Bridget Hathaway - Tanzania |
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Prayer Update June 2008
Dear Friends,
I find this month has been a strange one, with a lot of different challenges & uncertainties. It has been important to trust God in all things, & sometimes I have found myself trying to make sense of the situations!
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I am so thankful to God for Flavian’s opportunity to study in Uganda. He is doing well, & I look forward to passing over the responsibility for field work to him in September.
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Do you remember I asked for prayer for his wife who was due to give birth during his absence? Well, all I can say is thank you for the prayers….why? She was with us in the Land Rover visiting her family in the village when she went into labour. We were on the way back from the village taking her to Hospital. She said “I won’t make it!” She took herself to a stable a few metres from the road; we hurried after her with mats to lie on. Praise God we had a nurse with us as it was the monthly Epilepsy clinic, so I held Flavian’s wife whilst the nurse assisted her. She gave birth to a baby girl there in the stable!! Well, I think she’s ‘our baby’ as everyone was involved, 1 person running off to buy a razor blade, another bringing water, another shaking in her shoes but praying!
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It has been difficult with such a shortage of staff. I found myself so exhausted that I was worried I would burn out during the month. Praise God Jo Sayer from Crosslinks visited me during her safari to Tanzania. I was greatly encouraged, & thankful the Bishop made a surprise visit too. Please pray that plans to send at least a little short term help from the Diocese will actually happen.
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God is good! Give thanks for an opportunity for me to spend a week with a Catholic Franciscan Community in Mwanza. It has given me a chance for rest as well as visiting the town for the Dentist & a haircut!! The sisters have been so kind & welcoming. I take the overnight ferry back to Bukoba on Sunday.
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The great wedding (!) is on 7th June; that is the marriage of Henerico to Lewitha. I am involved on both sides as Lewitha is our Facilitator & Henerico my Guard & our Evangelist. Please pray for God’s blessing on their life together as they seek to serve him & each other.
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There have been armed hi-jackings again on the road we travel to the Diocese in Ngara. The last one was serious with deaths. Please pray that the Regional Government will take this seriously, & allow all of us living here to travel in peace. Give thanks that one of our church members who was on the bus at the time was unhurt physically, but he lost everything he had with him. Please continue to pray for our safety in travel.
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Not so much about our clients! Many are doing well. We have another visit to Kagondo Hospital on 9th June. All this preparation will fall on me, as in June we have no other staff at all. Pray all will go smoothly.
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The new vehicle, where is it?! I am still waiting to hear from the Diocese regarding the tax exemption being completed. It now seems unlikely it will be ready before mid-June. I feel a bit sad it won’t be available for the wedding, not to mention the Land Rover still needing monthly ‘treatment’!
I am beginning to think about my UK leave in mid July. As you will understand, this is a ‘private visit’ meaning it is mostly for rest & relaxation, so please forgive me if I don’t meet with you. That will take place next year 2009!
May God give you all joy in your life with him. May the Lord bless & keep you in his love,
Bridget Hathaway