Family Updates, Mission Updates

Father daughter mission trip to Tanzania

When each one of our children graduates from high school, I made a commitment to take them with me on a mission trip to Africa. Among the several reasons for this, each of them have a passion to serve God globally in some capacity, and this gives them a golden experience for me to offer hands on discipleship in the work God is doing globally. It also offers them closure from when we lived in Africa several years ago and left abruptly due to illness. Alyssa, our last born, graduated a year ago, but it took some time for her to gather the strength and for all the pieces to come together for her trip to take place. Finally, the dream was fulfilled and we took off for distant lands.

Sunset over Dar es Salaam

We passed through Paris and Amsterdam on our way to Tanzania. Allie loves all things connected to Paris, so this was a delight for her in every way.

The Eiffel tower holds a special place in Alyssa’s heart!
In front of the Louvre

Then we continued on to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. While I preached in churches and trained pastors, Alyssa held babies, taught Bible lessons to children and orphans, held more babies, taught at a Christian college club, and held more babies.

Alyssa was a baby magnet!
We visited orphanages and Alyssa was able to share the hope of the Gospel with them.

As soon as we stepped out of the airport, Alyssa instantly exclaimed, “Oh, I remember the smell of Africa, the feel of the air, it all is coming back!” We were able to see many familiar sights, such as her international school she attended when she was very young, and the area where we used to live. Every day was filled with ministry and unforgettable experiences.

Alyssa teaching from God’s Word to a group of college students.

One of the highlights was seeing her heart for the Lord and for God’s people come shining out from within her, giving her energy and clear communication about God’s principles to those who were eager to hear from her.

Alyssa teaching a group of children from one of the churches.

Alyssa thoroughly enjoyed the African praise and worship. Check out this brief video!

Preaching in a church in Dar es Salaam

Meanwhile, I offered the Whole Story of the Bible (workshop 4) to our Muheza network that also had pastors from Dar and Iringa. The group is doing well absorbing the vital training and passing it on to others.

Training the pastors in Pathways workshop 4: The Whole Story of the Bible.
The network of pastors I trained

An unforgettable epic adventure for father and daughter. I’m so thankful Alyssa and I were able to share in this experience!