Church Plant Visit in the Bush: Thursday, July 30, 2009

One of my most enjoyable experiences thus far was our visit to the Massai village this past Thursday. One of our team leaders, Brian Weaver, led his former Masai guard, Yohanna, to Christ years ago when he lived in Moshi, Tanzania. Yohanna later returned to his village, which is hours away from Moshi, to lead his family and friends to Christ. He planted a church there 3 years ago and last year, our team visited them when they opened the doors to their new church. This year we went to visit and encourage the new believers again and to also give testimonies. We had a great time.

Evangelism at Pasua: Wednesday, July 29

On Wednesday, we visited a town called, Pasua, just outside of Moshi (If you’re in Americus, the drive is similar to going from Americus to Plains; if you’re in Virginia Beach, it’s like traveling from Virginia Beach to Portsmouth) The leaders at Maskai Yake decided on this area because there are many Muslims there.

Though we though there would be many adults there to minister to, there were over a hundred kids that showed up. My friend, Georgia and I, danced and played with the kids the entire meeting. By the time the sun set, our feet were covered in dirt from jumping, running and dancing with the children. It was great!! Some of the other team members prayed with the adults who were standing in the distance. Overall, I think it was a successful first visit as we plan to go again next week. This time, we hope to bring goodies to the kids. One of our team members is a children’s pastor from New Jersey (by way of Egypt) and oversees ~600 kids. She was disheartened by the fact that we didn’t have anything to give the kids and so we may make goodie bags to give them next week. Prayerfully, more kids will come and we will be able to minister God’s love to even more children ☺… Napenda watoto sana (I love kids so much)..

Please pray that the parents of the children will attend the meeting and that God would grant us wisdom and strategy approach to reaching them.

Safari at the Tarangire Lodge: Monday and Tuesday, July 27 & 28

Safari at the Tarangire Lodge: Monday & Tuesday, July 27-28
On Monday morning, we left for our safari at the Tarangire Lodge about 2 hours away from Moshi where we are staying. It was absolutely beautiful! When we arrived, there were elephants behind our tents. I know I was only about 12-15 feet away from a “mama” elephant and her baby. I have the pics to prove it!! It was awesome. We also got to see lions when we first arrived and also before we left the next day. Check out the pics… ☺

Speaking at Maskani Yake (His Dwelling Place): Sunday, July 27, 2009

On Sunday, I was asked to give a “sermonette” ☺ (mini-sermon). I decided to speak on the topic, “Divine Appointments that Edify.” I spoke about the relationship of Paul and Peter in the New Testament and how God used their relationship with one another to bring about growth and maturity. I encouraged the congregation that there may be times in their lives when God will use their friends to correct their behavior, attitudes, motivations, etc. and there may be times when God will use them to correct their brothers or sisters, but the key to being used in such a manner is to do so love and humility.

After service, the pastor told me that he was very encouraged by the message as it really touched his heart. I was so blessed.

Women’s Conference: Saturday, July 26, 2009

Greetings to Everyone from Tanzania:

Though I arrived here last Wednesday and the rest of the team arrived Friday night, it seems that I have been here a month already. It’s not a bad thing at all. I am so excited to be here and attempting to savor each moment that I have being in Tanzania, doing ministry, and spending time with my team and the many friends that I made here in the years before.

Last Saturday at the Women’s Conference, the topic of my sermon was Serving God in Your Relationships. The message was very simple in that I didn’t give many points to follow but to simply learn to love those within the Body of Christ because we have been commanded to do so and because it is necessary in order to function within the Body of Christ. At the beginning of the sermon, my translator (friend and sister, Gaundencia) and sang a song that I had translated from English to Swahili. I think that it really blessed the women. The other women on the panel also blessed the women with encouraging messages to help them to develop closer, deeper, and more intimate relationships with God.

Throughout the day, there were many alter calls, many tears, many songs, and many testimonies. The Lord desired to do something in all of our hearts and that, He did. One of the women gave a testimony that there was a situation in her life that was very dry. She likened her situation to the vision that Ezekiel had in the Bible when God asked him to speak to the dry bones. She noted that it was weighing heavy on her, but after she received prayer that she felt the burden was lifted and the dry bones in her life were given flesh.

Though the morning started a bit slow, by the end of the day we were leaping for joy as we held on to the truth that the “joy of the Lord is our strength.” It was a wonderful day!

Made It Safely!

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

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