The Song and the Bracelet

There is an old hymn entitled "One Day" with words by J. Wilbur Chapman (1859 -1918) and music by Charles H. Marsh (1886 - 1956).  The first verse and chorus is:

1. 
   
2. One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
   One day when sin was as black as could be,
   Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
   Dwelt among men, my example is He!
   • Refrain:
     Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
     Buried, He carried my sins far away;
     Rising, He justified freely forever;
     One day He’s coming—oh, glorious day!
     
     
     More recently, the group Casting Crowns, has recorded their version of this beloved song.
     
     
     This song came to mind while we were explaining the King's Witness Wear2Share bracelets put out by King's Witness.com. at 2 bomas in Maasaini.
     

     
     
     
     The bracelets utilize simple symbols as "triggers" for the wearer to explain the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and return of Jesus to Earth one day.
     
     
     The bracelets are very colorful, easy to wear, and easy to use, especially for the Maasai who live in the bush.
     
     
     

     Many were taught how to use the bracelet to witness to others.
     
     
     After we finished 2 days at one boma, we traveled to our second boma location. 
     
     
     In this particular area, there is a main market day on the 10th day of each month.  
     
     
     We stopped there to give our volunteers a taste of a real Maasai market.
     
     
     While there, I waited at the vehicles while the others toured the market and made some purchases.
     

     
     
     
     Suddenly, a lady who had been at the first boma, approached me, saw my bracelet, grabbed my arm, and then explained the symbols on the bracelet to me to show she had certainly listened and remembered that particular teaching!
     
     
     She then went on her way to tell whoever she could about what she had learned in the last few days.
     
     
     Such a simple item, yet it has eternal potential in affecting the lives of people when shared at every opportunity.
     
     
     One day, He IS coming, Oh, Glorious Day!!
     
     
     Are you ready?
     
     
     Are you helping others prepare for that day?
     
     
     
     
     
     

Craaaaaack that Whip!

No, this is not about an ice skating maneuver, especially in Tanzania, where the only known snow is on Mount Kilimajaro and sometimes Mount Meru.

This is about cracking a real bullwhip!

Images of a lion tamer, Zorro, and of course, Indiana Jones come to mind.

I had an idea to get a bullwhip since the Maasai work with cattle and have to drive them at times.
They fashion their own whips (I am supposed to get one eventually -- promised) but I wanted to get one made by a professional.

I scoured the internet and found a man named Einar, who hand makes whips out of his home in Florida.  I sent him an introductory email, explained why I wanted a whip (mainly to attract the attention of the Maasai men to gather them for teaching), and inquired about placing an order for a whip.

He replied that my order had been received and "It is a pleasure to hear of your work in Tanzania I'm sure the Lord will bless your efforts... I would be more than happy to construct a whip as described in your e-mail for you at no cost. If it will be of assistance to you in leading someone to the Lord that is more than payment enough."

So, the whip was made, sent to my parents, and then taken to Tanzania.

We have had fun with it, have attracted men to our teaching time, and even use it to keep wayward volunteers in line {:-}.

Because of the attraction, people come to Christ and follow Him!

Who knew that a bullwhip could be used as a tool to bring people to Christ and disciple them?!

A Reality Awakening

As we stopped in the area next to the pre-school where we were teaching and facilitating activities, the children and leaders greeted us and then directed our attention to their "trophy" hanging from a tree branch -- a 6 foot cobra. It had been stoned to death by some of the children the evening before right where we were doing our activities that very same day.

That is a reality awakening  to think that creatures and others like it (scorpions, etc) are alive and well in many areas.

T.I.A. (This IS Africa)

The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Dee Feet

The final day of our work at Nanja Secondary (High) School was one of sharing Chronological Bible Stories and facilitating sports competition for the students.

The events were the 100 meter sprint for guys and girls,  soccer placement goal kicks from designated locations, and a frisbee toss for distance and accuracy.

The Bible stories were well received and 1 student made a decision to accept Christ.

Then the "fun" begins!

The guys thought they knew all about "futbol" but soon discovered that soccer placement goal kicks are not that easy especially when done from severe angles into a practice goal that is 5 feet wide and 4 feet high.

The girls were equally challenged but seemed to take a more controlled approach and did well.

The elimination rounds continued until the winners emerged.
The pre-supposed winners did not fair well and we had some surprise athletes who took home the first prices.

The 100 meter races had less involvement from the girls but a winner did emerge.

The guys really got into the race and several of the heats were very close.

Some guys even ran without shoes - only socks - or completely barefoot.
This was on terrain that had rocks, stickers, holes, and not so skin-friendly grass.

Again, the elimination heats went well and a final guy winner emerged.

The frisbee toss was a whole new event and learning experience for all but we had fast learners and the competition became fierce from both girls and guys until winners were declared.

It was a great time of teaching, fun, competition, and awards.

The candy went over well - and fast - as the 1st and 2nd place finishers "shared" their rewards (graciously and reluctantly at times) with the rest of the competitors.

The best result is that we have an open invitation to return to the Nanja Secondary school anytime -- and we will!

A Grave Baptism

The team from Calvary Baptist Church had finished their teaching in evangelism and discipleship at Kiti Ngarne.  The time now was to baptize some new believers.  Water is a huge issue in the Maasai areas so one has to be creative when baptism.

So, for this day, the steps involved were:

1)  Get a large tarp (purchased in Moshi)
2)  Dig a hole large enough and deep enough for a person to lay down in.  This hole resembles a
     grave.
3)  Put the tarp in the hole.





4)  Bring water in on donkeys to fill the hole up with water about 2 feet deep.
5)  Invite everyone to watch as the new believers demonstrated their faith by being baptized.

The new pastor in the area, Elia, watched as one of our Maasai leaders, Emanuel M., baptized the first 2 believers.
Then the pastor finished the rest of the baptisms, a very new experience for him.

I had the new pastor do this so that the body of believers and himself could "own" this situation and the ability to baptize new believers without an "official or missionary" being present.

This is essential for the church to have this foundation so that they can move ahead.
They have the experience -- now comes their part in forging ahead in growing their church!

Shades of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1 - 4:37)

Recently, we hosted a group of volunteers from Black Forest Academy in Kandern Germany.  They worked at the Longido Baptist primary school.

During their time there, a Maasai friend related this story to us:

"Someone stole our decorator cloth from our church (many churches here drape various colored cloths at the inside front of their churches for decoration).  All the members were upset and we wanted to go out and find the thief.  After some discussion, we all came to the conclusion that we should pray for the person(s) who took our cloth and forgive him/them for these actions.  So we did just that -- prayed for and forgave those involved even though we did not know who it was.  Two weeks later, a man entered our church during worship.  He was no ordinary person.  He had placed his arms in a pair of pants and was wearing the pair of pants like a shirt.  He was wearing a shirt like a pair of pants.  He was moaning and walking around, confused and unable to utter complete or comprehensible sentences.  Then he got down on his hands and knees and began walking and bellowing like a cow!  We did not know what to do!  After several minutes of this "grazing", the man suddenly came to his senses.  He stood up and spoke plainly, confessing that

he was the one who stole the cloth. He repented of his thievery.  He also asked us to forgive him for his wrong doing.  We told him that we had forgiven the person who stole the cloth 2 weeks ago.  He said that he had been acting "crazy" for 2 weeks.  Now he said he had relief since he confessed, repented, and asked for our forgiveness.  He remained with us for worship and we were able to talk more with him."

This modern "Nebuchadnezzar" experienced grace from God's people.

How many others need God's grace demonstrated in their lives through the actions of God's people?

Diary of a Volunteer Part 3

We went to church under the tree literally. After traveling about 15 miles on a paved road then several more on a dirt road we went the rest of the way through a field with more rocks than dirt. There was this beautiful very large old tree with people setting on rocks waiting for us. We were greeted warmly and took our place also under the tree. They opened in prayer and then sang several worship songs and danced as part of their celebration.Scripture was taken from 1Timothy 1- 13. I sat in amazement as people so very different in location, cultures, skin color and language had come together to worship the same God. This trip has opened my eyes and heart in so many ways, I wish more could have come. I am sure I will never forget these precious people and the time spent with them


This is the rainy season in Tanzania and it poured all night. We went 
out for part of the day and a lot of the roads were flooded and we set in traffic for a while. It is 8:00pm here now and pouring the rain again. Please pray for us because the only way to the airport is on the road that floods and we leave tomorrow night. We have had a wonderful time these two weeks. Having never been out of the good old USA I was totally unprepared for the culture shock. I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. We are packing and weighing our suitcases and getting ready for the two day trip back home. I wish every Christian could go on at least one mission trip and I think our churches would be very different. We would not see people as rich or poor, black or white, but soul that are eternal. We would love people the way Jesus loves. We would not be worried about petty little things. As for me I want to wear out not rust out.(end of sermon) Thanks again for everyone who prayed, gave, worked, or in any way had a part in this mission trip because you had a part in the 8 adults that excepted the Lord and several of the children who also made decisions. Love you all!

Good morning from Tanzania, it is 6:00am here and I am the only one up so I will do my post now while it is quite. As I set having already done my devotions the church bells are ringing from the Catholic church and in just a few minutes the Muslim call to prayer will be heard over a loud speaker for all to hear and I am so very thankful for grandparents that loved me and shared their love for Jesus with me many years ago. I am sad for those who do not know and have a relationship with the one and true God. We will be going to worship at Greg Wagoner' s church, they are our missionaries our church supports from Kitts Hill, Oh.,, then a time of fellowship and lunch at their church. We will come back to the Johnson's house and finish packing those last minute things say our goodbye and head to the airport for an all night flight to Amsterdam. We have a 5 or 6 hour lay over there and another long flight to Chicago, then a short flight to Pittsburgh. Because we are getting into Pittsburgh around 9:30 pm we will stay the night there and leave Tuesday morning for our 5 hour trip to beautiful downtown Proctorville, Oh. Thanks again for following me on this journey, it is one I will never forget. PRAISE THE LO!RD

Diary of a Volunteer Part 2

VBS at Embukoi
Hello from Tanzania, we started our first day of Bible school at the New church. 66 little ones came. Even the very littlest ones walk through the field. Probably the hottest day so far, high 90's. We are doing the same things here, but in a different order. The children did very well paying attention to the stories. The adults were working in the field planting (this is their rainy season) and they have to work while they can to have food to eat so they did not come for the discipleship class. The three interpretations are staying at the church so when planting is over they were going to teach the adults. We waited around for three hours on the adults and then left. It takes us about one and a half hours each way. We start in the Land Rover for the paved roads then transfer to donkey for about five miles and the last couple of miles we walk in on foot. Only kidding, but you would not believe where we go. Once you leave the paved road you just drive through fields. Rocks are everywhere, ditches, holes well you get the idea. You put your life in great danger traveling here. Pam and I set in the very back and

believe me we feel every rock. It really is about 6 miles through the field. Came back to the house ,had a good dinner, and starting doing crafts,working on 10 stories for tomorrow and then had to pack the car. This is not a vacation, but it is even more than I could have imagined. I am feeling so blessed and a little overwhelmed. To the people here time is nothing ,relationships and events are everything. We need to learn from them. Thanks for the prayers.
Hello from Africa! Another really hot day here, in the 90's. We had a few drops of rain going out and again as we were come back. Very dry here and needing rain. 



We did get a good look at Mt Kilimanjaro today. The clouds cover it most of the time, but today on the way to Bible school we were almost hanging out the land rover looking and of course taking pictures. We had about 60 children again today. What a joy to be able to share our Jesus with these precious ones. They can see us coming maybe a mile away (wide open dusty fields) and they come running. Through interpreted' s we tell them, using a story cloth with 42 stories on it, everything from the beginning to the end of the Bible. Today during craft time we made lion puppet' s on lunch bags and had so much fun making sounds like a lion. It takes so very little to make them smile. The adults did come today, about 20 who all said they were believers. Pastor Carter was able to share the line and the wheel with them and then gave them tracks explaining it. On the way home stopped at an open air market along the highway and gave out more tracks in their language, thanks to our church. This has been such an eye opener for me as I had never been out of the country. I have so much to be thankful for. Even the poor in America are rich compared to the Masai people. God has truly blessed our country. I have found it very easy to care for these people because the same Jesus died for them and for us. Language, race, different cultures none of it matters He only cares about our hearts.

Today was the next to last day of Bible school. How I look forward to watching for the little ones walking and running through the open fields to great us. They stand and in English say good morning. When they pray they put both hands open over their face. The Lord must have something really special for us tomorrow, because the devil has been working overtime today. First the electric went off through the night and was still off when we all rolled out of bed at 6:00am coming back on shortly before we left at 8:00. When we came back around 6:00pm it was off again. While Pam started our dinner the rest of us started getting everything ready for tomorrow. Lights on lights off lights on and then off again. Candles were lite and we finished with the crafts and the special bags of goodies. I did not mention Beverly is still feeling really bad, Pastor Carter had been sick to his stomach all day and Ruby has a bad sore throat. On the positive side today we got the best view of Mt Kilimanjaro so far as we made our way to Bible school. The house is quiet now as everyone has gone to bed but me and I am about ready. Feeling very blessed for how good the Lord has been to me. Lord willing (and we have electric) I will post again tomorrow. Love in Christ, BiBi. The name given to me by the Moshi people meaning grandmother
Well I will try again to post about our last day of Bible school on Friday. We arrived to find most of the children already there and playing in the yard. Dan, our missionary host, started blowing his car horn

and they took off running and laughing. First thing they showed us was a 5 foot DEAD cobra hanging in a tree. Guess who killed it? The children stoned it, guess it was no big deal for them, but we girls did not want anything to do with it. Pastor Carter had his picture taken with it though. The month of March is the rainy season and we had a hard rain most of the Thursday night making it less dusty for our play time. Because it had rained some of the children were not able to attend because they had to work in the fields. The children have so much responsible starting at a very young age. Several 4 or 5 year olds came to Bible school carrying a little one, maybe 18 months old or younger, on their backs and took care of them. We finished the last 10 stories and had craft time. They enjoy coloring and try very hard to stay in the lines. We found out the girl really like jumping rope and the boys like anything with a ball. They love to sing and even though I don't understand the words I love listening to them. We had prepared treat bags for each child as they left. It had some candy, little toys, a couple crafts they could do at home, a cross and the wordless Bible bracelet that the Willing

Workers had made for us to bring. Pastor Carter explained what each color stood for, and they all put them on right away. The school teacher of the children, Philip, ask that we pray for him that he would be able to afford school and be a real teacher and teach the children our English. Even though we had only a few days with them they stoled my heart. Only wish we could have done more. Dan and Pam took us to a nice sidewalk Italian restaurant. We all had pizza, but can you imagine they do not have pepperoni here. Keep us in your prayers, please

Diary of a Volunteer

VBS at KIA Baptist Church
What a day! Really had no idea what to expect as we pulled onto the dirt road leading up to the church. Some of the little ones were already there. More came walking through fields. As we began telling the stories mother's and men starting coming.They sang and danced for us and then we started the crafts. These precious little black children went into a small room and sat on a dirt floor to color and work on crafts. In 90 degree temperature we went outside for games. While the games were going on others of out team did a disciples ship class for the adults. An invitation was given and 7 or 8 adults excepted the Lord. What a blessing!! Can' wait to see what tomorrow brings. Please keep us in your prayers. What a privilege to be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

 The children are loving the crafts even if they have to set in the dirt ( no tables or chairs) to color or do activities. Many of the adults went to the market and didn't attend on Friday. 43 children and 8 adults attended. The outside activities were jump rope, kick ball and their favorite the parachute. I wish you could see their eyes and smiles over very simple things. They set on concrete blocks while we do Bible time and pay attention even though they are young. The adults walk in during the story time and listen to the simple stories and seem to enjoy as much as the children. We have goats, donkeys, cows and sheep who are all around the church and the children just play around them because they are always there. On Sat. The attendance was up about 60 children and 20 adults. After the children went home the pastor's wife washed our hand over a bucket of water she had carried in and then served us chi tea and fresh baked bread. We felt so honored and humbled. In the afternoon we had a discipleship class which went really well and a mother came forward for prayer for a ill daughter. They were just like a spoonge taking it all in. They have been so gracious to welcome us to their church and then have become a part of our hearts. I fell so blessed to have been a part of this mission team. And wish I had gone sooner. Keep praying

What a great day we have had with the last day of Bible school at the Kia church. We left at 8:00 am and got back at 6:15pm then time spent getting crafts and stories for Bible school at the second church tomorrow.After we finished today they honored us with lunch. They roasted a goat and brought in it in a bucket. We got legs hoof and all. Also served us rice, brown beans, some kind of greens and a side dish of something no one knew what it was, but it had intestines in it. I hid it under the greens so I did not have to see it. Hot pepsi was served in bottles. These people have NOTHING, but they wanted to thank us. We are the fifth church group to visit but the only one who worked and shared Jesus with them. We were very honored. After everyone was finished They gave each of us a gift of a cloth wrap like they wear and a homemade necklace. Before we left I received another necklace and a pair of earrings. A very humbling experience. So very thankful for the privilege of being on this journey. GOD is so good. Please keep praying

The Presence

The Engaresero trip had been one of challenges, adventure, hardship, and ultimate victory.

Driving to one of our destinations, some of the team members asked about our experiences concerning spiritual warfare in our time in Tanzania.

We related some of our "close encounters of the first, second, and third kind" with the demonic forces that are alive and well in our areas.

The next day, one team member shared a story of his own.

He had gotten up in the night to go to the restroom at our camp.

He felt a presence as he walked, looked around, and saw what he described as a "dark shadow" moving and running around the camp perimeter trying to get into the camp.  But this "shadow" seemed frustrated as it moved around and tried to enter our camp.  But it was not able to penetrate the perimeter nor make a way into our area.

The team member was hesitant to relate this story until he heard about some of our experiences.

He then had the courage to share.

At least one other team member related the same experience that occurred on a prior night but was also hesitant to share it with us until this first team member related his experience.

Satan and his forces are alive, well, and hard at work.

But we are reminded in God's Word "... greater is He (Holy Spirit) Who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world"  (1 John 4:4)

Romans 8:37 tells us that "... we are more than conquerors..." and that we live in victory each day " "through Him Who loves us."

So live in victory and confidence each day!

Jesus has it covered completely!!

The "Hissy Fit"

The trip had gone well.

The sun blazed each day.

It had been hot, dusty, and challenging.

God had allowed us to work with Him in many ways among the Maasai in the area of Engaresero.

The "Massai olympic games" had gone well with over 70 men participating.

They heard the Word of God through teaching and sharing.

The Sunday worship time was a great and uplifting time

Some became new believers.

Others believers were baptized, demonstrating their new faith through this mode of testimony.

Our last day there was one of rest, reflection, evaluation, and planning for the next trip.

Then it began.

The wind increased dramatically in intensity.

The clouds in the distance became dark and ominous.

They were filled with dust as well as rain.

We had seen this before -- the rain falls and hits the parched, dusty earth, causing the dust to rise up into the clouds.

You have a dust/rain storm.

This storm was different.

The clouds were so thick that they obliterated the landscape.

Visibility was only a few hundred feet.

The horizon disappeared from our site.

Oldonyo Lengai (the Mountain of God - to the Maasai) was no longer visible from our campsite only 10 kilometers away.

Our tents began to sway and pitch as the storm increased, driving the dust and seeming rain in our direction.

We were in the direct path of this natural occurrence.

Then the storm hit our camp.

Heavy winds shook our tents and dumped dust and sand into the camp.

We sought shelter in a dining hut and watched as this storm came, stayed, and then eventually left.

Not one drop of rain fell on the camp.

The tents still stood.

No one was hurt.

After this storm passed, one person commented that "we had a great trip, saw God work in various ways in the lives of the people we were allowed to impact, and saw Him reap a harvest for His Kingdom.  Satan was so mad that he through a "hissy fit" to try and discourage us on the last day.  God protected us.  Satan did not achieve his desired results".

When Satan throws a "hissy fit" in your life,  remember that you are standing on the Rock of Ages.

As one song states "You (God) are my Rock, on you I stand, safe from the storms that surround me.  You're my only Rock, on You I stand, don't have to rely on my own strength."

(Hillsong London   Shout God's Fame)

The Man Who Prays for Us is Here

One of the stops we make with our volunteer teams is Cultural Heritage in Arusha Tanzania.  This is a place where one can buy carvings, paintings, shirts, blown glass, jewelry, Tanzanite, etc.  It is a "one stop shopping place" for all your souvenir needs.  There is also a cafe which serves food varying from coffee and tea to small snacks to a full lunch buffet.

On a recent trip, we went to Cultural Heritage for shopping and lunch.  I make reservations in advance so they will be prepared for our groups.

On this day, the lunch was superb as usual.  We went and thanked the cooks and the managers for another meal well done.

The head manager thanked us and then proceeded to tell me about his current problem situation.  A group of 28 had come in and ate at the buffet.  The problem was that they ate without his prior permission and without a prior reservation.  Then our group of 16 ate our meal.  Another group of 20 was following us. They had made advance reservations.  He was very concerned that he did not have enough food for the last group.  The leader of the first group was "apologizing" to the manager for this inconvenience while I stood and listened.  The manager then proceeded to tell that leader that there was no problem because "the man who prays for us is standing here.  He prays and God works out our problems and difficulties.  He is from the church and he knows God and God knows him".

How do you respond to that statement?

With humbled silence and gratefulness to God!

The other group leader left in disgrace.

The manager and the owners of this establishment follow another world religion.

How humbling it is to have God recognized working in your life by other people.

This also demonstrates the importance of building relationships.

Perhaps one day this whole family will have the relationship with God Whom I know and Who knows me.

Do You Know One of These People?

On a recent trip out to a new church, we stayed at a fairly modern guest house.

The staff was very polite and helpful and were easy to engage in conversation.

Emmanuel Mollel, one of our Maasai partners, was talking with one of the staff and ask her about her faith.

She replied that she was a Christian but she had a question for him.

She looked at him and asked, " I do not know much about this Jesus.  Who is he and what did he do?"

A Christian in name only but no knowledge or understanding of this faith and relationship.

The task is still ahead of us in many areas of Tanzania.

Do YOU know anyone like this where YOU live?