Salama, friends

I have recently returned from Tanzania, having completed the eighth in our series of nine workshops for pastors, so we are nearing graduation. This training was a bit different because I did not introduce new tools to the pastors, but rather we reviewed all the previous steps on the Bible Pathway, and tools that we have learned over previous workshops. Then the pastors practiced these tools by preaching full sermons through the book of Habakkuk. It was a wonderful time of learning and growth as we wrestled with some difficult passages and I saw the pastors use what they have learned over the past four years to study, understand and apply the biblical texts well. Habakkuk has an excellent message for us today, and perhaps I can go into that a bit more in a future blog. Suffice it to say that the theme is: God says He is sovereign and just, so trust Him. Habakkuk responds that this is tough, but I trust in You.

Following the training, I visited two churches on Sunday and preached in both services and prayed over many who were sick or struggling in various ways. Then I made my way to the meeting point where all our ReachGlobal Africa Division was gathered and we had our division conference that happens once every two years. This was an excellent time of reunion with familiar friends and meeting with new friends and ministry partners. My favorite part of the conference was the many connections I was able to make with African partners toward launching Pathways in various locations. There was strong interest on the part of many for incorporating Pathways into the foundational training schemes for many networks, such as ReachAfrica, which is our African partner organization in 23 countries throughout Africa.

The Lord also used to time to challenge me about the importance of not only ministering to Africans, but also to my family. While there are many people who are able to train Africans, there is only one father for Adam, Andrew and Alyssa, and one husband for Holly, and so I need to make sure I give my best to them. I also need to consider who I am investing in locally. My heart is in Africa, and I am always drawn to pour into my African brothers, but perhaps there are some locally that I can meet with regularly, encourage, and develop as leaders. I must seek these out and draw near to them as well.

It was a longer trip away, so it was very good to get home and be reunited with the family. I am eager for the days to come as I will be engaging in both international training and local training of pastors, continuing my studies for my doctorate, and making sure to keep my family top priority.

Pressing on, by His grace. Eric