Greg Wagoner & Family

We have been in Mwanza for LAKE VICTORIA BAPTIST COLLEGE. While here we have been able to see some friends like: the Brouwers, Weeklys, Helsbys, Mickeys, and the Tanners. For the first two nights we slept at a hotel called Ladson Lodge. Then, we moved up to the college campus. We have been sleeping in tents and tent cots. While talking to my friends I found out about a gaming website called runescape. It is the most played computer game in the world.
We will be leaving tomorrow and taking an airplane; because we sold our van. It has been a fun time.

Posted by Joseph at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I praise the LORD that He allowed the kids and me the opportunity to attend this session of Lake Victoria Baptist College. We arrived last Wednesday evening and stayed at a little hotel down the hill from the college for the first two nights.

Friday morning we packed up and headed up on the hill to 'camp out' with Greg :) Actually it has not been too bad sleeping in the tent cots that we bought our last furlough. We have been fairly busy since making the move to the hill. Friday was the Marriage Seminar that I was able to take part in teaching. Saturday was the ordination and graduation. What a blessing!!!!!!!! These men and their families have been a tremendous encouragement to us during some difficult times here on the field. It was an extreme pleasure to see them reach this milestone.

Another purpose of my coming to Bible College was so that we could attempt to get all the tests and work graded and back to the students by the end of the second week. (Furough is coming in three weeks. Not having any work hanging over our(my) heads will make leaving for furlough that much more enjoyable. :) )Lisa Newland has been a HUGE help in getting this done. By the grace of God, I think that we are going to be able to do it!! We are heading back to Moshi on Thursday afternoon, so we have all day tomorrow and and a little bit of time Thursday morning to get everything finished up.

Posted by Paige at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This morning we gathered for a "Solemn Assembly" at the Independent Baptist Church of Ibungilo. There was no Sunday School, no singing, no offering... just a time to deal with the problem at hand - Discord, Disunity, and Disassociation. I began the service by giving a history of how, why, and to what extent the church was founded. Then, I gave an accentuated reading of 2 Corinthians 11. (To those of you reading this entry... It would serve justice to this post for you to peruse 2 Corinthians 11 at this time.) At the conclusion of the reading we, myself with Pastor Delphinus at my side, informed the congregation that:
1.) The Independent Baptist Church was being dissolved;
2.) Pastor Delphinus would be starting a new church this evening.
3.) The new church would not be worshipping on the same property, but would be meeting in a new location.
Thus three major benefits were solidified:
1.) Those who were supportive of Pastor Delphinus would continue with him in his "new" church.
2.) The problems caused by land, building, and business would be non-issues in the "new" church.
3.) The college and church would be two distinct entities.
This evening Pastor Delphinus started the "new" church in Bwiru at the home of a member and had 20 people for the inaugural service. This is very encouraging. Also, some of the other unified members, who have been walking quite a distance to come to Ibungilo, have started another church in Nyasaka. So... Praise the LORD for two GOOD works which have been born out of one.

Posted by Greg at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today was quite a day for our four graduates:
Delphinus Donatus Nyamwiyula (2.00 GPA)
Emmanueli Pelegrino Bernadi (2.79 GPA)
Joas Kibaba Ruhukwe Nyosha (3.15 GPA)
John Naftary Walwa Manonga (3.18 GPA)

This morning each of these men defended their Biblical positions before an ordination council. Each of them received an ordination certificate for "official" entry into the ministry.

At 4pm the first ever commencement ceremony was conducted as these four received their Associate Degrees of Biblical Studies. It was a blessed time of pomp & circumstance with an African twist that blessed everyone's heart... After each graduate received his degree he stepped down from the platform to a table where gifts were offered to honor him and his hard work. Then, each gave a brief message of appreciation and exhortation. It was a day that we will never forget!

Posted by Greg at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ah yes... Love and Marriage... In a uniquely Tanzanian fashion, we discussed these two topics, in depth, with the student body of LVBC during a seminar this afternoon. The panel consisted of three veteran missionary couples: Tim & Kim Whitfield, Bill & Tammy Brouwer, and Paige & myself. The main topics of discussion were:
*How to conduct oneself during the espousal/engagement period
*That which constitutes a legal marriage by Tanzanian Law
*Biblical principles of love, a marital relationship, and the home
*Domestic violence

Posted by Greg at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We got into Mwanza last night. I have been dying to see the Tanner Family for some time now. Well, today was the day! Their names are Dan (dad), Bethany (mom), Kaylen (17), Danae (15), Launa (13), Levi (10), and Reuben (1). Kaylen and Danae go to Rift Valley Academy (RVA), a boarding school in Kenya. They are going back to school soon, so today was one of the best days to see them. They came to our hotel to have breakfast with us. After that, their parents went to a court hearing for Reuben. (They are working on getting him adopted even though he is already a well-established member of the Tanner family.) The other kids stayed with us and we talked for a while. Later, I had to get a haircut, so I left to go to the salon with mom. I really didn't want to leave my friends so early, but... we ran into them again at Kuleana Pizzeria in town. So, when we finished eating we said our good-byes. Anyway, we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs while we were together. I'll miss them while we are in the States!

Posted by Abigail at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week there are 51 students attending the first week of "intense revival learning" at LAKE VICTORIA BAPTIST COLLEGE. This is a great number for us as we have been hovering around 40 the last few modular sessions. We also have nine different instructors available for the eight classes that will be offered over the next two weeks. (Two classes have a tag team of two teachers for each subject.)

Posted by Greg at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For a little while now there has been a stirring of discontent and attitude of rebellion among some in the congregation at the Independent Baptist Church - Ibungilo. Some have grown power hungry and refuse to submit to the Pastor's leadership and rightful place of authority, per their election of him as pastor three years ago. Their grievances are towards the pastor; however, a proper understanding of the situation, as well as the history of church behavior in East Africa, gives insight into a deeper lying cause of their contention. Land, buildings, and business are always unpropitious factors which need to be evaluated in these types of situations.
Well, today, during a church business meeting, it is sad to say that the issue reached its boiling point. I was not in the meeting, on purpose; I knew if I was in attendance then true feelings and opinions would not be expressed. So... it was my preference to let this "play out" today; and... play out it did. I was told that there were very vicious verbal assaults and that some threatened to get physical. Needless to say, this is not the type of conduct which one would hope for or expect in a church meeting.
I do believe that the Lord is giving us wisdom as to the proper course of action by which to resolve this issue. I am confident that next week things will be resolved during a "solemn assembly" at the church.

Posted by Greg at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I pulled out of the drive at 6:30ish this morning en route to Mwanza for LAKE VICTORIA BAPTIST COLLEGE. With the recent inundation of rain I figured the roads between Manyara and Singida would be bad, and... I was right. Thankfully, I had Brother Filemoni along to keep me company. Bro. B.J. had told me that Filemoni had many questions about the Bible... He was right. During the first leg of the journey we averaged 1 question per every 20 kilometers. So for me, the Bible College session had already started ;-) Seriously, I thoroughly enjoy young converts inquiring in regards to the Scriptures. It always makes for a positive and spontaneous teaching time.
Filemoni and I also had a good time distributing Romans booklets along the way. Sometimes we would stop the vehicle, and he would pass out several copies; other times, while slowing down as we passed through a village, we would toss the booklets out of the car "paper-boy style" and watch in the rearview mirrors as folks would snatch them up from the roadside.
As we approached the Mwanza Region we did the math and found out that we had driven through 7 regions in one day:Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara, Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga, and Mwanza. (A region is similar to a small U.S. State.) Up until the last 1½ hours it was probably the best experience I have ever had during this grueling drive. But, from 6:30 - 8:00p darkness fell among us, and a persistent drizzle was falling from the sky. This made for very unpleasant road conditions and low visibility. We are praising the Lord that we made it to Mwanza safe and sound and are looking forward to a great time at LVBC!

Posted by Greg at 10:51 PM | Permalink

This past week Abigail, Joseph, and Susanna have had a unique opportunity to minister to some other, younger MKs. The Bible Baptist Mission has been conducting their annual Team Meeting at a Conference Center very close to our house. The missionaries extended a gracious invitation for our children to work with a few of the smaller BBMT children during the preaching services.
Abigail taught each evening while Joseph and Susanna were on "Hayden detail." (Little Hayden Wolf is just under 2 years old.)

Posted by Greg at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I started my Science Notebook a few weeks ago. It was fun. I showed it to my dad first. Then, we had family devotions and I showed it to my whole family.

Posted by Susanna at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 2009

Posted by Greg at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I finally got finished with my insect collection, today. For a couple of weeks I have been working on it, and today I turned it in. The most amazing thing is that it was turned in on time. I had to get seven insects. To begin with, I had 2 different beetles, a cricket, a cockroach, an ant, a grasshopper, and a giant water bug. Unfortunately, last night as I was placing my insects in their positions on the foam board, the cockroach fell into three pieces. ARRGH!!! What do I do now? Well, I was going to eat my 2 minute noodles to get over the loss of my smelly cockroach, when, lo and behold, I see a mosquito land on a placemat and get stuck! I quickly flicked it into the freezing jar and put it in the freezer. (Muhahahaha!!) After about twenty minutes I took it out of the freezer, glued it to a piece of paper, and pinned it on the foamboard with the other insects. Whew! Then, as icing on the cake, this morning, Dad went above and beyond by printing me little sticker labels to slap on the pink styrofoam mounting board! Thanks Dad!

Posted by Abigail at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yu Hai! Yu Hai! Yu Hai Bwana Yesu! (He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus lives today!)
What a joy to proclaim this anthem every Resurrection Sunday, yea... Every day! Amen.
I preached on “Treasures from the Tomb.” Sadly, there was no one who made a move to receive Christ as Savior. However, we were elated to witness the baptism of two recent converts. (Mama Faibi and Brother Filemoni) Praise God for these who have taken this first step of obedience. Brother B.J. Schultz had the honors of leading them in their public declaration of faith.

It was a real blessing to have a few first time visitors in the service on Easter Sunday. It was especially encouraging to hear that one of them, Simbo, came because he saw our new church sign!

Posted by Greg at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While it is true that the Lord has commanded us to "GO"... As we go, it is good to have some help from stationary witnesses that may help point someone in the right direction. Progress is being made for a sign on the main Arusha-Moshi road for a sign that will advertise our church in Kingereka. Please pray that this stationary witness would serve as a means of bringing many people to the church which is 3 kilometers from the main road!

Posted by Greg at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I like coloring Easter Eggs. It is a fun way to celebrate when Jesus came out of the tomb. I made a special one for Mommy this year. I hope you had a fun Easter like I did!

Posted by Christine at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night, we had guests over named the Gnuschkes. (My dad met Mr. Gnuschke at the market when he was buying cauliflower.) When they arrived, the first thing we did was eat. We had enchiladas and spanish rice, which were absolutely scrumptious. After we ate, the adults re-located to the air-conditioned TV/Wii room to talk. Kaylie and I went to check out my books. (We're both bookworms!) While we were in my room, we got to talking about movies. As it so happened, the whole group ended up watching Fireproof. (More than one person was teary-eyed in certain parts of the movie.) After the film, we had peanut butter brownies and played a Wii game called Guinness Book of World Records. After playing that for an hour or so, the Gnuschkes left to go home. However, as they were leaving, they discovered there was a rat in the car. They got in, but both females pulled their legs onto the seat. ;o) We all had a GREAT time!

Posted by Abigail at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1) Abigail - 85
2) Me - 83
3) Paige - 81.5
4) Christine - 76
5) Susanna - 74
6) Joseph - 68

Well, after a crazy couple of weeks, this is how the family fared.
I made a big comeback from last place going into the Final Four, to finishing 2nd... w00t!!
Abigail won last year, too. She doesn't even care... LOL!

Posted by Greg at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday our worker moved into our guest house. His name is Majaliwa Angelo Patrick Ndoya. He is 25 years old and has worked as our day security for about 4 years. Maja got saved on Easter Sunday 2004 and has been faithful to church since then. He is our main helper during the day along with two other men, Alfred and Moses, who work nights and some days.

Posted by Joseph at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We were shoutin' "HOSANA" in the house of God this morning. What a great time of the year this is for Bible believers as we reflect upon the Passion Week of our Savior. After Brother B.J. covered some of the details regarding the crucifixion in Sunday School, I was privileged with the joy of preaching on the Triumphal Entry.
We looked at two main points: 1.) When Christ entered Jerusalem on the donkey (Mark 11:1-10), and... 2.) When He will re-enter Jerusalem on a white horse. (Rev. 19:11-21) During the message the folks learned that "HOSANA" means, "Oh, save." I also took opportunity to guide them through the way they can utilitze the cross-references that appear in our Swahili Bibles. (Most of them were unaware of the cross-references listed at the bottom of each page of the Swahili Scriptures.) The cross-references were useful in seeing how Christ's Triumphal Entry was a fulfillment of Zecharia 9:9. I gave every attempt to encourage them that just as God's prophetic word came to pass from Zechariah to the Gospels, so would the Lord perform that which He showed to John, the Revelator, in Revelation 19. Amen!
It was a blessing to see most of the adults in the congregation come forward for prayer today after the message. Please pray for our Resurrection Service next Sunday morning. There are two new converts who will be baptized, and we are expecting to see some visitors.

Posted by Greg at 6:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Posted by Greg at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)