Today in worship I shared that our missionary in Africa (Richard Johnson) was unsettled about some of the stuff going on in Africa.  We prayed for him in great detail and I told everyone I would post an update on Richard.  Let me make a very difficult and lengthy situation somewhat short.

Upon Richard arriving in Tabora Renatus Cosmos was the pastor of 5 Point Church.  While in Africa Renatus resigned from pastoring 5 Point.  This was strictly Renatus decision.  He has decided to work for another ministry in which he would be paid.  We didn't pay him anything and I understood his situation.  But Richard has continued to live in Renatus house.  Due to some other circumstances Richard does not feel welcome any longer living with Renatus.  To add to the problem there are political elections going on in Tabora and every cheap hotel is 100% occupied so he has continued to live with Renatus.

Due to circumstances (I can not share at this time) Richard feels he is in harms way.  I have advised Richard to move immediately into the Orion Hotel.  It is the hotel in which we stayed at but is the nicest Hotel in Tabora.  It cost $50.00 per night.  Richard has at least another month's work to finish the church totaling a cost of $1,500.  He must have a place in which he can feel safe and get the rest his body needs.  The hotel serves a free breakfast with this cost and he will eat some fruit for lunch.  This means we will also need to provide funds for dinner.  I am asking the people of our church to step up and help me take care of this for Richard. Comment on this blog, call or e-mail the church but let's get this taken care of now so Richard can finish what God has started.  He sold everythign he had and left the comfort of America.  We owe him the safety of a hotel room.  And it's still nothing that nice.  But it is clean and safe!

Many of you have seen pictures of the temporary church.  The owner of the land is a true man of God. Tthat is why he allowed the building to be built on his property.  After Renatus resigned we began looking for another Pastor.  God laid Peter on my heart from the get go.  Richard approached him about taking the position and he was more than willing.  He loves Jesus and the people of Tabora.  He isn't scared to work (he proved that while I was there continually working on the building).  Peter only lives 1/4 of a mile from the permanent church site.  He has spoken the past two Sundays and doing a good job.

Please be praying with me for Richards safety, for God to give him the wisdom to finish the church and that many will come to know Christ through this adventure. 

I knew resistance would come.  I knew Satan hated everyhting we were trying to do.  But I am amazed at how Satan comes up with new schemes every day. 

To the people of 5 Point America.  If we continue to impact our city the way we are, Satan will be coming at us with new schemes.  My prayer is that as individuals were ready to fight and that we will truly reach this city!

Here is a picture of Richard and I in Dar Sa Lam.  Pray for him daily please.