December/January Update

“And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” (Eze. 22:30)

Dear praying friends,

Most of us have heard about, “Prayer warriors,” but I wonder where they are today. I wonder why I am not one of them, fighting for the advance of the gospel and Christ’s kingdom here on earth. Where are those who will stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of our families, Christ’s church, and the nations? The walls of protection are broken down and destruction is near. The Lord is looking for courageous men and women who will intercede, but they are hard to find. Instead, we are “at ease in Zion,” thinking all is well, when all is not well. Almighty Father, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Ps. 85:6). Brothers and sisters, let us unite in prayer and fasting on behalf of Christ’s work that he may revive us again. There is great need today for a people devoted to prayer.

Disciples of Jesus school

On Jan. 8 we began a new year of training. We currently have 11 students. The Lord answered our prayers as last year we had to close due to a lack of students. Please keep praying for these students, that their minds and hearts would be open to receive the Word that is planted in them and that they would learn from Christ and bear much fruit for Him.

There is still much to be done at the new property purchased for the discipleship school, before we can begin meeting and teaching there. Please pray that the Lord would raise up faithful servants among the Tanzanians to serve there, as there is a great need for honest and faithful workers. Also, pray for the progress of the construction work as the Lord provides.

Village churches

There are problems in many of the village assemblies that need to be addressed, especially with regard to overbearing elders who want to hold on to power instead of shepherding the flock as they are commanded to. Pray for those of us who have a burden to go visit these places and provide biblical teaching and godly counsel.

Also there have been attacks from the enemy using groups of people who go around spreading fear and lies, especially in the churches. They claim to know secret things about people, and use their witchcraft powers to malign God’s servants and sow seeds of discord and fear among God’s people. Many Christians are gripped by fear and give in to the claims and demands of these wicked people. Pray for courage and faith for the believers, to trust in God’s power, and know that greater is He that is in them, than he that is in the world. We are in a spiritual battle.

Peter’s work among the Wataturu

At the beginning of January, Peter, our national brother and missionary to the Wataturu returned to visit and strengthen the 2 small churches in the Tabora region. It was the earnest desire of 5 of the believers to be baptized and make public their choice to follow Christ. We rejoice at the work that God is doing among them. Continue to pray for these new believers to make progress in the faith and be steadfast and immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord.

Also, we continue to pray for our brother David Michael, who has been studying at the Missions school since March of last year. Right now he is halfway through his 2 months of field work, then he will be required to do research among an unreached people group in Tanzania. Please pray for God to guide David and his wife Sara, as to where they should serve God. And pray that the Tanzanian church will rise to the challenge of sending and supporting national missionaries.

Family

We certainly miss our 2 girls, Esther and Emily who are gone to boarding school in Kenya (Rift Valley Academy or RVA) 8.5 months out of the year. We were delighted that Emily was baptized at RVA at the end of last term. We were happy to have them back home for Christmas break for about 1 month. Next week Gina will travel to be with them for their short midterm break. Aaron and Michael continue to do homeschool each week day with a volunteer teacher. Please pray for the spiritual growth of each of our children and that we as parents would be faithful to train them in the fear of the Lord. 

May the Lord make his face shine on you as you intercede with us for these petitions.

Blessings,

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