1st Stop: TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR
The “Bagomoyo” Livingstone Monument
– coast of Tanzania
It has long
been our desire to visit some of the key sites commemorating the life
of David Livingstone, a man who gave his life for the furtherance of
the gospel in Africa. We had already gone to the Livingstone
Museum in Southern Zambia, and Chitambo village, where he
died in Northern Zambia. Recently, we discovered that Bagomoyo,
the Tanzanian coastal town where Livingstone's body was carried en
route to England, is one hour outside of Dar Salaam. On my recent
visit I decided to make the trip. After reconnecting with Lucas
(who I meet each time I visit Tanzania) and Pastor Davis (a
pastor from northern Tanzania), we made the epic journey, traveling
by minibus as well as a 3-wheeled pajaj to find
Bagomoyo. It was truly inspiring, to find
the monument. There was an old church near the beach where his body laid for 24 hrs, and a memorial. (See pictures) To think that this man walked thousands of miles in Africa, preaching the good news of the gospel -back in the 1800's- is both humbling and inspiring.
the monument. There was an old church near the beach where his body laid for 24 hrs, and a memorial. (See pictures) To think that this man walked thousands of miles in Africa, preaching the good news of the gospel -back in the 1800's- is both humbling and inspiring.
– Dar es Salaam, Capital of
Tanzania
Back in Dar
Salaam, where we plan to start the ministry, we were met by a Finish
pastor who traveled 24 hours by bus from Kenya. Pastor Jukka
was accompanied by 2 of his students, James
and John (-but no Peter!). John is actually Tanzanian, and
James is a Kenyan.. he wore his traditional blanket the entire time!
We had
wonderful times of evangelism and visitation of contacts (some of
ex-Muslim background). Particularly encouraging was one older
gentleman that we've befriended. He is keen to assist us in helping
register the church. Please pray for this process..
The Muslim Island of Zanzibar
– off the coast of Tanzania
The
Kilimanjaro Ferry
service is a high speed luxury boat that takes just 2 hours to reach
Zanzibar. The island is always a highlight of my trip. Zanzibar is
still part of Tanzania, giving certain liberties that are not common
for majority Muslim places. Still, we use wisdom and discretion
whenever we visit. We don't use printed tracts, just our mouths! We
had 2 times of evangelism, and 2 Muslims accepted Christ! I continue
to see Dar Salaam as the best place to reach Zanzibar Island from. On
the 2nd
day, as we were waiting for our ferry, we went swimming in the
crystal blue ocean. On the beach, a young muslim (in his 20's) began
initiating a conversation asking questions about the Bible and the
Gospel. “I am a Muslim,” he said, “What do you believe..?”
After sharing with him he seemed to hesitate, saying he was not
ready. But I encouraged him that, despite everyone else on the island
believing something else, it doesn't make it true. He agreed, and
allowed me to pray for him, on the beach, that God would show him the
truth. I am encouraged by their openness and left thinking how much
God loves muslims, and how Satan hates muslims. They really need the
gospel.
The
flight to Zambia is 2 hours. After spending 5 years in Lusaka, I felt
like I had arrived “home.” Back at the Manda
Hill Lodge
we met up with Pastor
Scibelli as well as Pastor Renaldo (who is now in Zimbabwe -south)
and Pastor Chris (who is in Malawi
-east). The churches are doing well. It is encouraging to see leaders
we helped to train, continuing in the Word and Grace. There were many
people I have never met before, and it reminds me that missions is
about laying a foundation (1Co3.10).
Construction in Kitwe – Northern Zambia
The bus trip to Kitwe took 7 hours, with 30 leaders.. and plenty of singing! Arriving back in Kitwe, we were welcomed warmly by the church. The ladies all wanted to see Melinda! The property was immaculate. People had donated time and substance to host the guests who traveled there. The chapel was at roof/ lintel level (roof sheets are purchased, but they desperately need wood for a frame, as the rains have started). For our trip there were temporary coverings for guests, temporary showers and plenty of food!
Benson overseeing the work
I was
overwhelmed to see how Benson and the body have been motivated and
was pleasantly surprised to find that things seemed in better shape
than when I left! One conversation I had with one of the new students
left me very encouraged. I had never met him before, he had moved
from Ndola, another town an hour away. He has clearly been receiving
good instruction from Benson this semester. As we discussed the Word
I could sense that he is benefitting tremendously. 2Tim2.2 came to my
mind.
I was also
able to bring with me a gift from a kind friend, for the Kitwe Grace
Hour radio program. After some complications with the local radio
station (trying to triple their price), we concluded God wanted us
somewhere else. Now.. we are on radio nationwide!Last Stop: Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA!
Deciding to
turn south again, I journeyed to Pretoria, South Africa. I met up
with Pastor Scibelli and the team. I was driven to the airport by a
Bible college graduate from Kitwe, and picked up by Pastor Jakko in
Johannesburg. He drove me directly to the “big tent revival”
meeting in “Nelmophias” township in Pretoria. We got there just
in time to hear Pastor Scibelli's message conclude. I was so edified
by the warm reception of my fellow South Africans in Christ. They
have an amazing church and team of leaders, led by Pastor Jabulani,
with a mission to the country of Mozambique, a few hours away.
Sitting in
one of the meetings, listening to Pastor Scibelli preach, I had a
flash back to 15 years ago, the first time God connected us in
Durban, South Africa, and how my life has been forever changed.
I also got
to meet up with my long lost cousin, who drove all the way to
Pretoria to meet with me. He confided in me that, feeling a bit
alone, without family, he had just prayed for God to send someone..