The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 26

August 13, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Today, our family worshipped with the Kisongo congregation whose building is behind the ACSOP. My Bible study lesson was entitled, "Imitators of God" and my sermon topic was the "Immovable Kingdom." It was nice to see Julius, one of our guards, who was converted last year, in worship services and continuing to be faithful.

The second quarter of the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching is now history and the students are now closer to their graduation date (March of each year). Overall, our preaching students made good grades. ACSOP students must maintain a C- or above in order to continue their studies. After finals, some of the men traveled to visit family, but most stayed at the dorms to enjoy their week break (or begin preparation for the next quarter). The picture above shows our 2^nd year students. Mark Hooper (former Missions Director from FHU also shown in the picture) taught a few months ago. Waymon Swain and Bruce Ligon will be teaching in the new quarter.

Traveling with brothers Swain and Ligon will be Larry Wilson, who is planning to preach a Gospel Meeting in Boma Ngombe (name means "House of Cows"). This congregation has been in existence about 5 years and is doing well. It is our hope that brother Wilson will encourage and help the church there to grow even stronger. Please pray for the success of this evangelistic effort and for the men’s safe travel as they come to do God’s work.

A special "Thank You" to all who took time to wish me well on my 40^th birthday. I had a great day with my family and desire to spend many more years in God’s service. Heather got her cast off on Thursday and is glad to be "free." Her ankle is still very stiff, having been in the cast for about 10 weeks. The children are getting back to their school work after a break. Todd wants to construct an obstacle course using some old tires and wood. Lindsey got a little practice on a bass guitar at a friends’ restaurant a few weeks’ ago. Candace enjoys doing crafts and can make some of the cutest things. Abigail learned quite a bit in the Greek class this past quarter. Stuart’s best friends are still "Mr. Dirt" and "Mr. Stick" with whom he plays daily.

We thank you for working with us to teach and preach the Word of God. I Corinthians 3: 8,9 reminds us that, "He that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God…"

May God Richly Bless You,

Jimmy, Trina, Todd, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace and Stuart

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 25

August 6, 2006

Hi Everyone,

We send our greetings from Tanzania, East Africa and hope that all is well with you. A good crowd worshipped this morning as Paul Ndwani preached on "After baptism, what then?" This was a very timely sermon because many new converts have baptized over the past few months (including one person baptized just this week in the campaign follow-up efforts).

We are thankful for your prayers and to God on behalf of Ken Upchurch who came through his surgery (heart valve replacement) and is doing well. Heather has only one and a half weeks till her cast is off. Three of our children had some bacterial infections but are fine now.

Andrew Connally School of Preaching students are entering the last week of the quarter. After one week off, they will return for some short courses (James, I and II Thessalonians, Christian Evidences, and Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther) taught by Waymon Swain and Bruce Ligon. Interestingly, brother Swain was a missionary for West Africa supported by the Oxford congregation (Oxford, AL), Trina’s hometown congregation, when she was about 8 years old. Les Hinkle will leave next week after teaching for six weeks. We are grateful for the tremendous help he has given us this quarter, and look forward to seeing him next year.

Lastly, it is now less than a year until our furlough (scheduled at the half-way point of our five-year commitment). Most missionaries take a yearly furlough, but, due to the cost of air fare for our large family, we chose to do only one during our stay. Our departure date from Tanzania is planned for July 2, 2007 for a three-month furlough. This time will be spent traveling and reporting to our supporting congregations (as far east as Virginia, as far West as Texas, up north to Arkansas and as far South as Louisiana, plus many areas in between)! Of course we want to visit with family, spend a week at Backwoods Christian Camp and might even squeeze in a trip to an amusement park. Although missionaries should raise their furlough money, along with all the other funds needed, BEFORE going into the mission field, we were anxious to get to work in Tanzania.

We have been blessed by all of you in so many ways and, although we hate to ask for additional funds, we feel the furlough is important. The money is needed soon to purchase our airline tickets early and have our travel/reporting fund in place. Thank you so much for your consideration of this need when making your budget for the 2007.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all you have done and continue to do in order to "train Africans to teach Africans." May God bless you richly as you work for Him.

 

In Christ,

The Jimmy Gee family

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 23

 

July 23, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Last week we placed our most recent family photo in our report. What a response we got! Many wrote and made comments. This week we have pictured a different family...the Rachels’, whom we mentioned several weeks ago. Gary Fallis (Bear Valley Extensions Coordinator for East Africa) had some more details to add to this story and put it such a nice way that we felt it worth sharing with you again:

The Rachels family from west Tennessee came to Arusha, Tanzania to be a part of the Safari for Souls evangelistic campaign. They had desired to come for five years, but began actively preparing to do so almost two years ago. The cost for a family of five was at least $10,000. In order to raise the funds, they planted two acres of okra. Every family member was involved in the project.

While in Tanzania, Forest preached at Usa River. Teresa taught a lesson in the Ladies’ Leadership Workshop, and the daughters helped in the VBS. They all distributed tracts and taught Bible studies during the campaign.

Jesus expects us to use what we have (Matt. 25:14ff). He will reward the seemingly least act of service (Matt. 10:40). God gives us an opportunity to give in all these ways. He does not want us to serve because we have to but because we want to (2 Cor. 9:7).

In Africa, fields are white unto harvest. People are receptive. You don’t have to chase people down to get them to take a tract or talk about the Bible. Many are working, but the laborers are still few. Why not become one of the few? What can you do? Buy Bibles? Support a student in the Andrew Connally School of Preaching? Or you can plant a patch of okra.

Several weeks ago, when Ralph Williams was here, he began a Bible study with a young lady from England named Alexandra. She is here for about two months working with the Rotary Club doing Malaria Education classes. After Ralph left, the studies were continued by several others, including the group here from Bear Valley. We are thankful to God for the fact that this past Thursday, Alexandra decided to become a Christian. Several took part in this, just like Paul and Apollos, but God brought the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). When Alexandra leaves Africa, she will carry the Gospel back to England to her friends and family. When you come to Africa, you never know who you will meet or where they will be from, but rest assured, they have a soul and they need the Gospel. This week, find someone near you that needs to hear the Good News and tell it to them.

Tune in next week when we discuss "watermelons."

In Christ,

Jimmy, Trina, Todd, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, and Stuart Gee

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 22

 

July 16, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for reading this newsletter, showing your interest in us and in the TZ 2000 mission work. We are so very thankful to have supporters such as yourself who give sacrificially so this work can continue and bear much fruit for the Kingdom.

The above picture is of our family, taken just days ago at Cy Stafford’s house here in Tanzania. Having been awhile since our last family picture, we thought you might like to see it (I’m sure the grandparents want to see how the grandchildren have grown). Todd has grown considerably in our 1 ½ years here. Heather’s first cast has been removed. Because the x-ray showed a small place that still needed to heal, we opted for a second cast below the knee. This should come off in 4 weeks and hopefully the bone will be fully healed. Thanks for your prayers and concern. Everyone else is fine and enjoying the weather and the beautiful outdoors (going on walks, finding new plants and different little insects).

Cy Stafford’s report of last week included this great information: "Francis Wechesa leaves today, headed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Why you might ask? Well, a couple of years ago during our summer campaign, two refugees from the Congo, visiting Arusha, came in contact with one of our workers, studied and obeyed the Gospel. They would in turn take the Good News back to Western Tanzania and the two refugee camps they were living in. Two congregations were started and continue to this day. The two men have now moved back to the Congo and have started two more congregations. A couple of days ago one of them called Francis to verify his coming and shared the great news: eighteen new converts were added to the Church the week before. Now that is really good news! Please pray for Francis as he makes this very long and hard trip. Pray that God will bless him with safe travels and many open doors. He will also be stopping in Mwanza to see the brethren and help them start the building process for the new building. The Lord is doing mighty works here in TZ. He needs many more workers. Please consider joining the TZ 2000 team in one of God’s great mission efforts. Have a blessed week and know this, the Lord loves you and so does the Tanzania 2000 mission team."

I found the following quote from Ogden Nash (1902-1971) that some of us parents would do well to remember:

"One would be in less danger

From the wiles of a stranger,

If one’s own kin and kith

Were more fun to be with."

In His Service,

The Jimmy Gee family

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 21

 

July 9, 2006

 

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

It’s another beautiful day in Tanzania, East Africa. Les Hinkle taught our Bible class on the book of Habakkuk and preached on "The Value of One." Realizing the value of ONE person and the impact of individual efforts is almost overwhelming. The Kioga congregation was established due to ONE person handing ONE tract to someone.

Our visitors are continuing to conduct "follow-up studies" with the many contacts made during the most recent campaign. Three were baptized this week! There is much work to do and the Bear Valley students are keeping busy and teaching God’s Word on a daily basis. This dedicated group of six (seven when you count little Aubrey, who certainly does "count") have a heart to teach and "a mind to work."

This week begins the second week of the quarter of the ACSOP. The students have settled back into their routine. We are so appreciative of Les Hinkle who is teaching in the school. Todd is a student in Church History and Hebrew and both Lindsey and Abigail are students in Greek.

Lindsey and Abigail turned "11" today but celebrated their birthday yesterday. After eating at their favorite restaurant, we went to get ice cream. After a BBQ supper at our house with our visitors, they opened gifts. They are happy to be officially called "pre-teens."

Our house helper and friend, Hilda, told us of an incident that reminded us of our rich blessings. Whenever chicken is on the menu, Hilda takes home the bones and skin to cut up and mix with flour for her dogs. While cooking the dog food over an open-fire, her neighbor came over and humbly asked for some of the chicken bones and skin to add to potatoes for her supper. Africans certainly eat differently from us, but even Hilda was surprised that someone would be so hungry as to eat that mixture. May God forgive us when we complain about our food.

Thank you very much for your support! Please remember that as of August 1, all contributions should be mailed to:

EAST SIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST

P.O. BOX 1434

CLEVELAND, TN 37364-1434

ATTENTION GEE / TANZANIA MISSION FUND

In Christ,

Jimmy, Trina, and Family

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 20

July 2, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Our Sunday has been a cold one as far as the weather is concerned. Some of you may be surprised to hear that. Since Arusha is at the base of Mt. Meru, it doesn’t get as warm as other parts of Tanzania. When Americans are "cold", Tanzanians are "freezing". Africans are much cooler-natured than us.

While it was cold on the outside, we were warmed by the friendliness of everyone this morning. One hundred and sixty assembled for worship as Carey Samford preached on "The Blood." Carey, his wife Bonnie and their baby daughter Aubrie arrived this week along with Andrew & Amy, Britton and Kirsten (sorry, didn’t know the last names!) These students from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, CO, plan to do evangelism work and follow-up studies for almost a whole month! Can you imagine what fruit will be born from the efforts of these six? Carey, Bonnie and Aubrie are making plans to join the TZ 2000 team in the Fall of 2007 after completing their studies. Last night, everyone was invited to our home for the evening meal at 6 pm. However, it was 9:30 pm when four of this group arrived because their follow-up visit to a home resulted in the baptism of two ladies! As you have read in previous newsletters, more and more families are joining our efforts. When God wants a work to flourish, you cannot stop its growth. Please pray for them as they prepare.

Also with us is Les Hinkle, from the Rome congregation in Lebanon, TN (which, along with some individuals in the congregation, support us in this work). Les, here for six weeks, is scheduled to teach in the ACSOP (Life of Christ I, Homiletics I, and Church History). We appreciate the sacrifices he makes in order to train Africans to Evangelize Africa.

Speaking of the preaching school, the second quarter of the school year begins tomorrow. After the campaigns, both teachers and students are ready to "get back into the swing of things." In addition to the courses above, the following are scheduled: Pentateuch II, English Composition, Ethics and Debate, Hebrew I, Greek I, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Marriage and Family. These are both the first year and second year courses.

Heather’s cast is scheduled to be taken off on July 14^th. We may celebrate that day of Independence instead of July 4^th! We all (including Heather) want her to be "independent" again. Thank you for the many "get well" messages/cards!

"Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is NOT in vain in the Lord." I Cor. 15:58

Because He died for us, Jimmy, Trina, Todd, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace and Stuart

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 19

June 25, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

It has been a great week in Arusha! The church building was packed this morning as Ralph Williams closed out the Arusha campaign with two powerful lessons about the characteristics and mind of a servant (using Joseph and Christ as his examples). The campaign was a huge success as the numbers show: 68,400 tracts distributed, 1067 Bible Correspondence Courses were signed up, 301 Bible Studies were conducted with 238 to be followed up on over the next few weeks, and 17 baptisms!! God truly has been glorified this week and we are grateful to all who were involved and made this possible. (Include yourself in this number!)

The picture above is of Elly and Neema Martin. Of course, our families have heard us speak of them many times (Jimmy’s mother has actually met them). We have said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, that we couldn’t have survived our first year in Tanzania (2001) without their help. Elly, physical plant manager of all TZ 2000 buildings and properties, is, without a doubt, extremely vital to the success of the TZ 2000 mission effort. He and Neema worked with our director, Cy Stafford, in Chimala (about 13 years ago). It seems that Elly knows "everyone in every office" in Tanzania. He helps the missionaries with the clearing of containers, work permits, visas, gun permits, and all kinds of other important items. He has made many 10 hour trips to Dar Es Salaam to take care of government matters. He is in charge of the employees at the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching. In addition to his other duties, Elly drives our visitors to different places to preach and teach and even translates for the preachers every once in a while. Neema is active in the church with translating for the women, teaching, visiting the sick, unfaithful and new converts. They have four children: Gy, Mary, Miriam, and Mindy. These kind, friendly and humble folks go above the call of duty and we are truly blessed to have them as a part of our mission team.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Since October 2004, the Jacksonville (AL) congregation has been handling our funds. For that we are truly grateful for all the time and effort put forth. However, beginning August 1, 2006 the East Side congregation (Cleveland, TN) will takeover this job. Please read the attached letter from our brethren in Jacksonville. The address for the East Side congregation is included in the attached letter. Please begin sending all funds to East Side beginning August 1, 2006. Until then, continue to send them to Jacksonville. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Jacksonville or myself. We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate the support from each and every one of you. May God continue to bless you as you bless our lives and the lives of Tanzanians.

In Christian Love,

The Jimmy Gee family

 

Jacksonville church of Christ

329 Nesbit St. NW

P.O. Box 520

Jacksonville, AL 36265

 

July 1, 2006

 

Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the elders of the Jacksonville church of Christ and Jimmy Gee I am writing to inform you that the Jacksonville church will no longer be handling contributions made to Jimmy Gee.

Brother Gee has found a congregation in Cleveland, Tennessee who will support him with record keeping and transferring contributions.

We want all of you to know that this change does not represent disagreement or break-down of a relationship between the Jacksonville church of Christ and Brother Gee.

Effective August 1, 2006, all contributions should be sent to:

East Side church of Christ

P.O. Box 1434

Cleveland, TN 37364-1434

Attention: Gee / Tanzania Mission Fund

If you have any questions, you may contact me directly by telephone at (256) 435-5243 or by e-mail jwkcdavis@cableone.net or by regular mail by writing to the Jacksonville church of Christ.

We are all brothers in Him and believe that this change will support and enhance the overall work that Jimmy Gee and his family are doing in Tanzania.

Sincerely,

 

John W. Davis, Jr.

CC: Elders of Jacksonville church of Christ

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 18

June 18, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads! Andrew Taylor, an FHU student staying for over 2 months, preached to 192 on the parable of the sower. The receptionist at the Arusha Resort, where most of our campaigners are staying, was baptized this morning! The Resort manager and her daughter also attended after being invited by two of our campaigners (Peggy and Delores). Obviously, our visitors from the states don’t want to overlook anyone when it comes to sharing the gospel. The Lord said that His Word would not return unto Him void.

Our past week here in Arusha has been very busy and productive. The Men’s Seminar had good attendance each day as well as the Women’s. The Children’s seminar, held in the evening, had an average of 200 each night with 375 on Friday. Our thanks especially to the Kensington Woods congregation who planned, organized and conducted the Children’s Seminar. Of course, many others helped and we are grateful to all. It takes a lot of effort and energy to teach and take care of such a large number of children. Many of the men helped also. We will say "see you next year" to the Kensington Woods group on Tuesday evening.

Heather continues to recover and hopefully her broken leg is healing just fine. Trina, Todd and I are developing our muscles while we transport her from place to place. Stuart ran a fever yesterday and is taking antibiotics. The rest of us are fine and enjoying our new house.

Lindsey and Abigail want a guinea pig and a young man at church has offered to help them find one. We have a wonderful view at our house and we invite each of you to come visit us.

Trina is enjoying teaching the Young Adult Ladies this quarter. They are studying different topics each Sunday morning. Last Sunday was "Joy" and today they studied about "Seeking God." There were about 10 in class this morning.

"Be small enough to walk with the lowly, and not feel superior."

Unknown author.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up."

May God bless all of you for sending the Gospel to East Africa.

In Him,

Jimmy, Trina and Children

 

The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 17

June 11, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

The Moshi Campaign is history. It was a wonderful success with much seed being planted. The numbers are as follows: 22 congregations from all over East Africa were represented by willing servants, over 50,000 tracts were distributed, 475 students were enrolled in Bible Correspondence Courses, 135 + Bible studies were conducted with most scheduled to continue in the future, and 30 souls were baptized into Christ! We are grateful to all who made this possible, both here in Tanzania and in America.

During the week we welcomed even more visitors, making a total of fifty at this time. The Kensington Woods group from Hattiesburg, MS arrived and helped with several days of the campaign. (This congregation is the sponsoring congregation for the TZ 2000 work as a whole.) They will continue to be with us through next week. In addition, we had Howell and Mary Ferguson (former missionaries to Arusha), with Denny Landon, for a few days. They were on their way home from Chimala (southern TZ) after a two-week stay there. We are also glad to have Gary and Sarah Fallis. The Freed-Hardeman group departs tomorrow night. Please pray for their safety.

The Men’s Leadership Seminar, as well as the Ladies Seminar, will start on Tuesday of this week and run through Friday. The theme for the men’s seminar is "Glory be to God through Jesus Christ" (Rom. 16:27). With Cy’s help, I have coordinated the schedule, topics, and speakers for this effort which will be held at the facilities of the ACSOP. The ladies’ seminar, entitled "God is Good," will be held at the Arusha church building. Several Tanzanians, Kenyans, and Americans are scheduled to speak on both of these programs and we are expecting a good crowd.

Heather’s 8th birthday is this Wednesday and we will shop some tomorrow. The campaign has kept us busy but Monday is a free day. We think she will especially remember this birthday due to her leg being in a cast. Heather is doing well and acquiring more patience as family members take care of her needs. As we were scurrying around doing last minute things to get out the door to church services, she hollered out, "Don’t forget me!" Ha/ha She knows it might be a possibility. Thanks to everyone who has expressed concern and sent her e-mails regarding her accident.

"For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE his ONLY begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in HIM should NOT perish, but have everlasting LIFE." (John 3:16)

Because He died,

Jimmy & Trina & Children

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The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 15

May 28, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Wow, what a week it has been! So many visitors, so many studies, so much being done! We said " ’til next time" to Roger Shepherd and Todd Storks. Roger finished his Personal Evangelism class last week and started a seminar on the Holy Spirit on Sunday. That lasted through Wednesday. During the day, Todd continued to study with dozens of people. They left on Friday night. In addition to these efforts there was pre-campaign work being done in Moshi and Arusha. As a result there were 13 souls added to the kingdom this week! To God be the glory!

In the ACSOP Ralph Gilmore taught Acts and Mark Hooper taught World Religions. They finished up yesterday. We appreciate their contribution to the spreading of the Gospel in Tanzania.

The Moshi campaign will begin Tuesday, continuing through Sunday with Mark Hooper preaching. Three buses (holding up to a maximum of 40 or so people each) plus a van and two trucks will travel from Arusha each day through Saturday. Tanzanians and Americans will be working in Moshi along with many from the Moshi church. The goal is to set up one-hundred continuing Bible Studies for after the campaign.

We said "Hello!" to new visitors from Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Ralph Williams family returned to us after being gone for only a short time. They brought three other guests with them from Dallas and Houston. We also have the Rachels family with us from Dresden, TN. They are a family of five whom we will say more about in a minute. Finally, we have Penny Cabler with us from Virginia. This is her second trip to TZ and we are grateful to have her back again. She will be speaking in the women’s seminar next week as well as helping with the campaigns.

Concerning the Rachels family, theirs is an interesting story. After learning about the mission work here, they made a commitment to come as a family and to pay their own way. They planted an acre of okra and sold the fruits of their labor to a company who shipped the okra up north. Anyone who has any gardening knowledge of okra knows that it is a pain to harvest because it makes the harvester itch in an extreme way. If you cover up to keep from itching then you just about sweat to death cutting it. If I understand the story right, one day as they were cutting okra, one of the girls spoke up and said, as she cut a pod of okra, "One pod closer to Africa!" That’s commitment and perseverance! May God "increase their tribe!"

Heather got her cast on this week and is doing well with no pain…just a little boredom at times. She will have to wear it for a minimum of six weeks. We had a very busy day and enjoyed meeting and talking with all of our visitors. Thanks for the difference you make in East Africa. (A belated "Happy Birthday" to Trina’s mom, Rita Ward. Sorry for not calling…we were moving to our new house that day and didn’t realize it was your birthday. Forty lashes with a wet noodle!)

In Christ,

Jimmy, Trina, Todd, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, and Stuart Gee

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The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 14

May 28, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

It has been a busy week with many busier weeks to come. The first campaign group arrived on Saturday (ten from Freed-Hardeman University, including Mark Hooper and Ralph Gilmore.) Some of them came last year and some are here for the first time. Most of them will be involved this week in pre-campaign advertising and studies in Moshi for the Moshi campaign that begins June 6. Please pray for these efforts.

Mark and Ralph will be teaching in the ACSOP this week. Mark will teach World Religions and Ralph will teach Acts. Roger Shepherd ended his class on Personal Evangelism on Friday. We appreciate all these men taking their time and expending their efforts to "train Africans to evangelize Africans."

This morning, the Arusha church numbered 217 in attendance. Mark Hooper taught the Bible class and preached. Tonight Ralph Gilmore preached at the evening service. This past week we had four souls added to the Kingdom. Todd Storks and Roger Shepherd have held many Bible studies and fruit has been borne. While Roger was teaching during the day, Todd was out holding many studies. We are thankful for the dedication of all who come to foreign fields to increase the borders of the Kingdom. May there be many more like them.

On the family front everyone is "nzuri sana" ("very good" in Swahli) except Heather. She wrecked her bike on Friday and hurt her leg. After the x-ray it was determined that it was broken. The nice orthopedic surgeon said that the fracture she has is the best kind because it normally heals without any problem. A cast for six weeks is usually all that is required. She is resting as well as can be expected, being waited on hand and foot, like the princess that she is. Otherwise, we are enjoying the new home that we moved into on Monday and Tuesday. We are almost directly across from the school. In fact, as I type this report, I can look out the window and see the school at the bottom of the hill. The house has a very nice and huge yard in which the kids can have more room to run and play. There is not much time to be bored.

We are thankful that our director, Cy Stafford, has arrived back in Tanzania after a short trip to the states for his son’s wedding. Please continue to remember Stephanie’s mother as she recovers from lung surgery. They had to remove part of the lung to remove the benign tumor. We are so thankful for all of you for your continued, faithful support. May God bless each one of you!

In Christian Love,

The Jimmy Gee family

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The Tanzania Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 13

Our sincere sympathies are expressed to the family of Jolene Russell who passed from this life on May 6, 2006. Jolene handled the record keeping for the TZ 2000 work and was a great asset to this mission work. In addition to the Russell family, please remember Stephanie Stafford’s parents. Her mom has a tumor on her lung and will have surgery this Friday. Her father broke his arm in three places. Please remember both these families in your prayers.

We welcomed Roger Shepherd and Todd Storks last Thursday evening. Roger, who has made numerous trips to Tanzania, will teach Personal Evangelism in the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching (short courses begin this week). Roger taught Bible class and preached to 155 souls on the subject of "prayer." Todd will be involved in personal evangelism and teach and preach wherever and whenever possible. It won’t be difficult to keep him busy. In fact, he’s preaching at the evening service at Arusha tonight. Next week, Ralph Gilmore will teach Acts and Mark Hooper will teach World Religions in the ACSOP.

Thank you for all the prayers while I was away in the states to take another class. A big thanks to all who made this possible. It was good to see family and friends again and visit the Lord’s church in Cleveland, TN (East Side), Munford, AL, and Montgomery, AL (University).

Before I left for the U.S., we said so long to Ralph, Cynthia, and Caitlyn Williams. We appreciated their help in the work. Ralph did seminars in Kenya and Uganda and taught Isaiah in the ACSOP. Cynthia and Caitlyn did Bible studies and traveled with Ralph. Also, after I left, Tim and Lynn Wilkes finished their work here. Tim finished the Fishers of Men course and Lynn was a great help to him. Thanks to all these good people and we are grateful they all made it home safely.

The next two months will be extremely busy in Arusha and Moshi. We will have "campaigns" in both places where we will hand out tracts, set up and teach Bible studies, and sign people up for Bible courses. There will be a leadership seminar for the men, Ladies’ Seminar, and Children’s Seminars (like Vacation Bible School). At this time of year, many visitors from the states come to help. There’s no way we could do it all by ourselves and we are truly thankful that they will give of their time and talents. Many people working together can accomplish much! Pray for our success!

Concerning family news, we are scheduled to move tomorrow. We are excited to be able to live right across from the school and have a very large and spacious yard. We are thankful that our good health continues. The weather has turned a bit cooler (May begins the winter season).

We are so thankful for our supporters who generously give to make this work possible. Mission-minded congregations in the states are, of course, the backbone for the teaching and preaching done here. It is the goal of TZ 2000 to help congregations in East Africa to one day become self-supporting and have mature men serving as elders.

Wishing you a wonderful week filled with opportunities to teach the lost, The Jimmy Gee family

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The Tanzania

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 11

April 23, 2006

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

The sun is shining brightly here, reminding us of God’s love and care. Knowing that the goodness of God causes sinners to repent, we rejoice with our new sister in Christ who was baptized this morning. She had been studying the Bible, off and on, for about three years. She responded to God’s invitation after Cotton Box (Northport, AL) preached today. Cotton, and his wife Beulah (who taught a special Ladies’ Class this morning), are here along with Dupree and Soneia Galloway and Tim and Lynn Wilkes. We’re glad they all arrived safely. Unfortunately, ALL of the Wilkes’ checked luggage failed to arrive. Thankfully, it arrived on the flight that came in tonight. Dupree taught the adult Bible class on the book of "Isaiah." Soneia taught the teen girls. Tim and Lynn accompanied me to Kioga where Tim preached. Tim also preached at Arusha during the evening service. So…we’ve got everyone busy…not a difficult thing to do in Tanzania where many are willing and eager to listen.

We’re so thankful for each and every one of you, our faithful supporters. The church here is grateful for your generosity in sending preachers to Tanzania. The three new converts in the picture above are (left to right), Neema, Matthew, and Stella (the little boy in the front is one of their brothers). These three have continued to be faithful in their attendance. Please pray that they will continue to "hunger after righteousness." Also, we received a report of five baptisms at the youth prison. We thank God for these new-born souls.

As for family news, Stuart had the flu this past week but is better now. Everyone else is happy and healthy. The children are enjoying some new books the visitors brought. They stay busy with their bikes, playing with the dogs, schoolwork, housework and helping in the kitchen. They enjoy e-mailing their friends and especially receiving e-mails. If anyone (adults included) would like to write them, the address is listed below.

We are anxiously awaiting the Richardsons (scheduled to arrive in August). They have three children (ages nine, seven, and five) and are also bringing their 17-year-old nephew. Previously with the TZ 2000 team about 4 years ago, they are excited about being a part of this tremendous work again. Please pray for their successful fund-raising. If you know of a congregation looking for a missionary family to support, their e-mail address is TXbjegg@hotmail.com.

We are happy to report another baptism tonight of a man named Noah. He came back into the building (after changing into baptismal clothes) and was walking toward the baptistry as we were singing, "Send the Light." It was very touching and seemed to sum up the entire reason we are here: To teach and preach the saving message of Jesus Christ, simply and plainly.

In Christian Love,

The Gee Family

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The Tanzania                               

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 10

 

April 16, 2006

 

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

 PAUL NDWANI and his family are pictured above.  Paul, the director of the Arusha Bible School, preached to 205 this morning on the topic of Worship from John 2:23,24. I continued the class on Isaiah focusing on chapter six.  One of the wonderful things about the church at Arusha:  there are nearly always visitors.  During closing announcements, our first-time visitors are asked to stand so we can welcome them. People are interested in the church and even if it is just curiosity, it presents us with an opportunity.  A young lady named Jessica visited us tonight.  Converted while in prison, she has been released and is beginning her “new” life in Christ.  Pray for her.

SPEAKING OF PRAYER, please remember Jolene Russell (bookkeeper for the TZ 2000 work who is not recovering well from a heart attack) and Chet Duke (grandson of John Galloway, a very dedicated and generous supporter of TZ 2000).  Your prayers have resulted in much rain here (in fact it has rained almost every day for several weeks).   

 WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD to several people arriving this week.  Dupree and Soneia Galloway and Cotton and Beulah Box will arrive on Thursday night. The men will teach and preach at several of the congregations while their wives will stay busy with Bible studies and Ladies’ classes.  There never seems to be a shortage of people willing to listen to the Gospel.  On Friday night, Tim and Lynn Wilkes will arrive. Tim will be teaching a shortened version of the Fishers of Men method of evangelism.  Please pray for their safe travel and for their efforts here.

 AN EXCERPT from Cy Stafford’s report shows how the Church is growing in East Africa. “Romans 12:15 says we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Just after morning worship, I received a call from Gasper. Gasper is one of the graduates of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and is now working as the evangelist at Mto wa Umbu (Mosquito River). He called as they were walking to the river to baptize five ... a couple of weeks ago we were there and were privileged to see two put Christ on in baptism. It thrills the soul to see all the good God is doing through His work, the Tanzania 2000 mission effort.”

 THANK YOU for joining hands with us in this great work.  There are so many who contribute in various ways to the TZ 2000 mission effort.  I hope that these reports enlighten you and give you a “feel” of what is going on here. 

 In Christ,

Jimmy, Trina, and Family

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The Tanzania Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 9

 April 9, 2006

 

Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,

 

Greetings from Tanzania!  Thank you so much for praying for rain. We’ve had plenty of it. Our electrical supply has increased and we are appreciative. The people who are depending upon their crops for their food are appreciative also. Food for the body is important but spiritual food is even more essential. A crowd listened attentively to Cy Stafford preach on the subject of  Christians being IN the world but not OF the world. I continued teaching on Isaiah in class this morning. 

 Trina received a good word of encouragement last Wednesday night. A well-dressed and educated lady named Miriam was visiting the Ladies’ Class. She had been in the class the week before. She came to the church building to look for someone and while waiting, sat in the class held outside. After discovering that “marriage” was the topic, she wanted to stay and listen (although she did not find the person for which was looking). Miriam said she really enjoyed Trina’s class and learned many new things such as the fact that men and women have different needs. She stated that recently her husband had left her for another woman but if he came back she was would apply what she had learned in order to better her marriage. Miriam said the class was so interesting and helpful that she wanted to come back to learn more.  Please say a special prayer for her and her husband so they will become New Testament Christians and that their marriage will stay intact.

 We are happy that the Ralph Williams’ family has chosen to be with us beginning this week (for a total of 3 weeks.) Anyone that knows Ralph knows of his zeal to teach the Word and of the long hours he will work. His wife, Cindy, and daughter, Kaitlyn are a great support and will also be working while here. This particular family is such a pleasure to be with and are not ones who expect to be served but are here to serve. May God bless them and send us more like them!

 This past week a “power surge” (over 300 volts)  ran through our home and  ruined a few fluorescent light fixtures, a fan and a phone charger and worse of  all, our home computer and internet modem. So, if some are wondering while we haven’t answered some e-mails, now you know why. We are typing this on the computer at the office (for which we have a different e-mail address.)

 Our family is well and very thankful for good health. So many here are plagued with disease and deformity. One blessed with health doesn’t have to look far to become very appreciative of their blessings. It is very common to see people everywhere who are crippled because of deformed feet or legs. 

             Thanks for all you do to make it so that we can be here in East Africa. May God bless you as you sacrifice for this work.

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The Tanzania                                        

Weekly Update

Vol. 2 No. 8

 

April 2, 2006

 

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

 

SYMPATHY.  We want to express our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the family of Matthew Winkler.  Generations of the Winkler family have touched the lives of so many people (including Trina and I) in so many good ways.  Is there a way to count how many have obeyed the Gospel or grown spiritually due to their work and influence?  How many preachers were trained due to their teaching of the Scriptures?  Is there a way to measure the good that this one family has done?  It would be like trying to count the rippling waves caused by one big wave in the ocean:  simply impossible.  

“THE WALTONS.”  John Hall, our “new” missionary in Moshi since February, ate supper with us last Tuesday.  Afterwards we put in a DVD of “The Waltons.”  Now EVERYBODY has seen the series.  Everybody but John Hall.  He is almost 25 years old and has NEVER seen “The Waltons.”  We  wanted to see his passport to see if he was really an American.  Hmmm… never saw “The Waltons.”  After further questioning, we learned that he did occasionally watch “The Andy Griffith Show.”  On a serious note, John is a very dedicated and hard worker.  Besides his evangelistic work in Moshi, he is the Dean of Students and an Instructor at the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching.  Be assured he is keeping busy.

FOLLOW-UP STUDIES.  On Thursdays, I continue to study with the new converts:  the two Neemas, Emmanuel, Stella and Matthew.  Please pray as they grow in their faith.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH.  There were four baptisms today:  two at Mosquito River where Cy preached today and two at Arusha (one was Jacob, the son of  long-time member, Grace.  This is the fourth child of hers to become a Christian. We are thankful that the church grows into the next generation.).     

FAMILY.  Stuart, age 4, was lying on the bench of the picnic table after lunch.  Thinking he might still have food in his mouth, I advised him to sit up so he wouldn’t choke. He replied, “I’ve eaten…and can’t get up!”  I wondered how many adults have felt the same way!  ha/ha  Of course, his statement isn’t quite so funny unless you remember an old T.V. commercial where an older lady says, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”  The commercial, shown at least a hundred times, was advertising an emergency button that would automatically call the police.  (Of course, if John Hall never saw “The Waltons”, he’s scratching his head about this one!  Ha/ha).   

PICTURE ABOVE.  I snapped this of the “dala dala” because I liked the inscription.  How true it is.  The Lord has provided so much rain lately (we had another monsoon) and so much of many other blessings.  Each one of you is a blessing in our lives.  Thank you.

 

In Christ,

The Jimmy Gee family

 

Jimmy and Trina Gee

P.O. Box 10622

Arusha, Tanzania

East Africa

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