Dear Praying Friends,
Can you believe that 2014 is here already? We are excited for what the Lord did last year and will continue to do this year. Time always seems to fly for the most part. We just completed our first year on the mission field. It wasn’t too long ago when we were on deputation sharing our burden for Tanzania with you all. Thank you for allowing us to be here in Morogoro.
We started the year off with a Teen Camp, which was aimed mainly at reaching the non-churched. Our theme was “Redeeming the Time.” It’s our time now to do something for the Lord. Soccer is the major sport here, so we used that to draw them in. We had over 140 teens with 39 salvations. It was great to see our church teens interact with the others as well. Overall we had a great time, and we got some great follow-up prospects.
Calvary’s Love Children’s Home had the opportunity to add another orphan. He is ten-year-old boy named Abdalah. He is from a Muslim background. Not too long after he came to the home, he trusted Christ as his Saviour. The children’s home also started a new outreach program that’s aimed at helping children who only have one parent living or orphans whom they can’t take in at this time. It is every Tuesday after school. They get fed and hear a Bible story. Then they help them with their schoolwork, focusing on one subject a week. It’s a blessing to team up with the Kessels here. They have a great love for the people, using a physical need to bring life to the spiritually needy.
Our Public School Ministry is growing. We have many church members who go out to the public schools each week and teach. Our class has been increasing. One particular time we had over 200 kids in the class. We had no more room, so kids were standing at the window listening. It’s a great ministry. Pray that we can have more members be able to go to the school so we can reach many more. Our Bible Club that we have on Saturdays is growing too. We had a high day of 68, and we average 46 each week.
We took another trip to Kolero. This is the city that’s over in the mountains. There were 300 in attendance with 19 saved. It is exciting to see things happening here.
We are grateful for your faithfulness to us. Esther wanted to say something to everyone. Here is a direct quote: “Dear people in America. We love you all, you know, and we like you to come to Tanzania. Thank you.” We had the opportunity to have a couple from our church back home visit us. They were our first guests, and it was exciting to be able to show them around. Not long after that, we had my mother-in- law visit. We were all excited to see her too. Please know you are welcome to come any time. Know that we are praying for your church and are honored to co- labor with you.
For His glory,
Mshama, Martha, & Esther Kinyonga
