Global Outreach Website

Jun 15

So, as you have heard, we got to Tanzania safe and sound. At the airport we were greeted with wonderful team members of Imara who have become some of our greatest friends in Christ, even in this short time. After sleeping in the Women’s Center (for training and loving women in abuse), we went to the village of Karanse the next day. Many of the team has sponsored children, some have sponsored them up to 8 years, and got to visit face to face with “their kids”. Sharon and Will Bryan got to see the coloring book they had recently sent that had been completely filled in (every single page) with the crayons they sent, and it showed them first-hand what the child had meant about liking to draw.

Much of our time here has been spent watching this graceful, always-grinning children play, to try to speak Swahili to them, to tell them “Mungu ni pendo” (God is love) and other words of encouragement, and to speak with teachers to see how best to support, walk alongside, and pray for them.  Bailey Fortman was very touched by seeing her family’s sponsored child that her and her mom, Cindy cried over their short time with her. Though they are so blessed to have seen their child unlike many sponsorers, that they could not ignore her reality of life and the fact they had to leave her.

Making kingdom connections has moved each and every member at a different time and in different ways. These people have no shame praising God (“Bwana asifiwe”), even when they are living with issues that can make people question and doubt the hand of God.

Going to church was truly a touch of Heaven. We walked in to hear a Kenyan pastor incredibly full of passion and power in his voice, being translated from English to Swahili by his wife (a powerful example of partnership within a marriage), and their booming voices set the stage. Then a worship team danced to a few praise songs, followed by all of us singing / dancing / letting loose and praising God in a way that much more matches what He deserves and what we can do. The special widow ladies are there in full effect as they sing and dance and are dressed in beautiful skirts. There is one special lady that loves to collect flower petals before church and she throws them up, around, and even on you as the service goes on.  She is called the “blessing lady”.

The next day we went back to Karanse and were able to play with the kids, do some painting and assisting, and talked at length with the teachers to encourage them and get to know them. They are the ones that love on and build up the kids every single day. Another highlight was Tim Fortman, our only adult American male, speaking to the men through a translator. He explained some basic business and financial principles and lead into what leadership means, breaking down the walls that tell men leadership is strength without mercy.  He explained the importance of loving and playing with kids which is huge and something that Pastor Warieli (who started this who school/church) has been laying the foundation for all along.

Seeing Carter Rhea speaking the best Swahili of our team (he now seems like a Tanzanian to us J) and playing with the kids so energetically, and seeing Jaden Fortman being in her element of being a kid was truly a blessing. The younger boys, Jason, Josh Crawford, and Will Bryan, were such incredible examples of strong, mature, and loving young men. They played tirelessly and were completely fine with being tackled, touched, and tickled. We were all covered in dirt by the end of the day because of the field and the work. It was a blessing to feel we had worked hard loving and being energetic for these kids, and underlining what their teachers tell them every day.

Sarah Traynor was able to get to know her sponsored child very well over the days, and has been truly blessed to get a glimpse of her life. The last day we were in Karanse for the field day, Sarah found her child, Caroline, sick and later discovered she was diagnosed with Malaria.  Though this is prevalent and common in this region, it still tore at Sarah’s and Caroline’s heart. The blessing was knowing that Sarah’s support money covers all of the medicines for helping Caroline fight Malaria. Bwana Asifiwe!

Sharon Bryan was able to use her knowledge, experience, and heart to heal some of the children and her compassionate spirit was exuded. Stephanie Lindgren also got to stretch her training as she played and taught with the kids. She was amazed by their incredible patience and obedience and their overflowing joy.

Shelley Rames, as we all have, has been blessed by the “surrounding beauty of this country”, and she has loved building relationships with the team and especially with the Tanzanians. Her emotions have been so up and down, but that has made her dependent and more understanding of God’s beautiful and complex heart.

This last day at Karanse, we got to meet Ms. Miriam Johnson, who has taught at Perimeter (even has taught the team members, Carolyn Stewart, Carter, and Will!), was here to meet us and share her experience as teacher mentor. This was incredibly insightful because it revealed how much the paving of 10 years of love and support in this place has impacted the school, children, village, and country. These people are truly raising up a generation of strong, smart, and God-fearing Tanzanians.

None of these wonderful stories touched on or un-told would be possible without the careful and wise planning of Pam Willis and Kathy Stewart. Their preparation before and during this trip has smoothed and prevented things so we can best serve here. Their flexibility, encouragement, and love for us and from God flows freely down to all of us. These leaders have, as the pastor said in church, “the heart of a mama.” They have both been here multiple times and their consistency and heart has truly impacted the staff there.

Carolyn Stewart, having been here before, was incredibly refreshed and enlightened to see these loving and humble people again and to serve here. Seeing the beautiful parts of the culture meshing with the un-changing and culture-less principles of God’s Word has been a huge eye-opener. The whole team is praying for drastic heart-changes as we return to the US and to this very different environment that doesn’t encourage appreciative hearts and contentment. We are hoping to be quick to Praise the Lord and quick to stay content so our immense overflow of resources will be used as a conduit for God.