We have begun foot washing!

 On Sunday we visited an Evangelical Pentecostal church a ten minute drive from the base, on back roads and in a rural area. The team members prepared a 30-minute presentation, including what we practiced at Boot Camp and songs we sing here. The drama team practiced diligently on Saturday and performed well; Bryson A, Ellia M, Kathryn S, Kayla S, Neylan J, Ellie D, Simon O, and Maranatha R followed music cues and showed expression beautifully. Afterwards, Mia O gave her testimony, and Josh H preached a sermonette. The congregation sang Yesu Ni Wangu, a Swahili song that we learned at Boot Camp, and danced. 

Sunday afternoon, the team went to a freshwater spring twenty minutes from the base. The drive was bumpy, and we got to see village life in Africa. The spring had a rope swing, and they kept trying to do midair flips. We ate potatoes and eggs before going home. It’s winter here, so the sky grows dark around 7pm. By 8:45pm, when we have evening devotions, team members are a little tired, but the time is so sweet. Yesterday, Lydia J told her testimony and read her favorite verse, James 1:2-4. 

Today, team members got to foot wash for the first time today. Children around the base came to us around 2:30pm, and foot washing ended around 7pm. Kathryn S was one of eight foot washers today; she washed about seven children’s feet. She said they were so happy and full of smiles to get new shoes; some would start to take their old shoes off before the water was ready! After washing their feet with soap and clean water, she measured their feet and told a runner what size to get. While they waited, she and the child played hand clapping games and chatted. The schoolchildren spoke English and talked about their families and what they liked to do. “It was really nice to just get out and be around people.” 

 We bought hot tea and honey, which helps with coughs and runny noses. We have two weeks left in country and want to foot wash as often as possible. Please pray that many people come, from infants to adults, and that we have the courage to witness to them, as well as wash feet. All teen missions policies are upheld. God bless! 

“Yesterday, we went to a Tanzanian church and had the opportunity to do a presentation, during which I preached a sermonette. It was very interesting to see how passionately the nationals were singing, dancing, praying, etc. And my final comment is…hi mom.” -Josh H. 

“Tanzania is so much fun. I love the people here because they are so happy, giving, caring, and joyful. I definitely wanna come back because I feel called to this place. My relationship with Go has grown so much. I love serving the people here; they are so selfless. All of my teammates have been my family for the past few weeks, and they are my brothers and sisters. The leaders are amazing. This has been my favorite summer in Teen Missions. I’m living in the moment. I miss my family and girlfriend, I love them so much. See ya soon. Having fun. I can’t wait to share what amazing things God has done in my life. God bless.” -Nathan E