The Brouwer Family

Today one of our Assistant Pastors came to the house saying, "Kanisa huko Igekemaja lina shida!" In order words, "The church in Igekemaja has a problem!" The rains have come to the Mwanza Region and have been somewhat violent at times. Yesterday a big wind came up and blew out the gable in the front of the church. As you can see from the picture, there are bricks and debris all over the platform. Someone could have been seriously injured, or even killed had it happened during a service. Thankfully no one was in the building at the time. Repairs will start Monday morning. Please pray the weather will allow us to get them done quickly, and safely.

Posted by Bill & Tammy Brouwer at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is what we've been dedicating at least 15 hours a week to for the past 4 months - language learning! Bill has been using some Swahili books from a school in Morogoro to increase Lisa and my ability in the language. Some days it's not so easy to put so many daily tasks aside for more language study. However, every time I'm out with the people the Lord reminds me of the need for me to be more fluent. My desire is to teach these ladies the Word of God and how it pertains to their daily lives. In order to do that, I must have a better grasp of Swahili. Pray for us that we'll be diligent in the next couple weeks as we finish out this course.

Posted by Bill & Tammy Brouwer at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Igoma Independent Baptist Church has been struggling for well over a year now. Pastor Gervasi was very discouraged and ready to leave. When we returned from furlough we decided to help this church by going with the pastor and his wife out soul-winning every Wednesday before the service. Pastor Gervasi also asked Bill to preach through the book of Revelation. So for the past five months that is what we have been doing.

I wish I could give you a specific number of people who have have been saved over these months, but I can only tell you that it has been many. This month there have been 13 people baptized, and many first time visitors. These visitors all say they were invited to come through this soul-winning program.

Another blessing has been seeing the faces of Pastor Gervasi and his wife, Anna. Gone are the frowns and discouraged demeanor. Now we see a couple that is excited about what God is doing. Of course this changed attitude also changes the attitudes of the congregation. It truly is a revived church. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Posted by Bill & Tammy Brouwer at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)