On Sept. 8, 2011, The Holy Baptists Independent Churches of Africa were accepted as partners of the IPFBM. This association of churches in northwest Tanzania currently has eight churches and 10 preaching points. Chris and Deb Hindal made their first trip into Tanzania on April 23–26, 2012. “What a joy it was to reestablish fellowship with Pastor Ojwando Naftali, having first met him in Kenya in 2006,” Chris says.

Pastor Ojwando began his ministry in 1966 and established the mother church of this association. A celebration of Pastor Ojwando’s retirement and the installation of his son, Joseph, as new president of this association highlighted the Hindals’ visit. Chris commended Pastor Ojwando for his many years of faithful service with the words of the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” He then led in the transfer of leadership using the example of Elisha receiving the mantle of Elijah.

The association has acquired several acres of useable property and expressed its vision to build a new church building, a primary school, an orphanage, and a dispensary. The poverty of these people and the overwhelming needs are evidenced by two of their school’s classes meeting under the trees. The building of a primary school is their top priority.

Donate online, or send a check to GARBC International Ministries, 1300 Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL  60173. Type “Tanzania School” in the online Comments/Designations box, or write “Tanzania School” on the check’s memo line.