And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6 : 9 We have had another eventful month. The children have been off school so there has been plenty of work keeping them occupied. They are now ready to commence their last term on the 5th September for this school year. Agnes our teacher continued to teach them over their holiday time. They are looking forward to returning to school.
Peter Gillan arrived safely although he had an eventful journey. A delayed flight from Dublin caused him to miss his connecting flight to Dar es Salam and onward flight to Tabora. It took a lot of logistics to sort but thankfully he was able to get a seat on a Tabora flight the next day. It’s a real blessing and very encouraging to have him here for these 2 months. We trust that he will be blessed too, as he gives off his time to serve the Lord.
The new building continues to progress well. The windows were delivered by the supplier which was great, as we thought we might have to collect them. The company that made them also fitted them which was an extra bonus. The ceilings are all up and skimmed, almost ready for painting as well. Pray that the financial needs will be met to finish this much needed building. We are presently witnessing huge price increases in supplies here in Tanzania, coupled with a very poor exchange rate. The locals are also feeling the effects along with the rest of the world. Continue to pray for the education needs of the children. They have enjoyed being off school from the 28th of July. There again has been a lot of preparations in the past weeks, sorting uniforms, shoes, books, school bags, cutting hair, transport, and school fees, to mention a few. Since we have covered and introduced all the children in the past prayer updates, we thought that we would now start introducing our senior staff here at the Children’s Home. In the months that lie ahead we will have a photo and a little background information about them, so that you can pray more effectively for them.
This month we introduce Margaret. She is our Head Carer here at the children’s Home. Margaret has been with us now for 5 years. She is 30 years old and has excelled in her role here over these past years. She has gained confidence and is very authoritive when needed, even to her elder fellow workers, which is very much against tradition. We have taught her much in the administrative role here and she is now able to deal with a lot of the officialdom. She is capable of running the home in our absence and is very passionate about her work, loves the children and is loved by all the children in the Home. Margaret was due to go on maternity leave from the 1st week in September, but her baby decided to arrive early. Congratulations to Margaret and Daniel on the birth of their baby daughter Euphoria.
Since the group photos of the children, we have had a new addition to the Home. His name is Moses he is roughly one and a half years old and has the most beautiful smile. He was abandoned but has settled in very well and is loved by his 35 siblings here at the Home. It is a joy and privilege to be serving the Lord here, helping in a little way to provide a safe and loving home for these children. Continue to pray for the ministry of Jerry and Rachel Wyatt at the church at Ndevelwa. The church continues to grow spiritually and numerically. Two weeks ago, there was a special children’s meeting arranged. Many children attended along with eight of our older children. Pauline and I dropped them off and returned to town to attend to some things there. On our return at pick up time we were met by Musa who proceded to tell us that he had accepted the Lord Jesus as his saviour and then Moses told us also that he got saved too. A real blessing to witness two more of our boys accepting Christ as saviour. Please continue to pray for the others. Thank you for your prayers regarding our health. Pauline had a bout of malaria but soon got over it for which we praise the Lord. On Johns last visit to the doctor his medication was reduced, and he has been monitoring his blood pressure and heart rate twice daily. He is due to go and see the Doctor again this week. He has continued to feel well but still tires easily. We very much appreciate your continued prayers and support for us and the Lord’s work here. Love in Christ, John & Pauline