“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” Proverbs 16:9 

Dear Friends,

We realize that so much has transpired since we sent our last newsletter that it is difficult to know where to begin. Let us begin with praise to God for the great things HE has done: 

1. We have finished our itinerary in record time for us; shortly over a year. Our monthly budget and cash budget are completely raised.

2. We have traveled thousands of miles in all kinds of weather without accidents or mishaps.

3. We met many new friends and ministry partners as well as visited with ministry partners that have faithfully supported us for many years.

4. We were able to visit with family and spend time with our two daughters.

5. We received many reports throughout the year from Tanzania that the work of the Lord is continuing and that God is pouring out His Spirit upon that land in new and exciting ways.

6. The new Women’s Dorm at the Mwanza Bible College is finished once the ceramic tiles are put down for the floor and the painting is finished. The women students are rejoicing! The Bible School is growing in enrollment and we are already in need of a new men’s dorm.

7. The Decade of Harvest for the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) is progressing; there have been close to 4,000 new churches planted since the plan was implemented in 2009.

8. Church Planting schools are being built in each of the eight districts in our region of Tanzania.

9. Churches are being established in remote areas in our region and the light of the Gospel is coming to spiritually dark places for the first time.

10. We have resolved several health issues this year during our itineration and are believing God to finish the work He has started in our physical bodies.

PRAYER REQUESTS: 

Three days before we boarded the plane to return to Tanzania, Joyce received word that her mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy revealed that she has cancer in her right breast. Plane tickets have been canceled and suitcases partially unpacked for this unexpected delay. Joyce is scheduled for a double mastectomy on June 11. The double mastectomy is her choice as a preventative measure; she is at high risk for recurring breast cancer. We won’t know until a week or so after surgery whether Chemotherapy will be needed. The Doctor feels there is a fair chance it will be required depending on the pathology report from the lymph nodes which will be removed during surgery.

Tim, our daughters, Jennifer and Sarah, and I are standing strong in faith and trusting the Lord in this situation. We have a wonderful sense of His presence and peace. Our prayer is that we will walk worthy as children of God and that our words and actions will be a witness to those around us. In the times when we do have fear or doubts, we pray that we will be refilled with HIS peace.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf; we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and encouragement we have received in this situation.

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you (Lord) are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God” 

Psalm 59:16-17 

We continue to be your hand extended to the lost people of Tanzania. We hope to return to Tanzania by the end of the summer if all goes well and God is willing.

As always, we want to take time to thank each one of you for your prayers and support; each of you are valuable to God’s Kingdom and to the work He is doing through us in Tanzania. We could not be in Tanzania and accomplish anything for God without your faithfulness to give and to pray. We know that God will pour out His blessings upon all who are involved in His work.