Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: The Joy of Fellowship

This morning I am writing from Bruce and Paula’s home in Tengeru before we head out for another full day of ministry. Looking back over the past twenty four hours, I am thankful for the way the Lord has woven together worship, fellowship, service, and simple moments of encouragement.

Sunday morning began with worship at the Ambureni congregation, where the seminary is located. It was a privilege to preach on the theme Sent in Weakness, reflecting on how Christ sent His disciples after their failures, not after they had become strong. I was thankful for the opportunity and for the way the message was received. I will also have the opportunity to preach it again next Sunday, which gives me time to continue refining it.

Peter did a great job conducting the service, and I was especially grateful for Eubank’s faithful translation. Good translation is a tremendous gift. It allows God’s Word to move clearly across languages and helps all of us stay together in the message.

After worship, we went to Jeremiah’s home for lunch. The meal was wonderful, and afterward we toured the animals around the property. We also checked on Amana, our now famous chicken, who seems to be doing well in her new home.

It was encouraging to see Elisha’s children continuing to learn baking from Paula. Those simple moments of teaching and learning are another reminder that ministry often happens through ordinary life, not only through formal lessons.

Over lunch, I had the opportunity to get to know Christoph Tillmann from Germany, who is now studying at the seminary. His story of how the Lord brought him to Tanzania and into theological training is remarkable and far more than I could capture in one blog post.

In the afternoon, we returned to the Ambureni congregation for our children’s program. The children were engaged, knew many of their Bible stories, and several enjoyed speaking English with us. Each time we present, the lessons become smoother. We continue learning how to simplify, where to pause, and how to involve the children more.

I have also loved watching Sarah serve throughout this trip. Seeing her teach, encourage children, and step into the ministry has brought real joy to my heart.

Later, we attended a concert at the Cultural Arts Center at Makumira. It was a great opportunity to experience more Tanzanian music and traditional dancing. We then enjoyed dinner together at River Trees Restaurant, where monkeys moved through the trees and gardens along the river.

One of the greatest blessings of this trip has been the fellowship. Bruce recently joked that traveling together feels a little like double dating, and I had to chuckle because that is very much how it feels. Sharing meals, long drives, conversations, laughter, and ministry together has been a real gift.

We ended the evening with games and a round of the card game 500. Tim and Lisa Noeldner would have been proud. It was a fitting close to a full day.

This morning I continue to reflect on the message I preached yesterday. It is interesting how often the Lord teaches the preacher through the very sermon he prepares. I still find myself wanting to carry tomorrow’s concerns today, but the Lord keeps bringing me back to the same promise:

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

Not after weakness.

In weakness.

That is where Christ meets us.

That is where He strengthens us.

That is where He sends us.

Please pray with us:

• Thank the Lord for another day centered around His Word and Christian fellowship.
• Pray for our VBS programs today and for the children who will hear about Jesus.
• Pray for the seminary students as they study to show themselves approved unto God. 2 Timothy 2:15
• Thank God for faithful pastors, translators, missionaries, and teachers who proclaim the Gospel.
• Pray for continued health and strength for our team.
• Pray that we would keep learning to trust Christ’s sufficient grace in every circumstance.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip



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