Thank you so much for your prayers on behalf of this past weekend’s evangelism trip! We were so blessed as we visited the region of Labay. Both of the villages where we showed the Jesus film (Friday night and Saturday night) were places with relatively little Christian influence. In fact, the local evangelist of the village where we were on Saturday told us that this new church plant only has about 10 Christians. Before showing the film that evening, we spent the afternoon teaching a seminar and were very encouraged as we had the opportunity to share some very clear presentations of the gospel to the 60+ people who showed up! Most encouraging was the fact that several of the people in attendance were some of the village elders. When our sessions were over they said, “We have never come to church before but we have really learned some things today and want to start coming now!” Praise God! May the seeds that were planted bear much fruit!
The previous weekend that we spent in Arusha was also a blessed time. Ben ended up needing to have some work done on his motorcycle that delayed our return to the school. Nevertheless, we had some very positive interactions with our fellow missionaries there and returned here very encouraged. God continues to orchestrate many things on our behalf. It was also a blessing to have an improved internet connection which enabled us to have increased communication with family and friends. As a matter of fact, I received some great news from my sister, Anna, and her husband, Dary! For those that don’t remember, due to injuries that Dary sustained in Iraq, they are unable to have children of their own. Recently, however, they were approached by an expectant, single mother who asked if they would be able to adopt the baby she is carrying, due at the beginning of September! Dary and Anna are SO excited and I am so happy to see the way God seems to be preparing to fulfill Anna’s lifelong dream of having a baby of her own! I also think it is pretty cool that I am going to get to be an uncle again. J As God brings it to your mind, please keep this whole situation in your prayers, as well.
So, second semester is going to be over before we know it! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. As I mentioned in my last update, this coming weekend is our weekend of spiritual meetings for the semester here at Waama. Pray that God would be glorified through this time and that His people would be built up and encouraged in their faith.
Thank you again for your part in this ministry. As I watched people come forward this past weekend out in these villages to make public professions of faith, I couldn’t help but praise God for all of you back home who make this work possible. May God richly bless you for your part! Keep up the good work!!
In Christ,
Jesse Long
Mbulu, Tanzania
