Hathaway, Bridget - Tanzania
Prayer Update March 2008
Dear Friends,
Recently I travelled back from Ngara after a working visit to Murgwanza. It was good to be back there again for a few days, & catch up with many friends. I thank God for safe journeys both ways; I travelled there on the bus, but had a lift back. As usual we had to squeeze an armed escort into the pick-up; I think they were glad I am thin!! There are ingenious ways of fitting passengers into the ‘taxis’ here: it is possible to fit 11 people into an old Ford estate car, although the person sitting on the gear stick has an uncomfortable time! (That was me this time!)
Please continue to pray for safety in travelling.
This month I received information from Crosslinks regarding the ‘vehicle fund’ for our new Landcruiser. I am lost for words when I see the immense generosity of so many people who are sharing in this work with us here. God has answered our prayers in abundance, so that we have enough now for the cost of driving the vehicle up from Dar es Salaam. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate, but I have no other words. May God give you joy in your giving, & assurance that many people will benefit from your generosity.
Give thanks to God for the generosity of his people who share with us in this ministry.
We are all pleased that Flavian’s wife has returned to him. He was very forgiving & patient with her, as she had not only run off but also stolen his pay for 1 month.
Continue to pray for them as they work things out, & rebuild mutual trust. Pray they all remain healthy & trust God for the future.
Talking of marriages, Henerico & Lewitha are in the throes of the preparations for their wedding on the 7th June. It is an expensive step to marry in church, because sadly the tradition (from Colonial times?) is that a church wedding must have all the trimmings, which is why many people never marry in church. Henerico is sensibly beginning to buy various items now, so the expense doesn’t come all at once!!
Pray for them both as they learn more about each other, & understand the commitment they are making. Praise God both are committed Christians.
Next month is the Diocesan Council meeting, which as ‘Head of Department’ I am invited to attend. I have asked Obadiah to attend the first part, the smaller ‘Board’ meetings; that way he also gains the experience of giving reports.
Pray Pastors travel safely, & that it’s a positive time of ‘building up’ spiritually & of affirming each person’s ministry. Pray any decisions re. our Programme are made with understanding & wisdom.
There is much admin work such as report writing & writing of proposals for funding that falls largely on Obadiah & I. I am still training Lewitha in Field Work, so the workload can be heavy for me.
Thank God that Lewitha is doing well & shows a good maturity despite being young (!). Pray I have energy & health to keep abreast of all the demands on my time.
Finally, as we approach Easter, let us all take time to reflect & absorb the cost to Christ of his last days before being crucified. I pray that here, & in your churches, people will be drawn to worship & sing ‘Hallelujah’ from the depth of their hearts.
Thank you for your interest & support; I will try to write occasionally!
With my love,
Bridget Hathaway
Hathaway main page
name index
country index