Hi Everyone,
I finally made it here safely to Tanzania after three flights, a couple of layovers, and 1 smooth drive from the airport to Moshi. I flew into Dubai, UAE on the 21st and missed my flight that was supposed to take me from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Kilimanjaro, Africa. I didn't know that I had missed the flight until I arrived to Dar es Salaam on July 22. Interestingly, I didn't freak out.. Within atleast 2 hours and 25,000 shillings ($25.00) later, I was waiting in line to get on the plane to come to Kilimanjaro. God worked it out completely!
Nonetheless, I made it in safely and I received a warm welcome from all of my family and friends here. They were so happy to see me as I was to see them too. It makes want to stay longer. When I first mentioned to my mom, a couple of months ago, that I was going to return to Tanzania she jokingly said, "No.. you can't go, because if you do someone might have to come and get you." She's so funny like that... But it's so true... I want to stay.. But, I know that I have much to do back in States and I will return home :0) Ma, don't worry hahaha I will come home.
We, the team leaders for the Women's Conference, met today for lunch to discuss the Women's Conference that will be coming up this Saturday. I plan to speak on the topic: Serving God in Your Relationships. I also plan to dance at the conference so please pray that there will be no hindrances to women coming to the conference. Some of them have to walk from miles and miles away to get here. Others have many obligations they must take care of. We know God wants to bless them and speak to them so please pray they are able to come.
Oh..I have to go quickly now but I hope to hear from you all. Even if its just a quick, "Hi, April." :) Please post a comment...
Love you all and thanks again for all your support!!
Sincerely,
April Nicole King
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
In Preparation
Hi Family and Friends,
I want to thank you for taking the time to keep in touch with me as I go to Tanzania again for the third time!! I had hoped to already be in Tanzania in language school at this point, but plans were changed early on. When I didn't have the money to attend language school, I had to change my plans and change them soon. Nonetheless, God has provided and I believe it is His will for me to go on July 21 and not July 1. His plans are fine with me :)
I am now preparing mentally and emotionally to return to Tanzania and I am sooo excited. I am anxious to see all those that embraced me and that I now refer to as my family. I am also excited to see what God is going to do this year through me, in me and around me. Thank you Lord!! I know He is going to do amazing things as my entire experience at Regent has been just that. I am nearing the end of a journey here and the beginning of another.
I actually did not come to Regent just to get an education. I actually came to deepen my relationship with the Lord. Well, He had other plans. Though my relationship has been strengthened, He wanted to prepare me for ministry and now He is sending me out to be used for His glory... I know this may sound rehearsed, but God I really mean it and I am so honored to be apart of His "Plan" though I have not been as patient as I could have been... Nonetheless, He is faithful when we are unfaithful.. Gotta love Him.
Keep me in your prayers as I will be traveling July 21 to Tanzania. I will not arrive until the 22nd, but I have three separate flights that I will take to get there. I will keep you posted and I truly look forward to hearing from you all and sharing this experience with you...
Sincerely,
April Nicole
I want to thank you for taking the time to keep in touch with me as I go to Tanzania again for the third time!! I had hoped to already be in Tanzania in language school at this point, but plans were changed early on. When I didn't have the money to attend language school, I had to change my plans and change them soon. Nonetheless, God has provided and I believe it is His will for me to go on July 21 and not July 1. His plans are fine with me :)
I am now preparing mentally and emotionally to return to Tanzania and I am sooo excited. I am anxious to see all those that embraced me and that I now refer to as my family. I am also excited to see what God is going to do this year through me, in me and around me. Thank you Lord!! I know He is going to do amazing things as my entire experience at Regent has been just that. I am nearing the end of a journey here and the beginning of another.
I actually did not come to Regent just to get an education. I actually came to deepen my relationship with the Lord. Well, He had other plans. Though my relationship has been strengthened, He wanted to prepare me for ministry and now He is sending me out to be used for His glory... I know this may sound rehearsed, but God I really mean it and I am so honored to be apart of His "Plan" though I have not been as patient as I could have been... Nonetheless, He is faithful when we are unfaithful.. Gotta love Him.
Keep me in your prayers as I will be traveling July 21 to Tanzania. I will not arrive until the 22nd, but I have three separate flights that I will take to get there. I will keep you posted and I truly look forward to hearing from you all and sharing this experience with you...
Sincerely,
April Nicole
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tanzania Missions Trip 2009
Hello Family and Friends,
Last year, I went on my second trip to Tanzania and found myself even more in love with the people than I had become the year before. One of the greatest lessons that the Lord taught me in my 2008 trip was that fellowship and unity within the Body of Christ is one of the greatest precursors for successful evangelism (John 17:21). Through our collaborative work with the Tanzanian believers, many men, women, and children were saved and introduced to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The relationship that I have developed with those in Tanzania is one of unity and love. They are like family to me, and I am thankful that I have an opportunity to continue to work with and minister to those in Tanzania. We have laughed and cried together, prayed, and ministered together. All of which are very important components of Godly relationships that the Lord has used to further His Kingdom in Tanzania through our unified efforts.
As most of you know, I will be graduating from Regent University with a Master of Arts in Missiology this May. After graduation, I plan to partner with Strategic Global Impact (SGI) as a part-time missionary and later as a full-time missionary. As for now, I have one more leg to go in my journey to complete my studies. I will be returning to Tanzania for the third time for my final practicum (Regent Coursework) experience!
I would like to thank you for your contributions in the past that have helped me to get me to this point. I am now writing again to humbly ask for your prayers and financial support as I prepare for a third trip to Africa. This trip is going to consist of some very different things than my first two trips though there will be some similarities. My trip will start out with 3 intensive weeks at language school in Iringa (South central Tanzania). Directly after language school, I will be traveling to Moshi (North Tanzania) for a regional Women’s Conference on July 31st. I participated in the largest women’s conference in Moshi in 2007 and we will be hosting the next one in that region again. We may possibly be doing city-wide outdoor preaching and ministering in Moshi as well.
Sunday, August 1st, I will be joining a team of missionaries and we will fly to Mtwara (Southern Tanzania) for 2 weeks of Bible College where I will be teaching English as a Second Language to the pastors and students at the Antioch Missionary Bible College. While at the Bible College, we will be doing outreach, meeting with women within local churches, conducting bible studies and spending time with the bible college students.
The cost of the entire trip is approximately $5,500.
An estimated breakdown of expenses includes:
*$2,500 for all airfare, including
flight to Tanzania and internal
flights in Tanzania
*$100 Tanzanian Visa
*$950 for language school (3
weeks, plus room and board)
*$600 lodging in Mtwara and
Moshi
*$400 Food and transportation
*$300 Misc. ministry costs
(Women’s conference,
orphanage, bush ministry,
outdoor ministry and
evangelism)
*$75 Teaching materials for a
two-week intensive English
Course for the students at the
Bible College.
*$300 Misc. personal &
emergency funds
The approximate dates of the trip are July 1st - August 16, 2009.
There has been growing relationship, momentum and effective ministry through my life and my time in Tanzania. I love the people there and together we are seeing God do great and awesome things in the lives of those we are touching together. Will you partner with me again as I seek to make a lasting impact in Tanzania?
Last year, I went on my second trip to Tanzania and found myself even more in love with the people than I had become the year before. One of the greatest lessons that the Lord taught me in my 2008 trip was that fellowship and unity within the Body of Christ is one of the greatest precursors for successful evangelism (John 17:21). Through our collaborative work with the Tanzanian believers, many men, women, and children were saved and introduced to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The relationship that I have developed with those in Tanzania is one of unity and love. They are like family to me, and I am thankful that I have an opportunity to continue to work with and minister to those in Tanzania. We have laughed and cried together, prayed, and ministered together. All of which are very important components of Godly relationships that the Lord has used to further His Kingdom in Tanzania through our unified efforts.
As most of you know, I will be graduating from Regent University with a Master of Arts in Missiology this May. After graduation, I plan to partner with Strategic Global Impact (SGI) as a part-time missionary and later as a full-time missionary. As for now, I have one more leg to go in my journey to complete my studies. I will be returning to Tanzania for the third time for my final practicum (Regent Coursework) experience!
I would like to thank you for your contributions in the past that have helped me to get me to this point. I am now writing again to humbly ask for your prayers and financial support as I prepare for a third trip to Africa. This trip is going to consist of some very different things than my first two trips though there will be some similarities. My trip will start out with 3 intensive weeks at language school in Iringa (South central Tanzania). Directly after language school, I will be traveling to Moshi (North Tanzania) for a regional Women’s Conference on July 31st. I participated in the largest women’s conference in Moshi in 2007 and we will be hosting the next one in that region again. We may possibly be doing city-wide outdoor preaching and ministering in Moshi as well.
Sunday, August 1st, I will be joining a team of missionaries and we will fly to Mtwara (Southern Tanzania) for 2 weeks of Bible College where I will be teaching English as a Second Language to the pastors and students at the Antioch Missionary Bible College. While at the Bible College, we will be doing outreach, meeting with women within local churches, conducting bible studies and spending time with the bible college students.
The cost of the entire trip is approximately $5,500.
An estimated breakdown of expenses includes:
*$2,500 for all airfare, including
flight to Tanzania and internal
flights in Tanzania
*$100 Tanzanian Visa
*$950 for language school (3
weeks, plus room and board)
*$600 lodging in Mtwara and
Moshi
*$400 Food and transportation
*$300 Misc. ministry costs
(Women’s conference,
orphanage, bush ministry,
outdoor ministry and
evangelism)
*$75 Teaching materials for a
two-week intensive English
Course for the students at the
Bible College.
*$300 Misc. personal &
emergency funds
The approximate dates of the trip are July 1st - August 16, 2009.
There has been growing relationship, momentum and effective ministry through my life and my time in Tanzania. I love the people there and together we are seeing God do great and awesome things in the lives of those we are touching together. Will you partner with me again as I seek to make a lasting impact in Tanzania?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
In the Mean Time
Hi to All,
It's been months since I have posted to this blog simply because I am back in the states now and no longer in Tanzania :o) I am posting now just to give you all updates on my time back in the states.
I am back in school and things are going quite well. I have 3 classes this semester and one, in particular, is preparing me for ministry to Muslims. This will definitely come in handy in the future as I plan to go on more missions trips to countries where Islam is the culture and the religion. I am still teaching exercise classes and keeping in shape. I am also the president of Jabez Praise Dance Ministry here at Regent and we are doing great as well. Check out the blog if you have time (jabezpraisedanceministry.blogspot.com)
Right now, I am praying about an opportunity to go to Ghana next year. It will be different in the sense that it is a ministry and educational study tour. The plans are to visit churches, schools, colleges, and villages. We will also learn about the slave trade and visit slave castles. On the other hand, we will be involved in ministry such as outdoor crusades and evangelism and prayer walks... I am undecided at this point, but I ask that you would pray for wisdom and clarity in all of my decision making.
I will keep you updated on in the future on these various opportunities. If you are interested in going on any trips with me in the future, please let me know!!
Also, I will be finishing up my time here at Regent soon. I graduate May 9, 2008!!! Praisalujah!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
3 More Days and I am Homeward Bound!!!
Hi to All,
Sorry it's taken so long for me to post again. I have been sooooo busy the last two weeks with the team. Even before then, I traveled to a place here in Tanzania (16 hours away from Moshi) called Mbeya for a pastor's conference. We were gone for almost two weeks. So... all that to say, it has been quite hectic for me.... in a good way though! :o)
In Mbeya, the Lord brought together pastor's from many different denominations to unify to plant churches in areas where the gospel has not yet been preached. Though my purpose was to go, observe, and intercede, I was given the opportunity to lead the men in worship and to also debrief with the team. It was amazing!!! I have been amazed at how the Lord is closing up the gap between denominations here to encourage His people to unify. Though the pastor's had their theological differences, they chose to put them aside for the sake of reaching those with the gospel who have never been reached. I will post pics! Please keep them in prayer because there will come a point that they may have to confront eachother because of their differences. Please pray that in spite of those differences, they will choose to stay connected and work threw their issues.
The last two weeks with the team has been phenomenal as well. We have had a full schedule and have been extremely busy since they landed on July 29. We have all had the opportunity to either preach or give testimonies. I have given testimonies and preached on three different subjects: Healing, Unity within the Body, and Walking in Authority. It has been great!!
Many people have received salvation, healing from illnesses, and have received words of encouragement that will lead to deeper relationship with God.
This past week, we held a three-day outreach in Babati and received great resistance from the enemy. Many people on the team became sick and on the second day of the crusade, we were not allowed to preach or pray and lay hands on the sick. We were forbidden by immigration to do these things although Tanzania is an open country. On the 2nd day, I didnt go to the crusade because I decided to stay back with two of the women that were sick. Everyone's faith was tested! We all prayed and by the next day, we were granted freedom to do as we wished. We prayed and others preached... people were saved and their were also healings. The Lord did great things through us and I believe that He will continue to do wonderful things through others in Babati...
At this moment, I am preparing my heart and mind to leave. I am sad to leave because I have made so many friends here and I have connected so well with the nationals. On the other hand, I know that my time here is drawing to an end. I am anxious to see family and friends again and to also REST!!! I am mentally, physically, and emotionally tired though my time here has been life-altering and phenomenal. I can not complain... I do ask that you would pray for refreshing for me though...
God has been doing great things and because of your love and support, I have been afforded the opportunity to come here, be challenged here, be changed here, be stretched here, be molded here, to be used here, build relationships here... the list goes on and on... All in all, THANK YOU ALL AND I LOVE YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!
I hope to hear from you all... My next message to you may be from America though...
Blessings,
April Nicole
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
So Far...... ;0) / Trip to Mbeya
Hi All,
Thank you for continuing to pray for me and the people of Tanzania these last 7 weeks!! It has been phenomenal here. So far, I have gone to language school, attended a 2 week healing seminar (BTW: it has changed my outlook on life), begun teaching English at the women's center and I have learned how to sew. I am no "Martha Stewart" but I am doing quite well. :o) The main focus of the first two phases of my internship, language school and ministry at the women's center, has been about adapting to the culture and learning about the people. Now, hear me, it is difficult to to fully adapt to a culture in 3 months time, but I have become more accustomed to the way of doing things here. I have learned how to bargain in the markets, I have learned how to buy groceries here, I have learned certain nuances that should be followed between men and women and elders and youth. I have also become more comfortable with touch as the culture is very touch-oriented. You may see men walking hand in hand here with no connotation of homosexuality attached. It is a sign of close friendship and comfortability with one another...
I have also become better at communicating in Swahili though I am not fluent by any means... :o) Teaching the English class has helped because I have to used Swahili sentences and words in order to explain certain subjects. Moreover, I have learned to worship in Swahili and be free to praise as the Africans do!! It has been amazing.
Now, I am moving into the final phase of the internship. Ministry will be more intense. Friday, I will be leaving Moshi, Tanzania to join a team of missionaries involved in church planting. We will be going to Mbeya which is about 16 hours away from here. It is pretty close to where I attended language school. They will be conducting a pastors conference for more than 25 African pastors. This conference will be geared towards mobilizing the pastors to reach unreached people groups in Africa... so your prayers will be needed. Actually, I will be going to observe, learn, and to also pray earnestly for their success. Another missionary and I will attend some of the services but we are also designated as intercessors. We will be praying for the team as they conduct the conferences. Though I do not like to involve the enemy in my prayer, I know that he does not desire for the word of God to go forth. It is tantamount that we pray that the pastors and their families are protected and that the enemies plans will be confused and thwarted.
Please pray for the following:
Thank you for continuing to pray for me and the people of Tanzania these last 7 weeks!! It has been phenomenal here. So far, I have gone to language school, attended a 2 week healing seminar (BTW: it has changed my outlook on life), begun teaching English at the women's center and I have learned how to sew. I am no "Martha Stewart" but I am doing quite well. :o) The main focus of the first two phases of my internship, language school and ministry at the women's center, has been about adapting to the culture and learning about the people. Now, hear me, it is difficult to to fully adapt to a culture in 3 months time, but I have become more accustomed to the way of doing things here. I have learned how to bargain in the markets, I have learned how to buy groceries here, I have learned certain nuances that should be followed between men and women and elders and youth. I have also become more comfortable with touch as the culture is very touch-oriented. You may see men walking hand in hand here with no connotation of homosexuality attached. It is a sign of close friendship and comfortability with one another...
I have also become better at communicating in Swahili though I am not fluent by any means... :o) Teaching the English class has helped because I have to used Swahili sentences and words in order to explain certain subjects. Moreover, I have learned to worship in Swahili and be free to praise as the Africans do!! It has been amazing.
Now, I am moving into the final phase of the internship. Ministry will be more intense. Friday, I will be leaving Moshi, Tanzania to join a team of missionaries involved in church planting. We will be going to Mbeya which is about 16 hours away from here. It is pretty close to where I attended language school. They will be conducting a pastors conference for more than 25 African pastors. This conference will be geared towards mobilizing the pastors to reach unreached people groups in Africa... so your prayers will be needed. Actually, I will be going to observe, learn, and to also pray earnestly for their success. Another missionary and I will attend some of the services but we are also designated as intercessors. We will be praying for the team as they conduct the conferences. Though I do not like to involve the enemy in my prayer, I know that he does not desire for the word of God to go forth. It is tantamount that we pray that the pastors and their families are protected and that the enemies plans will be confused and thwarted.
Please pray for the following:
- safe travels
- team cohesiveness, unity, and agape love
- the pastors to have open hearts to receive the Word with joy
- the translations from English to Swahili and that they would be accurate to convey exact meaning
- protection from illness
- the missionaries and that they would find a "man of peace" in each village to open the door for missionaries to come to them with the gospel
- whatever else comes to your heart....
Well guys, I have to go for now but I thank you and I love you all and I pray all of the Lord's abundant blessings over you... Be abundantly blessed with His peace, His joy, His love, His happiness, His all!!! Do you have room enough to recieve it yet? ... ;0) I still don't... it's "way" too much... It makes me smile just to think about it...
Mbarikiwe sana!! (You all be greatly blessed!!)
Sincerely,
April Nicole King
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Healing Seminar
Well, all I can say is that the Lord is blessing me... I know I have mentioned this in other postings before now, but I didn't realize the Lord desired to work out fine details in my heart. These last two weeks, I have been attending a healing seminar everyday after sewing class and my English class... (BTW: I started teaching the English class b/c the women still desired to have it. That has been great as well. I am growing in my confidence as a teacher and in my ability to think in Swahili and articulate in Swahili. The women seem to understand as I search for words to explain English directions. I will tell you more about that later as we have just started.)
But in this healing seminar, I have learned how deal with the things of the past that may be a complete hindrance to my success and freedom in God in my present as well as future. Though the testimonies given by the church leaders and members during seminar are private, they have been amazing... trust me when I say it... AMAZING!! There are deep wounds within the hearts of God's people and if they are not taken care of, we will continue to act out of those wounded areas and may actually cause hurt to the people we love the most. Ask God to show you your woundedness, then ask for forgiveness of anything that He shows you that You need to repent of and then ask Him to heal those wounds by pouring in His anointing oil and wine. God is good and He is faithful!! He has healed past wounds in my life, in the lives of the families that I have met here and He will do the same for you. Be open and honest with yourself and ask Him to help you through it...
The ministers, as well as me, who attended the two week seminar have been trained to minister to emotional woundedness that people within the church may have. The ministers here have declared that their church will not be a wounded one so I ask that you all pray for healing in the hearts of the members of Maskani Yake... They would love to know that you are keeping them lifted in prayer.
But in this healing seminar, I have learned how deal with the things of the past that may be a complete hindrance to my success and freedom in God in my present as well as future. Though the testimonies given by the church leaders and members during seminar are private, they have been amazing... trust me when I say it... AMAZING!! There are deep wounds within the hearts of God's people and if they are not taken care of, we will continue to act out of those wounded areas and may actually cause hurt to the people we love the most. Ask God to show you your woundedness, then ask for forgiveness of anything that He shows you that You need to repent of and then ask Him to heal those wounds by pouring in His anointing oil and wine. God is good and He is faithful!! He has healed past wounds in my life, in the lives of the families that I have met here and He will do the same for you. Be open and honest with yourself and ask Him to help you through it...
The ministers, as well as me, who attended the two week seminar have been trained to minister to emotional woundedness that people within the church may have. The ministers here have declared that their church will not be a wounded one so I ask that you all pray for healing in the hearts of the members of Maskani Yake... They would love to know that you are keeping them lifted in prayer.
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