From the moment I stepped out of the airport, I realized I was far from the chilling, damp cold endemic to the Pacific Northwest this time of year. The wall of heat, mixed with maximum humidity, led to a constant layer of sweat coating my skin. I knew December is the hottest, most uncomfortable month along the Tanzania coastline, but the reality took my breath away. Even the flies were too hot to move quickly, which made them easy kills! Drinking over a gallon of water each day became a necessity. But life goes on, and my long-time African friend Greyson was there to meet me at the airport, so with joy in our hearts we headed out for our adventure.

The next day we made our way to Ubungo bus terminal, and found a bus heading north toward Tanga. After sitting in the bus for nearly an hour waiting for it to fill up, we took off on our drive that lasted a bit over six hours, but felt like 24! I was joined by Greyson for this portion of my trip, and he was a constant blessing. He was always looking for ways to make sure I was doing OK, if I had any needs, and was quick to help with any requests or talk about any subject. He shared all the positive changes that have happened in Tanzania from President Magufuli’s leadership, who will most likely be re-elected next year. Greyson’s one child, Joel, has severe physical and mental challenges, yet Greyson and his wife Olivia always try to see the positive in things.

The training in the coastal town of Muheza had its own challenges, with busy pastors who were not adequately prepared and struggled with the material. Yet by God’s grace we were able to make good progress and chart a course for the future that I hope will offer an improvement. It was obvious that the heat was draining to them, and after a full day of training we were all wilting. Greyson and I returned to the home we were staying in each day, and I was repeatedly struck with how graciously I was being treated. The owner of the home allowed us to stay there free of charge while he was away. A woman from the church, named Stella, cooked our breakfast and dinner each day and helped with cleaning. Even though water was not running most of the six days we were there, and power went out repeatedly, we found ways of adjusting, looking forward to the “bucket bath” with cool water dumped from a scooper.

A highlight of the time there was Sunday morning in Pastor Nuru’s church. The night before, someone had broken into his compound and stolen all 20 of his chickens. But he seemed unfazed as joy exuded from him at the opportunity to worship the Lord. I was invited to preach, and the congregation loved getting into the Word. At the end, I offered an invitation to follow Christ for any who might be interested, and one man, Mr. Julius Singo, came forward and declared that he had never received Christ before, but today for the first time he understood the call to follow Christ and wanted to place his trust in the Lord. We prayed for Julius, and then I asked others who wanted to be healed physically or spiritually (the point of the message from Mark 2) to stand. Most of the congregation was on their feet, and God was moving in people’s hearts.

As we completed the training, and the bus ride home, and now I’m on the other side of Tanzania in Mbeya getting ready for another training here, I was struck with the truth that obstacles are opportunities for those willing to embrace them. I’m reminded how much I love the dear people I work with, the significance of the work I’m engaged in, and the joy of serving our glorious God Who has revealed Himself through His Word.