Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: The Pace of People

This post somehow was missed and I should have gone on the 15^th about the 14th.

Yesterday took us farther east into one of the most remote areas we have visited on this trip. It took nearly four hours just to reach the dirt road. From there, we traveled another hour, first along rough dirt roads and then completely off road across dry lake beds before finally arriving at the congregation where Pastor Israel serves.

Standing at the site of the new church building, I couldn’t help but smile. Construction is moving slowly, but faithfully. It was another reminder that Christ continues to build His Church, often in places that most of the world will never see. The building may be simple, but the Gospel proclaimed there is the same Gospel that is preached throughout the world.

One of the photos I am sharing today is of a small shelter belonging to a widow in the community. It is still waiting for a roof. The congregation has quietly taken on the work of helping care for widows like her as they are able. It reminded me that the Church is not first about buildings. It is God’s people loving and caring for one another in Christ.

The evening program did not begin until after 9:00 p.m. By then, children and families had gathered from the surrounding area, eager to hear God’s Word. Even after a long day of travel, their excitement gave us fresh energy.

One challenge throughout the evening was translation. We first attempted to translate directly from English into Maasai, but quickly realized how difficult that would be. We eventually found a much better rhythm by translating from English into Swahili, with Pastor Israel helping bridge the remaining thoughts into Maasai. It reminded me that sharing the Gospel often depends upon many faithful servants working together. It also reinforced for me the value of having printed lesson notes available so translators can better follow the flow of the presentation.

One thing that has changed for me during this trip is how I present the Bible stories. I have gradually moved away from relying on written notes and instead simply tell the story. That has allowed me to watch the children, respond to their reactions, and speak more naturally. I have found great joy in simply sharing God’s Word.

There were also simple moments throughout the day that made me smile. I unexpectedly ran into Marco, whom I first met when he was studying at the seminary two years ago. Before the evening program began, we stood together watching a village soccer match while waiting for people to gather. Sometimes the conversations between the planned events become some of the richest moments of the day.

As I reflected on yesterday, one lesson continued to come back to me.

Much of the day was spent waiting.

Waiting for transportation.

Waiting for repairs.

Waiting for people to gather.

Waiting through translation.

By my schedule, it might have seemed inefficient.

By God’s schedule, none of it was wasted.

The Lord’s Kingdom rarely moves at the pace of our calendars.

It moves at the pace of people.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7

Tanzania continues to remind me that ministry is rarely about checking off the next task. It is about faithfully loving the people the Lord places in front of us and trusting Him to accomplish His work in His perfect time.

Please pray with us:

• Thank the Lord for safely bringing us to another remote congregation.
• Pray for Pastor Israel and the members of the congregation as they faithfully proclaim Christ in this remote region.
• Pray for the completion of the new church building in the Lord’s timing.
• Thank the Lord for the quiet Christian care shown to widows and those in need.
• Pray for faithful translators who help carry God’s Word across languages and cultures.
• Pray for the children and families who heard the Gospel, that the Lord would continue to strengthen their faith.
• Pray that we would patiently trust God’s timing and faithfully love the people He places before us.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip