The Brouwer Family

Lake Victoria Baptist College had their first graduation on April 25, 2009. The graduates, pictured here are John, Joas, Pelegrino and Delphinus. Each received an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies. Also in the picture are some of the teachers who have invested in the lives of these Tanzania men. Tim Whitfield, Bill Brouwer, and Greg Wagoner (founder and president of LVBC).

The day was filled with much excitement. The ceremony was a traditional Tanzania celebration. After receiving their diplomas, each graduate had an opportunity to give a short speech. Then family and friends came forward to offer gifts of congratulations. Pictured here is Delphinus receiving a garland from his wife.

An additional blessing for us was having a part in Pelegrino’s graduation. Pele is a close friend, as well as the assistant pastor in two of our churches.

Watching these men graduate was a highlight of our years here in Tanzania. We feel privileged to have a part in training men and women to do the work of the ministry through LVBC. When we are long gone from Mwanza, these faithful men and women will continue to carry on the work. Our time couldn't be better invested!

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On Saturday morning, April 25th, Bill took part in the ordination of Joas, Pelegrino, John, and Delphinus. These men have showed themselves faithful over the years. They each did a fine job in defending their faith. They were asked some difficult questions, but did a wonderful job in using the Scriptures to explain their beliefs.

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Sunday evenings we hold a team meeting and an English service for the BIMI missionaries here in Mwanza. During our team meeting we discuss African culture, and how we can best minister here in Tanzania. Afterward we sing, and listen to preaching.

This past Sunday we were blessed to have veteran missionaries Greg and Paige Wagoner, Tim and Kim Whitfield, and Robert Mickey here with us. We had these missionaries share what they've learned over the years on the mission field. Two pieces of advice that seemed to come up over and over again were: #1 Learn the language! Don't make excuses. It's hard, but you must learn it in order to be affective. #2 Don't go home for your first furlough until you desire to come back. Good advice for two of our first term missionaries here in Mwanza!

After some godly counsel we had a time of singing. My heart soared as a room full of believers sang praises to our Lord! There is great joy in singing Swahili hymns and choruses, however, to sing in our own language...words can't describe it! We followed our time of praise and worship in song with praise and worship in prayer. Again, what a blessing to come before the throne of God together with these servant's of His. The service ended with Bill sharing an encouraging word from 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Of course no Independent Baptist meeting would be complete without FOOD! The Mwanza missionary ladies brought a variety of goodies to share. We all had a great time of food and fellowship. Yep, definitely a Baptist meeting!!!

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One Friday during Bible College, we set aside for a Marriage Seminar. Chairs were set up front with missionaries Tim and Kim Whitfield, Greg and Paige Wagoner, and Bill and Tammy Brouwer. Each couple had their turn to teach on the marriage relationship. Bill and I enjoyed tag-team teaching!

After several hours of instruction there was a time for question and answers. Let's see how you would answer some of the questions asked:

1. If a man has three wives when he gets saved, what is he supposed to do?
2. What do you tell a young lady whose father is making her marry an older man who looks to have AIDS?
3. Is it OK to go out to eat with a woman before you are married?
4. If your wife tells you all the time, "My parents said to do this and this, what do I say?" (Sound familiar?!)
5. If you give your husband advice that you think will benefit the family, but he doesn't agree, what should you do?

Thankfully we don't rely on our opinions, but have the Word of God to guide and direct our counsel.

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Water is very difficult to come by in these villages, so we are only able to baptize a few times a year.  Since the rains have been good here lately, we were able to get enough water to fill our baptismal tank.  Many new converts from Igekemaja and Fumagira had been waiting for the opportunity to be baptized.  Yesterday, we baptized a total of 56 new converts from these two churches.  Included in the 56 were the four who had been saved that very morning.  I love baptisms in Africa.  Everyone gathers around the baptismal tank and sings, rejoicing with these new converts who are following the Lord in believer's baptism.

Posted by Bill & Tammy Brouwer at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I had the joy of preaching Christ to this large crowd.  From Luke 23, I preached on this topic:  "Which Side of the Cross Are You On"?  On one side of the cross of Christ, there was a man who put his faith in Christ as His Savior, and that very day he went to heaven.  On the other side of Christ's cross was a man who rejected Christ, and that very day he went to hell.  After the message, at the invitation time, two men and two ladies came forward to put their faith in the risen Christ as their Savior.  The joy of seeing precious souls come to Christ never gets old!!!

Posted by Bill & Tammy Brouwer at 6:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow!  What a way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!  We had a combined Easter service yesterday in the village with the churches from Igekemaja and Fumagira.  The building at Fumagira was packed, and the atmosphere was festive and exciting.  By browsing through the crowd, I noticed that there were many visitors, with a total of approximately 350 in attendance.

The service began with some great singing provided by the choirs from both churches.  Each choir sang two specials, and then children's choirs from each church sang several specials.  Then there were several specials from individuals.  Afterword, groups of children from each church recited memory verses.  There was also much congregational singing.  Are you getting the idea that the length of the service was of no concern for these dear African believers?  At these special services, they make plans to spend the entire day at church.

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