Blessings of 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

It is hard to believe that 2008 is over and 2009 is here! In many ways this past year as been very challenging for us, but we praise the Lord for the many blessings as well. Below are some of the highlights since our last letter. Please join us in praising the Lord for these blessings and praying for the requests.

Friend Day- On October 26, the one-year anniversary of the TRUTH Center, we had "Friend Day" at the Truth Baptist Church. We challenged our church people to bring relatives, friends, and neighbors. They did a great job inviting people and we had over 250 adults in attendance. One faithful lady brought 8 friends. The best part of the day was that 5 people received Christ as their Savior. Please pray for these new believers and also for us as we follow up the other visitors.

School Graduation- We also had a special day on Sunday December 5 for our kindergarten graduation. Many parents, family, and friends came for this special service. They were amazed to listen to their children sing songs to God, recite their Bible verses, and receive their certificates. We had a great first year for school ministry and in January we will be adding a nursery class and also first grade. Please pray for us as we need good teachers, more students, and also wisdom as we get the school registered with the government.

Youth Camp- In December we took a group of 19 to youth camp in the town of Babati. We rented a boarding school which was on break and met with two other Baptist churches. We had over 70 youth at camp that participated in games, quizzes, memory verses, discussion groups, and services. Praise the Lord for the 7 youth who made the decision to accept Christ. Pray for these young people to be dedicated to the Lord in the youth ministry of the church.

Picture: The youth leading a service after returning home from camp.

Missionary Team- We were so excited to receive Brad and Tricia Henderson as new missionaries on December 8th. The church surprised them with a church wide meal and gifts. They are getting adjusted to Tanzanian life and culture. They are putting the finishing touches on their home and getting ready to start language school in January. We are also excited to have Nate Wolf and family returning from furlough to join us in a few weeks. We also praise the Lord for a new missionary that will be joining our team in June of 2009. Rather than being "called" to Tanzania, he/she will be born into the team as Natalie is expecting again. Please pray for our family and ministry team as it grows and ministers together.

Picture: Brad received a welcome gift of a traditional Datooga "toga" and Tricia received material to have a traditional dress made.

Picture: The first photo of the new "missionary" that will be joining our team in June 2009

Family Christmas- We had a wonderful Christmas celebration together as a family and are looking forward to all that God has planned for us and the ministry here for the upcoming year. May God bless you this New Year and as you continue to partner with us through your prayers and support.

Picture: The kids enjoying their new trampoline!