Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Robert & Ruth Armstrong

We are extremely grateful to all who are prayerfully interested in the work we do for the Lord, here in Northern Ireland and Tanzania.

Easter Conference: Robert had an exercise to visit Dar-es-Salaam over Easter. He was in touch with Emmanuel, (one of the elders in the Keko assembly), but before he could mention his thoughts to him, Emmanuel said that the assembly had arranged a conference, for the Easter weekend, on the subject of Gospel Outreach and they wanted Robert to come and speak. The sessions would be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., over three days. One speaker! Even in African terms this was a bit much. The last day would be when friends and neighbours were to be invited and the Gospel preached. Robert suggested that the local brethren should do that and, as a change of voice and to give him a break, that some of the men in the assembly should tell how they got saved. Every brother took part, not only telling about their conversion but how they came into assembly fellowship.

We knew of another assembly of believers in the city, that was started by the work of an Indian brother who visited Dar for a short time so invited them to join us at the conference and some were able to attend. They were finding Dar-es-Salaam a difficult place for the Gospel and glad of the fellowship. They attended every session, travelling across the city on local buses. The Keko assembly was happy to try to encourage them and shared calendars and copies of translated books. Traffic problems make moving around the city difficult so, even though both assemblies are small, it would not be practical to merge. Following the New Testament pattern, they will keep in touch for encouragement and fellowship.

Translation Work: The assembly in Dar is actively involved and committed to this work with some of them spending many hours in the evenings, after a day's work, going over the manuscripts with Robert. As Emmanuel pointed out, "These books will be available for the Lord's work, long after we are gone." It is very important that the translations are good and so we have introduced new checking procedures. This involved making a mock-up copy for them to read, before we go to print. Six of the focus books have been printed and the remaining four are in the final stage of checking, having been delayed with the computer crash. We also have four other books, including commentaries on Philippians and the book of Ruth, at various stages of the translation process, as well as a leaflet explaining the Lord's Supper, for visitors to the assembly.

Preach the Word: With so many activities, it is important to remember our primary role is to be witnesses for the risen Lord Jesus Christ and bring the gospel to those we meet. During the most recent visit, a number of remarkable opportunities arose. On the flight out, Robert was sitting beside a man who works as a legal adviser for the Tanzanian government. They had a discussion about salvation being by faith and not of works. Robert was able to give him and his colleague suitable literature he had with him and post a copy of Ultimate Questions in Swahili. Pray for Dr. Audax's salvation.

Robert went to a university campus where Elimboto, from the assembly, works and together they distributed calendars and CDs. They met Antony sitting reading a Bible and preparing a message to give to a student group. His hope of heaven was by doing good works. He read every verse we quoted in his own Bible and saw that salvation was by faith and simply put his trust in the finished work of Calvary.

Kondrada, a member of staff, had been asking to see Robert since his last visit, as she had a number of questions. This was arranged and during the conversation she got assurance of salvation. Later she wrote the following in an email, " I would like to thank you for the time and teachings. The session really opened a new page of my Christian life. I am sure that I am going to heaven by the Lord Jesus who died for my sins." Please pray for these contacts as we try to keep in touch by email, that they may be encouraged to attend the assembly meetings, for further spiritual growth.

In Northern Ireland we have been busy between visits to Tanzania. As well as gospel meetings, Robert spoke at numerous children's meetings. At present, due to factors outside our control, it is not possible for us to return to Tanzania on a permanent basis but there is no difficulty in going for visits. Invitations have been received to take meetings in other countries, and Robert would have been away at this time but had to cancel, due to the home-call of Ruth's father. Please pray that we would be sure of the Lord's guidance as to where He would have us be.

Summer 2013

Written by Robert & Ruth Armstrong - Tanzania

armstrong@africaonline.co.tz