End of Summer

 

Dear praying friends, 

What a privilege it is to be servants of the Most High God! The more we see the brokenness of this present world the more we long for our heavenly home. We must work while it is day, for night is soon coming. Be steadfast and immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord for your labor is not in vain.

We would like to update you on the work here, as it has been a while …

Disciples of Jesus School

The discipleship school just started up again after a month long break. We still have 8 students who, Lord willing, will graduate at the end of October. Please pray for them that they would finish well. We have 2 ministry trips planned for this last term. 

Johnson Family Reunion

We thank the Lord that at the beginning of August we were able to have a reunion of all but one of the Johnson siblings with their spouses and kids. We gathered here in Kigoma and enjoyed a week of swimming, snorkeling, spear fishing and sailing at a beach on Lake Tanganyika.

Regional Elder’s Conference

In June we held our annual seminar and conference for elders from the 3 regions in our area. Luke and his father had the opportunity to teach on “Preparing new elders” for the work of shepherding. The teaching was well received. Please pray that the current elders would begin doing this important work in their local assemblies.

Bible Training for Men from an Unreached Area

In July we had 5 days of intensive training for 4 men who come from an area of the country that is mostly unreached. This is the area where Peter ministers among the Wataturu and Wasukuma tribes. Pray for each of these men to use the Bibles and commentaries they were given and to teach others. We are thankful for the report of some already teaching others. 

Upcoming Events

Now we are preparing for a 2 day drive to Moshi (near the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro) for a 3 day vacation, followed by a week of meetings where elders from all over the country will be gathered for Bible teaching and to discuss church matters. Luke will be teaching at the seminar there. Pray for his preparation. While in Moshi we will say goodbye to Esther who will be returning by bus to Rift Valley Academy (a Christian boarding school in Kenya) for her 10th grade year. We certainly enjoyed our summer vacation with her at home. Upon return from Moshi, Gina will be starting up homeschool with our 3 middle children and Luke will begin to work on the stack of paperwork for renewing our work and residence permits. Please pray for these matters as well.

 

Your prayers for our family and the work here are very much appreciated.

May God’s grace abound to each of you,

Luke, Gina, Esther, Emily, Aaron, Michael and William Johnson