May Email Update

Shikamo!

That's a common greeting in Tanzania. Yep, that means we made it to Tanzania. A lot has happened since we sent the last update. First and foremost, we praise the Lord for getting us to Korogwe. We had a nightmare of a journey (flat tires, delays, problems at the border, increased costs), but we arrived at last. I won't go into details here, but you can read more about it on the blog (www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com)

Since arriving in Korogwe, we have been trying to adjust to our new surroundings. I (Stacie) thought it would be similar to living in Kenya, but it's quite different. Since they only speak Kiswahili here, the burden of communication (and pretty much everything!) has been on George. We are still learning where the best prices are for supplies and are slowly setting up our house. Many things are cheaper here (like rent and labor), but other things (like food) are much more expensive.

We are slowly easing into the ministry work of Africa Harvest of Hope. Our current focus is receiving the shipping container sent from the US. It is filled with food and supplies for the needy as well as blessings for us. George and Herbert (the Tanzanian pastor we are working with) are working to get the tax exemption and food clearance documents needed to release the container. It's race against the clock as the container nears the port. It should arrive any day and we are still waiting for the documents. If we don't get the paperwork in time, the port authority charges a lot of money each day the container sits there.

In addition to the container, we have been able to take part in a prayer/visitation ministry. We were introduced to Lucy who is in need of spiritual encouragement and physical healing. She is suffering from kidney and liver failure and is very discouraged. We have gone to her house for prayer and Bible study a few times and plan on meeting with her one to two times per week.

Other things on our agenda in the near future are working with the kids at the orphanage, setting up a much needed lab on the mountain and assisting with a team with Africa Harvest of Hope coming in July.

Our transition has been difficult, especially after the difficulties in getting here. There have been times when we felt lost and discouraged, but we know God is faithful. That reminder has helped us during the hard times. We know God has a plan and will give us the strength to fulfill it. Since arriving, we have seen how real and strong the spiritual battle is, but we know God has already claimed the victory.

Now more than ever, we need your prayers and are so thankful for everyone that brings our needs before the Lord. Here are a few to focus on:

1. Miraculous and quick completion of the container documents
2. Peace and renewed ministry vision during this transition time as well as unity between the ministry workers.
3. Continued good health for both of us and especially Stacie as we have 13 weeks left before baby Orwa arrives. Wisdom as we figure out where the delivery will happen (Tanzania or Kenya)
4. Completion of our residency paperwork (in Tanzania for both of us and in Kenya for Stacie)
5. A car – this is a big one. We are in desperate need of one. We don't know how it will happen, but we need God to provide in a miraculous way. We estimate needing $15,000 for a reliable used car, sturdy enough to get up and down the mountain.

We thank you for love, prayers and financial support. We are blessed to have you on our team.

God Bless,

George and Stacie Orwa

Phillipans 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”