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Walking along at eve
We're going down to the river...Our Savior said: "there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth..."(Luke 15:7). Therefore, here in Iringa, Tanzania we are rejoicing on earth while there is also joy in heaven. Shadrack was immersed into Christ last night!
Allow me to share with you this wonderful unfolding of God's providential working. There is a Shepherd in one of the congregations in Dar Es Salaam who has been writing articles for the newspaper. His articles challenge the readers to look into the Scriptures and contrast its teachings with the teaching of men. A young man living here in Iringa read at least one article which peaked his interest.
Meanwhile, the Samfords, Jensens, and Charles Mwakalonge were making plans to relocate to the same town, nearly 1,000 kilometers away. From contact information provided in the paper, this same individual requested more information from the author of the articles. Since Charles spent time in Dar Es Salaam he was acquainted with this Elder. Knowing that Charles was now in Iringa, the Shepherd gave Charles the contact information for Shadrack. Charles began to have personal studies with this man.
Over the course of several weeks, Shadrack was showing signs of genuine
interest. When the denominational world was observing "Easter" he chose to attend worship with the Lord's people, rather than to attend where he had been worshiping. Here in Tanzania, Easter is a special celebration among denominationalists. His choice spoke loudly to the convictions building in his heart.
Yesterday, Shadrack was in worship with us again, and returned with us to have studies with Charles. When the sun was nearly set, I received the call that he was ready to obey God's command of baptism for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16). Joy snatched up some towels, I readied my camera, and we all piled into the Land Cruiser. We picked up Carey, Charles, and Shadrack and drove down to the Little Ruaha River. We parked and began to walk along the dirt paths, through the cornfields, toward the river's edge. What a wonderful feeling to be nearing the brink, with the last light fading, anticipating a spiritual transformation!
As we stood in the sand, we listened to the good confession, and watched as Shadrack was buried in water (Romans 6:4). Actually, I was trying to view it through the viewfinder of my camera, so as to capture
Charles & Shadrach
The "Good Confession" the moment, to share with our wonderful supporters. By this time it was very dark and we made our way back by flashlight to where the vehicle had been left - singing a couple Swahili songs as we picked our way along the pathway. Friends, the feeling of joy, the night air, the night's sky . . . all this is hard to convey in words! I pondered the verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new."
I marvel at how God can work "behind the scenes" to keep His promises. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7). It is humbling to think we are tools in God's hands! How undeserving we are.
George Jensen 2011
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Jim and Judy Marshall
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Joy In Heaven And On Earth!
Our dear friends, brothers and sisters, we read with tears of joy the wonderful news of our new brother in Christ. We thank you so much for allowing us to share in your happiness. You and your wonderful family are very special people and especially in our hearts. If there is anything we can do for you here in the states please let us know and we will do all we can. Thank you again for thinking of us at this happy time. To God be the glory! With Christian love, in Christ Jim and Judy Marshall