Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: The Lord Gives Rest After the Work

Here is Thursday, post a day late.
 

Wednesday was the first day where the trip really shifted from settling in to the mission work itself.

We left Tengeru in the morning, drove about four hours to Karatu, and then went another twenty minutes or so out of town to Pastor Bayo’s congregation. I was there two years ago, so it was good to see the group again. There is something encouraging about returning to a place and seeing familiar faces, while also seeing how the Lord continues to care for His people over time.

On the drive out to the congregation, we got a flat tire. Thankfully, the group handled it like an Indy pit crew. Within about ten minutes, we were back on the road. It was one of those small travel moments that could have become a much bigger delay, and we were thankful it did not.

The drive itself was also a good part of the day. We had time with Elisha, who is driving us for these few days. It was encouraging to hear how his family, work, and life are going. You can see a difference in him. There is a peace and thankfulness as he talks about what the Lord is doing, and I appreciated that.

We also had the chance to see more of the ongoing work connected to the seminary. There has been building and construction work, and it is encouraging to see the physical spaces being developed for training pastors and supporting the work here. Mission work is not only what happens in front of people. It is also the steady work behind the scenes. Training. Building. Preparing. Visiting. Encouraging. Continuing.

At Pastor Bayo’s congregation, we had the chance to teach, sing, and spend time with the people there. Sarah presented as well, and I was encouraged watching her serve. The pastors were encouraging of how she did too, which was good to hear.

That is one of the blessings of a trip like this. You get to see fellow believers, friends, and family step into the work of sharing the Gospel. It is uplifting to watch people use the gifts the Lord has given them, especially in a setting that stretches them.

It was also fun to watch Robert present and see how the children engaged with him. He has a natural way of connecting with people, and the children responded to that. It reminded me that mission work is not just presenting information. It is caring for people, listening, encouraging, and being present with them.

After we got to the convent, we had dinner and worked through the plan for Thursday. Sarah, Paula, and I also put together the packs for the children. That kind of preparation is simple, but it is part of the work. It is another reminder that mission work includes both the visible moments and the quiet preparation that makes those moments possible.

Sarah and I also used an evening devotion from Matthew 11.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

That verse fit the day. We had traveled, taught, sung, met people, prepared, and carried a lot in our hearts. But Jesus does not ask us to end the day by measuring whether we performed well enough. He invites us to come to Him.

That is a good reminder for mission work, and honestly for all of life.

We prepare.
We travel.
We teach.
We sing.
We try to be faithful.

But only the Lord can make His Word take root. Only the Holy Spirit can create faith. Only Jesus can forgive sins. Only God can give the increase.

It is a needed correction for me. I naturally want to carry too much. I want to hold plans, outcomes, people, work back home, health, and the next step. But the Lord keeps reminding me that the work belongs to Him. We are called to faithfulness. He gives the growth.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Psalm 127:1

Please pray for us:

  • In thanksgiving for safe travel to Karatu and Pastor Bayo’s congregation yesterday.
  • For Elisha and his family.
  • For Pastor Bayo, the pastors, children, and congregation we spent time with yesterday.
  • For Sarah’s health and rest.
  • For safe travel and good conversations.
  • That the Word taught yesterday would take root and bear fruit.
  • That we would serve without trying to carry what belongs to the Lord.
  • That we would see the mission opportunities the Lord gives both here and back home.

I would still welcome your thoughts as I prepare to preach on Sunday:

  • Where have you seen the Lord use something that looked small?
  • How have mission trips or mission stories helped you see opportunities in your daily life back home?
  • When have you seen a church, family, or person be both needy and sent?

We are learning again that the Lord was at work before we arrived, He is at work while we are here, and He will still be at work after we leave.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip



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