To Tanzania and Back…

We are now back in Uganda after two weeks of ministry in Buhongwa and Mwanza Tanzania.

Our journey began with leaving from the UCOM compound in Seguku Village, Uganda at 4 am. What was to be a 16 hour journey took two full days of travel due to the road conditions. It was to say the least, a test of all of our endurance. Oh how we were wishing for a hot tub but, we will just have to settle for a cold shower…what is that you saying in Swahili, “NO WATER”! Well, I guess my wipes and hand sanitizer will just have to do…LOL.

The first week of training began in the village of Buhongwa, Tanzania. We awoke very early pulled our “pretzeled” bodies out of our beds and gathered for breakfast. Our chef Isa prepared for us scrambled eggs, bread with peanut butter and jelly, fresh fruit and coffee. This was our morning routine for the next two weeks. After we were off to begin 5 days of Pastoral training and participate in the nightly crusades. Thus began 16-18 hours of ministry filled days, each day.

Buhongwa (Boo-HONG-Wah) was a village filled with witchcraft and demonic activity. We saw many who were delivered from demons. Our ministry team was feeling a sense of the Lord that we were to meditate on Ephesians chapter 6 and put on the “FULL” armor of the Lord! I had a vision of a Roman solider in full guard with his shield of faith and sword of the spirit girded on. Marching forward the demons were attacking but he was victorious in the Lord. At one point while preaching I felt the Lord direct me to call out the demon strongholds of Buhongwa and challenge them. I said “demons come if you dare”, our Lord will deal with you... I called all of the men of the crusade team and our ministry too. “Come forward” I asked, and “stand in the gap for the people”. I called out the demons of lust, prostitution, rape, incest, and depression. We spoke boldly to break the curses of the land. I spoke against and rebuked the demons who love blood. Then I asked for those who wanted to be delivered from demons and become born again, to come forward and they did. Dozens came and we prayed for them all. In several people did demons manifest and we cast them out. They did not go quietly, and in some, the people were thrown to the ground with writhing and wailing. Some came out with much screaming and some resisted, but in the end all had to flee in Jesus name. It was both scary and exhilarating. There were healings too. One woman came to us with a withered hand and a club foot. We prayed and the next day when we saw her she showed us her hand…It was healed. We still believe for God to heal her foot and we told her to continue praying and seeking for God’s touch.

The Pastors training was amazing. So many bush pastors were there. Many having no bibles or training of any kind, they have a hunger to learn and grow in the faith and as leaders. We are so grateful to empty ourselves of all we have to pour into them. It was so special to give them the bibles you all supplied with your faithful giving. THANK YOU!

Mwanza, Tanzania was our next stop. The story here is much the same as we saw in Buhongwa. One difference however was the greater presence of Islam. There are many Mosques with a large population of those who practice Islam in this city. There was a powerful oppression here of false religion and at one point we ministered the truth that Jesus is greater than Mohamed and Jesus did rise from the dead. The Curran teaches against both. Some Muslims became born again with great risk to their lives. We conducted our week long training here, gave bibles etc and preached at the crusades.

During this week in Mwanza I (Tim) got very sick with an upper respiratory infection. I kept going but was getting weaker each day. I had a high fever and painful joints. I was tested for Malaria which turned out to be negative. It would appear that I just have a very stubborn cold.

God has moved as we knew he would and this trip is nearing its close…for now. With the remaining time we have our team will be preaching in local churches. We have been given a wonderful opportunity to bless and be blessed. I look forward to seeing you all again real soon. Thank you for partnering with us in your prayers.

In HIS service,

Pastor Tim