A-Town
Gazette
March 24, 2008
Dear Friends,
Mary and I trust that you
had a wonderful Easter celebration reflecting upon the sacrifice of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and upon His resurrection. Here at the Bible Baptist Church of
Olorien, we "always" start our services within 5 minutes of "on time." Here,
in a culture where being late is fashionable, it is difficult. Easter Sunday
however was a different story. We intended to start on time, but the rain
had different idea's. Pouring most of the night and right up to church time,
we wondered what would happen. Rather than be uptight, I decided to be
relaxed about it. After all, this is the Lord's day, not Vernon's. We
started 30 minutes later than normal. The result? A great attendance, a
great spirit, wonderful singing, audible amens and other forms of agreement
throughout the preaching, and 8 precious souls coming to Christ, as well as
a packed altar for prayer. Hmmmm maybe starting late isn't so bad after
all... At least on Easter.
As
well, a young lady who was saved at youth camp in December, finally followed
the Lord in believer's baptism. To add icing to the cake, we heard from the
Bible Baptist Church of Kidudwe that they too had wonderful services with 5
people following the Lord in Baptism. PTL!
Team Tanzania, or, The
Baptist Bible Mission of Tanzania, starts its annual fellowship and business
meeting today. The business meeting is required by the government as a
matter of practice for the "mission society" status.
From the beginning, way
back when, the Team Tanzania missionaries have always met for several days
to preach to one another, sing praise in our own language, and to strategize
concerning ministry especially in the area's of youth camp and the Baptist
Bible College of Tanzania. This meeting is a very part of who we are here in
this country. Please pray with us and for us this week, that the meeting
will be a wonderful time of refreshment, reconnecting, and encouragement for
all involved. As always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers for the
ministry here. God Bless you and give you a great week!
Yours in Arusha,
Vernon and Mary