But there is so much more to tell about this trip......

1. We had a tremendous Pastor’s Conference. For six days, we taught 12 of their 15 pastors (four of them traveled from Tanzania to be there)! Each day we presented them with a gift. The first gift was the ESV Study Bible, which they used for the remainder of the conference. Glenn Peters taught each day on how to study the Bible using the inductive study method. During this time they were taught everything from how to use the cross reference to asking fundamental questions of the text. Peter Copeland taught on the basics such as how to have a quiet time and teaching them what was in the Study Bible and how to access it. I taught all week on expository preaching. The other five gifts were four more books and a new shirt and tie. These guys devoured every thing we shared!
2. We conducted a VBS for the children. Everything was included; crafts, snacks, games, and Bible lessons. The majority of the team participated in this effort. There were an average of 100 kids each day.
3. We held Bible classes for the men and women. They listened eagerly, asked great questions, and spent time in prayer. 2 men received Christ during this time.
4. We worshipped with them on Sunday. The service was to begin at 10:30. Due to a flat tire and a sick driver, we arrived at 12. Everyone was there and waiting. The service was over at 2! The Lord led me to preach on suffering because we observed enormous suffering all around us, especially poverty. Their eyes and ears were locked on to every single word. They didn’t budge an inch on those wooden pews the entire time. I spoke from Colossians 1:24. There is no other way to describe this except amazing!
5. We conducted an open air crusade on a hillside Sunday afternoon. As soon as we arrived, the rains came. We were drenched to the bone, and so were they, but after the rains ended, the service was held. Many received Christ and the ministry hopes to have a church, school, and orphanage there soon.
6. We went door to door. Most afternoons, after the rains, we would go to a new village, split into teams, and visit in their homes. Most homes were two-room wooden frames covered in mud with tin roofs. We witnessed to them and prayed for their needs. During these visits, five people prayed to receive Christ.

The reception we received when we arrived at the church and at each home was overwhelming! They spoke often of how blessed they were to host us, but as with all mission trips, we were the ones who were truly blessed!

In the days ahead, I will be sharing more about the trip, photos, and ways for you to get involved in helping us support this ministry. Their desire is to reach all of Africa with the Gospel!

Many of you supported this mission with money and material donations. Many more supported this mission with prayer! I and the whole team are so grateful. Your support enabled us to fulfill this mission. Your prayers carried us through this mission (some, including me, had to overcome sicknesses, at one point, unknown to us, we were literally stuck in a volatile area, and we sat through a small earthquake one morning during our team devotions)! I told you this was an incredible trip!!!!!!!

I cannot express how much I appreciate the work and spirit of every member of this team. Every team I have led has been good. Some have been excellent. This team falls in the second category. Thank you Glenn Peters, Rita Owens, Sam Chapman, Cookie Chapman, Charlie Owens, Peggy Owens, Chip Hughes, Jan Haney, Corey Haney, Susan Poole, Laura Blue, Kathy Caldwell, Mary Lou Byrum, Jean Matthews, Peter Copeland, and Judi Skaggs! You guys were fantastic!