Dear Cherished Interested’s,                                                                                         February 25^th, 2024

About one minute after getting home we got notification that eight missionaries serving here with YWAM were killed in a bus wreck in Arusha, more are in hospital in varying condition. 

YWAM is Youth With a Mission, so these are likely young people.  Many local Tanzanians are also affected.  We are not in the loop of information but thanks to local contacts we are able to ask that you-all do what you do so very well:

Please look them up on-line and pray for them, their families and the work they are leaving to those who come next.

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It is important that Hilda and I, who serve outside nearly all structure, foreign or local, speak to this reported tragedy this Sunday morning. 

This is the earliest we have returned home on a Sunday in our brief years here.  That cannot be a mistake.

As we serve outside structure, going predominantly where we are asked, we can go where others do not. 

That is part of why there are structures like YWAM, Neema Village, the ELCA, the ELCT, Catholic and Protestant and Orthodox and all the different traditions of relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior; as well as those who serve need from other traditions.

Those structures enable people to go / come and serve through structures given to them.  Structures that support and guide them.  Those structures and plans give comfort and community where people can be serving somewhere that is very uncomfortable for them to be in service.

Structures can however lead to viewing in two directions.  Those serving within the comfort of the structure.  Those not serving within the comfort of a structure.

Being outside, and seen as outside, and often ignored, to both our loss and gain; a perspective that holds us together.  A perspective that challenges us to accept the unacceptable wherever we can. 

Here on the outside as we participate with life where preaching does not always sound kind, or gentle, or even particularly enlightening; or maybe even be seen as abusive, is the following from Paul’s letter to the Philippians:

Philippians 1:18   New International Version

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.  Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Are we gutted by the loss of so many lives?  Are we not burdened by empathy for survivors, parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, extended family, schoolmates and all the vast web of interconnectedness the vulnerability of life and serving includes?

Yes, we are.  But those lives lost are only lost to us here.  And, those lives suffering are only suffering here.  We who know Jesus as more than a rabbi, prophet or even some narrow human concept of messiah, can find assurance, in the midst of horror, that God does not let it end here, there, or anywhere. 

Hilda and I too can be wiped away from this here and now anytime, even tomorrow, but God does not let it end there.

God wins in horror.. and.. rejoicing. 

Pray each other into the presence of Jesus.  Pray Jesus’ healing into the lives of the unrepentant and undeserving and trust that inside or outside or completely oblivious, they can receive Jesus’ healing love because of the faith put in each of you.  That faith is no mistake, use it.

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And:   Luke 10:1-3   New International Version

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

10 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. ² He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

The wolves of intent, error, circumstance.. and ignorance may get some.  Those wolves won’t get all.  The wolves only have a moment here and now.  God wins forever!

Thank you for your maturity.  Thank you for your willingness.  Thank you for your faith.

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Hilda has been asked to serve under an amazingly beautiful and energetic Korean American Christian woman looking for a way to teach young Tanzanian women science.  Predominantly women living in the bush.  Hilda may be teaching teachers for a while again. 

Many things need to be managed by God for this to be possible, including expenses. 

Thank you again for the praying you do..

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Still working the problem that we think will likely see us heading home to America in a couple to few months.  We are doing the best we can.  We are able because of God.  God is listening to each of you.

You who read and pray and suffer along with us.  Please believe what we get to see.  Thank you for praying our strength and guidance for each moment with each face.   Folks like you are beyond precious.  vwilliamson@sprynet.com

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Really blessed while deeply under attack..  all of it is spiritual..  I wish I could teach that to everyone so they could truly know it.  I didn’t know it for far too long. 

Please keep crumpling us up and throwing us at God.  That is where we need to be.  God will sort us out.

One day at a time.  Just like how you each live.  Just one day at a time. 

Thank you, each of you.

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What to Pray for:

Our armed forces families, our leadership, our people, whole world round, all of Gods kids -

All the tough and blessing expressed above –

The love of folks –

Whatever is on your hearts and minds for us –

For our children and grand-children who miss us.. 

For Makumira Secondary School looking to share stories and partner in some way with a foreign school, Great leaders, teachers, students, programs, strong backs, minds, and hearts –

For our health to stay ahead of whatever is before us –

For those who have braved the donate button to discover Kajun Crofton, our daughter who helps getting each one of your donations to us and every blogpost to where you can read it -

For each and every one of you –

Each and every one of your prayers, your precious conversations with God –

Prayers, Your Prayer, Even your groaning prayers makes all the difference..

Vern W

May life be as Music to your Heart – May Music be as Heart to your Life – May Heart be as Life to your Music