Wings of Service

There are so many things happening that I could write about, and I will try to provide some more updates soon. However, we have had several people asking some questions lately so I thought it would be appropriate to do a little question and answer. 

Are you still enjoying your time at Kibidula?

Yes, we consider ourselves very blessed to be able to be here and serve the people of Tanzania, and the ministries of Kibidula. We are also grateful for the big house that we were assigned as children from the village often drop by to play with Mercy and Enoch and share in a meal, or AG schools students that come looking for work on a Sunday, or the potlucks and game nights that we are privileged to have in our home. God knew just how much space we needed, and it makes us happy to be surrounded by these many new friends. 

Do you still plan to stay long term? 

We made a 3 year commitment when we came to Kibidula and we plan to stay as long as God continues to show us that he has a work for us to do here, however long that might be. 

How is your vehicle project progressing?

We want to thank each of you that have generously given to help provide a vehicle for our use. We are excited to let you know that just over 25% of the goal has been reached! Also as of this last Friday, we have been loaned a personal vehicle due to a change in staff here at Kibidula, so we do have transportation to use until we are able to purchase a vehicle. This is a huge answer to prayer, as it reduces the amount of motorcycle travel we make as a family on muddy roads during rainy season. It also allows Shiayla to have transportation as she has been asked to head the children’s division at the Chapel and now has more responsibilities to fulfill both on campus and in the surrounding area. 

What role do donations play in the work you do?

We do receive some fixed stipend which covers our most basic needs. However, each of you that provide support help cover cost such as school books, clothing, travel expenses both here and back to the states, and any ministry opportunities that we feel called to personally engage in. Examples of ministry opportunities we are becoming involved in are visiting and supporting churches in the nearby communities, organizing trips to local orphanages, and assisting others who are making visitation in the nearby villages. We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices many of you have made to make this all possible!

How are you all doing there?

We are doing well! Shiayla has been asked to be in charge of the children ministries as well as the head children’s teacher for the Chapel, which adds more hours of planning and organizing each week to the many she already puts into planning and teaching Mercy and Enoch who are now in 4th and 2nd grades. The kids seem to have a growing circle of friends that drop by with increasing frequency. And I have been asked to take over management of the shop as well as construction. I still have over 20 workers working in construction and a handful working in the shop, as well as continuing to work with our schools and provide some vocational training. So we are busy here. But ever so blessed. Blessed by the smiling faces of young children, blessed by workers who want to learn and enjoy the work they are doing, blessed by schools that want to expand the learning of their students, blessed to know each one of you. Mostly we are blessed to know that we able to play some small part in sharing Jesus with those who need him.

Also we are pleased to let you know that the donate process has been simplified. Check out the options at our blog.