The past few days we have spent our time evangelizing in the community here on the outskirts of Morogoro. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people. They love to talk to us and hear what we have to say. They are so thankful that we are in their country just bringing love. The kids either smile and ask for a picture or yell “mzungu” and run and hide. Throughout the community there are born-again Christians, Roman Catholics, Muslims, and non-believers. Never knowing what they believe we come with one purpose. Our purpose is to show the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! That’s where Johnson comes in.
About Johnson:
Johnson has been a brother since I have been here in Morogoro. You will never see him without a smile and he is one of the most caring and hospitable guys I know. One day he took me on his bike all around town. We went to see his family, some of his close friends who are Muslims, his home, and his workplace, which is the local fire station. He grew up as a Roman Catholic but found truth in Jesus about five years ago. He shows his joy in everything he does and he is always strapped for battle.
So here is how it works…
We let Johnson know that we are going to walk the streets and he shows up when it’s time to go. We pick a random direction knowing that people will always be outside. All of the Tanzanians want to talk to us “mzungus” and find out why we are here. So we introduce ourselves and have some conversation and then Johnson says, “aren’t you going to share a Word of God?” We usually just laugh because we know it’s coming. That’s why he goes, to share the Word of God. So one of the others or I share why we are here along with a short message. If they are saved we chat and invite them to the Church and I usually bust out a “Bwana Asifiwe.” If they aren’t born-again we tell them how they can be saved and give a testimony of what the power and love of Christ brings. For me, well I tell them how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and how He is the only way to eternal life and I mention how much my life has been changed and how having a relationship with Christ is so good and so worth it. We usually spend 10 to 30 minutes or so talking. And they listen; they want to hear what we have to say. It doesn’t matter if they are Muslim; they still are welcoming and open. I really don’t know why but I know God has a plan for me being here. I assume they want to hear what is so good about this Jesus and why I would leave my family, job, school, and everything else to go to Morogoro, Tanzania to tell people about Jesus. Almost everyone has a change of heart by what we share and invite us back. It’s nothing I’m doing; I’m just being lead by the Spirit and following God. Johnson keeps us on our feet and encourages us to share more. He usually throws in a word at the end and one of us prays then we say goodbyes expecting to see each other again soon. Johnson is one of those guys I thank God for placing in my paths. This man wants to bring the truth and love to his people. And he does!
This first week of ministry has been awesome! God is giving me a new boldness and confidence in speaking his truth. I would usually shy away but now I want to tell people and pray for people every opportunity I get! Bwana asifiwe!
