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Tanzania Update: May and June

Hi all!  We wanted to give you a brief update on what’s been happening so far with regards to our daily life, work, and ministry here in Tanzania, East Africa.  It’s been a little over a month now since our arrival and it’s definitely starting to feel like home.  The YWAM base itself is located in a rural area about 20 min. drive from the center of Morogoro town.  The base sits nicely on one side of a small and unpaved ‘country’ road and is nestled in amongst beautiful plants and trees of different varieties.  All around the base there are small dirt roads and smaller dirt walking paths crisscrossing their way through people’s back yards and quaint little corn patches.  After that, the whole area is surrounded by fields with waving tall grass and lovely lush mountains rise up behind to serve spectacularly as an epic backdrop.  It really is a beautiful area.  Likewise, the people reflect the beauty of the natural setting and particularly, our brothers and sisters working alongside us at the base are incredibly welcoming, friendly, generous and hospitable.  They really are starting to feel like family.  So, all in all, we’re settling in quite well.

              As for our ministry involvement, they’ve been keeping us pretty busy so far.  Leah is serving in the kitchen learning how to cook African food over a fire stove!  She is also doing health education, particularly out in the Masaai villages.  Two or three times a month we go to the Masaai to do Bible teaching and health teaching. (Note: the Masaai people are a traditional East African tribe whose villages are spread throughout the country, typically located in ‘wilderness’ areas.  They live literally in mud huts and keep cows for their livelihood.)

Spencer is teaching English every day at the adult English school on the base, which he is thoroughly enjoying.  He is also leading Bible studies for the male students, some of whom have very little knowledge of the scriptures.

We are also ministering at an old folks’ home and a home for disabled children once a week.  At these places we are basically helping out in any way we can.  These places are understaffed and have little resources so it’s always good to lend a hand to practically demonstrate the love of Jesus.  We also get to sing with and play with the kids at the home, and this is obviously always a delight.

Additionally, we’ve both been able to preach in local churches where congregations meet in ramshackle, half-finished, nearly ‘open-air’ buildings.  These churches are frequently asking us to come and minister so we’re excited that God has given us the opportunity to share His Word and to encourage the believers here.

            On top of all this we’ve been starting to get involved in local ‘door-to-door’ evangelism.  In these rural areas life plods along at a relatively slow pace so there are always lots of people casually and quietly passing the time away (eg: sitting on their porches and under trees, etc.).  The economic conditions here are less than ideal which noticeably contributes to the lack of opportunities and likewise, to the abundance of free time.  We in turn are always eager to make the most out of this situation by simply sharing the Gospel with people as we walk purposefully throughout the immediate area.

            Here in Tanzania it’s discernible that the spiritual harvest is certainly an abundant one.  Many people are receptive to the Gospel.  Many people want to know the love of Christ.  They want to understand that this life can have meaning and purpose, in spite of poverty and suffering.  They want to hold on to a hope that lasts forever.  They want something more to live for.  Pray that we can continually serve in minor ways to practically demonstrate the humble service of our Lord.  Also pray that we can continue to boldly proclaim the Truth of God’s Word to people yet walking in darkness.

We love you all!

Sincerely,

Spencer and Leah