share our faith, bring hope, and exhibit love!

Dar Es Salaam is unique yet so
beautiful. We are staying in a house made of cement with rooms and beds. The
city is built on sand, which means it is like a desert (as each day gets hotter
and hotter). We are truly blessed. This place has a squatty potty (which I have
mastered now) and bucket showers (these are both outside), but we have a small
problem of a guard dog at night (which means NO going to the washroom at
night).

We have no grocery store. I know
this is funny to mention, but for the last few months we have not seen a
grocery store. We just buy food from “The Duka” (which are little stores which
families own in hopes to get enough money to live on). We buy whatever we need
for that day.  A few days ago we found an
actual grocery store with rows of food and brand names we knew (but the only
problem is it is an hour away by taxi). We found comfort there. As much as we
love travelling and experiencing new cultures, it is great when we can find
that product we know we will love.

We are doing ministry with a church.
It consists of teaching everyday (either the women’s group, men’s group, or the
choir and evangelism group) – also Sunday school and preaching. You never know
who will be there, but we just speak the truth (which sets you free) and
whoever hears it we pray will be impacted. I have had many opportunities this
month to speak and also listen to my teammates speak (they have encouraged and
blessed me through their wisdom more than they know). When I walk up to the
pulpit I am not nervous anymore, but rather speak with confidence. I speak God’s words and truth and share stories from my own life which taught me and changed
me for God.  I am so proud of team
S.W.A.T, more and more we realize our purpose- to share our faith, bring hope,
and exhibit love.  There is no fear, but
we speak in love knowing God changed our lives and want others to know the truth
that can set them free.

We have had some opportunities to
teach kids, play with them, and hold them in our laps.  The kids here are such a blessing and joy to
be around each day.  As we sat in church
this Sunday, a child came and sat on my lap all service just desiring to be
held. After the service the same child found me and tugged on my sweater to be
held- as I picked them up they snuggled into me.

We taught the kids one afternoon,
and we asked “Who here desires to be loved?”

Every kid raised their hand.

We are here to exhibit love, THE
GREATEST LOVE of all, Christ.