and from a staff perspective.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!!!
Jim celebrated his 60th birthday this year. Though I managed to throw him some pretty good surprise parties for his 30th, 40th & 50th birthdays, this one was spent relatively quietly with some of our closest friends in a beautiful setting. I think Jim was pretty happy that it was a low-key event. |
Then, our granddaughter Lilly Faith celebrated her 7th birthday this month as well! She is growing up so quickly...and I think Jim had a little cake envy going on. I mean, wouldn't you want a Hello Kitty cake like hers also?!
|
Back in Tanzania! (January 2016)
We arrived back in country on January 11 and were welcomed by about 90-95 degree weather. Even though we had been in Florida the last few weeks of our furlough and thought it would help acclimatize us back to Africa, the difference of having air conditioning and not having it makes a LOT of difference. And there is something always more difficult about going East and the clock moves ahead vs going West. For both those reasons, we found ourselves sleeping most of the day and being up from about 2:00AM - noon for the first week back. But we're back on a normal sleeping schedule now, and the Lord has been gracious by bringing early rains this year which is helping cool things down considerably. It's also very good for everyone's vegetable crops which means we have plenty of lettuce at the moment for salads so I don't have to turn on the oven and try to cook. :-)
We've resumed our seminary classes and are back in full swing with that again, studying systematic theology this semester...very deep stuff which makes my head hurt! We've also begun our Sunday ministry/church service at the local high school, and we were very happy to worship with them again. They energize us beyond belief. Jim is meeting with his staff of ministers laying out the schedule for this coming year and getting ready to start back to work within a few weeks. All in all, we're happy to be home and getting back to the work the Lord has called us to.
We arrived back in country on January 11 and were welcomed by about 90-95 degree weather. Even though we had been in Florida the last few weeks of our furlough and thought it would help acclimatize us back to Africa, the difference of having air conditioning and not having it makes a LOT of difference. And there is something always more difficult about going East and the clock moves ahead vs going West. For both those reasons, we found ourselves sleeping most of the day and being up from about 2:00AM - noon for the first week back. But we're back on a normal sleeping schedule now, and the Lord has been gracious by bringing early rains this year which is helping cool things down considerably. It's also very good for everyone's vegetable crops which means we have plenty of lettuce at the moment for salads so I don't have to turn on the oven and try to cook. :-)
We've resumed our seminary classes and are back in full swing with that again, studying systematic theology this semester...very deep stuff which makes my head hurt! We've also begun our Sunday ministry/church service at the local high school, and we were very happy to worship with them again. They energize us beyond belief. Jim is meeting with his staff of ministers laying out the schedule for this coming year and getting ready to start back to work within a few weeks. All in all, we're happy to be home and getting back to the work the Lord has called us to.
Furlough 2015
We will be in the US from October 1, 2015 through January 1, 2016 catching up with family, friends and supporters. You can find us based on the following schedule, or contact us to arrange a visit with your own church or life/small group!
October 3: Trinity Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK
October 18: Calvary Chapel Greeneville, TN
October 25: Calvary Chapel Missions 101, St Petersburg, FL
October 28: Calvary Chapel St Petersburg, FL
November 1: Church by the Sea, Madeira Beach, FL
November 4: St. Thomas Episcopal, St Petersburg, FL
November 8: Calvary Chapel Southside, St Petersburg, FL
November 15: Northeast Presbyterian, St Petersburg, FL
November 20-30: Ft Walton Beach, FL
December 1-16: St Petersburg, FL
December 17-29: Asheville, NC
December 30-Jan 9: St. Petersburg, FL
October 3: Trinity Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK
October 18: Calvary Chapel Greeneville, TN
October 25: Calvary Chapel Missions 101, St Petersburg, FL
October 28: Calvary Chapel St Petersburg, FL
November 1: Church by the Sea, Madeira Beach, FL
November 4: St. Thomas Episcopal, St Petersburg, FL
November 8: Calvary Chapel Southside, St Petersburg, FL
November 15: Northeast Presbyterian, St Petersburg, FL
November 20-30: Ft Walton Beach, FL
December 1-16: St Petersburg, FL
December 17-29: Asheville, NC
December 30-Jan 9: St. Petersburg, FL