Team Tanzania – Jeff Radichel: An Open Door

As I look back on yesterday, one theme stands above everything else:

God is always working before we arrive.

Yesterday we traveled to Ambureni Primary School, the same school Elisha attended as a child and where Robert’s children attended until the family moved back to their village earlier this year. We estimate there were somewhere between 300 and 400 students, making it our largest school yet.

The students were attentive, engaged, and eager to participate as we shared the Gospel through Bible stories, songs, and activities. After we left the school, Robert shared something that made us appreciate the opportunity even more. He believed all of the teachers were Muslim, and that more than half of the students were Muslim as well. Yet we had been welcomed into their school and given the opportunity to openly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Only God opens doors like that.

One of the highlights came during the question-and-answer time when a Muslim student sincerely asked Robert, “How can Jesus be both God and man?”

I loved that question.

It was not asked to argue. It was asked because he genuinely wanted to understand. It reminded me that God is already preparing hearts long before we ever arrive. Our privilege is simply to walk through the doors He opens and faithfully share His Word.

After the presentations were over, Sarah was quickly surrounded by children. They hugged her, held onto her, told her they loved her, and many were fascinated by her blonde hair. I have always noticed that Sarah has a special way of drawing people to her, and I am thankful for how the Lord uses that gift to help people feel seen and loved.

On our way back to Tengeru, we stopped for lunch at Choma Plaza, Bruce and Paula’s weekly date-night restaurant for many years. It felt like another double-date moment, enjoying good food, conversation, and friendship together. One of the unexpected blessings of this trip has been getting to know Bruce and Paula beyond their work as missionaries. Their faithfulness, hospitality, and genuine joy have been an encouragement to both of us.

Later in the afternoon, we hiked to Mangalia Falls, just a short distance from Bruce and Paula’s home. I had visited the falls two years ago, but this was Sarah’s first time. The area has been developed considerably since my last visit, and it was wonderful to enjoy God’s beautiful creation together before heading back to the house for a relaxing evening.

As the day came to a close, I caught up with several members of my team back home. Everyone is doing well, which gave me a great sense of peace as we prepare to return.

I also received several messages about outreach opportunities waiting when I get home. It was encouraging to be reminded that the Lord is opening doors there too.

I had the opportunity to speak with Tom Naumann, who is serving with another Mission Helper team in Kenya this week. As we shared stories from our respective trips, it was evident that the Lord is opening doors there just as He is here in Tanzania. When I shared what we had experienced, it brought tears to Tom’s eyes. We both found ourselves simply grateful for what the Lord is doing.

It was a wonderful reminder that we are part of something much bigger than our own team. Across East Africa, God’s Word is being proclaimed, seeds are being planted, and Christ is continuing to build His Church.

As I reflected on the day, I realized the Lord has been opening another door as well.

He has been opening my own heart.

As I prepare to return home, I have a peace that I honestly cannot remember having for a long time. I do not have every answer about what lies ahead, but I know the One who goes before me. The same Lord who opened doors here in Tanzania is already preparing the way for whatever He has planned next.

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Revelation 3:8)

What a comfort to know that the doors which matter most are not opened by our strength, wisdom, or planning. They are opened by the Lord, and our calling is simply to walk through them in faith.

Please pray:

That the Lord would continue to open hearts to hear the good news of Jesus.
That the seeds planted at Ambureni Primary School would grow.
That the student who asked how Jesus can be both God and man would continue seeking the truth.
That the Mission Helper teams in Tanzania and Kenya would remain faithful and encouraged.
That the Lord would bless our final full day as we visit and speak at a home for young women.
That He would continue to prepare our hearts for the work waiting when we return home.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip