Hi friends,
Thank you for praying us safely to Tanzania and back home again. It was so good to be back in the place that holds my heart. We had a peaceful, spirit filled, spirit led trip. Things were pretty smooth considering it’s Africa and you can always expect surprises!
It’s hard to decide what story to share from this trip. The main purpose was to reconnect with our national partners, follow up on some of our current mission points to have a clear picture of what’s going on regarding the ministry work and scout out all the logistics involved with traveling right now. I can confidently report – mission accomplished!
I would best describe this trip as a sort of new beginnings. Some things have changed since the last time we were in Tanzania. Some of the people and places we visited were new to us, as well as some of the routes we took and hotels we stayed in. Our national partners have also had to make some adjustments in how they do ministry. The 10 days we spent with our Tanzania partners was so precious. We did a lot, saw a lot and learned a lot.
|
|
|
|
Our faithful Tanzania leaders:
Martin, Paul, Gertrude, Nelson, Shomari, Emmanuel, Neema
|
|
|
The highlight of the trip for me were the days we spent with our key national leaders, reconnecting, reading the Word together and praying for each other. We spent time re-casting our vision and discussing our heart and vision God has called each of us to. We looked at God’s heart and how our hearts intersect with His. This was like the pieces of a puzzle coming together for our team, forming a beautiful picture.
|
|
|
What we experienced was our Tanzania leadership team seeing themselves as empowered to make decisions about the best way to reach the unreached around them. They gained confidence, seeing themselves as leaders having ownership in a God sized task that they are a strategic part of. They all stepped up during the week, leading discipleship lessons, facilitating follow up meetings and energized about what’s ahead. They know where they are going and are helping lead the way to reach the unreached in Tanzania!
|
|
|
|
Emmanuel leading our discipleship time.
|
|
|
|
Neema sharing her heart and vision.
|
|
|
Nelson can't contain his excitement after our worship time!
|
|
During this trip, God expanded my vision, showing me the big picture of what He has ahead for us in Tanzania. I need a lot of prayer and honestly financial resources. Coming up on September 9 is our annual e3 Giving Day. This is an important personal support-raising event for me. When you give a one-time gift or set up recurring donations during the 12-hour period on September 9, it will be enhanced by a bonus pool provided by several generous donors. That means every dollar is worth more than $1!
Last year I had a God size ask and He exceeded my expectations! This year, I need to raise $9,000 in personal support on Giving Day in order to cover expenses and finish the year strong. I would love for you to consider giving an additional gift or partnering with me as a new monthly giver this year. Every gift -- large or small -- will go farther on Giving Day.
Please be in prayer about how you can be a part of helping me reach this goal to continue in this God-sized vision He has given me in Tanzania.
|
|
How you can pray
- Pray for our US and Tanzania team as we continue walking towards God’s vision to reach the unreached. Pray for unity, humility and that we will not grow weary in doing good.
- Pray for the faithful workers who are committed to sharing the Good News and loving their neighbors in ways that bear the fruit of sustainable transformation.
- Pray as our US team makes decisions about timing for our next trip and taking a team. We’re considering possibly late Sept. but unsure if this is the best time to take a team or if we should wait.
- Pray for Giving Day and about partnering with me. Pray that God will provide abundantly for all the financial needs I have as a ministry leader in Tanzania.
|
|
|
|
|
|
It filled my heart with joy to be back in Tanzania. We have many long days and late nights, but there's always lots of joy and laughter.
You know, when you're doing what you love, what God has called you to do, it doesn't feel like work. When I started this job 8 years ago, I said I had the best job in the world. I still feel that way today - it's the best job ever!!
Because of your faithfulness in praying, giving and going, I am able to continue doing this work. THANK YOU for your steadfast prayers and continued support. I pray God will expand your vision for His heart as you walk alongside me.
❤️ Susan
|
|
|
|
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
|
|
|
|
