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We want to share with you a vision that we as a ministry are beginning to step into. It has been in our hearts for a long time to start a children's home in the nations. Over the last years there have been several opportunities to do this, but with each opportunity, as we sought God's direction, He always closed the door. Then we were presented with an opportunity for a children's home in the city of Mwanza, Tananzia, and as we have continued to wait on God, we have moved forward with a constant sense that God is in this, and we are moving in His will.
There is a serious need for a children's home in this city. AIDS and other diseases have turned many children into orphans, with no place to go but the streets. For them, survival means doing anything for some food to make it one more day, and surviving means one more day of being unloved, unwanted, and forgotten. But Jesus has not forgotten them. He desires a place of love for these children to grow and thrive and live. And He has called us to build such a place.
In addition to building a children's home, we will also be building and running a Christian radio station on the same land. In 2001, we had been offered air time for a radio program in Tanzania, but the cost was very high, and we felt that we should lay it down and trust that God was planning something better. At the same time, God began to stir the hearts of a couple in our area, Shannon and Christine Wentzel, to work with the orphaned children of Tanzania. As they opened their hearts to the vision God was building inside of them, they began to feel strongly that God wanted to start a Christian radio station in Tanzania as well. While there is a radio station in Dar Es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, it does not reach the whole country. Mwanza is the second-largest city in Tanzania, and it does not have Christian radio broadcasting. Shannon decided to talk with PRAISE FM, a Christian radio station that broadcasts in our area, about starting a station in Mwanza. They were very excited! They also have a vision for Christian broadcasting in Africa, and said that they would be willing to work with us to see a station established in Mwanza.
Right now, we are purchasing a piece of land, just outside of Mwanza for $25,000.00. It is about 25 acres of rich, fertile soil, with a view of Lake Victoria. Our plans are to build a children's home and radio station, as well as a medical clinic and Christian school. The clinic and school will be available for both the children in the children's home, as well as the public in the Mwanza area. Our vision is to be a self-sufficient home. To do this, we will raise crops and livestock, and those families who are able, will pay tuition for their children to attend the school, as well as modest fees for medical services. For those who cannot afford these expenses, we will offer medical care for free.
The vision is large, but God is a God of large vision. We are simply taking God at His word and running with Him in all of this. We want to share this vision with you, because we can't do this alone. We need people who desire to bring God's Kingdom on earth, to join with us, and help put hands and feet to the Gospel of Jesus. All we want is to see what our Father is doing, then do it. And we see the heart of the Father in these plans for Mwanza.
Will you pray about being a part of what God is doing in Mwanza? We are grateful for any way God would lead you to share in this vision. We ask that you please lift us up in prayer as we continue to move forward. May God bless you richly in all things, as you fix your heart on Him and Him alone. We love you and look forward to hearing from you!
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