Village Trip Report

Thank you for your prayers. 

 

We got the letter of permission on the morning that we left (Thursday). Our trip down was a muddy adventure since it rained steadily from the time we got off the pavement and onto the dirt road. The last 2 hours were very slippery and muddy but with God's help we managed to not slide off the road. After reporting at the head office we drove another half an hour to the village (Ilangu) where the church was, and we were welcomed with joy by the disciples from there and the neighboring village of Mugansa. We got there too late to do any ministry that day. 

 

On Friday and Saturday I taught a seminar about the church and about church growth principles. I taught about 5 hours each day and there was good interest and questions at the end of each session. In the early evening on both days we had a special meeting where the men that accompanied me were able to lead the service and share the word.

 

I was able to sell quite a few Bibles and songbooks at a discounted price to many believers, and they were happy to get the chance to buy them, as they are not available there. I also gave away the last few reading glasses I had to elderly saints who could not read their Bibles anymore due to poor eyesight.

 

On Sunday we had a special service to lay hands on and recognize 2 new elders. These men have been helping the one older leader (Noah) for several years now, but had not been officially recognized. Noah is 76 years old and would like to retire now. It was a joyful day of celebration, followed by a big meal for everybody. After saying our farewells we began our journey back, thanking God that it had not rained yet that day. Our trip back was uneventful and we made it back home at 8:30 PM. 

 

Pray for lasting fruit from the Word that was sown in the hearts of the disciples in Ilangu and Mugansa. May they be obedient to the Word and put into practice the things they learned. 

 

Thank you so much for your prayers, and your partnership in the gospel here in Western Tanzania.

 

May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Luke Johnson