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Published: July 13th 2007
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When you decided to become a Christian, what did that decision cost you? Earlier this week I had another Bible study with an elderly woman that I've been studying with over the past several weeks. This woman lives several hours away, near the coast, but she has been staying with family here while having some medical needs addressed. This week we covered "Counting the Cost." One of the concerns that this woman has is her ability to worship once she returns home. You see, there is no New Testament church anywhere near her home. Also, this woman is not able to read, so she cannot study the Bible independently. She seems determined to become a Christian, but she understands that there may be some difficulty involved as a result.
Another scenario - Jenny recently studied with a woman, who turned out to be "wife #2" out of 3. This woman was very interested in the gospel. While they were studying, the woman's "husband" came home. As it turns out, he is interested in finding two more "wives", since it will increase his social standing in his clan. He told her that if she were to become a Christian, she
would not see him or her children again. A difficult situation, to be sure. Do we really comprehend what it means to deny self, and follow Christ?
Last weekend was a busy one. Saturday morning Shasta Brown met with the ladies of the Moshi congregation and gave a presentation concerning her "Sew Be It" project. She began by leading us in a devotional about the woman of Prov. 31, who worked willingly with her hands. After our devotional, Shasta introduced the concept of quilting. Quilting is a new concept to most, if not all, of the ladies here. Shasta demonstrated the different patterns that could be made, simply by the shapes cut from the material. Then, following some instruction, each of the ladies picked some material out of a huge pile of scraps, and began working on their own small quilt. The ladies will reap great benefits from learning this new skill. One is the ability to use material available to them, in order to help provide for the needs of others. They will also be able to use this skill to make quilts for their own families, as well as have the ability to work on a project
which could help their family's finances, while being able to stay home and still care for their families. Our first project is to make a number of small quilts that we can then donate to a nearby orphanage. When the tops are finished, we will meet again to show them how to fiinish their quilts. When all the quilts are finished, we plan to take the ladies to the orphanage so that all of us can deliver the quilts in person.
Saturday evening we hosted a get-together at our home for some of the younger folks of the congregation. We had an age range of 13-26 come over for the evening. Those who wanted to played volleyball, while the rest watched. After a few games of volleyball, everyone gathered for a devotional. George challenged the listeners to understand that they could make a great difference in the lives of others, and in the church, as a whole. After the devotional, we fed everyone supper. We served beef stew over rice, bananas, bread sticks, and dessert. After supper, there were a few more rounds of volleyball, as well as an energetic game of "Keep Away" played by some of the
girls. Everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time. We hope to make it a regular event.
George has been staying busy, practically non-stop. He's been working hard, preparing for the 3 classes he is teaching each week: a 10 week course which meets every Tuesday, on Romans, Galatians and Hebrews, a Wed. night series on the Family, and a 6 week Intro. Greek course at ACSOP, in Arusha. This does not include the evangelistic studies he is trying to have every week with various contacts. Also, there are the various needs around the house that keep popping up. It seems that there is a different plumbing, electrical, etc. challenge each week.
We have enjoyed getting to know the Rachels family over the last week. This is their second visit to Tanzania. They are such an encouragement to our family, and they certainly have been a great blessing to many in Tanzania. Read more about their work on the Richardson's blog: http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Tanzania/Moshi/blog-179730.html After reading about the struggles that many have to merely maintain daily existence, and the sacrificial nature of those who have so little themselves, take a moment and thank God for the abundant life that you enjoy.
We thank God for each of you.
In Christian Love,
Joy
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Filled up
What a great blessing!! Ya'll just fill me up with thanksgiving and awe at the great work you are doing. May God bless you in all you do for the Kingdom and protect your health. Not only that you have the best yodler in Tanzania!!! Love that girl. just ken