TANZANIA – Six months ago, Johnson Odoyo and Amos Komanya traveled to the district of Mang’ola to plant a new church. Mang’ola is their launching point when they travel further into the bush to minister among the Hadzabe and the Datoga tribes. Johnson sensed the urging of the Holy Spirit to plant a church in Mang’ola, and he did. We’ve shared about the planting of this new church, and an incredible story about an influential local witchdoctor who gave his life to Christ and died soon after, leading to Johnson’s and Amos’ assisting with the funeral and even more people’s hearing the gospel and coming to know Christ as Lord.
Several weeks ago, Johnson returned to the new church. When he departed from them some months ago, an elder of the church was appointed to lead in his absence. And this small church has certainly grown since Johnson planted the seeds!
The life of this small church is a busy one. The church holds prayer meetings before and after the workday – every morning and evening from Monday to Saturday. Every Wednesday and Friday, there are times of studying the Bible and prayers, sometimes with Johnson’s praying for those who need prayer over the phone. Sunday mornings include Sunday school or Bible studies, and then a main worship service guided by the appointed church elder.
Johnson plans to return to this new church once a month or so for seminars and teachings and prayers. On this most recent visit, Johnson led open air evangelism meeting, where 18 men and eight women decided to follow Christ!
The church is growing so much that Johnson plans to plant a second church in the Mang’ola district, about 10km from the first church. Praise the Lord!
Let us pray for this church that continues to grow, that they flourish in their new life in Christ, as well as for the second church that is to be planted.
With Johnson’s returning visits in the coming months, biblical literacy and access to Bibles is a need that we here at ACGC are working to address. Pray also for Johnson as he fills many roles in his diligent efforts to obey the Great Commission.
