Tanzania Outreach #1–Seeing

This afternoon we rode about a half hour over bumpy roads to reach our first outreach event at the Evangelistic Assemblies of God Church in Morombo, Tanzania. Pastor Kennedy founded the church 7 years ago and now more than 200 children attend. We were set to distribute 150 shoeboxes to encourage these children and show them God’s love.

When we arrived the children were waiting very patiently in their plastic chairs and as the program began a choir of children blessed us with two beautiful songs. “We welcome you...” they sang. Girls in frilly dresses and boys dressed in their best (some in little suits that showed wear) sat quietly as the gospel presentation was given. Many around the room stood to pray when they were invited to receive Jesus.

Then our team moved to prepare to distribute the boxes.  This was a surprise to the children and some seemed overwhelmed by the whole event. They lined up obediently by age groups (girls on one side of the room and boys on the other) and one-by-one came up to receive a box and a copy of “The Greatest Gift” in Swahili. When all had a box the famous 3-2-1” countdown was sounded and children began to open their boxes with a range of responses.

Some of the tiny ones could not understand and had to be coaxed to open their boxes. This adorable little guy refused to open his box.

Over time the children began to explore their boxes more and we all circulated through the crowd showing them how things worked. One little girl tried to use a glue stick as lip balm so I stopped her and used a piece of her paper to show her how the glue stick worked but, truthfully, it didn’t seem very useful.

It was about 70 degrees outside but a number of children wore heavy coats and/or knitted hats so don’t be afraid of sending winter clothing items.

I was so busy playing outside with the children that I missed being with my team as they prayed for Pastor Kennedy but I heard it was a moving experience. Many mothers were there and it was meaningful to encourage them. I mean, moms everywhere love to hear they have beautiful children!

This beautifully-robed girl wanted her picture taken outside with “the flowers”. Her name is Maryglory—a name as beautiful as she.   And this little sweetie loved carrying her new doll on her back like any African mama. (I have tried to upload these pics 3 times with slow Internet and will add them another day)

Praising God for a wonderful time of seeing His goodness.

Here At Last

After 36 hours of travel (including 3.5 plus hours in Kenya) we made it to Tanzania!  I was a bit freaked out when a local official started to ‘help’ me by filling out the forms for entering the country for me instead of letting me do it myself but I guess he really was just being helpful.

After a great meal we’re getting ready to get some sleep—even though it’s only 2:00 pm in Erie. It’s 9:00 pm here and we are looking forward to a day of orientation tomorrow and our first outreach event in the afternoon.

We were all given beautiful roses by the Leadership Team when we arrived and I have resurrected a journal I have used for memorable OCC events in the past years.  Hoping to have some pictures of kiddos for you tomorrow so check back...

A New Thing

A new thing—my first time writing a blog on my phone where instead of a full keyboard I have these little itty bitty rectangles that I laboriously seek and punch with the middle finger of my right hand. I have a goal to learn to use my thumbs but it’s a far-off goal I fear.

Still I wanted to keep you updated on another new thing. I am stationed in a “park & fly” hotel waiting for a 3:00 am wake-up call so I can begin a trip to Tanzania to see what God is doing there through Operation Christmas Child.

I hope to be able to post some pictures and update you as I go. Right now a policeman is trying to trap a raccoon from the room upstairs from me, but  alas I have no pictures.

And so the excitement begins. Please pray for the children in Tanzania who will soo. Receive these precious boxes and hear of God’s love. No greater excitement than that!