Greg Wagoner & Family

We wrapped up college last night, and I hit the road at 5:09 this morning. I was able to get this shot of the sun coming up over the Tanzanian Plains. Nice!

I thought that I wouldn't get home until around 6p; but, traveling alone I was able to shave 2+ hours off the driving time. I pulled into our driveway at the Moshi house at 3:50p. It is such a joy to be back home with the people I love the most in this world.
Thanks to all of you who were praying for safe travel. If you have ever been on these roads, you understand... If you never have ridden in a vehicle in East Africa, I will spare you for now. I am praising God to be alive. lol!

Posted by Greg at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bro. Robert Mickey preached a passionate and pertinent message on the life of Caleb in the LVBC chapel service last night. Our spirits were stirred as we pictured the 85 year old "dog" (That is what the name "Caleb" means!) clinging to a promise God gave him 45 years earlier. Through no fault of his own, Caleb was forced to wait a long time before gaining the reward. Even though he, along with Joshua, tried to convince the people that GOD IS ABLE to give them victory... The unbelieving multitude of murmuring Israelites were afraid to march into the the land and claim God's promises. So... Caleb waited and prayed... He fixed his sights and looked to the heights! He didn't whine... He didn't give up... He didn't give in; and... he did get his MOUNTAIN!
What are you believing God to do in your life? To which promises are you clinging? It may, as in Caleb's case, take 45 years before you are granted your request... It may take longer. Don't stop knocking! Don't stop asking! Don't stop seeking! GOD HAS A MOUNTAIN FOR YOU!
William Carey, a great Baptist missionary to India said:
Expect Great Things from God;
Attempt Great Things for God!

Posted by Greg at 6:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Those students who have earned the right to stay for the second week of LVBC are getting a huge blessing these last two days of chuo. (college) They are navigating the wonderful history of the early church as Bro. Mickey, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, guides them through these rich pages of truth. Even though those who titled the book made an unfortunate decision by calling it the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, we realize who the real agent of action was in this important transitional age.
During the late afternoon hours I was able to run into town and get the final photocopies of homework that the students will be needing in between LVBC sessions.

Posted by Greg at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I finished up the lessons in the book of Isaiah this afternoon just in time to trek down Ibungilo Hill to meet Brother Robert Mickey who arrived this evening.
The Isaiah classes were a blessing, and I don't think that the students will forget that one of Isaiah's sons was named Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz! His name carries an explicit message for preachers... "Hurry up and get to the Remnant!" The LORD Jesus gave us a Great Commission, and we need to run with that message so that those who would receive the message will be saved! Amen.
Brother Mickey made a long journey from Nakuru, Kenya, today with, Isaka, the youth pastor of Grace Bible Baptist Church. Bro. Mickey is here to teach a class which will cover Acts 1-14.
This evening God met with us in chapel. Dr. Bill Brouwer preached on giving God thanks for all things at all times! Truly, a challenge; but, absolutely the will of God for our lives. (Ephesians 5:20 + 1 Thessalonians 5:18) So, friends... MSHUKURUNI KWA KILA JAMBO!

Posted by Greg at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just wanted to update you on a few items that were mentioned in the last couple posts...

1. Gervas (the pastor in Igoma) arrived at Bible College this morning and told Greg that a first time visitor that was in the service in Igoma yesterday stayed after the service and got saved! AMEN!!!!

2. Rhoda, Pastor Joas' wife, had a healthy baby girl on Saturday. Name not yet known.

Posted by Paige at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was in Igoma this morning with Pastor Gervas Bugabola and the Independent Baptist Church. You may recall that several months back this church went through a difficult time. Several members led a revolt against the pastor and started another work by aligning themselves with another mission agency. Well... the fussin' few could not dwell in harmony and their offshoot work has since fizzled. It is sad that the self-willed caused the ruin of so many in Igoma.
Nonetheless, today I was greatly encouraged by what is happening at the church, with Pastor Gervas, and those who stayed loyal to Christ and the man of God. The last time I preached in Igoma there were only a handful of folks in attendance. Today (PRAISE GOD!) there was a group of thirty in the meeting. I preached on: MOVING THE WORD OF GOD FROM OUR HANDS TO OUR HEARTS! from Matthew 5. Jesus said over and again... "Ye have heard it said..." - "But, I say unto you..." It was a great time, and my prayer is that this church was encouraged as much as I was today! Keep praying for Igoma and Pastor Gervas.

Posted by Greg at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saturday is time for a student turnaround at LVBC. Underclassmen return home, while those who have passed the prerequisite class (or are overseeing a local church), stay for one more week. Those who will be sticking around, 18 total this term, will be involved in two classes, 2 credit hours each:The Book of Isaiah and Acts 1-14.

Posted by Greg at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been in contact with Greg throughout the week. The classes are going well. They had 3 baptized earlier in the week. These are students that are from some of the village works where there is no baptistry. When they come into Bible College, there is opportunity there to take that next step of obedience.
There is a new student at LVBC this term... Nathan John Naftary. He is the 6 month old son of Pastor John and his wife, Mariamu. She delivered just a few weeks before Bible College last term, so was not able to attend. She is there this time with little Nate. Greg says that he is one of the happiest babies that he has seen :)
There should be another baby on the way soon too. Rhoda, Pastor's Joas' wife, is due to deliver any day now. This will be their first child.

Posted by Paige at 7:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know that many of you are wondering what the kids and I have been doing since Greg has been away at Bible College, so I thought I would tell ya :)
School, school, and more school... that pretty much sums it up! NO, just kidding! But we have been focusing alot on school the last week.
I have worked hard every year from the beginning of the school year (July 7th this year) to make sure that we have a "workable, flexible" schedule in order to get the kids' schooling done in plenty of time. This school year we are working toward getting done before furlough in May of next year.
So I had done that and planned for some "down time" the first part of September for a BIMT conference and vacation. What I did not plan for were: a trip to Nairobi to get multiple-entry visas, my DAD visiting us (which was wonderful, by the way!), and a missionary ladies' conference that I went to in Nairobi. Now, I said all that to say this... I would not have cut any of that out or done it any differently, BUT it did affect our school schedule.
We are not really that far behind, but have been making alot of head way this past week since Greg has been gone. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE having Greg here, and I miss him tremendously when he is gone, but the timing of Bible College this year has been great in light of all the "unforeseens" that have happened in the last month.

Here is a glimpse of what the children are learning in school right now:

Abigail is in the middle of a Science Fair project- she is doing it on growth in puppies. She has been measuring and weighing the puppies each week and recording it. She will compile that into a nice project in a few more weeks. She is almost done with the report side of it. In Math, she is doing some consumer/business math and loves it.

Joseph is studying the American Revolution. He has done some units on this in previous years, but this year (4th grade) they are really delving in a lot deeper. He is learning to factor in Math. In Science, we have just begun a unit on the weather, mass, matter, etc. (Again...lots of new material for him.)

Susanna is learning to solve equations with an unknown number, mastering the 6 multiplication family, US state geography, and reading about the Pilgrims.

Christine is learning more and more letters every week. I think there are only about 5 or 6 that she does not know yet. :) She is also sounding out blends and short words, recognizing and writing numbers up to 100, and we can't forget community helpers. :)

So, as you can see, our days are full, but we do squeeze some fun in there from time to time as well. Currently there is a friendly competition going on among Mommy and the three oldest on Brain Age 2 on the DS :)

Posted by Paige at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greg mentioned in his last post that he is at Bible College. I have been in contact with him and, everything is going along well. There are 38 students this week. We were praying for 40, so that's pretty good :) He said that it is a good group from 9 different churches.
Yesterday Bro. Bill Brouwer taught his class. Today through Friday, Greg will be teaching. Pastor John and Pastor Joas are teaching another class at the same time. It worked out well, in that, Greg has 18 in his class and the pastors have 20 in theirs. Pretty even, huh? :)
There has been lots of rain today there. I wish that we would get some here!! It is DRY. I am sure with all the rain, the roads up to the church (where the Bible College meets) are going to be pretty horrendous!

Posted by Paige at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chuo is Swahili for "College", and that is, indeed, what I have been gearing up for all day today. This morning has been filled with:
*Arranging food service with our mama ntilie (This is a Swahili word that doesn't really have an English equivalent... A mama ntilie is someone who brings food to a location - Like... "meals on wheels", except the wheels are two legs and the food is carried on the mama's head.)
*Getting textbooks and tests to the printer. This is done at a secretarial services bureau in town. (Something like a Kinkos.) They photocopy the material, sort, and bind booklets.
*Purchasing air freshener, bug spray, and snacks. (The air freshener is for the vyoo (restrooms) which start to produce a distinct odor that needs to be masked! The bug spray is to rid our bunks of mosquitoes; thus, preventing a possible bout with malaria. The snacks need no explaination!)
*Prepping clothing. I take my week's worth of pants and shirts to a dry cleaner in town just to get pressed, hung, and covered with plastic. (This keeps the flying dust off the garments!)
*Running other errands. Also today, I had to: (1) Get Christine's Visa transferred from her expired passport into her new one. This was done at the Immigration Office in Mwanza. (For some strange reason they couldn't do it for me at the Kilimanjaro Office.) (2) Finishing paying the duty for the Scripture container that came in last month. (3) Buy more dollars and Tanzanian Shillings at a local ForEx Bureau.
So, yeah, we are getting geared up for CHUO!!

Posted by Greg at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Praise the Lord, Brother B.J. and I made it into Mwanza safe & sound yesterday. After a good night's sleep we were off to the Independent Baptist Church of Igekemaja. This church was started by fellow BIMI Tanzania missionary, Dr. Bill Brouwer, on Easter Sunday 2007. Brother Brouwer invited me to preach in the worship service this morning. It was a great honor to share a Word from Genesis chapters 6 and 8 about the window which God ordered Noah to construct at the top of the ark. The people received the Word with great joy, and we praise the Lord for Monika, who received Christ as her personal Savior this morning!
Please pray for the upcoming two weeks at LAKE VICTORIA BAPTIST COLLEGE. We are hoping to have at least 40 in attendance for the studies. This is always a great time for us and the students as we take part in "revival learning" together.

Posted by Greg at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I will be pulling out of the drive in about 15 minutes to begin the long journey towards Mwanza. Bro. BJ will be travelling with me. The van is loaded up with three bicycles (dissembled for travel); 25 boxes of Romans booklets (heavy in the little van); choir robes, college books, assignments, tests, grading keys, and everything else needed for 2 weeks and 7 classes. Whew!
This session we are offering the following courses: Spiritual Gifts; Dispensations; Baptist Polity (1, 2, and 3); Isaiah; The Book of Acts. Helping me with the teaching load will be Dr. Bill Brouwer, Pastor Joas Kibaba, Pastor John Naftary, and Missionary Robert Mickey. Missionary B.J. Schultz will provide support in various administrative duties.
Please pray for...
*Safe travel for all teachers and students
*Attendance of at least 40 students
*A good spirit on campus
*Spiritual renewal
*Intellectual growth
*God to be glorified

Posted by Paige at 4:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week, Thursday through Saturday, I was able to go to Nairobi, Kenya, for a Missionary Ladies Retreat. We were a small number, but we had a great time!! Angela Madory headed it up and did a wonderful job. Women of Worth was the theme. There was even a little duka (store) on the property of the conference center with the same name :) Kim Hawn from Oklahoma was our guest speaker. She used the theme very well and gave us LOTS of definitions :) and useful information for our lives, both personal and ministry- related.
We ate out at a local restaurant each day for lunch (Americano and Indian), then Angela took us to some neat places to shop. In one shop everything was made from recycled items... flip-flops that washed in from the beach (you should have seen the mound of those things!), and tires and tubes. The prices were not too bad either. We also went to a bead and pottery factory and were able to see the process from start to finish. Of course there were plenty of wares there to buy as well :) The ladies that work there are single moms.
Sunday morning, Cathy Schultz and I went to the Madory's brand new church (6 weeks old) in Karen, Kenya. We then went to Java House for lunch (chicken salad plate and brownie fudge sundae..woohoo!!), and on to the Silver Springs Hotel where we caught our return shuttle to Moshi.

Posted by Paige at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It rained a little bit last night. Praise God! That means two things: (1) We opened the windows to the house because the dampness will keep the dust from swirling in the mountain thermals!; (2) I had a chance to mow the lawn without stirring up a dust cloud. Rain is good here, amen.
Mowing is one of my favorite exercises. It gives me two good hours of exercise while being able to lose myself in thought while the engine hums. Ahh... a masculine utopia!
Today, I was especially thinking about the upcoming presidential election, fear, and anxiety. It seems that every election cycle gets a bit more intense than the one which was held four years earlier. I think it is safe to say that during my 36 years (I know, not many) that this election provides the greatest amount of emotion and passion than any other. (I know I will be up in the wee hours of the morning on Weds, Nov 5th as the results come across the TV!)
Then, I started thinking about those who are fearful of the outcome. Right now, I feel like I know who is going to win, and it's not the man for whom I am voting; but, the other guy doesn't "frighten" me. Why? Because I don't fear him... I fear God!
Fear usually frightens. That means anxiety, worry, and ultimately depression and defeat. However, the fear of God is unlike any other fear. The fear of God does not frighten, it relieves. By fearing God I commit myself to the awe of the assurance that He is in control. My fear of God does not cause me to cower in a corner out of His sight; rather it comforts my spirit and gives me eternal perspective through every present danger; it makes me get closer to Him!
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Posted by Greg at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The following is a note from Brother Scott McDermott of Carthage, MO regarding his visit to East Africa in early September.

If I may say, God is doing some very sincere, exciting things in Tanzania in and thru our missionary families! I cannot do justice to the feelings experienced as I sat in local churches filled with native African brothers and sisters in Christ, fellowshipping together, singing together, praising our common Saviour together. What a miraculous testimony, and blessing to enjoy ! It never ceases to amaze me how complete strangers can share the love of Christ so freely. Amen!
My time in Africa was a tremendous education: seeing the native African animals in the wild was a real once in a lifetime treat, but oh, the people. Very warm, friendly. If you're thinking of being a missionary in Africa, here is a great place to start. . . Dr. Bragg and I are from the same home church, that's how I was able to come at his invitation. What a blessing. Beyond all his crack-ups is a giant heart for Africa, and the missionary families he shepherds there. (Are ya dead, mawn?) God richly bless you all, and thank you so much for the life changing experience. I'll never be the same. Ps: if you're reading this and are considering a mission's trip, don't put it off one more instant! These missionaries are tops, you won't regret one moment, well that is until "someone" turns on the generator ;) I love everyone of you guys (and gals)! You have one more prayer partner than you did before !

Posted by Greg at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances,
Or things I could not understand.
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustration gets so out of hand.
Its then I am reminded I've never been forsaken;
I've never had to stand the test alone.
As I look at all the victories...
The spirit rises up in me...
And its through the fire my weakness is made strong.

Posted by Greg at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

He never promised that the cross would not get heavy,
And the hill would not be hard to climb.
He never offered our victories without fighting;
But He said help would always come in time.
Just remember when your standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in;
Just hold on, our Lord will show up,
And He will take you through the fire again.

(From the Crabb Family's "Through the Fire")

Posted by Greg at 8:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I remember a visitor who once said to me - "Most of your time in Tanzania is spent just staying alive!" Without a doubt, African Agitations can get one stirred up from time time to time. We have had frequent power outages and our water tanks have been running dry lately. Yesterday was especially difficult. This is not surprising as Sunday was approaching. You would be hard pressed to convince me that we do not battle the prince and power of the air, who seeks to keep our minds off the work at hand.
Regardless of these annoyances, the work continues, amen. Romans 14 was our text in Kingereka this morning. This passage provides believers two wonderful lessons of Christian family conduct: (1) Don't judge your brother's freedome to use his Christian liberty; and (2) Don't cause your brother to stumble by flaunting your Christian liberty. The main reason is: we have ONE LORD. One LORD who has received us. One LORD who will examine our work. When we judge a brother, we establish ourselves as divinity; and, when we trip up a brother we act devilish. Several regulars were absent from the services which made attendance pretty sparse in this new church plant. However, those who were present seemed to receive the teaching with understanding.
A big milestone came for Abigail today. Since Paige was away from the services Ab pinch hit in children's church. This was her first time to ever teach a solo Swahili lesson. She taught on the four lepers of 2 Kings who found the Syrian spoils and then, convicted by their silence, decided to GO and TELL the Good News! Susanna and Christine said she did a good job. I'm sure she did; but... I am pretty partial. lol!

Posted by Greg at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My brief stint of substitute teaching is finished. Whew! While Paige is in Nairobi, at the Ladies' "Women of Worth" meeting, I had a small list of subjects to follow-up with the kids' schooling. It was kinda fun, even though Christine and I had an episode or two. lol! The first day I was going over her flash cards, and... I was- "Going to fast." Today, she was having a difficult time remembering some of her letters and got a bit flustered. After a short rest, she came back to the table and got them all right on the very first try!
Some other responsibilities have been checking activity sheets and administering spelling tests for the three older ones. It was a neat, new experience and gave me some extra time with the children. But... we will all be glad to have the real teacher back on Sunday!

Posted by Greg at 6:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Daddy: Christine, have you had any fun times lately?
Christine: Not lately today! But, um... When Papaw was here I hit the hit the ball, that was on a rope with a bat.
I like playing the Princess Memory Game.
Daddy: What do you like to do in school?
Christine: I like the one where you have to, it says... like... look at the numbers and do something with that. And, then there's another one... look at the papers, count the thingies and circle the number that's right.
Daddy: What do you think about mommy being gone for a few days?
Christine: I hope she has a safe trip and she'll be fine at the conference. And that she'll make it home safely with Mrs. Cathy.

Posted by Christine at 4:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please remember Paige in your prayers as she is away for a few days. She left for Nairobi a few hours ago. While there, she will be attending a ladies' conference for Independent Baptist missionary wives. I am sure she will be greatly encouraged to be with some other ladies of like mind.
Remember me, too! I am playing both parents through Sunday or Monday. (At this post her actual return time is not confirmed.) This means full meal perparations and homeschool oversight. So, yes... I could use your prayers, too.

Posted by Greg at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last Thursday we returned home from Nairobi after dropping my Grandpa off at the airport. Nairobi to Moshi is a 6 hour drive on partially bumpy roads. During the drive we saw a car crash happen right in front of our eyes! As we were nearing Arusha my dad began to slow down and pull off to the side of the road. He told us - "We are going to see a wreck right now!" As he said that a car, going very fast and fishtailing, passed us. He was out of control and ran into a truck which was just ahead of us. When the car hit the truck it flew into the air and starting rolling down the road. Dust, smoke, and sparks were flying everywhere! My dad jumped out of the van and ran to the car. Thankfully, but unbelievably... the driver wiggled his way out of the totalled vehicle. Then, he started running away. My dad started yelling at other bystanders "Mkamate! Mkamate!" which means - "Catch him!" We left before they actually got him.

Posted by Joseph at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Posted by Greg at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you ever heard a sermon which mentioned tithing and then saw someone ADD to their offering during the invitation? Well, it happened at International Baptist Church - Kingereka today! Romans 13 was our text. Within the text 2 financial issues are directly addressed: (1) Paying taxes & (2) Staying out of debt. This gave me an opportunity to present a thumbnail sketch of how a Christian's budget should be planned with tithing at the top. Our love for God is candidly evidenced by the way we utilize our resources. And, if we confess that we love God, then... we will prove it by giving to Him before we use our money for anything else. So, when Sister Sophia came forward during the invitation I asked her if she had come to the altar to pray. She replied, "No, I came to bring my tithe." Praise the Lord!
Another couple of notes of praise are that Brother John led the congregational singing today. I usually do it, but during the intermission between Sunday School and Worship he showed me a list of songs that he would like to see us sing. When I asked him if he wanted to lead us, he said, "Sure." He did a great job, even though his hands were shaking like leaves. HA! O yes, and today was the first time (since we have been in our building) that John's wife came to church with him.
The last praise involves two fairly new faces in our assembly: Yoshua and Mama Rebeka. Yoshua has come to church three Sundays in a row, and today was Mama Rebeka's third visit with us. Paige, the kids, and I paid them a short visit after church. They are not related to one another, but live in the same compound. Though brief, our visit with them was profitable; and, it seems likely that they will be permanent fixtures in the church. Amen.

Posted by Greg at 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Posted by Greg at 7:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, Dad wants me to publish a blog entry, and since I can't make up my mind what to write about, I'll say a little bit of everything...
First, we went to Mombasa. We went on a low-tide walk and saw really neat sea life. After that we headed to Nairobi and surprise, surprise! Our grandpa showed up! After spending a night in Nairobi, we came back to Moshi. On Sunday, after church, we had a birthday party to celebrate Mom's, Joe's, and my birthdays. Guess what? More surprises! My parent's and grandparent's gift to us was a 24 hour safari! Oh yeah! We went on the safari, spent the night in a tent (I thought the lions would get us for sure), and headed back home. The next day, we went back to Nairobi. We were taking grandpa to the airport. After he left, we spent the night in a guest house and came back home. So concludes my report of September Surprises!

Posted by Abigail at 7:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We left with Harry for NBO this morning, and he is due to fly out in a couple of hours. Pray for his safe arrival in Owingsville, KY.

Posted by Greg at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)