January 2009 Update

The new year has come and not much has changed for us other than the date. We still have so many opportunities and so much to do. By the time you read this we’ll most likely be back home in Kigoma, Tanzania.

2008 was a time of stretching and blessing. The Lord was so good to us, blessing us not only with a beautiful new addition to the family, but also meeting each and every need, each and every day. At home in Kigoma, through faithful partners like you, He blessed us with a used diesel generator to replace our broken one. He also provided a used washing machine from an older retiring missionary couple, and with a little bit of hard work and money we should be able to get the water piping working good enough to use the washer and be free from the daily hand-washing in the tub. While in the U.S. the Lord provided places to stay, food to eat, and opportunities to serve. These daily blessings and needs being met were a result of His divine care through ministry partners like you. We give Him thanks daily, knowing that He has used you to bless us.

Just as this past year had it’s blessings, it was also a long and trying year for us as we were delayed by a lack of finances and by the unexpected timing of Jasmine Grace. Even though we were blessed by the Lord’s provision of various rooms and trailers/campers to stay in, the vagabond lifestyle is a tiring one and truly causes you to appreciate home. It was especially difficult for Carrie and the children as Jon went back to East Africa to minister for a few months, leaving them behind. But all of that is behind us now as we arrive back in the land God has called us to. We are so thankful to be called and used, and grateful that He has decided to continue to use us this new year.

As we get back to the ministry in East Africa, please pray for our re-adjustment and our health. Because we’re living here full time once again, we’re exposed daily to the risk of Plasmodium falciparum (our local strain of the malaria bug and the most deadly), Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery), Giardia, and other parasites, bacteria and viruses less commonly encountered in the United States. We have each had experience with at least a couple of these ailments in the past and we know that God is in control. We only ask you to pray with us for protection from these painful annoyances and strength to get through any future encounters with them that God may decide to allow.

We’re excited to start the new semester of teaching. Jon will be teaching Church History and Daniel to dozens of eager men and women in Kigoma. He’ll also be planning a trip to eastern DRC (The Democratic Republic of the Congo) as soon as time and finances will allow so that he can begin to establish a Bible School there as well. Again, please pray for God’s provision and mercies in planning and executing this new work He has put before us. Also pray for safety, as the work lies just to the south of one of the worst regions of DRC (in terms of rebels, fighting, factions, corrupt military, etc.). Lastly, pray for each student that God would bring to hear His word, that their minds would be prepared to receive from the Holy Spirit and to be changed and used mightily by God in East Africa or elsewhere.

As a couple of foreign missionaries we simply cannot bring the gospel, discipleship, and sound teaching to every single person in Africa. What we can do is reach those whom God Himself has brought directly to us and then watch in amazement as His word and His Spirit works in their lives and transforms them, eventually using them to reach many times more people than we ever could have. That’s the strategy that God has arranged and shown us in His word, and it’s one that He is blessing. We have only begun and look forward to seeing all the lives He is going to touch and use to bring the glorious good news of Christ and the truth of His word to the beautiful people of this war ravaged and struggling region.

Current Need. Now that we’re back home and back to work we still have one rather large need, which we’re confident that the Lord will provide for as well. We need to get medical insurance for this year (2009). This is special insurance that pays for health care for the entire family while abroad and even has partial coverage for when we are visiting the States. It pays for air transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility and evacuation in case of any emergencies. Considering what is covered, the cost of $4,000 for one year is very inexpensive (compared to U.S. rates), but still an expense we just don’t have enough for presently. Please join us in petitioning the Lord that He would meet this need. If you want to be used in this area, please contact Far Reaching Ministries and let them know you’d like to help with the Langley family’s medical insurance expense. Mungu akubariki!