One year

From Global Lutheran Outreach missionary Cheryl Kruckemeyer (serving in Mwadui, Tanzania) She writes:

One year ago, May 27, 2019, I departed from DFW Airport for the one-week field visit and introduction to Mwadui, Tanzania, marking the beginning of my commitment to this ministry in Tanzania. On January 27, 2020, just before the Covid-19 virus was a known worldwide threat, I made the journey to begin a new life here. I ask the Lord to bless me here, make me useful to my neighbors, friends, acquaintances, students, those in need, and other poor sinners in this place, thereby displaying to His people His infinite wisdom, love, and mercy.

One day while I was observing, one of the young workers told me he did not have a Bible. He was very happy when, the following day, I handed him a Bible written in Kiswahili. God is so good. Dorothea Kruse, an agricultural missionary from Germany, serving within the Mennonite organization, moved into Mwadui and is living with me. She was seeking protection and isolation from the corona virus. Being familiar with Mwadui and Abel’s farm, she felt safer here than in Shinyanga or Mwanza. Cooking and working on Abel’s farm are her favorite pastimes.

Time Well Spent

The Wednesday morning Ladies Bible Study group is digging deep into Matthew 14:13-21. Weekly mentoring sessions with students, in between their duties on the farm, are helping them gain self-confidence, develop plans, and take steps toward their dreams and career goals. Observing and occasionally lending a hand, I’ve spent time with the manual laborers on Abel’s farm harvesting rice, planting Chinese cabbage, and working the land. President Magafuli announced prayers have been answered and there is no more coronavirus in Tanzania, in spite of conflicting reports. Truth is evasive and simply directs us back to the Bible, knowing there is only one truth on all the earth.

“Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” (Psalm 26:1-2)

When do we test God? And He us? Testing God is actually a lack of trust in Him. Only God knows the hearts of His people. Martin Luther responded to requests for advice during the bubonic plague in Germany, and his advice has withstood the test of time. He tells us to take reasonable preventative steps and to love our neighbors. We all have responsible roles during these days of the coronavirus, even now when the threat is hopefully diminishing. But never are we to forsake our neighbors in their time of need, whether that need is physical or spiritual. It is most certainly more blessed to give than to receive.

Click here to read the latest newsletter from Cheryl