Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: Sent in Weakness

This Sunday morning, I am preparing to worship with the main congregation here in Tanzania and have the privilege of sharing God’s Word during the sermon. It is a humbling honor, and I would appreciate your prayers as we gather around Christ and His Word today.

Yesterday began with another opportunity to teach children at a small orphanage near the seminary. One of the blessings of presenting multiple times is seeing the lessons continue to improve. Each presentation becomes a little clearer, the transitions become smoother, and we learn new ways to involve the children. It reminded me that outreach is often the same way. Sharing the Gospel may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more we faithfully speak about Christ, the more natural it becomes. The power has never been in the presentation. The power is in God’s Word.

The children continue to be one of the highlights of this trip. We have been blessed to hear incredible singing and watch some amazingly talented young drummers praise the Lord with joy. Can you spot the instruments they try to sneak in to play without being noticed? Spending time at the orphanage also reminded me how thankful I am for the gift of family. Some of these children have no parents, and that is not something to overlook. It was a reminder to thank God for the families He has given us and to remember those whose circumstances are very different from our own.

The afternoon and evening were spent preparing today’s sermon and prayers. I appreciated Bruce taking time to review the message with me. Preparing to preach has also given me an even greater appreciation for our pastors. Thank you to those who faithfully study the Scriptures, prepare week after week, and bring the Gospel to God’s people. Much of that work happens quietly and behind the scenes, but it is one of the Lord’s greatest blessings to His Church.

Later in the day we drove past the market and stopped at the Gran Meliá Hotel in Arusha for a snack and a drink. I also stopped by Chris Plummer’s shop. Chris is currently in Dar es Salaam, so we didn’t get to see him, but he has been a faithful friend and a great support to many who have traveled and served here over the years.

Another unexpected blessing has been hearing from so many of you following these daily posts. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and thoughtful messages. They have been a blessing to me and another reminder that while we may be separated by thousands of miles, we remain one family in Christ.

As I get ready for worship this morning, I keep coming back to one passage:

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

The Lord has continued to bring me back to these words throughout the week.

We spend so much of life trying to become stronger, more prepared, more organized, and more capable. Yet throughout Scripture, the Lord repeatedly removes the things we are tempted to trust so that our confidence rests in Christ alone.

Not after weakness.

In weakness.

That is where His grace is sufficient.

That is where His strength is made perfect.

That is where He sends His people.

Please pray with us:

• Thank the Lord for the continued improvement in our team’s health.
• Pray that Christ would be clearly proclaimed during today’s worship service.
• Pray for the children at the orphanage and for those who care for them.
• Pray for the seminary students, that they would faithfully study to show themselves approved for the work to which the Lord has called them. 2 Timothy 2:15
• Pray for the pastors, children, parents, and congregation gathered for worship today.
• Pray that the Lord would continue to strengthen His Church throughout Tanzania and around the world.
• Pray that we would trust His sufficient grace rather than our own strength.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip

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