Looking ahead into 2010
Thinking about what this year will look like in my life brings up many prayer requests.
*Swahili- Continue to slowly improve in the language through translating children's materials with Mariamu's help. Also, looking at the possibility of getting some tutoring with a school in town. I'm looking forward to the day when I'll no longer be complimented on how well I'm doing. (Meaning the Tanzanians no longer notice any struggle, so there's no reason to encourage me.) :-) Pray for diligence and self-discipline.
*Children's ministry- Three more churches have asked Mariamu and I to come help them teach their children: Nyasaka, Bubinza, and Bariadi. The last 2 are further away (1 1/2 and 3 1/2 hrs). Pray for the Lord's direction on how we can give these churches a boost of encouragement in reaching their children. Meanwhile we're continuing our 5-church rotation. (This month- Igoma) Returning to these churches now, 2 of the Sundays we teach and the other 2 we watch and assist the teachers. We're also introducing the children's curriculum of Firm Foundations, (a great series of 50 lessons, teaching the story of redemption from Genesis to the cross).
*Women's ministry- We've had requests from several churches to come teach a special seminar for the ladies: Igoma, Nyasaka, and Bariadi. Tammy and I are in the planning/praying stage. We're looking at starting with a 1-day series on the armor of God. Pray for the Lord's clear direction and the Spirit's power.
*Teen gals- I'm getting an increased burden for the teen gals in our churches, and am seeking the Lord's direction for how to go about reaching them. I remember how much fun and how much I grew spiritually in my youth group back home in Colorado. Pray that the Lord would burden the hearts of someone in each of the churches to start reaching out to the teens.