Dear Sponsor,
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:1-4
Thank you for your sponsorship and for your invaluable prayers, that is making a difference in their life.
Since my last letter the six secondary students undertaking private English tuition at the center, are progressing and are enjoying learning English. Once a month they are given the opportunity to present to us what they are learning; one student will speak in English and another student will translate into Kiswahili, so that Sekela and all the children can understand. In July both pre-school and primary school students will start their private English tuition at the center.
We were blessed with Henry, Darlene and Sebastian (Henry and Darlene’s nephew) who were in Tanzania in late February; undertaking Bible teaching, seminars and outreaches and visiting us at the center. As a result of Henry and Darlene’s visit, God willing the children will participate in an outreach planned in September this year.
Since last month in partnership with YWAM (Youth with a mission) Mbeya, directors Stephen and Amani Liondo are coming to the center once a month to help prepare the children for the September outreach. Stephen and Amani are teaching the children how to present the Gospel using The Wordless Book and also a few action songs. Sekela, the children and I are excited to see Uyole and Mbeya won for Christ!
A
fter the new kitchen was built we bought a new gas oven and we made recipes that originated from the Cook Islands (where I am descended from)! I taught the older students how to prepare and cook the dishes and also how to use the gas oven. Sekela and all the children were astonished at the gas oven as they had never seen such a modern convenience previously!
Passover this year had to be one of the most special times I have
experienced! When I share with the children I always try to involve them so
they are part of the teaching, not just me talking and making them bored.
Prior to Passover we read the Passover story and the children drew pictures
of different items contained in the Scripture passage. On the Saturday
everyone participated in reading the Scripture passage, also I gave out 11 cross references and these were read by specific children.
As the Passover story was read, the children who drew pictures that related to the passage stood up to show us their picture. Before we reached verse 29 about the firstborn, the firstborn of the children at the center stood up, to contemplate the death of the firstborn. We concluded with prayers and a time of worship to Jesus our Passover Lamb!
A highlight is always a visit to TOM (Tanzania Orphan Mission), another orphan center run by Greek friends of ours. It’s an outing and an opportunity for the children to have some fun playing soccer with the children from TOM or playing on the playground equipment or just lazing in the sun.
Aside from visiting TOM, there are two things that I have identified the children love to do! They love drawing and/or colouring in and model making. It’s great to see their creativity in action and the pride they take in the pictures they have drawn or the models they have made!
To Proclaim the Gospel; Equip the next generation; Mobilize the church worldwide
We love having visitors, whether that’s relatives of the children or visitors from within Tanzania or overseas! Karibuni wote! Welcome everyone!
A few of the children’s family have visited us at the center, also a friend I met in Iringa when I was studying Kiswahili and two Dutch students who were here undertaking research, with another organisation).
As well as visitors we welcome volunteers to come and assist at or with the center! Please prayerfully consider coming to Tanzania and volunteering at the center! Your life will never be the same! Please email me (maara_heather@hotmail.com) for further details.
In the last six months a number of projects have been completed, we are now on our last project regarding the toilet and drainage. At this stage we are only need another $223 USD to reimburse the orphan sponsorship funds for the projects completed! If you are willing to contribute towards the remaining funds needed, please view http://www.gofundme.com/tanzaniaorphanctr.
Thank you for your invaluable prayers that are impacting our children! I continue to be amazed at the simple things in life that bring joy to Sekela and the children and for their on-going gratitude to God for His provision, through your sponsorship and all who support this ministry financially and in practical ways.
Last month I was so excited with the possibility of obtaining land near the center and that we could progress with the next step. Unfortunately primarily due to the high price and other vital factors we did not proceed with purchasing the plot of land. Please pray we will obtain the land needed and also the funds required to purchase and build.
Volunteers are needed! Please prayerfully consider coming to Tanzania and volunteering at the center! Your life will never be the same!
With sincerest thanks and much love in Him,
Darlene and Henry Matarrita
Directors, World Mission Outreach
Maara Heather
General Manager-Director, Naomi Ruth Bread of Life Orphan Centers
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” James 1:27