Peter Mitimingi is an unusual man. He taught at, and helped to direct, a training center for pastors which I will be teaching at in a couple months. But he sensed God calling him to something else. So four years ago he started a ministry called Voice of Hope Ministries. He is focused on going out into the rural villages of Tanzania to do evangelism and discipleship. He has a carefully thought out plan with four phases to their “crusades.” He also has a heart for leadership training, and through a partnership with John Maxwell’s group “Equip” he (and his organization of 800 volunteers) is training leaders all across Tanzania.

 Peter Mitimingi and his wife Patience.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Peter last week, and we were both excited about the partnership God might be leading us toward. I can offer theological training that would complement the leadership training he does. In our conversation, he invited me to return the following day to speak to some pastors gathered to participate in a one day training nearby. I returned the next day on my bicycle, sweaty and expecting to meet with a handful of men.

Instead, he welcomed me to the platform and I was giving the chance to share with 800-1000 pastors and leaders packed into a very large church. What an amazing opportunity! I shared (as best I could in some Swahili) about our ministry, and my desire to bless pastors and community leaders by offering training in various areas. I left my contact information, and since then I’ve received a steady stream of requests from various leaders to meet and help them and their churches in trainings of all different sorts. PRAISE GOD!!!

I believe God has opened an exciting door with Peter, and I’m looking forward to seeing what He will do with this new ministry partnership. Pressing on by God’s grace, Eric