Sarah and Herieth in Arusha. Herieth has been sponsored by Sarahs family for several years

While I was in Africa this past summer with a group of seven other Canadians, we were blessed to learn about and witness the power of prayer.

Through the organization Africa Inland Mission (AIM), we were able to do missionary work in North Eastern Tanzania for 5 weeks in the months of July and August. We lived in Njiro, just outside of Arusha, in pairs of two with local families who belong to the Africa Inland Church in Majengo (AIC).

It was such an amazing experience. They took us into their home with such hospitality. One of our main projects while in Tanzania was to help the AIC build a church in Njiro. When we arrived, four magnificent brick walls had already been built. By the end of our stay, we were able to complete the walls, floor and roof of the church office area.

During our stay we also took part in leading a Saturday program for the children sponsored through Compassion, a Christian relief agency (like World Vision). Even though we sang songs, played games and taught them bible stories, I learnt more from these children then I could ever have imagined. They were filled with such love and generosity. Even though many of them had very little they insisted on always sharing what ever food or toys they had.

One of the most exciting things that happened while I was in Africa was that I was able to meet a child by the name of Herieth. Over a year ago, before I had even heard God calling me to do missionary work, my mother sponsored a child through Compassionand her name was Herieth. Six months ago, after applying to various missionary organizations, I accepted the offer of working with AIM, not knowing where I would go. It so happened that Herieth lived in Arusha, the city where I was going. A coincidence? I think not! I think it was through prayer that I was able to visit with Herieth and her family.

 

Youngsters skipping rope for the first time in Njiro, a village near Arusha, Tanzania

Another example of Gods awesomeness was our visit with a 6 year old boy by the name of Diki. Diki was having 5-10 seizures a night and though he had seen a doctor and was put on medication, Diki suffered tremendously.

One of my teammates, who also had seizures when she was younger, felt God pulling on her heart to get personally involved. Diki was able to get the same medication my teammate was taking. We were unsure if it would work, but through continuous prayer Diki was seizure-free within three days.

My faith has not only grown since my experience in Africa, but I truly have been able to witness how ALIVE and loving our God really is.
 
A Tanzanian child who has been assisted by Compassion in his village in the northeast part of the country.