Posted by Crystal
Crystal Stamberg
Jun 15
Karibu, Africa! We spent the first few days in Moshi with Lazarus, his small groups, and at his monthly pastor's meeting. While in Moshi, we learned that Bishop Somi's daughter had to have emergency surgery as there was a tumor in her chest near her heart. She did well the first day after the tumor was removed, but then the next morning had to go back into surgery as there was internal bleeding. After the surgery, she (Evelyn) went into ICU and had been there after since.
On Monday morning, we left for Mirerani to visit Bishop Somi. On the way there, Jones told us that we would be doing a four-day discipleship seminar for their church and pastors in the surrounding area - Surprise! :) Our expectation was that we would just be meeting with some of the leaders and their groups, but God had something else in mind. Upon arrival, we had a quick cup of chai and then they took us to Somi's church where there were 60 pastors, leaders and group members ready for a full on LOLMD seminar. So, on the fly, I led the seminar for the day. Was so grateful the Lord showed up and so grateful for our team who have been so flexible and such prayer warriors.
This a.m. (Tuesday), we found out that Bishop Somi's daughter died in the night - so very sad! Evelyn was in her second year of University, only 21. Needless to say, we canceled the seminar and packed our bags and have come back to Arusha with some of the leaders in his congregation to be with he and his family. God has truly called us to BE the body, rather than to teach. (We are very sad for the circumstances, but very grateful for the opportunity to love and serve our friends.) After lunch, we will head to pick up food, etc.
for the family and then go to help prepare meals, etc. The funeral will either be tomorrow or Thursday.
In between serving Somi and his crew, we will go back to visit Mike and Beatrice and hopefully help to get their home handicap ready, etc.
as he recovers from the stroke. (Mike was released from the hospital last Saturday while we were in Moshi.) We will also have the opportunity to visit Judith, Kisa and Nathaniel, other members of the core leadership team, while we are here in Arusha.
Please pray for us, that we would love and serve well. We don't want to 'take over' or be a distraction, only to love and serve well.
--Carolyn Bahr
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