Happy New Year!! As our Christian friends here in Tanzania say, “Praise the Lord! We have been chosen to see another year…to do the work of the Lord.” It truly is a blessing. Furthermore, I can’t thank each of you enough for your continuing, faithful prayers and support on our behalf as we serve in this part of the world. I pray God strengthen and encourage each of you in your work in 2008 as well. I am increasingly aware that God doesn’t have “degrees of importance” within His work. Your work, in obedience to Him and on His behalf (right where He has placed you), is just as important as any other work in His field. We are all simply vessels…called to be faithful where He puts us.
To give a brief update, Ben and I were blessed to have a relaxing time off over the holidays. Despite some minor motorcycle issues (broken chains and dirty fuel filters), God kept us safe over many kilometers of travel. We were able to have almost an entire week on the Island of Zanzibar just off the East coast of Africa. While we didn’t “want” to be there that long, we were virtually “obligated” due to the fact that the embassy in Dar was closed for the holidays until January 2nd. (You may have been able to detect a slight amount of sarcasm in that last part.) Anyway, we were finally able to get more pages added to our passports as needed and then return to Arusha on the 3rd. For pictures from the past couple weeks, check out http://benandjesse.blogspot.com.
Now we are back to work. Classes started up already today and even the students seem excited to be back for this second term. The classes Ben and I are responsible to teach include: 1 John, 1 Thessalonians, Piano, Guitar, English, and Computer. Please keep us in prayer as we seek to effectively and accurately communicate Biblical truth in each class period. Pray also for the students who will go from this place after a few short months to be spiritual leaders in their various villages.
With regards to weekend ministry and Jesus film showings, we have our entire schedule set until the end of this term at Easter time. While it is a relief to have our plans in order well in advance, it also means that a lot of village invitations will be turned down in the next couple months. We appreciate your prayers as we coordinate and schedule this ministry, especially into the third term.
Thank you again for your part in this work. As a closing request, I would ask again that you continue to pray for Ben and I as we seek God’s will with regards to our futures – both long-term and not-so-long-term. We are both certainly willing to remain here for as long as He wants but are open to new direction, as well. There are definitely opportunities but His will is what we are seeking.
Thank you again. I will sign off for now. God bless you all richly!
In His service,
Jesse Long
Mbulu, Tanzania
