Africa Update

We just returned from traveling, first to Kenya for a missionary retreat near Malindi, Kenya, that focused on maintaining "spiritual rhythms" in our lives. Then we drove to DSM for a couple things: a medical checkup for Gloria (her pacemaker is doing fine) and to consult with 2 men assigned to the interim "coordinating team" for the Bible college here. We left Dar on Wednesday and arrived safely back homee Friday afternoon, grateful for God's protection as we drove about 3,100 kms.

Because of the additional responsibilities with MTCEA, we feel we need to lay down our diocese-based training programs for the time being, until a new principal is appointed. We just can't do both. We hope to return to that in a few months.

Update on Mennonite Theological College of Eastern Africa:

• The board of the college met early April and acted to remove the principal. An interim coordinating team was appointed, of which Joe is chair.
• Students will return to the college to begin classes June 3 for a shortened 8 week term. 
  
• A review team will begin meeting early June to assess needs, make recommendations and initiate a search for the new principal. The team includes representatives from KMT, KMC, EMM East Africa, and a consultant from one of the seminaries in Nairobi.
  
• The college board is scheduled to meet again June 14 to hear first reports on the review process.
  

Thanksgiving:

• Praise God we both have received our residence/work permits! Joe got his several weeks ago and Gloria got hers this week while in Dar.
  
• Praise God that our physical and emotional health is good. We are aware that there are spiritual dimensions to our ministry and spiritual opposition to what God wants to do here, and we feel supported by prayer.
  
• Praise God for safety in our recent travels through Kenya to Malindi, then on to Tanga, Dar, Morogoro, Shinyanga, and back home.
  
• Praise God that there is a spirit of cooperation among church leaders for changes that need to be made at the college.
  

Prayer Concerns:

• Pray for Joe and the interim coordinating team as they work through management issues and policies, including personnel policies and the financial debt that has deepened over the past several years.
  
• Pray for the next meeting of the Bible college board June 14.
  
• Pray for increased commitment by the churches to support the college financially.
  
• Pray that students will be able to find the financial assistance they need and come with willing spirits to learn and cooperate with the changes that have been made.
  
• Pray for the staff as they prepare their courses, teach, and demonstrate Christian character.
  
• Pray for us as we harness ourselves in the yoke of this work with Jesus at our side! 
  
• This week Joe is presenting a set of seminars on leadership to the newly appointed leaders of the local church. Pray that the information shared will be helpful to the leaders that attend.

Thank you all for your faithfulness and prayers.

Joe and Gloria Bontrager