An Addition to the Body

First, I'd like to share with you some wonderful news! The lady with whom I've been studying with since June made the decision to be buried in baptism, and become a member of the New Testament church. I'll back up a little, and recount some recent events leading up to that day.

As I wrote in a previous blog, bibi (grandmother) Joyce had been ill with malaria. The ladies of the congregation had just decided to start going together twice a month to visit the sick or those in need of encouragement. The ladies decided to visit bibi Joyce first, and so we went to her family's home on the 15th of August. I gave a short devotional on the blessings that we have in Christ, and then several of the ladies spoke of the personal blessings that they have received because of being in the church. Then bibi Joyce spoke up, and said that she was thankful for the prayers that had been said in her behalf, and that she was ready to be baptized. What a happy day for many of us! It is always interesting to ponder how things work out. She came to stay with family to receive care for physical illness, and in the process, she received spiritual help as well. We don't know when she will be returning to her home, but I am continuing studies with her, as long as we are able.

We also have more exciting news to share with you. Over the past several weeks, I have been corresponding with Shonya Klein, a member of the church in Kirksville, Missouri. Shonya has been teaching a series to her Bible class on the missionary journeys of Paul. She also wanted to spend a part of each class time to focus on a missionary family currently doing mission work. Upon finding out that our family is doing mission work in Tanzania, she contacted me, and learned more about the work here. She has also relayed questions to me, which the students in her Bible class have had concerning our work, the church here, living conditions in Tanzania, special prayer requests, etc. The children decided that they would like to donate money so that we could buy some Bibles for the purpose of giving them to those who do not have one. These children have been working very hard - weeding gardens, cleaning out sheds, picking produce from gardens, cleaning showers, etc. Their goal was to raise enough money to buy 40 bibles, at approx. $4.00 each. So far, they have raised enough money to buy 37 Bibles. These children have shown incredible zeal to accomplish their goal, and they are almost there. In order to chart their progress, Shonya made a poster with a number of outlines of Bibles, and the kids get to glue on a penny to represent each dollar that they donate. It is exciting to see Bible class teachers who enthusiastically motivate their students to have an interest in mission work, and the souls of people. I know that there are many Bible class teachers, just like Shonya, who make a world of difference in the lives of children. So, thank you, Shonya, and thank you to all Bible class teachers who help our children grow spiritually.

Yesterday, several of the missionary men met at our home for their monthly meeting. Afterwards, some of the other wives and children arrived, and we enjoyed supper together. It's a nice treat for us all to be able to get together, and enjoy one another's company.

Our deepest thanks goes to each of you who has made it possible for us to be here. We have so many loved ones spread across the U.S., and we are very thankful for the friendships that we have in Christ.

In Christian Love,
Joy

P.S. Happy Birthday to Bonnie, George's sister!!!

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