Traveling Home
October 10, 2010Some people hate long flights, I’m not one of them. Where else can you sleep sitting up with people snoring all around you? Or watch movies you’d never take the time to watch in real life? Now I know why I skipped “The A-Team” when it was in theaters. It wasn’t even a decent free movie.
After a good time yesterday morning praying with Joseph (the group leader) over their new church property, I flew out from Mwanza to Dar es Salaam. I had an eight hour layover so I settled into the only restaurant at the airport so I could study. Tanzania was playing Morocco in football and it was fun watching all of the porters cramming up near the TV cheering their national team on. They lost. Morocco had much better forwards.
Once I boarded the flight to Amsterdam I was able to meet several of the Moroccon football players as we all we waited to take off. They looked bigger on TV.
I realize that if your reading this blog you’re catching it all at once. Internet was a total bust in Mwanza so I’ve had to wait until I got home to upload the entries. Waiting in Amsterdam wasn’t all a loss. Who doesn’t need a Starbucks Amsterdam mug (not to mention a good cup of coffee)? Mary Beth will be most pleased!
I plan on returning to Mwanza in April to teach the Pastors a course on Bible Doctrines. They had two responses to my teaching: 1) Shame for previously taking the Bible out of context, and 2) a desire for further theological studies. If the Lord allows I will be able to return for a few more trips to equip these great men further. I have nothing but admiration for these men who work through the difficulties of extreme poverty, lack of education, and a growing Muslim influence in their government and culture. They’re standing strong for Christ and I count it an honor to stand with them.
I plan on finding funding for two projects:
1) A grinding machine for Lucy and her women’s ministry partners. The cost for an electric one is only $1,000, but it will allow them to get the job done faster, and more importantly, provide an income to provide for their families.
2) The beginnings of the church structure at Joseph’s church. For $1,500 I can give them a metal roofed structure that is nothing more than poles and a roof, but will enable them to build up mud brick walls over time. This will be a great beginning to their new church location that will give them a base for evangelism and training. Currently they meet under a shade tree or rented classroom when available.
Thanks for your prayers and interest in this journey. If you wish to help with either of these projects, please let me know.
- Blessings, James
P.S. As we were boarding our flight, a voice came over the airport intercom welcoming everyone to join in the church service at one of the airport lounges. Amsterdam is an interesting city. Take that Portland!
James, It’s so wonderful that you were able to do this, sounds like it was an amazing experience! Glad to have you back though.
James, What kind of grinder is it that Lucy needs? For grain or ?? Just curious. It is amazing what $2500 would do for the women and the church. Such a little amount by our standards, such a huge amount for them. Thank you for posting such informative blogs!! Mary
Yes, it’s an electric grinder for grain. They sell a cheaper, fuel based system, but this would produce more. I agree with you, just a few “pennies” on our end is a world of difference for them.