George's Children

Out of response to a message about having the attitude of Christ in our lives and his supernatural nature of compassion for the needy, George, an attendee of the "All Peoples Church" came to us with stories of needy children and widows in the Iyula-B village.

Offerings from the church, free of pastor or building expenses, are able to assist these people. One widow, who has only one crippled son and is crippled herself, drags herself about to collect fire wood and haul water from the river. A family of three children, whose parents are addicted to the home-made beer, have been unable to attend primary school for lack of shoes, uniforms and school supplies.

The plan seemed good to all, so Kennith (who was introduced in the previous post, A New Church Work) and George identified ten family units in the area for their initial humanitarian efforts.


With so many pressures on our students to be involved in the work at Idigima on top of their studies, it is such a blessing to see some taking the time to look around and be the hands and feet of Jesus to their neighbors.


We have identified some other students who seem to have similar hearts of compassion, and they have expressed interest in getting involved.


One evening, in a classroom without electricity, we showed the Jesus film (in Swahili) to 64 students. Afterwards, Kennith addressed the students in a call to faith and service. We hope this and future showings will swell the ranks of those involved in ministry.

Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,

Gary & Joanne

A New Church Work

Across the valley, nestled in a large grove of trees, is the small compound of student ghettos known as ADP. ADP stands for Agricultural Development Program, established years ago to introduce income-producing agriculture alternatives and advanced technology to the rural villages. The Regional Office of ADP is in Vwawa; our ADP is a small branch. Projects include the growing of wheat, development of fruit and pine trees, domesticated honey bees, and poultry. The director botanist who lives there, Mr. Michael, speaks English and is like a father to the ten or twelve students who live in the compound.


One of those students is Kennith, a Form I student from Tunduma who feels God has called him to Idigima to develop a deliverance ministry. Mr. Michael designated a large empty room in one of the buildings as a meeting hall. Kennith is promoting what he calls "All Peoples Church" to try and bridge the denominational divisions and present the truth of God's word to students.


Joanne visited one Sunday while Gary was traveling with a student to Ikuka, and she liked it so well that she's been going ever since in support. It is a relaxed atmosphere, with free interchange of questions and answers intermixed with messages. One Sunday, three girls from the compound placed their trust in Jesus as Lord.

Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,

Gary & Joanne