Bible Studies and Door Knocking

Bible studies can happen anywhere at anytime. In someone's home, on a front porch or outside under a tree. In Africa not everyone has a door to knock on. They may just have a piece of cloth over the doorway or nothing at all. If there is no door then the proper thing to say is "Hodi, Hodi", this is like us saying knock, knock.  If no one is home then that is okay, you can just go next door to have a Bible study.  It is very unusual for someone to say no.

Passing Out of Tracts

When passing out tracts it was interesting to see that people would read the tract right away. Some will even stop their work to see what it was about.  It is estimated that for every 1 tract that is passed out 10 people will read it.

Correspondence Courses

People in Tanzania love written material because they are not bombarded with it like the U.S. Because of this correspondences courses have been effective. When you sign someone up for a course you have to really have to write down good directions to their home.  There are no addresses or house numbers.  For example you might say, "By the tree, between the two mud huts, the one with the tin roof.

Gospel Meetings

Gospel meetings can occur throughout the year but the two main ones occur during the Safari for Souls campaign, in the towns of Arusha and Moshi.  They are sometimes set up outdoors and with loud speakers to accommodate the crowd. 

Children's Bible Classes

Children’s Bible classes are on Sun. morning and Wed. evening. They not only provide Bible education to the children of the congregation but it also evangelizes to children who come at various times. There is also a children's’ seminar held once a year. It is very similar to to the Vacation Bible School held in the U.S.


The maturing of new Christians is a constant work in Tanzania. With so many new Christians in Tanzania, there is a great need for preaching, teaching, fellowship, and edification.

Edification & Church Growth

Preaching

Part of the churches responsibility is to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. 2 Timothy 4:2.  One way this is done is through public preaching.

Teaching

Following our goals teaching is one of the main objectives of our work here in Tanzania. We are encouraging the Tanzanians to teach others and to continue to grow the church. The ladies at the Arusha congregation have gone through teacher training classes and the men of the congregation are involved in personal Bible studies and take turns teaching Bible classes.

Fellowship

In Acts 2:42 we read that one of the four things the early church devoted itself to was “fellowship.” Fellowship was a very important part of their reason for meeting together. True fellowship involves getting together for spiritual purposes, the sharing of needs, for prayer, for discussing and sharing the Word.

Edification

Edification is a responsibility of each member of the church, but there are a few things that the Arusha church of Christ is doing to continue to edify one another.  The ladies of the church meet every 6 weeks in someone's home for a ladies day. It is a great way to learn where everyone lives, and share in their hospitality. Visitation also occurs to encourage the fallen away, the lonely, orphans, and widows. 

Andrew Connally School of Preaching


The Andrew Connally School of Preaching is named after the late Andrew Connally who was active with various mission efforts in Tanzania.  The school is located in the village of Kisongo about 8k outside of Arusha. The campus has a library, 2 classrooms, kitchen, offices, guest quarters, dormitories (48 student cap.) and a large covered patio area for meals and various activities. Education is highly valued in Tanzania and these men truly value this type of education. They come from various parts of East Africa to receive this education. Carey is an instructor at the school and enjoys teaching these men so that they can be effective when they return back to their home country or region. Because of this school the Gospel is not only being taken throughout Tanzania, but into all of East Africa.

Arusha & Kilimanjaro Bible Schools


The Arusha and Kilimanjaro (Moshi) Bible Schools have a different purpose than the ACSOP. The goal of these schools is to allow anyone to come and study the Bible, Christian and non-Christian alike. These schools provide deeper knowledge of the Bible and  help to develop Christian teachers and possible church leaders.  The program is open to men and women who are willing to attend.  Many are Christians from the local congregations of the Lord's body, while others are from denominational backgrounds, Muslims, or pagan/indigenous beliefs. Some of the students who enter the program are converted during their studies and therefore these schools are evangelistic tools as well. 

Their are many aspects to the work here in Tanzania. A few of these consist of : Evangelism, Edification, Church Growth, Teacher/Preacher Training, and Benevolence Outreach.

Planting the seed of God's word happens in many different ways in East Africa. It can be done by word of mouth, seminars, home bible studies, or correspondence courses.

In Tanzania the people are friendly and easy going.  The society as a whole is laid back and is in no hurry.  "No Hurry In Africa" is a popular saying.  Because of this people will stop what ever they are doing to visit and talk with you.  This opens the door to evangelize.  When you are visiting with someone that has the time and is in no hurry you have more of an opportunity to spread the Gospel.  "Good news of Christ".

Evangelism

                        

Preacher/Teacher Training

Paul told Timothy, "The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" Timothy 2:22 

Benevolent Outreach


Benevolence outreach is done in so many ways. The physical needs of the people can be overwhelming at times. The people of Tanzania truly appreciate any help that you can give. This outreach can be done by giving someone a ride, offering them a meal, helping them with a personal need, or simply give them advice.


The best thing that you can do for anyone is pray for them. So please keep the people of Tanzania in your prayers.