Short Report 8/28

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

This week I'd like to give you an update on some building projects that have been undertaken by some of the congregations in Tanzania.  Construction loans are not really a thing in Tanzania, so building projects have to be done bit by bit as funding becomes available.  Just like Americans, Tanzanian churches desire to have a safe, dry place to worship that communicates permanence and legitimacy to their community.   A couple of our sister congregations have been able to take strides forward in their facilities thanks to help from some of you.

First, the Lulumbela congregation wishes to show appreciation for their new roof.



Meanwhile, the Kazibizyo congregation is thankful to have been able to put in a floor for their building, and a coat of paint on the outside.






Another congregation is in need of some help with their facility.  The Ibambula church's building was heavily damaged by rainstorms earlier this year (as pictured below).  They've made do for a few months like this, but now the local officials have ordered them to not use the building until it is repaired.  We're currently in the process of trying to determine how much it will cost to repair the facility



In other news, we had a productive week at Polishing the Pulpit.  One highlight of the week was the opportunity to participate in their missions fair.  We were able to talk to 16 groups of children about life and work in Tanzania.  Perhaps a seed of thought may have been planted in a few future missionaries and missions advocates.  







We do have a few dates open this fall if your congregation would like a visit.  Also, if you know of a another congregation that might be able to help with the work, then we would appreciate a reference.  

We hope that your day is very blessed!

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

Short Report 8/12

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

I wanted to tell you about some of the things that have been taking place in Tanzania.  The church in Elk City, OK was unable to take their normal campaign trip this year so they decided to do something a little different.  They financially supported some of the churches on the east side of Arusha in conducting their own campaign.  So the Manyire, Maji ya Chai, Usa River, and Lerai congregations worked together to conduct 50 bible studies and 3 baptisms on their own.  

Also school has started back at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  We're thankful to Mark Phillips for recently teaching a course in our graduate program.  He had 6 students there working on their Masters degrees.

Meanwhile our brother, Yusuph, reports that the congregation at Ushirombo was able to turn tragedy into an opportunity for the gospel.  A death in the congregation led to the chance to distribute 500 tracts.  We pray those tracts find fertile soil.  The death was of a faithful widow who leaves behind 8 children.  The local congregation is trying their best to help with the needs of the children.  

In recent weeks I've had the opportunity to connect in person with churches in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky.  I have a trip to Texas and Oklahoma planned for early September, and I would like to get to Virginia and West Virginia in early November.  If you would like for me to visit with your congregation, then I would love to make that happen!  Just reach out to me and we'll get you scheduled.

I'll also be at Polishing the Pulpit next week, so if you'd like to get together there to talk Tanzania, then that is also possible.  

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions