whatsapp image 2025 05 12 at 13.27.23
International Missions

Datoga Tribe Hears the Gospel in Native Language

Bryce Whiting, Africa/Europe Area Director

TANZANIA – Pastors Johnson Odoyo and Amos Komanya journeyed a full two days and arrived safely to minister to the Datoga people. As always, they are preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and are answering the challenging questions of which the Datoga pose.

Their ministry has been strengthened using “Treasures.” These are mp3 players the size of a cell phone that have an audio Bible in the Datoga language. Johnson and Amos are having the great pleasure of showing the Datoga how to use these devices that are powered by a lithium battery and recharged by the sun’s rays. As you may imagine, there is nearly undying interest in the voice that speaks out the words of life coming from that small box.

whatsapp image 2025 05 12 at 13.27.22

Their ministry has also been augmented by the generosity of Christians from America who gave money to feed these hungry people. Johnson and Amos are visiting different villages and are bringing with them large sacks of food, enough to feed a village for days. They trust in the adage, “If you feed them, they will come” and have found that when hungry bellies are satisfied, hungry souls likewise are more likely to partake of the Bread of Life.

Among the various challenges was a young expectant mother who was long overdue in delivering her baby. They prayed over the young mother and she began to experience contractions. Hours later the Lord brought into the world a beautiful little boy. They handed him to Johnson and Amos, begging them to name the child. Johnson emailed me (Bryce Whiting) and asked what name I preferred. I suggested Uvumilivu in Swahili which means in English “Patience.” We thank God for an immediate answer to prayer.  

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).

One Response

Leave a Reply to David Van Huisen Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share

Woman working on laptop in office setting.

Get Updates in Your Inbox

Stay up to date with Advent Christians around the country and around the globe.

Witness Magazine

Published quarterly, Witness Magazine is our flagship print publication. Content includes timely editorials, helpful stats, thought provoking features and news from our regions.

Sunrise over lush mountain landscape
Advent Christian magazine cover with family outdoors.