Short Report - 4/22

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

We have begun to hit the road in our quest to raise funds for this wonderful work.  We started with a trip to the city where it all began, Hattiesburg, MS.  It was very encouraging and mission-affirming to visit with those who have had such a long relationship and love for this mission.  It was particularly a pleasure to get to catch up with the Stafford family, and to enjoy Stephanie's hospitality.  Reminiscing provided precious reminders of the powerful ways that God has been at work through the Tanzania effort.   

It's a joy to hear of new brethren, like the five who were baptized at the Arusha church of Christ this month.  It's just as thrilling to hear of those who have returned to the Lord, like the five restorations at Monduli Juu this month.  I am also excited to report to you that another Tanzanian church is appointing elders, the Mtu wa Mbu (Mosquito River) church!  It has been a very long time coming, but several congregations have now gotten to this important step in their maturity.

I would love to come an talk to your congregation in person about the Lord's work in Tanzania.  Reach out to me and we'll get a visit scheduled! 

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

Silver Linings - Short Report 4/14

Grace and Peace to you friends.  The theme of this week's report is finding silver linings!

We start this week with an update from the farm.  Though we've been praying for rain, the unseasonably dry weather has resulted in losing this year's corn crop.  The positive side of that is we have enough corn stored up from previous crops to last us for two years.  The dry weather is driving up the price of corn which puts us in an advantageous position since we have plenty of reserves.  Nevertheless, we continue to pray for the rains!

We continue by expressing our sympathy for Amos Kinasa, the evangelist at the Lulembela church, on the sudden passing of his wife of more than 30 years, Magreth.  Despite the great grief, I appreciate Amos's attitude.  As family and friends gathered to mourn Magreth, the gospel was shared.  In Amos's own words, "I give God thanks because during the time of the event of my wife passed away one believer has come again into the church... and two souls obeyed."  We pray for God's comfort for Amos and his children.

Including these two souls, in recent weeks 6 of the congregations have told me of 14 baptisms and 7 restorations between them.  We praise God for giving the increase!  May He continue to do so.

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

Exciting News!

Everyone connected with the good work being done in Arusha is familiar with Cy Stafford.  This great brother accomplished so much good that I’m sure only the Lord knows the full extent of it.  One of Cy’s wishes was that Daniel Gaines take his place.  According to Cy, “Daniel is very beloved by the Tanzanians.  They have seen his heart, his example and his love for them.  He is the perfect fit to take my place.”  So, here is the good news!  Daniel has agreed to take the role of Coordinator for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and Tanzania Missions!  We are so excited about this decision, and believe that it will help this great work to continue moving forward.  Since Daniel is just getting started, he needs those who love this work to get behind it.  Since Cy passed away, the work has suffered financially.  Can you help?  If so, you can direct your funds to the Bear Valley Bible Institute – Tanzania Missions.  If you have any questions regarding this work, feel free to call me (303-986-5800) at the Bible Institute.

Denny Petrillo

President

Bear Valley Bible Institute International