For some on the team, they were awakened by the call to prayer from the mosque near our hotel. It was a reminder that we are in the midst of a community where different faiths abound. It was also a reminder to pray for those whom Peter and Tammy are impacting who have yet to know of the grace of God through the person of Jesus.
This morning, we started off the day with a time of prayer and worship with Peter and Tammy. For me (Jaime) it was the first time in a long time where I have sensed God's Spirit moving in a way that reminds me of my time in Argentina. There was such a sweet presence of God. Part of that is just hearing Peter and Tammy's heart for the people of Tanzania. As you hear them talk about how God has brought them to this place, you just know that the Lord is smiling at them. This does not mean that have not endured hardship. Whenever you are in a place such as this, you know that hardship is part of what comes with being in a place like Africa. Peter encouraged us to be open to hear God's Spirit speak to us and to be free to share what we were sensing or hearing from God. What an awesome time of prayer and worship!
He also shared about the spiritual warfare that people encounter while being here. It was such a great reminder that we are all at the front lines of the battle for people's souls. It is the same whether you are in Eagle Rock or Arusha. The enemy of our souls is intent on keeping us from living the abundant life that God has destined for us. Peter mentioned that over 17% of the population of Arusha suffer from HIV and AIDS. We got to hear some stories of friends of theirs who have been affected by this ravaging illness. HIV and AIDS are just one of the ways that peoples destinies are stolen but imagine how many more people are walking around us whose destinies are being robbed because they are trapped by addictions, lack of identity, hopelessness and despair? It is the same wherever you go...here and in the US. Yet, we have a hope that is found in Jesus alone.
Later in the morning, Alphonse, a friend of the Russells came and taught us a bit of Swahili and some about Tanzanian culture. What a humble and intellegent man is Alphonse. He is so unassuming and yet has such a strong presence. Our team really enjoyed spending the morning with him. After that, we were off for lunch at a local place and then came back for a little nap.
In the afternoon, the Russells and the Bordens (the family who is here working with the Russells, they are missionaries sent by Lake Ave., awesome family!) took us to the land that Wild Hope has purchased. The land is on the outskirts of town and is deep in the middle of farmland. It is absolutely beautful! You have a view of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro and a beautiful valley filled with Masai villages. The purpose for our visit was to pray over the land. Wild Hope has been trying to dig a well to find water which is necessary in order to build and live on the land. They have dug two holes way deep into the earth trying to find water and have been unsuccessful so far.
As one can imagine, it has been very disappointing for both families as they have stepped out in faith with the purchase of the land, believing that this is where the Lord has called them to build a ministry center where people will recieve leadership development (something desperately needed here in Tanzania) as well as a place of rest and restoration for those who need it. So, we prayed over the Russells and the Bordens, that God would minister to them in the midst of their discouragement and disappointment. We also prayed for the Lord to guide them as they figure out how to keep moving in the search for water.
When one steps on that land, there is something that you sense that is special about that place. It was so weird to walk onto that place and feel life. It was something out of this world and yet so of God. You will have to come here to experience it all.
We wrapped up our day with an awesome meal together with the team and the Russells at our hotel. We are stuffed and ready for our long day tomorrow where we will visit the Wild Hope Artisans, the ladies who made all of those awesome Christmas ornaments that were sold at CA last holiday season.
Please pray for the following:
- A few of us are feeling a little bit under the weather, so pray for strength and healing.
- Pray that we are able to capture even just a little bit of Swahili so we can communicate with people.
- Pray that we have a posture of knowing how to encourage the Russells in their work. Pray that God would give us words of encouragement for them.
- Pray for the Russells as having to host a team can be taxing for any missionary family!
- Pray that we would be open to however God wants to use us tomorrow as we travel deep into the bush to visit the Masai and the artisans.
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