The Power of God in Tanzania

“From customs officers unknowingly handing us the exact glasses we needed, to villagers eagerly sharing the Gospel in their own language, to pastors being transformed by the truth of Scripture.” 

Our Trip Leader, Thane, recently shared this powerful story of God’s provision and transformation: 

“When our team arrived in Tanzania, we prepared for the usual customs experience bags scanned, questions asked, and sometimes even bribes requested before our supplies are allowed through. But this time was different. The agents removed all the glasses and told us we’d have to go to an office in town to fill out a form, without telling us which office or what form. Then, just before we left, one agent handed me two boxes, saying, “Here, you can take these samples with you.” 

When we prayed in the parking lot, we asked God to provide exactly what each person in the villages would need from the glasses we had left. And He did! The “samples” turned out to be the exact strengths we distribute the most, and with the glasses left from our last trip, every person we ministered to received what they needed. What an awesome God we serve! 

While we were sharing the Gospel at our eyeglass clinic, something beautiful happened. Using the Evangecube to tell the Gospel story, we watched as several villagers turned the cube around and began sharing the story with us in their own language! Many asked for one so they could tell their families and neighbors about Jesus. We had 100 paper versions, and every single one found a new owner eager to “go and preach the Gospel” throughout their community. The joy on their faces was unforgettable. 

One of the highlights of each trip is speaking to the students at Agape Bible College. We encourage and teach the pastors, discuss challenges with them, and pray for them. This year, we talked about how to treat the “jacked up” people who walk into church; those struggling with addictions, brokenness, or sin. Many pastors admitted they told such people to leave, explaining that “previous missionaries taught us to do that.” We opened Scripture together and saw how Jesus welcomed sinners, tax collectors, and the hurting, inviting them to follow Him and be transformed. 

One of our teammates shared his own story how he came to our church drunk for the first time but was welcomed anyway. Week by week, the Gospel changed his life. “I wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t welcomed me,” he said. Moved by his testimony, the pastors committed to return home and welcome the broken into their churches, trusting Jesus to transform them. 

Trip Leader, Thane, reflecting, “Every time I return from Tanzania, I am amazed at how God works in ways we could never plan or predict. From customs officers unknowingly handing us the exact glasses we needed, to villagers eagerly sharing the Gospel in their own language, to pastors being transformed by the truth of Scripture. It’s a powerful reminder that the Lord is building His Church, and nothing will stop it.” 

God’s provision wasn’t just physical, it was spiritual and cultural, reshaping lives and communities for His Kingdom. May the Lord bless you for all your prayers and support that make stories like these possible. 

I am so thankful to have friends and partners like Thane & Charlotte as part of our network. 

Yours in Christ, 

Matthew S. Osborn  

President/CEO Partner 135