Thursday: Who Would Have Believed This Day Would Come?

 

Mpeli, Neema, Bernard, Bonnie, and I (Floyd) arrived at Kibisi Baptist Church for our last day of teaching.  The conference was organized by Daily Bread Life Ministries (Mpeli, Neema, Pawdre Scout, Sadiki Gzuma, and Raymond Mwalisu). 
 

We were greeted with a message by Pastor Mwaisango, the retired General Secretary of the Moravian Church in Tanzania.  He encouraged the church leaders from Psalms 91:9: "God as our refuge in the storm."  The Rev. Harry Mwasanjala then called Bonnie and Floyd to the front.  I was given a spear to “protect my family.”  Harry reminded me that the greatest weapon of protection was the Word of God.  Bonnie was given a farm tool to meet the needs of the family.  The tools were handmade in Kibisi for us. They are the “ancient tools” of the tribe.  

A very special act of encouragement, acceptance, and blessing was the laying on of hands with prayer for us as the Kibisi church adopted us as members and was sending us out on mission with their blessing.  Pastor Mwaisango and Pastor Stephen Ambindwile led in prayer for Bonnie and me. This was very meaningful for Bonnie and me.
 

Bonnie taught on “Being a Godly Woman” and the encouragement of women by their pastors to fulfill the vision that God had given them.  The book of Esther served as a model for this session.   Floyd taught on how to practically develop trust within the church - "the trust of people in God and God."  Bernard had the last session of the day completing the teaching on leadership development using practical guidance.   
 

 

Bonnie, Floyd, Mpeli, and Harry went to the property that Harry has given to his “daughter” Bonnie to discuss development of the property.  Who would have ever believed that this would happen?  Harry has declared Bonnie his daughter and given her a place among his people.  Neema and the rest of the family have received the gift with excitement.

Bonnie and I are very humbled by becoming a part of the Mwasanjala family.  The property is beautiful with a large avocado tree, bananas, and borders the river.  We will begin development of the property this year to be used to enhance the economy of the area, provide a place for ministry partners to come and teach and work in the area, and to provide support for local ministry needs.
  

Raymond Mwalisu, who has led the praise and worship throughout the conference, led as we sang and danced the conference to a close.  Raymond is a phenomenal worship leader and singer with a humble and exciting spirit.  We are always blessed when he joins us for conferences or worship.