The wheels on the bus do not go round and round. It is safe to say that our time in Tanzania started off with a bang. We arrived at the border in true African fashion; only a single day later than hoped for. This however did not show effect on moral to the news that we would be starting with our second Travel Challenge of the year. Despite the hint of exhaustion in the eyes of the team, many were excited and expectant for the opportunity to travel the full 1010km on nothing but prayers, guidance from the Holy Spirit and a small amount of money.
We were blown away by the Father heart of God! He answered prayers that we did not even think to pray. Team “Bananas” had their prophetic word “Yellow” answered by receiving a total of 38 bananas on their trip; all by separate individuals on separate days. One team had the opportunity to share the heart of Global with the previous minister of minerals of Tanzania, and were blessed not only with a accommodation for the night, but a million shillings that they were able to sow as the Lord led them. There was a team that was able to attend an English Easter Sunday service where they were able to encourage and be encouraged by fellow Christ followers.
It was impossible to not be in awe of God after experiencing so much of his loving heart and kind hand. We have since been challenged to live out what we learnt on our adventure by continuing to offer up our own desires and wants for following him well and faithfully.
Our time of ministry in Tanzania offered a space where we were given time to reflect and rest from the eventful first month of missions. We have been stretched and challenged in regard to our knowledge of and belief in the supernatural. We have been humbled and emboldened by the mass amount of influence that the supernatural has on our day to day life. It has been a very interesting journey. The team was yet again reminded of the importance of laying down your individuality when working together.
The team also got sick. Very sick. We contracted a local parasite that left us bed ridden and hobbling to the toilet every few minutes. Despite the panic in the eyes of people running around the farm to find the nearest long drop, we were able to serve the community where need. Construction and door-to-door evangelism were the names of the game. As we have seen is the pattern, we were as blessed by the ministry leaders as we hoped we could be to them.
With our time in Tanzania ending, we were able to bless the ministry with prayer and were subsequently blessed with prayers for the further journey.
Our last day in Tanzania was a rollercoaster ride. Our day started at 11:30 the previous night where the rain and burning of rubber began. After arranging one less required bus change, we started our ascent up the side of Kilimanjaro with a fully loaded, 25 foot bus.
Now, let us bless you with hard earned knowledge that we did not know at the time. The paths up the side of Kilimanjaro are muddy, really muddy, especially when it is raining. It is the type of mud that brings you to prayer. Our bus driver did us well… until we got stuck. The stuck where you know this is where your ride ends. Luckily our accommodation was only a few meters away. Bags were quickly offloaded.
We will spare you the details, but the rest of our night was filled with: heaving and pushing a one ton bus up a slippery incline; the rich red soil squishing through to our fingers as our footholds give way and we fall to our face; a bus crew that does not understand English or how to work efficiently, and the mental battle of knowing when we have done what we must and when to call it a night.
Our battle ended at 2:30am when the nonstop spinning of the tires lead to a very precarious situation. That rear left tire was about to explode. We prayed and decided that this was the time to call it a night. We prayed for the bus team and made our way home. The team celebrated our efforts by making dinner, sharing hot chocolate and commenting on the design of the house. Let’s just say the team that helped got very little sleep that night.
The last day also offered an opportunity to see Kilimanjaro. After a quick hike, guided by a local (which was also the Lord’s provision), we were brought to a stunning viewpoint. It was an extremely cloudy day but the Lord parted the clouds for us to see it the moment after we prayed. It cannot be described. It is the majesty and glory of God. It was a honor.
Tanzania was indeed a time to remember. A time where the team grew, where we were able to see the people and land but more importantly; a time where the glory and power of God was made evident. It was indeed a time to remember.
Blessings,
Eastbound