Our Time in America December 2010-August 2011

The Lord truly has blessed us with a great time in the United States on our first furlough. We were able to spend a a lot of precious time with friends and family and made many memories to take back to Tanzania. The Lord provided for us in so many ways. Several new churches took us on for monthly support and we got to report to many of our current supporters and prayer partners. After spending two years from our family, this time home made us appreciate our loved ones more and cherish every moment with them. Also, although Tanzania is our new "home", our time in the States made us appreciate how great America is. Here are a few photos that capture our time here the past few months.

Rachel Lynn Henderson

February 3, 2011 Rachel Lynn Henderson was born! The Lord allowed us to be in the States on furlough for her birth and that day we knew why. After 24 hours of labor and Rachel's heart rate dropping significantly three times, she was delivered by c-section. Due to her stress, Rachel was born with a lot of fluid in her lungs, which developed into pneumonia and a two week hospital stay. Rachel continued to heal at home and now is completely well! We praise the Lord for His provision for us!

It's a Girl!

A few weeks ago, we traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to take our parnters, Nate and Heather Wolf to the airport. While we were there, Tricia was able to receive a 3D ultrasound. The doctor says everything is progressing well and both mother and baby are in good health. So, we introduce to you for the first time, Rachel Lynn Henderson!

Siku Ya Vijana/Youth Day

On October 2nd, the TRUTH Center hosted the 2nd annual Siku ya Vijana or Youth Day. From start to finish, we welcomed over 200 teenagers from our small community for a full day of games, tournaments, music, skits, food and a movie. The Gospel was presented two times throughout the day. We trust that the Word of God will not return void and we will see much spiritual "fruit" from the Youth Day in the future.

Meet Baby Henderson!

We recently found out that we will be expecting our first child! Tricia is almost 18 weeks along and we are expecting to meet baby Henderson around the 5th of February. Tricia and the baby are in good health. Praise the LORD!

Summer Fun

Although it is the coldest part of the year in Tanzania, we still enjoyed our "summer" interns Samantha and Matt. Samantha taught at the school 4 days a week and Matt taught Science and assisted Nate in the ministries in Basotu. Both were a HUGE blessing to the ministry and we really enjoyed hanging out with them both.

Opportunities to Minister

Since we moved to Tanzania in December 2008, the Lord has blessed us with many opportunities to serve at the ministries at the Truth Center. God has taught us many valuable lessons in how to serve in a different culture and in a different language. Brad stays busy preaching and teaching at the church, teaching at the local high school and also our Bible Institute. Tricia has been able to run the elementary school in Natalie's absence. It has helped her in her language and leadership skills. Although we will be VERY glad when the Burkholders return, we are also very glad that they left us during this time. We have gained many valuable lessons we would not have otherwise if they were still by our side helping us find our way through our very new surroundings!