“What has God done in your life during your years at Idigima?”

The title of this blog, What has God done in your life during your years at Idigima?, was the bonus question asked of Form III and Form IV students on a weekly Bible Knowledge test. These students have been at Idigima Secondary School for four or five years. Nearly all responses included comments about God blessing them with few health problems, protection while traveling on the roads and the ability to perform well academically.

Among the most frequent responses were also thanksgivings for peace and unity in relationships at home, in the village and at school, which is very important in this culture. Many also gave thanks for God’s daily provision of their needs and the needs of their families. “Give us this day our daily bread” is often times a request out of real desperation.

Anyway, we thought you’d like to hear a few of the more unique responses the students gave. Keep in mind that these are mostly 17 to 21 year old young adults who’ve chosen to move away from home and fend for themselves in order to receive an education. Their simple and dependent faith is a blessing to us.

(Unedited so that you can experience their command of English.)

• “God maintains my life.”

• “...to find the life in every day!”

• “When I’m suffering, He always help me, and then give a glory to continue to study.”

• “He has helped me to be against the evils.”

• “God has been giving me a confidence and power when I pray.”

• “God is the better way; don’t do other things. God is the first in life; God is better all the time.”

• “He defends me all the time.”

• “He can help about thinking when I cooperate with Him.”

• “God gives escape from problems.”

• “I pray and God all the time and every day helps me in my life.”

• “God helps me to stay here, because other people they died.” (...talking about fellow students...)

• “God has delivered (saved) me from death against the witches and evil spirits. He delivers me from temptation through fighting with those enemies who want to trap my spirit and body.”

• “He has comforted me during sorrow through reading Bible and getting advice from wise people.”

• “God is present day and night; God is life to me. God listens to my problems.”

• “The world it can (be) difficult if you don’t (have) God.” (Parenthetical added for clarity.)

• “God helps me to speak to various people without any segregation.”

• “God helps me to know myself.”

• “God helps me in everything about the life...so I work and dance with God – I love God all the time.”

• “No one like Jesus Christ – the man of action. Jesus came to die because of evils of the people, especially myself.”

• “God protects me from every bad thing that wants to destroy me.”

• “God helped me to buy a Bible for more knowing and encouragement.”

• “I was in trouble with parents; I was not able to continue schooling, but God helps me through VST.”

• “When I desire girls having a sexual friendship, God’s power saves me.”

• “God’s my powerful mountain, my life today I live and am not dead.”

• “God has made me happy in my life. God has taught me to have forgiveness to others.”

• “God changed my behaviour compared to when I do not know Him.”

• “God tells me good information during chapel time.”

• “God has led me how to live and to detect the sin/evil.”

• “God was helped me to talk in front of the majority.” (Majority refers to a large group or student body.)

• “God helps Mr. Philipo to teach Bible and to make Bible Club.” (See? Even in Africa the students want to make points with the teacher!)

Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,

Gary & Joanne

"Final" doesn't mean final . . .

Ever since our return to the States toward the end of June we have been receiving puzzled and confused comments from family, friends, and supporters after our last blog update, "Final Week Update", was posted. Apparently, some misinterpreted that to mean we were not returning this fall for a fourth year! It was meant to only refer to the final week of our third year - the final week before we returned for our summer break.

After we return to the States, as it has been for the past three years, Village Schools requires us to spend a week or two in prayer and reflection as to whether we feel the Lord is calling us to return for another tour. If we are so led, we then submit our "Applications to Return" to the Tanzanian leaders. The national leaders decide whether they want volunteers to return, and they also determine where the teachers should serve, because needs change all the time, especially now that there are 22 schools open and enrolling students.

Though we pretty much knew already, we did as we were required. We prayed & reflected upon the Lord's calling for us. And, we felt led to continue serving with the Lord in Tanzania. We submitted our applications and waited. The next day Steve Vinton wrote,

"Well it wasn't a hard decision at all for everyone to say not only should you come back, but that you should definitely go to Idigima! So enjoy sharing with everyone there in America and I'll tell them (VSI support staff) to work on your tickets out of Chicago to arrive in Dar with the rest of the gang (new mission teachers going in). Just remember, training for them starts from the time they land in Dar, so be helpful and friendly and all of that so that they like you, BUT do tell them, 'Ah, you know you guys are just going to have to learn it all yourselves just like we did!!!'

SEE YOU SOON AGAIN AND KARIBU SANA.

Love, Steve (and Susan and the rest of the gang)!"

Our return date is tentatively set for August 31st - give or take a day or two.

In the meantime, we plan to spend the summer visiting family & friends, attending reunions, and sharing with our supporters our experiences & work in Tanzania. If you wish for us to speak to your church, small group, or family, please let us know by sending us an e-mail to: garjo77@gmail.com.

Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,

Gary & Joanne