Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: Ready for the Road

Tuesday was a quieter day, but a good one.

After a full first day of settling in on Monday, Tuesday gave us a little more space to rest, prepare, and see more of the work here in Tengeru. I was thankful for that. These first couple days have not been rushed, and I think that has been a blessing.

In the morning, I went with Bruce to the seminary and got to see some of the latest updates there. I took a number of pictures, and it was good to see the progress being made. Mission work is not only the public teaching moments. It is also the steady work behind the scenes: training pastors, preparing leaders, maintaining places for learning, and building relationships over time.

We also stopped at Jeremiah’s house for coffee. He showed us his new fireplace, and I had the chance to see Mama Elisha again. The fireplace made me smile a bit, because it has been unseasonably cold here, with temperatures in the high 50s. Coming from Minnesota, it is funny to hear that described as cold, but after being here a couple days, I can understand why a fireplace would feel pretty nice.

Those are the kinds of moments I really appreciate on trips like this. They are simple, but they remind you that mission work is deeply relational. It is people, homes, conversations, coffee, encouragement, and the Gospel shared over time.

The afternoon gave us some time to rest, which was needed. Later in the day, Sarah and I worked through our lesson plans and got things ready for the next few days. We used a simple side-by-side English and Swahili format for the lessons, numbered and organized so we can follow it more easily as we teach. We also practiced the songs, talked through the plan, and got the supplies, giveaways, and instruments ready.

By the end of the night, it felt like we were in pretty good shape for the work ahead.

We also had another great meal with Bruce and Paula. Homemade pizza, vegetables, and more of the kind of hospitality that has made these first days such a gift.

It rained a bit last night too, which was really nice to listen to. I found myself thinking about how much of life we do not control. We do not decide when it rains. We receive it when the Lord sends it. And when it comes, it waters the ground and feeds what needs to grow.

That was a helpful picture for me.

There are many things I naturally want to hold tightly. Plans, outcomes, health, work back home, the schedule, and even the way I think a day should go. But the Lord keeps teaching me that faithfulness is not the same as control. We prepare. We pray. We take the next step. And then we trust the Lord to provide what only He can provide.

That connects with what I have been thinking about for Sunday as I prepare to preach from Mark 16.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

The Church is sent with the Gospel, but the Church is also always learning to trust the Lord who sends her. We are not sent because we have everything figured out. We are sent because Christ is risen, His Word is powerful, and He provides what is needed for the work He gives.

This morning we are getting ready to head out. We plan to leave around 9:15, go to the seminary, leave the vehicle there, and then travel with Elisha for the next few days. Today we begin the teaching work, and tonight there are also baptisms and communion planned after the presentations. Thursday we expect to visit the Hadzabe area, and Friday we plan to go to Ngorongoro.

Please pray for us:

  • In thanksgiving for rest, preparation, and the hospitality we have received.
  • For Bruce and Paula and the ongoing work here.
  • For Sarah’s health, voice, and energy as the teaching begins.
  • For safe travel with Elisha over the next few days.
  • For the children and adults who will hear the Word today.
  • For the baptisms and communion service tonight.
  • That the Gospel would be taught clearly and received with joy.
  • That the Lord would help all of us see the mission opportunities He gives both here and back home.

I would also still welcome your thoughts as I prepare for 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 thankful for the rain, the rest, the preparation, and the opportunity to begin the work today.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip



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