Short Report 12/4

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       I hope that this note finds you and your family doing well.  We are happy to share with you that our 2020 school year at ACSOP has successfully been completed.  When COVID first hit, we didn't know if this was going to be possible, but through God's providence we made it!  Let me share with you the words of one of the school directors, Charles Mwanga:       “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: “who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far? (2 Samuel 7:18) These are words of thanks giving spoken by King David as he is appreciating all that the Lord has done to him. The year 2020 has been nothing but “a year,” the world has been tested and tried in many ways on being COVID 19, everything was shut down at the beginning of the year and through God’s mercies and grace, we were able to open back and continue with our normal schedules, “WE THANK GOD SO MUCH.” One among many blessings was the school to return back to it’s normal scheduled. Due to this we were able to finish up our annual teaching schedule and yesterday we had our graduation.      "It was a great moment to witness students from Uganda, Kenya, USA and Tanzania finishing their studies here at Andrew Connally School of Preaching, both Arusha Bible School and Kilimanjaro Bible school also had their graduates present. It was a blessing to see students graduating for Master’s, Bachelor’s and Certificates in Biblical Studies. We thank God for these men and women who devoted their lives for two years to study God’s word. We pray that they will use the knowledge for the furtherance of the Kingdom. Many souls will one day be in heaven because of these people. This is something to THANK God for.      "We also thank God for all those who have given themselves so that these men can have a great time in school as they are studying God’s word. Your supports and prayers have been a great help to us. The school could have not been able to operate without your financial support. We know this are tough times but still you were ready to continue supporting this work (2 Corinthians 8:1-4), THANK YOU SO MUCH. Your labor is not in vain, the Lord Himself will bless you beyond measure.      "Please keep our graduates and the remaining students in your prayers as they are traveling back to their homes, pray for us also as we continue to work for Him here in Arusha. To God be all the glory both now and forever, Amen."      Let me add to Charles' words by mentioning that this graduation featured 4 students from Master's program, 8 students receiving their Bachelor's degrees, and 7 students have completed their train from the Arusha and Kilimanjaro Bible Schools.  Great training is happening on all different levels to bless the Lord's kingdom in East Africa.       As you are preparing your budgets for 2021, we request that you consider adding Tanzania Missions to the list of works that you support if you don't already.  If you are a current supporter, then we hope that you will continue that support in the new year.  If you are interested in receiving a presentation about the work, then I would love to visit with you!  Just reach out to me at daniel-gaines@hotmail.com so we can coordinate the visit.       Let's continue to pray together for God to bless this important work!

Short Report 11/6

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       Ready for a distraction from all of the election chaos?  Let me share with you some news from the Lord's work in Tanzania.  This will be much more pleasant to think about!  Recently I've heard news of at least 19 baptisms and 17 restorations from our brothers in Tanzania.  That's the kind of counting that is edifying to do!  Some of those baptisms came at the brand new congregation in the Mesarani village.  For those of you who have visited Tanzania, Mesarani is the area where the Snake Park is.  The Kisongo church has helped to plant this new congregation, and their members have been making weekly efforts at evangelizing this neighboring community.        Meanwhile, the students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching continue their studies.  The first-year students are just finishing up a course on the Intertestimental Period, that 400-year period of scriptural silence after the close of the Old Testament that forms the background and setting for the events of the New Testament.  Next door, the second-year students are wrapping up a course on The Preacher's Work, which is a very practical study that plays an important role in preparing an effective evangelist.  Speaking of students, let's turn our spotlight to let you meet one of our second-year students who will be graduating soon: Student Spotlight - Isaya Fredy Mwainyekule Isaya was raised in a family from a charismatic denomination.  From the Kyusa tribe, he was one of seven children in his family.  An ACSOP alumnus taught Isaya the gospel in 2012, and forever changed his life. Now Isaya dreams of being a church planter as he serves God with the rest of his days.      Here's what Isaya wants to say to you, "Knowing the pure doctrine was my dream, and now it has been fulfilled.  So I really thank all who support this school from the deepest part of my heart, and I pray that God will continue to fill you, with spiritual and physical blessings according to His will."      I join Isaya in being thankful to all of you who give of your resources and through your prayers to make the mission work in Tanzania possible.  If you would like to hear an in-person report about the work, then reply to this email and let me know.  I would love to come and visit your congregation!   Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions

Short Report 10/19

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       This trip to Tanzania has been a wonderful experience.  We had the pleasure of spending time in many homes of our dear Tanzanian brethren.  Those who follow me on Facebook had your feed flooded with pictures from these cherished experiences!  An important part of this trip was also to help Noel and Jessica Stafford in their survey of the work.  They are hoping to move to Tanzania to help with the work at some point next year.  They are excited about the possibilities and will begin fundraising immediately.  I encourage you to prayerfully consider helping them.   (Daniel Gaines, Noel and Jessica Stafford)        Exciting progress continues to be made on construction of the Cy Stafford School of Leadership.  Windows are installed, and the painting is complete.  Check out the beautiful floor in the hallway! We are happy to welcome our newest student, Christopher Carter.  Chris is a Bear Valley student who is finishing his senior year at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  This is the first time that we have been able to host an American student who came to Tanzania specifically to train with us. This should be a great experience for Chris and for his classmates as he graduates with us.     (Chris Carter and his new classmates) One of our biggest events of the year is the Tanzania Leadership Conference, hosted at ACSOP.  For an update on that, here is a message from Charles Mwanga:      "“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18), The scripture is encouraging us as Christians not to think that what we are passing through now is greater than the present to come. That’s why in our conference these year, we decided to come with topic which will be encouraging both individual Christians and the Church in general to “STAY TRUE TO GOD IN CHALLENGING TIMES.” Since the world has been tried through many hard situations, it is very easy for a Christian to loose “COURAGE,” Our conference was focusing on equipping the Saints with tools as to how they can stay Faithful to God even during the hard times.      "We thank God for the opportunity to serve in His Kingdom, as we all know many countries have been defeated to continue with their regular schedules both spiritually and physically, Here in Tanzania things have been different, We have been blessed to host our conference as usual. We had the average of 187 participants, 21 topics presented and various experienced teachers from both America and East Africa. We thank God for using us as a vessel to build up His Kingdom.      "We are back to our normal teaching schedule, both in our English and Swahili classes. We thank God for may brethren who are striving day and night to make sure that our school continue to exist. THANK YOU SO MUCH.      "We thank you all for your prayers and support even during this trying times. We have seen true love abiding in you. May the Lord continue to bless you and yours beyond measure.      "Thank you for all that you mean and do in His Kingdom."   Enjoy some images from TLC at the bottom of this email.    We also want to thank a sweet group of Ladies from the Mt. Juliet Congregation, who generously made 769 masks to send to Tanzania.  We distributed these at the Tanzania Leadership Conference to anyone who wanted some to take back to their congregations or families across East Africa.  People lined up to eagerly receive them, especially interested in the children's sizes for school.   (Mt. Juliet ladies hard at work)     (Melissa Burka delivers the masks to Daniel)   (Masks being distributed) If you would like an in-person visit to hear more about the work, then I would love to come.  Also, can you recommend this work to a friend or another congregation?  Referrals are a great way to help.  As always, the most important thing that we need for you to do is PRAY for this important work on a regular basis!   Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Tanzania Missions

Short Report 10/2

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  I hope that this note finds you and your loved ones well.  After some delays and misadventures (I was forced to spend 48 hours in the Amsterdam airport because of weather delays, so now I can tell you where all of the best chairs are!), I am finally safe and sound in Tanzania.   The past week was spent primarily in studying the book of Revelation with the 2nd year students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  It was gratifying to see them respond to the message of hope and victory on those pages.  Our God is truly awesome, and it is an immense privilege just to have the opportunity to serve Him!     Today, Noel Stafford and I are heading out to do some personal evangelism.  Evangelists here have told me of 8 baptisms and 15 restorations recently.  The door stands open here!   There is so much more to share, so I'll write again soon.  In the meantime, please keep the work here in your prayers.  Also, let me know if you would like for me to visit with your congregation in person about the Lord's work in East Africa. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions   A recent baptism at Usa River I got to meet baby Josiah!

Copyright © 2020 Bear Valley Bible Institute International, All rights reserved. Your are receiving this email because you were part of CY STAFFORD'S TANZANIA SHORT REPORT list of email contacts OR because you have requested to receive e-mail updates. Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Hoover Church of Christ" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: 3248 Lorna Rd. Hoover, AL 35216

September Short Report

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       Today, I wanted to illustrate for you the difference that having outside support can make for a congregation while they are trying to grow to maturity.  Our brother Yuseph surveryed the congregations in his area and brought back these results from the first half of 2020.   Congregations with regular outside support: Ushirombo: 11 baptisms and 7 restorations Lulembela: 14 baptisms and 5 restorations Ibambula: 11 baptisms and 2 restorations  Kazibizyo: 10 baptisms and 3 restorations Congregations with no regular outside support: Imalamagigo: 4 baptisms and 2 restorations Kahama: 1 baptism and 0 restorations Mganza: 0 baptisms or restorations Karoro: 0 baptisms or restorations      Of course, the goal is for all of these congregations to eventually be self-supporting (and we do have a plan for that), but you can see how much of a head start is made possible when their brethren from other parts of the kingdom partner with them.  I want to thank you for being a partner in Tanzania Missions.  Whether you're helping through prayer, financial contributions, campaign participation, or all of the above, we're glad to have you as part of the team!     Would you like to know more about ways you can help?  Would you like an in-person visit to your congregation?  Let me know!   Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions

Short Report 8/6

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

I want to start out with a big "thank you!" to Renee Galloway for providing new uniforms for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching students, faculty, and staff.  It was a huge job, but they look great!   













I also want to update you on the progress being made on the Cy Stafford Leadership School. This was Cy's last dream for the work and it is thrilling to see it nearing completion.  It is going to be a huge blessing to the church in East Africa!  It should result in more and better elders, deacons, and other church leaders for congregations across the region.  It also paves the way for a significantly upgraded library to be shared with the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  The exterior is mostly done now and the next need is for doors.  We need about $4,500 to pay for the purchase and installation of all of the doors throughout the building.  Would you like to help with that?  You can donate online here or send a check to: 

HOOVER CHURCH OF CHRIST 
3248 LORNA RD.
HOOVER, AL 35216 

Make sure to put "TZ - Stafford Leadership School" in the memo line. 



Jerry Bates just returned to the US after teaching a short-course in our graduate program.  This is the first time an American has been able to visit the work since the COVID-19 outbreak.  This marks an encouraging step in the return to normalcy.  We thank God for Jerry's safe travel and effective service.

If your congregation would like a visit or you can refer me to a friend at another congregation that might be open to helping, then I would love to hear from you!  In the meantime, keep praying with me for the church in East Africa.


Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

Short Report 7/21

Grace and Peace to you friends. I'd like to share with you some words from Charles Mwanga at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God..” (Rom. 8:28). Though this has been a hard and trying year, but still God is in control and blesses His people.  I would like to take this opportunity first to that the Almighty God for His love and care, and secondly to thank you brethren for your prayers, love and support. Thank you so much. "We (the Churches in Arusha area), would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your love and care. We received funds for COVID relief and those have been able to minister more than 600 souls with food. We thank you so much, life is still hard since the financial situation is getting worse everyday but through your love, many have been blessed. May the Lord bless you all beyond measure. We (ACSOP) have been blessed so much, to the point of returning back to our regular annual schedule. COVID 19 has changed plans for many this year, but we thank God that we were able to resume our classes and stay on the schedule so far. Our students are back, (except one from Uganda, their borders are still closed) and classes are going on well. We have 17 students in the first  year class and six in the second year class. Lord willing we will have our regular schedule and our graduation will be on the same dates as planned from the beginning of the year. We thank you so much. "Leadership school:  The construction is going on well, we were able to put the roof on, put metal bars in the windows, and now are working on plastering the whole building. We would like to thank all the donors and supporters who are helping the work here to be present even after we have all long gone (If Christ is not back yet). These types of investments will help the school to be able to serve the Church in East Africa in a better way. We will be able to host many seminars and campaigns in these facilities. Thank you so much for all that you do to us, and the Lord’s church in general. May the Lord continue to bless you and yours daily. "Please let us keep praying for one another during these trying times."   As you can see, there are a lot of exciting things going on in the Tanzania work!  As congregations begin in-person services again, I am looking to refill my calendar with presentations to churches about this great work.  If your congregation (or another one that you are familiar with) would like a visit, then I would love to make it happen.  Let me know, and I'll get you on my schedule! Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions Families affected by COVID restrictions take home bags of rice and corn meal. The new Stafford leadership training center located immediately behind ACSOP

Changing Oversight

Grace and peace to you friends and brethren,       I have a very exciting announcement to share with you today.  After reading it, please contact me with any questions or comments that you might have.  Also, let me know if you would like for me to visit with you or your congregation in person about the work. In Christ, Daniel Gaines An important announcement regarding Tanzania Missions:      The elders of the Bear Valley church of Christ and the administration of the Bear Valley Bible Institute are excited to announce a transition of Tanzania Missions (formerly known as TZ2000) and the Andrew Connally School of Preaching to the oversight of the elders of the Hoover church of Christ near Birmingham, Alabama.      The Bear Valley Bible Institute will continue to operate the school of preaching per the request of the elders of the Hoover congregation.  We are excited to team up with our brethren at Hoover to maximize the good work being done in Arusha and throughout East Africa.      Beginning August 1, all support should be sent and made payable to:             Hoover church of Christ 3248 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216        As always we are grateful for your prayers and support of this fine work. Serving Him, Donnie Bates for the Bear Valley elders Denny Petrillo, President, Bear Valley Bible Institute From the Hoover Church of Christ:      For many years now the Hoover Church of Christ has loved the Lord’s work and people in Tanzania, and we have been privileged to work alongside our brothers and sisters associated with the Bear Valley Church of Christ. After taking our first trip to Tanzania in 2007, our congregation made visiting Tanzania a priority each year since then. During those thirteen years, we have worshiped with and been encouraged by so many Tanzanians.      We have also become quite familiar with the work that Bear Valley does in Tanzania and in other parts of the world—particularly through their establishment of and leadership in their preaching schools. We have full confidence in the faithfulness of Bear Valley and the good work that they have done and are continuing to do.      As we assume oversight of the work in northern Tanzania, we know that we are just building on the foundation that others by God’s grace have already established. We truly are standing on the shoulders of giants. Continued partnerships with brothers and sisters in Tanzania, as well as throughout the United States are vital to the ongoing success of this work.      A crucial part of this transition is Bear Valley’s interest in continuing to be involved in the work in Tanzania as they provide the curriculum and instruction in the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Because they have been involved in schools of preaching for years and have an unrivaled level of expertise—and because of their unquestioned loyalty to the cause of Christ—we eagerly join hands with them in this good work. We trust their faithfulness to Jesus Christ, their commitment to training preachers, and their willingness to work with us in Tanzania.      We are fully committed to seeing the Tanzanian work continue to grow and prosper. As the population in East Africa continues to boom, we envision millions of souls there that need to be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission is as important now as ever! We hope that you will continue to support God’s work there. You have our promise of our full engagement in the work and dedication to ongoing faithfulness.  We look forward to remaining partners with you for years to come.      Please pray that God will bless this transition with his grace, and that he will empower us to continue with the faithful work that began in Tanzania so many years ago.      Thank you for your faithfulness and for your love of Jesus and His church. May God continue to bless you in every way. Till all have heard! The Hoover leadership

Short Report 6/5

Grace and Peace to you friends.  I hope that you are well despite these challenging times. Today I'm glad to be able to bring you positive news.  The Tanzania government is allowing schools to resume, and the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is all set to bring our students back at the beginning of July.  They will have time to finish their second quarter of study, and be right back on track for the fall!  Travel has opened back up, and I have tickets purchased for my next trip.  We pray that conditions remain stable and that there will not be any more significant disruptions to our schedule.     The work of evangelism has marched on.  In the past couple of weeks, our brethren have shared news of at least 11 baptisms.  One of which was Anthony Francis.  Anthony was a student of World Video Bible School.  They contacted us to find a local evangelist to help teach Anthony further.  I reached out to David Bayi who continued working with Anthony, and recently baptized him into Christ.  The picture above shows this joyous event!   Student Spotlight:  Shadrack Mkombwe. Shadrack was born to Efrem and Franziska Mkombwe on August 25, 1987  in the village of Isimani in the Iringa region.  Together with his wife, Mariam, he has one child, Samuel.  He has been a member of the Lord's church since 2011 and came to ACSOP in search of a better understanding of God's word.  After he completes his studies, Shadrack hopes to go back to his home congregation to preach and teach.   Shadrack wanted to tell you this: "I would like to thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And I also thank all the donors for the donation you are making for this School. We know for sure that without you I could not have an ability to afford the expenses of get this education. May the God of love bless you so much, and we still keep on praying for you." Let me join with Shadrack in thanking you for your support and prayers.  Also, as your congregation begins to have assemblies again, let me know if you would like an in-person visit and presentation about the great work in Tanzania.  I am happy to make that happen!   Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions

Copyright © 2020 Bear Valley Bible Institute International, All rights reserved. Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Bear Valley Bible Institute International" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: Bear Valley Bible Institute International 2707 S. Lamar Street Denver, CO 80227

COVID Relief for Tanzania

Grace and peace to you friends.  Some of you may have been wondering about the situation being created by COVID-19 in Tanzania.  You know it is creating hard times all over the globe.  Travel and gathering restrictions are causing people not to be able to work, as people in America have become well familiar.  However, some countries are not set up as well for telecommuting and government aid.   Tanzania has had to essentially close its boarders and has prohibited all gatherings of more than 10 people.  The exception to this restriction at this point is for church services.  Churches are still allowed a one-hour gathering for worship only.  Between the health care system of a developing nation, and the fragile economy that will suffer devastation from protective shutdowns, there are hard times coming for many of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. Things are hard everywhere, so I won't request much from you today.  I'm asking you to consider a small additional gift of just $10 to buy food for some of the Tanzanian churches to distribute to needy individuals who have not been able to work due to COVID restrictions.  If 100 of you send $10, then we'll be able to buy $1,000 worth of basic foods to help keep meals on the table for these families.  Every penny collected in this drive will go towards relief for these congregations, whether we collect $100 or $10,000.    You can make your donation HERE. Thank you friend.  May God be with you. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions

Short Report 4/7

Grace and Peace to you friends.       So much of our world is gripped in fear, and countless lives have been disrupted.  People are confused about where they can go for help, or at least for accurate information about what's going on.   At least one bible student in the Kioga area has been delaying the baptism that he needs because of his fear that COVID-19 might be waterborne.  Fear is a powerful thing, and this current climate presents a great many challenges for us all to face..  However, there are also wonderful opportunities for the gospel.  The evangelists that we work with in Tanzania have reported no less than 31 baptisms this month!      People need Jesus as much as ever, and the opportunities are there if our eyes are open to them.  For example, our brother Kashumba went to Mwanza to teach an agriculture program that he does to help various communities.  While there, the uncooperative weather extended his trip.  So, of course, he used the extra rain-delay time for evangelism, baptizing 3 people.  While he was at it, he helped establish a new congregation in the village of Kalebezo in the Sengerema district.  That congregation is up to 10 members now, and is meeting in a member's home.  You can see Kashumba and the new Christians in the picture below.      Sometimes I tell you about efforts that are being made to reach the children in various areas.  This week a story from brother Yusuph illustrates why that matters.  For the past year, a 5-year old little girl has been attending bible class at the Ushirombo church.  The little girl continually invited her mother to come along with her.  Finally, the mother acquiesced and has been attending worship for the past 3 months.  I received word just the other day that this mother has now been baptized!         We pray that the Lord of harvest will continue to send great fruit, along with the reapers needed to do the work.  Speaking of workers, let me close by sharing the spotlight with another one of our students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (BVBII-Arusha):   STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:  Luka Lubange        "I am Luka Lubange, student of ACSOP, second year. It is my prayers that God helps us to graduate at the end of this year. I was born in 1985 to a Christian family where both of my parents are members of the Lord’s church. My father’s name is Lusekelo Lubange,a Preacher at Chimala/Mbeya since 1986. I and my wife are members of Airport church of Christ in Mbeya Town. I have two children.      "The main reason for me to be trained to ACSOP is to get the knowledge of preaching and teaching the  Bible to other people, so to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ (Mk 16:15-16;Matt.28:18-20). And I think this school provides the knowledge I need that comes from God.      "My goal after graduating is to go back to the congregation where I came from to preach the Gospel and to help the Mbeya Bible school which is under our congregation. In the Mbeya Bible school we provide God’s knowledge to all kind of people whether Christians or not, and it has only two teachers. So I will join with them to teach. I will do my best to work in God’s field with all my strength as God will grant to me.      "Thanks a lot to all sponsors who donate in this school.  May God our Lord bless them so that they may continue contributing because in doing this they also fulfill the command of Jesus to spread the Gospel to every creature.   Thank you very much and it is my prayer to God to live according to His law so that one day we may meet to heaven." Let me join Luka in saying thank you for your support, your interest, and for your prayers.  May God be with us all as we serve Him together.  Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Director Tanzania Missions