Psalm 8:1, 3-4
A recent research trip to Tanzania was conducted to investigate the engagement status of two people groups living near Lake Victoria in and around the Serengeti.
As we look across Ngorongoro crater, the vastness of Tanzania is evident – the work of God’s fingers is made clear.
The purpose of our trip is to gather information on the Ikoma and the Zinza people.
Both groups live near the massive Serengeti National Park and Lake Victoria.
Because of the location of Ikoma villages, we are blessed to travel through the Serengeti -- the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs here every year between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Parks.
As we move about in Ikoma villages, God places people in our path who are knowledgeable about the engagement of the Ikoma with the Gospel of Christ. We discover the Mennonite church has been engaging the Ikoma since 1948. What a tremendous blessing! Giving a clear gospel witness, the elder of one Mennonite church stated emphatically that salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. We joyously received the witness.
Our time among the Zinza people was just as encouraging as we met with folks from the African Inland Church (AIC), an evangelical, interdenominational mission organization, who are actively engaging the Zinza people. There is a Bible school among the Zinza and Zinza believers are planting churches in villages and even on the islands near the southern shore of Lake Victoria.
We had thought that these two groups were engaged; yet, we needed to confirm these thoughts with feet on the ground, seeing for ourselves the work of the Lord among these two people groups.
*Pray for the efforts of the Mennonite and AIC church leaders as they live in some difficult circumstances, rough village conditions with little access to amenities.
*Ask God to embolden believers afresh with an urgency to reach those who are living in darkness.
*Praise God that He is mindful of mankind. He cares about every aspect of our lives.