Hello! This is Kathryn Hubbard with the AIM Europe PrayerLine for Friday 22nd February 2019.
Amos Kennedy is a short term missionary serving among the Gabbra in Dukana, Kenya. “Normally the Gabbra evangelist/mechanic employed here, Duba, and I head out around sunset in order to reach the villages by the time everyone is back from their days herding the animals and to coincide with the time of night when they would be telling stories…Last week we went out to one village and waited while a goat was slaughtered and prepared for us and we were, of course, given fresh skin bracelets to show that we were the honoured guests the animal had been slaughtered for. This isn't a fast food process so we expected to be there all night, which was a great chance to sit under the stars and listen to the old men tell stories after we had shared our story about God who created this world, the sin that man fell into and is guilty of, and the Lamb that was sent to redeem us. This is something I've thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to getting to do. Just the other day I asked the wzee (elders) at one of the studies if they had ever heard the name of Jesus before the studies began last year, and they said no - we had never heard that name. Praise God for increased opportunity to tell of his goodness to people who are fresh to the gospel, and please pray that they would truly grasp and understand as we spend more time together in the word.”
Steve & Ruth Lancaster work with the Africa Inland Church Tanzania at the Institute of Bible & Ministry. Steve is Unit Leader for Tanzania East. They are currently preparing to go on Home Assignment, and Steve writes: “…this term seems to have been tougher than our first one. I’ve struggled with illness for the past 10 months (sinusitis and gastritis) and we’ve both had bouts of what they call ‘culture fatigue’, although which missionary hasn’t experienced this?!... Ruth has also felt the burden of various responsibilities more this term… However, we do have much to praise God for! Many positive things have happened during this second term. I’ve driven over 50,000km without accident or breakdown. We’ve seen the Conference Centre [at Sanga Sanga] grow to its completion with the facilities being well-used by various groups. I've preached or taught over 160 times, mainly to Tanzanian pastors and leaders, and have had a go at my first Swahili commentary. Ruth has dealt with over 80 bookings at Sanga with over 2,600 people staying there; taught several English courses; and she’s also processed donations for work at Sanga totalling 507 million Tanzanian Shillings (£170,000)! We’ve also had the pleasure of introducing family members to Tanzania, as well as a number of church teams and Oak Hall groups. It was also heartening to hear that a number of those Oak Hall folks have gone on to invest further in mission. So, whilst we travel home with jaded eagerness we’re counting our blessings, and we’re thankful for what God has gifted us to do… Please pray for us as we aim to finish well and hand over our various responsibilities. Pray that our Home Assignment would be a time of refreshment, physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Thank you for praying with AIM Europe. Our next PrayerLine will be on Friday 1st March 2019.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18