We are within 50 days of flying out but that has not slowed us down much at all.   Things in January were as busy as ever and possibly muddier than ever.  This is normally the dry season but thus far, it has rained almost every day since November!   While the cows at the farm are appreciating the extra greenery, it is causing issues with planting and travel in different areas across East Africa.  Prayers for a break in the rain for a few weeks to get the seeds in the ground and then for it to rain again would be greatly appreciated!   The farm is doing well with the broiler project but much of the farm is very water logged.  On the positive side,  carrots, greens, onions and eggplant are still being harvested in mass quantity!  Praise God!

Phillip had a big traveling month visiting many of the congregations over an eight day trip across northern Tanzania with Daniel Gaines, Abby Gaines and others.  He has spent many months of our time here working to help coordinate efforts between the need for church buildings, Bibles, song books and chairs in different areas and support coming from the states.  It was an uplifting trip for him to get to see in person so many of the things that he has worked on via phone, email and texts.  He was humbled to be offered a cow and other gifts as thanks for his work in helping make these things possible.  (No, he didn’t accept the cow as luggage space was limited. 🙂 )  They were able to visit about fifteen congregations.  Three have had buildings built (or are having buildings built) through work between the local preachers, Phillip and Huntingdon church of Christ.  Bibles and songbooks have been purchased for several congregations thanks to supporters and chairs have also been made available.  We praise God for the work that has been accomplished and are humbled to have been used in these ways.

I have been working to help wrap up some of the work I have been doing with the women and see what may help things continue well when we are gone.  The children’s teachers at Kisongo asked me to teach a “Teacher Planning” lesson in two Saturdays to help them be able to teach the two children’s classes better.  Prayers that this will be effective are appreciated.  Due to the massive amount of rain, mud and our car having some issues,  I have not been able to make it to my Bible study but hope to resume those as soon as the car can make it.   I am also in the middle of lists, packing things, selling things, giving away things….so many things….to get ready to move continents again!

Since we have been home more than normal we have been able to finish up some school work, do a few crafts and teach some more cooking lessons.  It wasn’t what we had planned this month but it has been a blessing as everyone is on edge with the upcoming move.  We also got a surprise when we were invited to meet Jane Goodall at a friends museum!  We always enjoy our time at Cultural Heritage Museum and talking with the family who owns it so this was some added fun to our time here.

Kisongo’s building is nearly finished and the youth group is doing well.  Phillip has turned that all over to Rodrick and Shadrack and it is great to watch it keep going.  They meet every Saturday and do cleaning in or around the building and then have a Bible lesson.  They also have a lesson on Sunday.  The group size fluctuates greatly as boarding schools are common here and like it said, the mud/rain has been unreal.

We thank you all for your support and encouragement over our time here and are looking forward to what God has next.

In Him,
Phillip, Bekah, Micah and Nathan
For those who have asked, support can be sent in two ways:

Through Paypal at: pbduncan20@gmail.com
Or:
Checks can be made out to and Mailed to:
Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver
2707 S. Lamar Street
Denver, Colorado 80227 (Memo line: “Duncan TZ mission”)