Two weeks of training and educating Maasai widows in the bush!

As we pray about and process everything that took place during Josh's time in Tanzania, we can't help but be reminded about God's faithfulness over the years and how His timing is always perfect. God is such a good Father who loves and cares for his children. So many exciting and unexpected things happened during this past trip to Tanzania, and we look forward to sharing with you over the next several newsletters. As we mentioned before, there is too much to share within one newsletter alone.  Weeks before Josh's departure to Tanzania, he was attacked with many thoughts of fear about his travels for no apparent reason up until the time he landed in Tanzania. We knew these thoughts were not from the Lord and that we were on the right track. This trip is only the next step for God's ultimate plan for Farm Hope Thrive, us and the people of Tanzania.  The first week was a time of settling back in, meeting with the Tanzanian attorney and preparing for two weeks of intense travel and training in the bush of Northern Tanzania. We were blessed with our first volunteer from New Zealand named Josh Brown. Josh contacted us last year requesting to volunteer with us for a week in Tanzania. We informed him of a possible trip in September, in faith he made his plans and the Lord orchestrated it all out perfectly. This was his first time in Tanzania and loved every bit of it. Because we were out in the bush training, Josh was able to receive training, learn more about our mission first hand and the people we love and work with. His life was changed forever in that one week.  Josh & Josh Within two weeks we conducted trainings in remote areas known as Matale A & B, Olkesumet and Nalepo with four different Maasai widow groups. Some of the women had attended previous trainings and we were so impressed and encouraged with how much information many of them have retained since last we met in 2014. Some have started taking steps to implement, but their biggest challenge is timing for planting. They have asked us to return before the long rains to help them prepare their fields properly in time before the rains. This is a big step and exciting because all we offer is knowledge, as we don't give handouts. Abraham joined Josh the second week and did an amazing job of training. We are very proud of him.    FYI...If the women look angry they are not. Most Maasai do not smile when taking a serious picture, unless you catch them off guard or get them to do something silly for the picture.  Matale A Matale B Olkesumet Nalepo Praise A safe and successful trip to the bush. For Josh Brown's willingness to serve with us. For the widow's hunger for more. For Abraham's growth and passion to equip his people. Prayer For the widows as they continue to put their hope and faith in the Lord and for His provision as they continue to walk in His ways in all areas of their lives.  There were a few widows that were very open and honest about not knowing the Lord as their Savior and informed us that they were not ready to give their complete life to Him. Those that were not Christians were extremely challenged with very simple thinking, concepts and understanding. The Lord showed Josh during the trainings how the enemy clearly has a hold on their minds and ability to think, process and apply what they are learning. Please pray for breakthrough for their salvation and the renewing of their minds. For Josh Brown as he returns to New Zealand and processes everything that the Lord bestowed upon him. He said he has a lot of praying to do when he returns.  For Abraham as the Lord continues to use him and opens up doors of opportunity for him.  Thank you for believing in us, our calling and your obedience in being a part of this journey together with what the Lord is doing!  Love & blessings, Josh, Renee, Cai & Evie  www.FarmHopeThrive.org Get Involved! Give!