Milestones

Completion of our first term here in Tanzania is just around the corner. We will head to the U.S. soon for a couple months of reporting, reconnecting, and refreshing.  God willing, we will have the opportunity to see most of you in person before the end of this year. Here are a few highlights that will be helpful in advance of our visit.

In October we were visited by a couple serving with Paraclete Mission Group. They came simply to visit and encourage us in our early ministry here, and it was a huge blessing. One fun thing we did while they were here was visit the Serengeti.

Just before the end of fall term, in November, we had the opportunity to attend an ICETE (International Council for Evangelical Theological Education) conference in Ephesus. Two of the AICT (Africa Inland Church of Tanzania) Bishops attended also, and we had a great time learning from and connecting with people around the world who are, like us, working to train future pastors and church leaders in God’s word. 

An added benefit was visiting the historical sites there in Ephesus; bringing another layer of the truth that the Bible is real and its events historical.  Before returning home Jim & I took four days off to spend time in Istanbul. What a delightful time we had together in this amazing city. We visited famous mosques, took a tour on the Bosphorus Strait, and enjoyed incredible street food.  And we literally spent Thanksgiving in Turkey!

In December ACTEA (Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa), which is a member of ICETE, notified Nassa Theological College (NTC) that it has been awarded provisional accreditation for three programs: Certificate in Theology, Diploma in Theology, and Diploma in Missions. This is a true milestone for the school.  While there is a lot of work ahead in the next three years to become fully accredited members, we rejoice that the school has progressed this far.  Another milestone for NTC this year is the offering of a bachelor’s in theology.  This is another first for AICT/NTC and they plan to apply for accreditation for this program as well sometime next year.

Winter term began in January with us both feeling like we were hitting a stride here. The last days of January Susan’s mom fell incredibly ill and by early February it was clear that Susan was needed in the U.S. for a time.  We are so thankful to everyone who made that trip possible and cared for Susan while she helped at home.  Susan returned to Tanzania the last week of March thinking that her mom was on the road (though long) to recovery.  On March 30 Vera went home to be with the Lord.  Grieving from this distance has been challenging, but we have been comforted from far (thank you for your cards, emails, and prayers), and near.  This community in which we live has shown us love and care.  Many groups (teachers, class-groups, church friends, students) have come to share words of encouragement, gifts, and prayer with us.  Just this week NTC held a special service to honor mom and offer their comfort.  It has been truly humbling to receive from the hands of these dear people.

May brought special delight as Jim was invited to speak in two different churches on the topic of missions.  Missions is relatively young in AICT, so we delighted in engaging with them on this subject so near to God’s heart.

In June we traveled with the NTC Principal and his wife to visit a student doing a missions internship in a remote village off the coast of Tanzania. (In addition to our flight, the journey also included a 5 hour bus trip.) It was a joy to visit the team of missionaries (both Tanzanian and Western) working together.

It is July again already, and this year we are busy preparing for a team of 15 coming from our home church.  Jim is busy planning events (and Susan is baking) in anticipation of their arrival.