Year End Reflections

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  I hope that your new year is off to a great start!  Looking back on 2022 in Tanzania Missions brings excitement over all of the things that happened.   Notice some of these highlights: The Stafford School of Leadership officially opened and began classes Tiffany and I both had the opportunity to promote missions on campus while teaching some courses at Freed-Hardeman University Noel and Jessica Stafford, along with their children, have gotten settled in at Moshi, and are ready to be a big boost to the church there in the coming year.  The Andrew Connally School of Preaching graduated 12 English-speaking students and 22 Swahili-speaking students will be coming back for their senior year.   544 Baptisms 361 Restorations 6 new church plants 2 restored congregations 71 total congregations associated directly with the mission Hosted seminars with Dr. Jim Gardner on Foundation of Faith and Dr. Neil Richey on Christians and Mental Health  Hosted the annual Tanzania Leadership Conference Hosted two camps - Tanzania Christian Camp and Future Preacher Training Camp Built new church buildings for the congregations at Dodoma Miuji, Imalamagigo, Lugeye, and Merelani, and helped with improvements for several others Launched the Tanzania Legacy Endowment Fund   What a year!  Now, I can't wait to see all that 2023 brings to the Lord's kingdom in East Africa!       As I mentioned in the video attached to this report, we are looking for more people or congregations to join us in the ultimate sustainability project for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  If we can get 193 more donations of $10,000 then we'll consider the Tanzania Legacy Fund fully funded.  Even if you can't give that much personally, could you be a temporary. fund-raiser?  Perhaps you could organize 9 families from your circle that could each set aside $100 per month this year.  Then at the end of the year, your group would have raised $10,800!  As a principal gift to the Legacy Fund, that contribution would provide perpetual funding for ACSOP to ensure that it will always be able to fulfill its mission of training African evangelists.       Thank you for your interest and prayers, and for being partners in the work of the Kingdom.  May God bless you.  Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Short Report November

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  I hope this email finds you doing well.  Today, I have some wonderful updates to share with you about some of the things that have been happening in Tanzania.  Then at the end of this message is an exciting announcement about the future of the work.  Firstly, Chuck Webster was recently in Tanzania for the inaugural session of the the long-awaited Cy Stafford School of Leadership!  Chuck was good enough to share some thoughts with us on this momentus occasion: "Several years ago, Cy Stafford dreamed of creating a leadership school in Arusha whose curriculum would be designed to promote the development of spiritually mature leaders within East African churches. He hoped that God would use this kind of school to help churches throughout East Africa and beyond to grow and mature as they were led by spiritually and biblically qualified elders and deacons. "God answered Cy's prayer. We're excited to announce that the Cy Stafford School of Leadership admitted its first class just a few weeks ago. From October 10-21, five men with many years of ministry and leadership experience gathered in Arusha to study leadership on a deeper level. "During the first seminar (Oct. 10-14), we studied Biblical Leadership by reflecting on the men in the Old Testament whom God called to lead His people. We spent time with Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, and Daniel, as well as others, seeking to understand better how God used them as leaders. "In the second seminar (Oct. 17-21), we spent the entire week in the life of Jesus as we studied Servant Leadership. Jesus--the greatest leader in all of Scripture--led by selflessly serving the people around Him, and He invested much of His time with a small group of disciples who would later lead the church. "Before the students arrived at the seminars, they read extended passages of Scripture, as well as four books on Christian leadership. They wrote a review of each book that they read, as well as an autobiographical paper that addressed how God had given them opportunities to serve and also how they might grow as leaders. "Classes on campus consisted of group discussions on the assigned readings, class lectures on specific leadership topics, and student presentations on parts of their outside readings. On the last day of each seminar, students completed an essay exam where they shared what they had learned. "In the weeks following the seminars, students will apply what they have studied to specific areas of need in their ministry contexts and submit a research paper that details their findings. "We're thrilled that God has given us this opportunity to work alongside Christian men in East Africa to reflect more deeply about leadership, and we're confident that He will use this school to bless His church." Here are some other updates on recent events from our Dean of Academics, Michael Losotwa: "On one occasion  Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). The best I can tell, there's no limitation to this. In other words, shining forth a good example is not restricted to the church building, Sunday service, or when just around church members. Truth be told, where it's most important to let our lights shine is at home, on the job, at school, and even on social media sites. True Christianity radiates from within and is on display everywhere and all the time. I have mentioned all of these because most of the time, I do feel more comfortable after encouraging others. "On September 19 – 24, the ASCOP students had reminders of the house-to-house evangelism campaign at Kwa Morombo near Arusha city. This campaign led to the establishment of a total number of 207 new Bible classes, 5 baptisms, and 2 old Bible classes resumed. This is one of the successful campaigns contacted by our students recently. Best plans are being undertaken to ensure all the classes are followed after that campaign.   Also, normal  ACSOP weekly evangelism is continuing. Let’s remember these fellows and the ACSOP in our regular prayers, for the good they are doing in the kingdom of our dear God. "More also on October 6 – 9, the ACSOP held the Tanzania Leadership Conference, having the theme “Church in Action.”    25 Tanzania congregations were represented, 2 represented Kenya, and 1 represented Uganda. A total number of 101 people excluded ACSOP staff and faculty attended.  Each and everyone who attended appreciated all the teaching and effort which made that conference happen. "So also, the regular classes’ studies are going well here at ACSOP. Since September 26, we have started our fourth quarter and last of this year and we are going to wind up on November 25, then graduation on the 26th." As you can tell, there are important things constantly going on with the Lord's work in Tanzania.  The Andrew Connally School of Preaching and related efforts have been huge blessings to the Lord's kingdom across East Africa, and we thank you for being a part of that.  We are always concerned about the long-term sustainability of these important efforts and we know that you are too. With that in mind, we are excited to announce the establishment of the Tanzania Missions Legacy Fund.  This is an investment fund owned by the Hoover Church of Christ that will serve as an endowment dedicated to the long-term financial stability of the work.  Principal contributions to this fund will never be touched, but the income and growth gained from the investment fund, once fully funded, will undergird ACSOP and insulate it from financial volatiles.  We would like to ask you to consider making the Tanzania Missions Legacy Fund a part of your estate plan. So many of you have been personally impacted by this work, and have a love for it.  This is a great way to see that preacher training continues in Arusha indefinitely, long after you and I are gone.   It would also be a strong last statement about the things that were important to you in this life.  Of course, immediate contributions are welcome as well!  I would love to visit with you personally about this or other aspects of the work.  I'm currently filling out my Spring schedule and would love to make you or your congregation a part of it.  Just let me know!   May God bless you richly as we approach the end of this year! Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Short Report 8/5

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.       I hope this report finds you doing well.  Things have been VERY busy since my last report, so I'm looking forward to catching you up.  In fact, I might should call this one a "Not Quite So Short Report", haha!  I've just recently returned from spending much of the summer in Tanzania, so let me begin by sharing with you some highlights of that trip.      The major agenda of this trip is what we call the "Good Will Tour".  We try to visit the home congregations of each of our students during their two years of training at ACSOP.  This helps us to maintain good relationships with those congregations and better understand the circumstances from which our students are coming.  It also is a chance to recruit more students as well as identify ways that the mission can be a resource to help these congregations.  This trip also provided an opportunity to check on congregations that have received help in the past to see how they are progressing.  As a liaison between many of these congregations and their supporters, it is vital that I get around to make personal visits with them.  The maps below show some of our road destinations on this trip.  Although the routes shown may not be exactly how we went, it does give you a sense of the extent of the traveling. All in all, it was more than 4,350 miles of African roads taking us from the Indian Ocean to the Zambian border to the shores of Lake Victoria, and the shadow of Mt. Kenya.  Such a trip is wearying, but very worthwhile.         It is exciting to see how the church is spreading and thriving in all corners of the country!  If you'd like to help with land or facilities for any of these congregations, then I would be glad to let you know of some specific needs.       World Video Bible School was generous enough to donate a projector and three hard drives loaded down with biblical materials.  In the picture below, I am delivering and demonstrating this valuable tool to Yusuph Mdaki for use by the churches in the Ushirambo area.       Some of you recently donated some communion sets for use in Tanzania.  This trip gave me the opportunity to deliver those as well.  There is always a great need for these, in case you feel inclined to help with this need for more congregations!   Baptism in Lake Victoria: Seminar at Ushirambo:    Meeting with the elders at Mbagala: A sampling of more church visit pictures:       The Andrew Connally School of Preaching was very privileged to have the opportunity to host Dr. Jim Gardner of Freed-Hardeman University. Dr. Gardner gave us a preview of his upcoming book, sharing some of the material in a seminar on the foundations of the Christian faith.  The seminar was well attended and well reviewed by the Tanzanians who were present. He also stayed over to share more material with the Kisongo congregation during their regular Sunday services.         That Sunday was also highlighted by the baptism of Augustine's son, Samweli!  The picture below shows one of life's sweetest moments, the embrace of a Christian father and his newly baptized son.  We rejoice with the angels! Speaking of Freed-Hardeman University, they are giving us an exciting opportunity this school year.  FHU has invited me to spend time on campus this school year promoting missions among the student body.  This will allow me the chance to encourage young people to consider entering the mission field in East Africa or elsewhere.  This also grants me time to help train these mission-minded students with lessons that I have learned in service to the Lord's kingdom.  The best part is that I'll still be free on weekends to visit with churches in America about what's happening in Tanzania. Reach out to me if you would like to schedule a visit.  I would love to make that happen! Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Short Report 6/21

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  As I write, I am sitting in JFK airport awaiting my flight on the way to Tanzania.  As I look forward to being physically back in Africa, I wanted to take this time to share with you some recent highlights from the work.  A good friend of the work, Neil Richey has just returned from a visit to Tanzania, and was kind enough to share some notes on his trip.  We'll start there:      "Every trip to Tanzania continues to be a blessing to my life, and I hope that, in a small way, I’m able to return the favor when I go. This year we conducted a seminar at ACSOP on the intersection of Scripture and Mental Health. This discussion was much needed and appreciated, as evidenced by the feedback. Tanzania is dealing with a mental health crisis. 2.5 million Tanzanians struggle with mental illnesses. Specifically, the areas of concern are depression and anxiety. Attendees at the seminar said we need more material like this to help our congregations and the community.       "In addition to the seminar, I had the opportunity to work with Isaac, the preacher at Arusha. We conducted several Bible studies together and baptized one soul into Christ. Additionally, we set up an opportunity for Isaac to visit a local school each week to teach Bible classes on Wednesdays. There are 1,300 students in this school. The school is a short walk from the Arusha church building.       "It was a joy to reconnect with men like Ahimidiwe, Charles, and Agustine. They continue to do great things with the churches in Kisongo, Kwa Mrombo, and of course, the ACSOP. I was also happy to get to know the Staffords—Noel, Jessica, and their four fine children. I’m excited about their new work in Moshi." We're so glad that Neil was able to shine some light on a needed, but neglected subject.  Here are some thoughts on the event from one the ACSOP directors, Charles Mwanga:      "'Why are you casting down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.' (Psalms 42:5).       "'Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God' (Psalms 43:5)      "In both of these passages the Psalmist is asking his soul as to why it is deep in anxiety and depression. He is asking his soul to deeply depend and look unto the Lord who is his salvation. Sometimes it is very easy to look down to those who are around us suffering from “mental illness” and think that they are crazy. But that is not the case, as we have learnt this past weekend from our good brother Neil Richey, who is a professional Counselor and great preacher. We were surprised to know that “Mental health issues” can be spoken of everybody. We had examples of people like Jacob, Ibrahim, and even Jesus Himself.      "We are so grateful to brothers like Neil and many others who are constantly coming here and help on sharpening our brains so that we can in turn be great tools for Lord. Every one who attended liked what they heard to the point of asking the school to have these kind of programs regularly.     "The school is out of session but teachers are working hard to prepare themselves to the coming classes and also going out to do more recruiting for the upcoming year.      "We are so thankful to all who are praying and supporting this work, May the Lord continue to bless you every day."      We also rejoice that our friend and teammate, Noel Stafford, has finally arrived, along with his family.  You can read their latest newsletter here:  Kilimanjaro Missions.  Keep the Staffords in your prayers as they get settled in and adjusted to their new life.  We look forward to the ways that they will be blessing the church in Tanzania.       I am still scheduling visits for the fall and winter.  If your congregation would be interested in hearing more about the Lord's work in Tanzania, then I would love to meet with them!  Just let me know and we'll schedule a presentation. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions