Church in Mromboo

Well...it's official! The new church in Mromboo is now fully open and functioning. What a joy it has been to work and fellowship with Pastor Ron Williams from Sanford Florida, Pastor Larry Franck from Venice Florida, and Pastor Scott Carlson and wife Rebecca from Altamonte Springs Florida, and four members of Bro. Williams church (Mario and Lindsay, and Jason and Yulema). We have worked hard in preparation for the dedication day yesterday, Sunday March 11. The little church normally runs about 25-35 in attendance, meeting in a rented school room. Together with M&M (Moses and Monica), the day was marked with 243 people in the "first" service, with 4 people saved, and two others for prayer and assurance. The "second" service under the tent outside, after food and barbecue, saw over 300 people listening attentively to songs about Christ, and to the word of God being preached. I was especially proud of our teens and workers from our church in Olorien. Several were involved with cooking, but all were involved in serving, and eventually cleaning up. There were several shining star workers who gave and gave of themselves until the work was accomplished. To God be the Glory - great things he has done! Please pray especially for Moses and Monica this week as the "party" is over, and the work of following up the myriad of visitors begins. Pray that they will be able to win and disciple many people in the new area of Mromboo. God Bless you for your thoughts and prayers this week!

Yours in Tanzania,
Vernon and Mary Smith

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March 19, 2007

Hi Everyone,
Phew, after a week like last week, we needed a little down time. We got one day, and were grateful for that. The surprising thing this week is what took place on Sunday, one week after the big week. Let me start with here in Olorien. You remember that last week we had an 8:30 a.m. early service here, so that we could all be a part of the grand opening in Mromboo at 11:00 a.m. Well, this Sunday, we resumed our normal schedule of meeting at 10:00 a.m. Here in Olorien. The wonderful thing was, many MANY people came to the service EARLY!!!! Unheard of in this culture! I was so grateful that, I am tempted to have an early service once in a while just to see the people come out "early" in the following weeks :)

In Mromboo, M&M (Moses and Monica) reported an excellent day. Their new choir were ALL early for practice for the service, and they had a great spirit and attendance. Moses talked with no less than 8 people about salvation and baptism. Four adults accepted Christ in their Wednesday service, and they dealt with 6 young people for salvation on Sunday. Please pray with us that these will follow through with their decisions for the Lord and be baptized as well. Also please pray for Moses and family for their safety. Obviously the devil is not happy about the new church plant.
Moses was riding his bike this past week when two motorcycles, racing each other, came towards Moses. The first one missed him, but the second one hit him. It threw Moses to the ground and crushed the front tire and rim of his bike. The motorcycle rider left the scene. Many people who gathered quickly, said that they knew the guy. He will not be hard to track down.
Fortunately, Moses came out of the accident with bumps and bruises and a couple of small cuts. No broken bones. He is VERY sore, but otherwise, okay.

I hope all is well with you all and that the Lord will grant you a great week!
Yours in Arusha,
Vernon and Mary Smith