Team Tanzania — Jeff Radichel: Encouragement

Yesterday began in one of the most remote places we have visited during this trip. After a short night of sleep, we returned to the church and spent more time with the congregation before beginning the long journey back. We shared a little tea in the morning, which was especially appreciated by Jeremiah.

It had taken us about five hours to reach the congregation the day before, and that did not include the final travel across the dry lake beds. Being there again that morning reminded me how many faithful Christians gather in places most of the world will never see.

Before we left, the congregation presented us with several thoughtful gifts, including necklaces, shoes, and a rooster. We later named the rooster Ashe, pronounced “A-shay,” which means “thank you” in Maa. More than the gifts themselves, we appreciated the kindness and fellowship they represented.

One conversation that stood out was with the daughter of the head elder. She knew some English and asked thoughtful questions. She has training in computers and tourism and hopes to use those skills to start a business. It was encouraging to see her curiosity and her desire to use the gifts the Lord has given her.

I also enjoyed spending more time with Marco, a 2024 seminary graduate who is currently involved in business in Zambia and hopes to enter the ministry in the near future. Bruce mentioned that Marco had always been especially good at asking questions, and that was certainly evident in our conversations.

A little encouragement, if you are reading this, Marco: keep seeking the Lord, keep asking good questions, and keep preparing for wherever He calls you to serve. The path may not always move as quickly or directly as expected, but the Lord can use every season to prepare His servants.

As we traveled back through the dry lake beds and toward Himo, I found myself reflecting on how encouragement often flows in both directions. We had traveled to share God’s Word and encourage this congregation. Yet we left encouraged by their generosity, their questions, their faith, and their desire to continue growing.

After meeting up again with Sarah and Paula near Himo, we received another unexpected gift. The clouds cleared enough for us to see Mount Kilimanjaro. During my previous two week trip to Tanzania, I never saw it once. This time, there it was. It was a beautiful and unexpected moment.

We finished the day with an excellent Korean barbecue meal at Jay’s in Moshi. Good food, conversation, and time together were a welcome way to close the day.

Encouragement does not always arrive through a major event. Sometimes it comes through a thoughtful question, a generous welcome, a mountain appearing through the clouds, or a meal shared with friends.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We traveled hoping to encourage others.

Once again, the Lord allowed us to receive encouragement as well.

Please pray with us:

• Thank the Lord for the congregation, Pastor Israel, and the leaders serving in this remote region.
• Pray for the young people there as they seek to use their gifts faithfully.
• Pray for Marco as he considers how the Lord may lead him toward future ministry.
• Thank the Lord for the hospitality and encouragement we received.
• Pray for the continued construction of the new church building.
• Pray for safe travel as our Mission Helper trip begins drawing to a close.
• Pray that we would continue encouraging and building up one another in Christ.

In Christ,
Jeff Radichel
Tanzania Mission Helper Trip

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