The first few weeks in Dar

It’s been sort of whirlwind since I arrived in Dar almost a month ago. I can’t believe how fast the time is going. So, I wanted to take this time and update you on what has been going on in my life since I arrived. My first few days were a whirlwind with a team from Minnesota that was here for almost a week. There goal while they were here was to provide a business summit to the business people of Dar. They spoke on vision planning, customer service, partnerships, etc. The summit was a huge success and 200 people walked empowered to change the future of Tanzania. The team was a great encouragement and inspiration personally to me. Part of the team was involved in a Women’s Conference that was being held at a neighboring church, Victory Christian Center (VCC). It was during our time there that God started to open the doors for my heart and passion. One of the ladies on the team, Jenn, also works with victims of sex-trafficking/ prostitution back in Minnesota. When she found out that it was my heart too, she was willing and had already planned to share about where she worked in the US. From her sharing, it brought the first of many open doors since I arrived. After speaking at the church, I was invited to come and share my heart while educating the women about victims of sex-trafficking and how they end up in the industry. The following week, Pastor Charles introduced me to the congregation and I had the opportunity to share my heart with them and why I am here. I had several women come up to me after the service indicating that they would like to become involved with bringing hope to victims of sex-trafficking. and then after the service we went to Gomgo La Mboto where it was bombed about a couple months ago. Some government bombs went off unexpectedly and blew up several houses within this community.. The families are living in tents and and as many as 500 people are displaced. So today we went there as a church to bless them with clothes, money, keronse ovens and shoes. It was a long day.. We didn't back to the house till after 6pm. I was so tired. But I enjoyed it.. It gave me more experience of Tanzania. I took a lot of pics of the kids, and the area. I guess there is still a house with bombs still sitting in it.. that the government hasn't removed yet.. That's so craziness to me.. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.. In addition, Gloria, who is the host of the talk show Heart to Heart here in Dar asked me to come and appear on her show. We arranged it for the following Tuesday. The taping of the show went really well. By the following Sunday, people from church were telling me how they saw me on tv. They indicated that I was very confident about the topic I was discussing and that they could tell that I was genuine as I shared my heart. That I wasn’t just “another white person coming to save Africa”, as was stated by one of the guys I spoke with. I want people to see that there is something different about me and that my heart is sincere about why I am here. This past Wednesday I spoke at Victory Christian Center. I was a little concerned at first because of all the rain we received.. Rain can make things difficult fast in Dar. Though, nothing is impossible with God! I arrived early and safe on my own.. We spent the first 45mins praying and worshipping God in Swahili.. It was so beautiful. You could sense the presence of God there. At first I was a little concerned when I had a translator, but after the message quite a few women indicated that they had been challenged by what I talked about. I talked about victims of sex-trafficking and how they got there and about the Samaritan woman at the well and the role as women in Christ have to the victims of sex-trafficking and prostitution. I had a grandma come up to me afterwards and indicated that she is concerned about her grand-daughter who is 16 and has been spending a lot time with men and has walked away from continuing her education. She wanted to have someone talk with her. I don't her name, but I would ask that you would pray for God’s divine intervention in her life. Another lady at the church, informed me that she was praying about wanting to do something for women just that morning and she felt that God answered her prayer tonight as I shared about victims of sex-trafficking and our role as women of Christ. I was blessed with a donation from the church that was totally unexpected. I plan on using it to bless someone else. Plus I have been invited to come back and speak again. :) I love how even though I felt tired and not myself that day that God used me to bring His message across. May He be glorified in all I say and do! The Lord has also lead three special young ladies into my life. I have started to mentor one of them on a regular basis and we will meeting weekly as our schedules allow. The other two are still in school and have beautiful hearts that desire to serve the Lord and fulfill the dreams God has placed on their hearts. Join me in praying for wisdom in ministering to them. This coming week will be an eventful week as I will finally start learning Swahili. Pray for God’s intervention and that the language will come easy and quickly for me. Also, this week I will be involved in an introduction meeting with several other women within Dar where we are networking together to bring awareness, and restoration to the victims of exploited women. It’s a great opportunity and I’m trusting God for additional open doors. This week, I am hoping to meet with some people to discuss starting a support group on the university campus for victims of sexual abuse. Pray for favor on the campus and open doors. In addition, on Saturday April 16th, I will be traveling to the Assembly of God field meeting. Pray for safe travels and wonderful fellowship as I meet other missionaries and hear about God’s goodness throughout Tanzania. I am in complete awe of God’s goodness since I arrived. The pieces of the beautiful tapestry that God is creating while I’m here are coming together. Thank you for your support and prayers, in assisting in this beautiful tapestry. Your Sister in Christ, Natalie Green Missionary to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania