Grace and Peace to you friends.
Recently one of the elders from the Hoover Church of Christ, who oversees the work in Tanzania, returned from participating in a campaign there. I consider the work very blessed to have representation from the eldership actively involved in the work. Brother Harold Rhodes has been to Tanzania several times now and has seen and experienced the work and the people firsthand. I thought it would be good for you to hear his perspective, so I asked him to share some reflections from his recent visit. He graciously complied. Here’s what he had to say:
“This phase of the Safari for Souls Mission was focus on four areas of work. 1. Restocking the Library at ACSOP, 2. Organizing A Clothing Closet, 3. Widows Encouraging Program, 4. Teaching at the three Bible Schools (Kisongo, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro).
“The members representing Hoover Church of Christ were Harold Rhodes, Sid Aultman, Donna Rhodes, and Deebe Taylor. The first full day of the mission was dedicated to unloading the shipping container which was used to ship over new books for the library, clothing items for the clothes closet, tables and chairs for the library, new song books, computers with desks and chairs, and many other items for the library as well as items for families in Tanzania.
“The group, including several sisters and brothers from Tanzania, spent four full days rearranging the book shelves into Old Testament books and commentaries in alphabetical order while separating older books from the newer material. The same steps were taken to organize the New Testament commentaries as with the Old Testament. Careful consideration was given to organize research in locating the material, sitting area for study, and a computer workstation, with a check-outstation. The finished product will rival any library in Tanzania, and I am confident the students will be surprised, and proud of this improved facility.
“Before leaving Arusha and returning to the States, the ladies unpacked and organized a clothes closet for the families in Tanzania who have a need. The closet consists of clothes for men, women, and children of all ages, as well as shoes in all sizes. The shelves are also organized with toiletries and health items.There are sections for babies, men, and women. If there is a need by any church member, the good will clothes closet will be a blessing from God for them.
“One of the most impactful works in Tanzania is the Encouragement Program in which our ladies visit the widows, and women who are freed from sex trafficking. The Encouragement Program consists of carrying food that will feed the family for a month, providing time for the widows to become self-sustaining. The message reveals God’s love for them and how God sometime uses people to answer their cry for help. The women, after delivering the food and Bible Study, sing songs and spend time in fellowship with each widow. Pictures are taken, phone numbers are exchanged and a Christian connection is made, and a reunion is experienced on Sunday at church.
“The women who have escaped the trap of being trafficked for sex, are now a part of the sewing machine program that provides a new way of supporting themselves financially. This encouragement is to give support and see the quality products being made for sale at the market. A Bible Study is shared, and the same loving friendship is developed as the women develop a Christian relationship. The point here again is to share the love of Christ, and encourage the women to continue to trust God, and know He answers prayers.
“I introduced the Book of Romans in two classes at the three bible schools. In the Kisongo School we had 11, and last week one of the students gave his life toChrist. The Kisongo School has baptized over 15 students the last two years, and their students are active in evangelism. At the Arusha Bible School we had4 students, and we took a detour from teaching The Book of Romans to explain to two of the students how it was unlikely that they were called to be Apostles.We had them to read scripture and explained what they just read from scripture, and the scriptural definition of an Apostle. They concluded they were called to the ministry and we encouraged them to complete the two years at Arusha BibleSchool, and continue to work towards a Bible degree.
“At the Kilimanjaro Bible School in Moshi, there were Pentecostal ministers in the class. These men had their own churches, but were not students of the Bible. Asa matter of fact, two graduate students from ACSOP, Tumaini and Evans, converted these two ministers to the gospel. These two men have gone back to their congregations and baptized several of their members and are now teaching the truth. I am proud of the work that Tumaini and Evans are doing in Moshi, and what a great Testament to ACSOP that their students are converting ministers of a different faith, to the Church of Christ.
“Overall this was the most rewarding mission of the five we have been on in Tanzania.The love shared with our sisters and brothers in Tanzania is amazing.”
In Christ,
Harold
I very much appreciate brother Harold’s insights and involvement. Exciting times continue in Tanzania as the students are expected to report back to school next week. We look forward to their return to the classroom to continue their evangelistic training! Join us in prayer for their safe return and effective studies.
I’d also like to remind you of our ongoing effort to build an endowment fund to support the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Would you like to be a part of the Legacy Fund?
Till all have heard,
Daniel Gaines
Mission Coordinator
Tanzania Missions
