Tanzania 2026

UPDATES

6/26/26 (From Mike):

Hi GBC,
This was the last day of the pastoral training conference and evangelistic crusade. God has been so good and faithful throughout our time in Tanzania and today was no exception. We'll share more when we return, but we heard so much positive feedback from many of the pastors. Multiple pastors, younger and older, shared how the expository preaching sessions helped equip them to faithfully preach God’s Word. Space doesn't permit me to share details but we can't wait to share more with you when we return. To be even a small part of what God is doing to build His church among the nations is awesomely and joyfully overwhelming.

A highlight was distributing the resources GBC purchased to all of the pastors. It was an honor for us to hand those resources to each pastor, knowing we were doing that as representatives of GBC. Many of the pastors expressed their deep gratitude. Thank you and praise God!

GBC, we are so grateful for you! We knew you were praying for us throughout our time. Your partnership in advancing the gospel in Tanzania was evident and experienced in significant ways.

Please pray for our long trip home. I'm actually writing this in the Dar airport while we wait for our next flight. It's been a packed and rewarding time here. And, we're ready to come home. We can't wait to share more with you!

I want us to know and savor that through this opportunity in Tanzania, we as a church had the joyful opportunity to be a part of what Psalm 96 describes. Praise God we're a church who wants to continue to make progress in faithfully declaring His glory among the nations! By God’s grace, may we continue to make progress and trust Him every step along the way.

Psalm 96:1-3, 10
Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.”

Love you, GBC!
Your Brother in Christ,
Mike

6/26/26

Our Tanzania team wrapped up what sounds like a very fruitful week of training. They are now preparing for their long trip back with a more restful day, flying out in the evening. Please be praying for their journey home. The are expected to arrive back in Sea-Tac Sunday evening 6/28/26.

6/25/26

Photo

Today we began our teaching to the pastors on the Simeon Trust method of preparing for sermons. This is a model GBC has learned and used to figure out how to best break down a text, read it in context, discover the original meaning to the first audience, connect it to the gospel, and apply it to our people. It's a very useful tool to help keep pastor's focused on the main idea of the text, instead of reading your own idea into what you're teaching.

Mike kicked the session off with an impassioned plea to take the work of preaching God's word seriously. He did an excellent job of encouraging the brothers to continue to faithfully serve their congregations and to make the gospel the main thing in all they do in ministry. He then taught how to structure a passage to preach it expositionally. There was a funny moment of trying to explain how the main point of a sermon is like the meat of a sandwich, that it's the best part. Our translator didn't know what a sandwich was and took, no joke, close to three minutes to try to explain the concept to the pastors. It was funny for everyone how the explanation kept going and going. Afterwards, our translator said he wants to try a sandwich now!

We all came up to do a Q&A after the session and feel like that is when we are connecting with the pastors the best. They were all very grateful for our teaching on expository preaching and commented how much they are learning. One pastor shared a funny example of why knowing context is important, because he had to confront another pastor after he taught that the wisemen in Jesus' birth story were actually lizards! Apparently the word for lizard can also mean wiseman in Swahili so the pastor was convinced that's what the text was saying. It was a humorous, and important example, why context can help discover the meaning of the text. 

For the second session, Mark taught about context in more depth. He used a passage from the gospel of John to demonstrate how immediate, chapter, book, and biblical context all help better understand the text. One of the older pastors in the Q&A for this session said John was his favorite book, but through this session he now understands it better than before and is excited to teach his people and other pastors what he's learned.

I, Jordan, got to teach the last session on the melodic line. The melodic line is the principle of finding the main theme and focus for a specific book of the bible so that when you preach smaller parts of the book, you know that where you're going is fitting in with the overall theme and message of that particular book. Since we've been working our way through the Gospel of Luke at youth group since the beginning of the year, we worked together using different tools to discover the melodic line of Luke together.

Another one of the older pastors commented to the group afterwards that he is noticing that what we're teaching them is what they are seeing in how we preach at the crusades, and that members of the community around Revival Baptist had commented that the preaching sounds different because it also has teaching involved. He encouraged the brothers to listen and apply what they were hearing. It was a special moment for our team to hear how this is impacting the men we're blessed to teach.

Anthony brought the gospel message out of Luke 15 looking at the three "Lost Parables." Gresham Bible Church, you should all be proud of your brother and pastor. Anthony preached an incredible sermon that was so on point to the text, clearly pointed to our need for Jesus, and was filled with passion for the truth he was proclaiming. It may or may not have gotten a little dusty in the eyes watching our dear brother preach such a powerful, faithful message. Pastor Agripa said afterwards that Anthony is "an international preacher." The people heard God's heart for them through his handling of the text. 

We did the invitation a little differently tonight and had the pastors come up to receive people who wanted to make professions of faith or receive prayer. We thought we should be putting to work all these incredible men of God and it seemed to work very well to have them personally involved with those who came forward.

Tomorrow the seminar and crusade ends. It's been a full and busy week, but it has been such a joy and encouragement to meet, pray, and worship with these pastors, and to hear that they are learning new things that they are excited to use in their own congregations. It has been a humbling experience to be allowed to come and teach these men and we are praying the final session will connect and we can send them out with resources and encouragement as they continue to proclaim the kingdom of God around Tanzania!

-Jordan

6/24/26

Some Tanzania Joy today!

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2nd LINK

Psalm 100:4

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"

Wednesday was a very full but good day! For the pastor's conference, we saw the rest of the pastors arrive from various destinations. It's been quite humbling to hear some have traveled close to 800 miles by bus to be here.

Our sessions today focused on essential doctrines of the faith: the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, and the process of salvation. Jordan and his dad, Mark, led the sessions, and the teaching was received well by the pastors. Many said they struggled to teach some of these doctrines and found the sessions really helpful in strengthening their own convictions and in learning how to communicate them to their people. There was also more time devoted to Q&A, which led to fruitful discussions.

Speaking of the pastors, there is a wide range of ages, experiences, and backgrounds. It's amazing to see how God has raised up faithful brothers in Christ to feed his people in Tanzania.

During the last session and most of the open-air revival, the power went out to the church, and we ended up having to problem-solve on the fly. Our friend Steve (from previous updates) allowed us to use his generator, so we were able to complete the worship and preaching. Mike spoke about Jesus' claim as Lord and Savior in Mark 14. It was a clear presentation of the gospel to around 200 people, many from the surrounding neighborhoods.

One thing that was so amazing to see was the worship of God's people without any electricity. They truly worship the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. It's a peek into our future reality, where saints from every tribe, tongue, and nation will praise the One who is worthy of all our adoration. Praise God!

--Anthony

6/23/26

First day of Training PHOTOS!

Today was the first day of the pastors training conference and evangelistic crusade. The training was all day from about 8:30am to 3pm. Then, the crusade went from 3pm to about 6pm.

It was a full day for sure and also a very rewarding day.

• The training sessions focused on seeing the gospel in the Old Testament. We received positive feedback from the pastors which was really encouraging.

• Jordan preached the crusade message and did a great job.

• One young woman and two girls made professions of faith in Jesus. Praise God!

A highlight of the day was the choir and dance group. They sang for the pastors at lunch and then again during the crusade. And boy did they ever dance. We all agreed it was really cool to witness in person and also that any of us would tear multiple ligaments if we even attempted to dance like they did. 😀

Thank you for praying for us and please continue to be praying!

GBC, we miss you and love you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Mike

6/22/26
Today the team met with Pastor Agrippa and leaders from a Tanzanian seminary and a Bible college. We were honored to meet with these brothers who have been so faithful to lead and train pastors here. We heard about the pressing need for more sound pastoral training in Tanzania and discussed some of the challenges and opportunities. It became clear how the Lord is working here and how He has been equipping us along the same lines. The vision and alignment everyone shared is honestly hard to put into words. As we left our meeting, Anthony said the potential for gospel partnership "is mind blowing." Amen! Our Lord Jesus really is building His church. We can't wait to share more with GBC when we return.

Your prayers have been clearly felt. Thank you so so much! Please continue to pray for us and for the work the Lord has for us here.

• Please be praying for the pastoral training conference that will be happening Tuesday - Friday. There are now 80 some pastors coming from all over Tanzania, wanting to be trained in theology and expositional preaching. Praise God!

• Pray we communicate clearly, compellingly, and humbly.

• Pray for the pastors coming, that the Lord uses this conference to strengthen the churches they shepherd with the real gospel.

• Also, please be praying for the evangelism outreaches that will happen each evening after the conference. Pray many will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ as we preach the gospel.
  
  Psalm 96:1-3, 10 has been my prayer and God in His kindness is letting us see even just a small bit of how He is working. We worship an awesome God who is truly calling for Himself a people from every tongue, nation, and tribe!
  
  "Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
      sing to the Lord, all the earth!
  2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
      tell of his salvation from day to day.
  3 Declare his glory among the nations,
      his marvelous works among all the peoples!
  
  10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
      Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
      he will judge the peoples with equity.”
  
  We love you GBC and are grateful for your prayers and partnership in all of this. The Lord reigns!
  Your Brother in Christ,
  Mike

6/21/26

From /Jordan:

PHOTO

PHOTO

• Pray for Steve! He was their transport from the airport/a mechanic. They stopped by his shop to pray for his business. Pastor Agripa has invited him over the past year to church and he finally came on Sunday! Jordan had tea with him and Steve invited them all to dinner on Thursday.

• Sunday Services:

  • Technology worked--they showed the video from GBC.

  • They each preached at different churches and it went well.

  • Agripa picked them up for dinner at his home. They met a group of 40 students on a bus that stopped by on their way back from a conference, prayed for them and Jordan shared I Tim 4:12. 4 more busses are en route, so they are not sure if they'll be meeting with them as well.

6/20/26

Habari!

Today was a full day with Pastor Agripa touring the areas Revival Baptist has planted churches in Iringa and surrounding towns. We prayed for each one and heard how the Lord is using them to strengthen believers and preach the gospel in their communities. Some things to pray for regarding these churches:

1. Isakalilo Church: Pray for their faith to grow and people to receive Christ through their witness
2. Ulanda Church: There's a group of believers meeting in a home but they need more space. They have already purchased land and built a foundation. But they need additional resources to build the rest of the church. 
3. Mwika Church: To remain faithful in the gospel of Jesus Christ and to continue to make disciples who make disciples. 
4. Kalenga: The newest church, they are meeting in a temporary structure next to a house (think large carport made from wood and tin). Pray they can find land and start building a permanent home for the saints there. 
5. Mkoga Church: A faithful church in the area, pray that they continue to love Jesus and others around them. They are also currently planting a church in another area—praise God!

The pastors from these churches will be attending the conference, so please pray that they are encouraged and equipped for the sake of the gospel.

On Sunday, each of us will be preaching at a different church in Iringa. What an honor to be worshipping the Lord with these wonderful saints, representing GBC, and pointing others to Christ through His Word. We so appreciate the support through your prayers and your generous giving—all pastors are now fully funded—all glory be to Christ!

Click for PHOTOS

With great affection for you all,

Anthony

6/19/26 Our Tanzanian team is in Tanzania, comfortably resting in their lodging for the night. Pray for them as they adjust the the time zone and new country. Scroll down for their daily prayer needs.

• The letters sent with them from GBCer's were hugely encouraging! They read them during their long layover before the final flight.

• Click for PHOTOS!

6/18/26 Our Tanzanian team safely landed in Istanbul and had time to eat! They are now in the air until about 5 PM our time (PST); they will then have a 7 hour layover. HUGE PRAISE: Lodging has been secured again in Tanzania! Thank you for praying!

6/17/26 Our Tanzanian team safely arrived to Sea-Tac and departed on the first 12 hour leg of their 30 hours of travel tonight (Wednesday).

They have asked that GBC join them in prayer for this very specific need that has come up:

"Agripa just let us know that there are national sports competitions happening in Iringa right now and that government officials have come and taken all the rooms he had booked. I don't know if that means just for our team or for all the pastors as well. He said he's driving around right now trying to find available rooms. Pray for lodging, for safety as he travels, and for him to not be too stressed with all this!"

Secondly-there is a tight connection in Instanbul when they land. Pray they make it through customs and connect without any delay. 

Prayer Guide:

• Pray for the preparation of lessons and preaching.

• Pray for the attending pastors to have understanding and growth.

• Pray technology will work well so we can leave them with video resources.

• Pray for the evening preaching services-that the Gospel would be heard and for people to be saved!

• Tanzania time is 10 hours ahead of us!

1. Wed, Thurs, Fri June 17-19: Safety in travel to Sea Tac Airport + Flights

2. Sat - Mon June 20-22: Meetings with Pastor Agripa, other local leaders, setting up for the conference, scouting for potential youth camp areas

3. Tues June 23rd:

   • Mark, Anthony, and Mike teaching

   • Jordan preaching at evening service

4. Wed. June 24th:

   • Jordan and Mark teaching

   • Mike preaching at evening service

5. Thursday June 25th:

   • Mike, Mark, and Jordan Teaching

   • Anthony preaching at evening service

6. Friday June 26th:

   • Mike, Anthony, and Jordan Teaching

   • Mark preaching at evening service

7. Sat/Sunday June 27-28th: Safety in traveling back to Sea-Tac/driving home