Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: His Grace Is Sufficient

Yesterday was a gift from beginning to end.

We were up early, packed, had breakfast, and headed to Ngorongoro Crater. The Lord gave us one of those days where you simply stand back in amazement at His creation.

We saw lions up close, elephants, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, flamingos, baboons, warthogs, hyenas feeding, and countless other birds. One of the biggest surprises came during lunch when an eagle swooped in and grabbed Paula’s chicken right from the picnic table in front of her. None of us expected that, and it is a story we will probably be telling for a long time.

Driving through Ngorongoro is an experience of its own. Looking across the crater and seeing so many animals living together leaves you in awe of the Creator. We did not expect to see so many animals close to the road. At one point, an elephant was feeding only about twenty feet from us. Seeing the rhinos was another unexpected gift.

Having Elisha as our guide made the day even better. He knows the park, the animals, and the area so well. His knowledge added a great deal to everything we were seeing.

On the way back, we stopped again at Monasteri Mtakatifu Katarina, St. Catherine's, to pick up our eggs and our chicken. Our new mascot has officially been named Amana, which means “deposit.” We laughed because we waited to settle our bill until we returned to pick up Amana. Somehow that chicken has already become part of the trip story.

We also picked up some wonderful honey made at the monastery. One of the more fascinating things there is a bee house where someone can sleep inside an enclosed room surrounded by beehives. Apparently, the steady hum of the bees is calming. I am not sure I am ready to test that theory myself, but it was interesting to see.

By the time we made it back to Bruce and Paula’s, everyone was tired. We dropped Robert off at the seminary and Amana off with Jeremiah and Mama Elisha, then came back for dinner, laundry, unpacking, and some needed rest.

It has also been wonderful hearing from so many people following the trip. The messages, prayers, encouragement, and thoughts about Sunday’s sermon have been their own blessing. I know the Lord is working through the mission work here, but He is also working through the people praying, encouraging, and reflecting with us from home.

As I thought about the last several days, one verse kept coming back to me:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

That verse brought a tear to my eye.

So much of life is spent trying to become stronger, more prepared, more organized, or more capable. Yet the Lord keeps reminding me that His work has never depended upon my strength.

Not after weakness.

In weakness.

Our team has been dealing with some health challenges on this trip, and we would appreciate your prayers. There have also been the normal uncertainties, changing plans, tiredness, and circumstances we would not have chosen. Yet the Lord continues to provide what is needed for each day.

Sometimes He teaches us through a small congregation gathered around His Word. Sometimes He teaches us through the beauty of His creation. Sometimes He teaches us by allowing us to reach the end of our own strength.

Again and again, He reminds us that His grace really is sufficient.

This morning we are looking forward to spending time with a smaller group of children at the orphanage. We will sing, teach, and share the Gospel with them. I am looking forward to being present with them and seeing what the Lord does through His Word.

This afternoon I will also be preparing for tomorrow’s message from Mark 16:15:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The theme continues to settle into my heart:

The Church is not small when it has Christ and His Word.

Whether it is a congregation far out in the bush, a small group of children, or an ordinary conversation with someone the Lord places in our path, His Word is never small because Christ is never small.

Please pray with us:

  • In thanksgiving for the beauty of God’s creation and safe travel yesterday.
  • For the children we will spend time with today.
  • For health, strength, and rest for our team.
  • For wisdom and faithfulness as I prepare tomorrow’s message.
  • That the Lord would continue working through His Word.
  • That we would learn to trust His sufficient grace, especially in weakness.

I would also appreciate any final thoughts as I prepare for Sunday:

  • When have you experienced God’s strength most clearly in your own weakness?
  • What passage of Scripture has encouraged you when you had to trust the Lord more than yourself?
  • What does Mark 16:15 mean to you as you think about sharing the Gospel where the Lord has placed you?

Thank you for following along, praying, and encouraging us. Hearing from everyone has been a real blessing.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip

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