Short Report 3/27

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       I hope this note finds you well.  I want to thank those of you who responded well to our appeal last week regarding stimulus funds.   For example, one church pledged to cover the expenses for the proposed Arusha church campaign.  There are plenty of needs remaining though! Today, I'd like to share with you a message from Michael Lesotwa, our Dean of Academics at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching      "Hello everyone,  It’s my hope that things are going well with each one of us, and that we are all working hard in the kingdom of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. Also, I hope that the gospel is being preached and taught by the faithful servants in all parts of the world despite the fact the COVID19 pandemic is a big challenge in the whole world nowadays. This is only possible because of the ability that our God supplies through His faithful sons, that is you and I. Just be informed that our nation (Tanzania) is in great mourning because of the death of our former president, Dr. John P. Magufuli. According to our government reports, he died on March 17, 2021, because of heart malfunctions, and was buried at Chato district which is in the Geita region of Tanzania, on March 26, 2021.      "On the other hand, here in ACSOP we can see things going well. We have just finished out first quarter of the year with two short courses.  David and John Hall were able to visit from the U.S. to teach courses in 1 Corinthians, and in Denominational Doctrines.  God willing, next week we will start our second quarter for this year.      "We, teachers, are working hard to mold and strengthen these fellows by imparting to them the skills of the word of God. The 16 second-year students are in the first quarter of their last year of being in ACSOP for studies. They are expecting to graduate on November 20 of this year. We really appreciate this great effort because of your prayers, and your great financial support that you gave to make these things happen. May our God of our Lord Jesus Christ supply all your needs as you do to us. Amen." Let me join Michael in expressing gratitude for your interest, encouragement, prayers, and support.   Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Stimulating Missions

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  In the coming days, many of you will be receiving non-taxable stimulus payments from the government in the amount of $1,400 per person.  If you are in a stable enough fiscal situation that this could be expendable income for you, then let me plant a seed of thought.  I know that you already have a heart for missions, and a love for the Lord's kingdom.  This just might be an opportunity to give more generously to a cause you love than you are ordinarily able to do!  Here are just a few ways that a one-time donation might be a blessing to the Lord's work in Tanzania:   Sponsor a Campaign - Due to travel restrictions, our foreign campaigns have all been put on hold.  However, the local brethren are still desiring to conduct their own campaigns, but could use help with the expenses of such.  For example, the Arusha church has asked for $1,000 to cover food and travel expenses for area evangelists to gather and conduct a campaign in their area.   Construction Projects - There are several congregations that have presented us with requests for help with their facilities.  One-time donations can go a long way in helping these congregations to have secure, permanent places to worship. Student Support - For $3,600, you could cover the expenses of training a preaching student at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching for a whole year. Gaines family work fund - My family will be heading to Tanzania in May, and won't return until August.  One-time contributions could help offset the expenses that we'll incur in the course of this work.  Noel Stafford family - Noel and his family are raising support to work in Moshi.  They could use help with the initial costs of getting moved over and set up in the work.  Cy Stafford School of Leadership - is in the final phases of construction.  We still need funds to renovate, furnish, and supply the library that will be shared between the School of Leadership and ACSOP.  One of our committee members will be sending a container later this year, and has promised us room for books and desks, if we can get them purchased in time.   You can always just donate to the Tanzania general fund, giving us the flexibility to direct the funds to the area we view as having the greatest strategic need at the time.    There are two main ways to give now: The online donation option at the Hoover website ( https://hooverchurchofchrist.org/member-resources/ ) at that link, you can SCROLL DOWN to the GREEN button that says " Give to Tanzania."              OR You can make your checks payable to "Hoover Church of Christ" and make sure to clearly label the memo line "Tanzania Missions").  Then mail it to:           TANZANIA MISSIONS           C/O HOOVER CHURCH OF CHRIST           3248 LORNA RD           HOOVER, AL 35216   Either way, make sure to clearly specify any special instructions or intentions for the funds.  The online option is the fastest and safest, but the service does charge a processing fee. Thank you for your consideration, and your love for the work.  We appreciate your partnership in these efforts. May God's blessings be upon you! Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions