God's Gifts

Dearest Friends in Christ, In early April, our family had the opportunity to relax for a few nights. After a two-hour drive, we found ourselves nestled in a private campground that we had all to ourselves. The campground had views of both Mt. Kilimanjaro (if we woke up before the clouds covered it) and Mt. Meru. This camping safari was top notch, as all of the meals were prepared. We had hot water when we requested, and the tents had beds instead of cots (so maybe it's not your typical "state-park" camping experience)! We enjoyed a driving tour of the area and saw elephants, zebra, wildebeest, eland, and dik-dik. There was even a tame baby elephant that put her trunk up into our vehicle to check us out, and allow us to touch her! Needless to say, we came back refreshed and ready to return to school and work!

The proprietor of this safari area has worked hard with the local people to protect and preserve the region. The first step was to eliminate poaching, which has been successful to date. Now they are trying to preserve the many natural resources, and they are finding that the game animals are beginning to return. The dilemma now is how to increase tourism (and income) without damaging the beauty of the area and the resources that will keep the animals coming back. We are truly amazed with the beauty of God's creation in Tanzania.

We all face dilemmas when we are entrusted as stewards of God's resources. Whether we are caring for a garden, a field, a child, an elderly person, or financial resources, we often look to God for guidance when our decisions about those resources are made. The Lutheran Mission Cooperation is indeed a steward of God's gifts. While most assume that the resources are monetary gifts flowing from North America and Europe to Tanzania, other resources include the missionaries who are serving in Tanzania, scholarships that are provided in Tanzania, East Africa, South Africa, Europe, and America, south-south mission programs, and the outcome of the many projects which spread the word of God, increase education, or enhance health care in areas where those resources are desperately needed.

During the last two weeks of April, Dan will be travelling to Germany in an effort to mobilize resources for the highest priority projects for the ELCT. There will also be a meeting at the ELCA offices in Chicago where leaders of the companion synods for Tanzania will be meeting with ELCT representatives and the LMC secretary to discuss mobilizing resources to the LMC joint plans. We ask for your prayers that these meetings to explore the stewardship of resources are fruitful for all involved.

Thank you for your continued support and especially, your prayers.

In His Service,
Dan and Cathy Smith

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Dan, Cathy, Sarah, Emily and Grace Smith
PO BOX 15128
Arusha
Tanzania
http://www.goodshepherdkettering.com/pages/mission.html
smithfam91@yahoo.com
or
missionaries@goodshepherdkettering.com
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