From the Field:

With summertime drawing to a close, I happily informed my sister yesterday that it was 33 degrees cooler in Mwanza than in Texas. Now, mind you, it was nearly midnight in Tanzania, but praying everyone in America is surviving the summer heat! 

In July, I started and ended the month teaching classes on the Letters of Paul in Mwanza and Musoma. We teach condensed, 40-hour classes in just six days, so getting through ten books of the Bible was a fun challenge! This second installment covered Galatians through Philemon. We studied the books chronologically, following Paul’s journeys in Acts, which helped us understand the context of each letter—who Paul was writing to and why.

At the end of the week, the students take an exam, and I’ve been told numerous times that mine are much more difficult than their other classes. But so far this semester, at two campuses, 100% of my students have passed! I’m so proud of their hard work! 

Judging by the questions they ask and the conversations we have, God is working in big ways in the lives of these students. I look forward to sharing stories as we hear about how this education is impacting their work and ministry in various villages. 

One of my goals for the next year is to visit other Bible colleges around Tanzania, learn about their programs, and glean wisdom from experienced staff as I continue to grow in my new role.

At the end of my class in Musoma, the students surprised me with a gift to celebrate the end of the semester. They presented me with a kanga, a traditional East African fabric printed with a Swahili phrase or proverb. Mine reads, “siri ya ujasiri wangu ni Mungu,” which translates to “the secret of my courage is God.” And this couldn’t be more true!

I often hear friends say, “I could never do what you do!” Truthfully, I sometimes think that about myself too. But it’s God who has called me here, and it’s God who gives me the strength to keep going. I’ve put my kanga where I see it daily—to remind me to pray for my students and to remember that my strength comes from the Lord, not from myself.

After leaving Musoma, I traveled farther north to Tarime for a Trauma-Informed Care training, working with a group that has started a foster care system within their churches, caring for orphans and providing employment for widows. I facilitated the training alongside two friends from Mwanza, and we’re excited to return in a few months for part two.

We also began identifying individuals to train as future trainers. The need is significant—there are over 700 PEFA churches in Northern Mara alone, with hopes of eventually expanding throughout the Lake Region and partnering with churches serving over 10,000 orphans in Northwest Tanzania.

In July, I also had a much-needed visit from my sister, Betsy! Coming to Tanzania takes time and is a financial commitment, but spending time with my sister and introducing her to my people here was priceless. I may have traumatized her a little when we arrived at a small hotel and were greeted by a chameleon in an open window. She tells this story better than I do, but hopefully it hasn’t scarred her too much! 

I also got to visit with my friend Laurie while she spent several weeks working at a language school. Through her, I met several long-term workers from across Tanzania, heard their stories, and was encouraged by them.

And the party doesn’t stop there! This week, my parents will arrive for a two-week visit. We’ll have some much-needed time to rest—and then I’m putting them to work!

I have lots of travel coming up over the next few months, so please pray for stamina and spiritual rest as I prepare to travel to Arusha, Kagera, Dar es Salaam, Spain, back to Tarime, and eventually the U.S. I’m keeping busy and excited for all that is to come! 

Support Update:

Raising support is a never-ending test of my trust in the Lord – and I’m continually humbled by the generous support of my friends and family. Thank you for partnering with me, praying with me, and choosing to be a part of this wild journey. In just the past six months, ministry opportunities have grown significantly. I have traveled across the region, building relationships and laying the groundwork for my work at LVCC. At the same time, inflation and rising regional costs have increased my monthly budget needs, with fuel, food, and imported goods up nearly 35% since January and continuing to steadily increase. For example, the other day I filled my gas tank for approximately $6.38/gallon. 

I am in need of an additional $375/month.

I fully believe the God who has called will continue to equip and provide for both me and those he calls to partner with me in ministry.

Will you pray with me that God will continue to provide for my every need?

Will you prayerfully consider joining my support team? 

Special Request:

Dear friends,

I am beginning to make preparations for my next trip to the States. I hope to have intentional meetings with individuals and churches who may be interested in partnering with me in ministry. 

If you know individuals, families, or churches who may be interested in learning more about my work in Tanzania, would you consider connecting us? I would love the opportunity to share more about what God is doing here in Tanzania. Feel free to share my email, social media, and website with others as I prayerfully grow my team.