Recent Happenings

I recently communicated some critical needs in the funding for Next Life Foundation in Mbuguni.  Those needs were for the development of the NLF campus for facilities and a neighbor that was making the lives of our staff and students miserable.  Our request was for funds to build our first classroom building at a more rapid pace so we could actually move and occupy our developing campus.  The need was presented as $39,000 to build the first classroom, $7,000 to finish the restroom facilities which were under construction, and the cost of continuing operation of the school at $4,000 per month.

Not mentioned in that letter was the need for $7,000 by the middle of February for Tanzania government taxes which would double if not paid on time and would also adversely affect our future tax status as a “non-profit” school.  That would severely change the dollars needed to operate the ministry.  I did not share that because before the letter went out, God provided the $11,000 that we needed to cover the taxes & month’s operations.

What has God Done Since?

Since providing those needs on a tight schedule, God has also provided us with the funds to complete the restroom facilities PLUS an angel donor who has pledged to match half of the needed $39,000 for the new classroom building.  The American NLF board stands together amazed at God’s faithful provision and praises Him for His loving hand in the lives of our friends in Tanzania.

Where Does That Leave Us?

First, the history of our construction projects so far is that through diligent efforts by the Tanzania staff, the projects have come in considerably under the presented budgets.  We therefore believe that we will be able to complete the first classroom and continue on with the campus development.  Our matching donor is delighted that the special gift will go further in the overall development of the school.  

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.                                              ~ Proverbs 19:17

How Can You Help?

Our “Angel” donor is inviting matching gifts from other NLF supporters to advance the development of the Next Life campus at a rate that we had not even been able to envision or “dream” about.  (With God, we need to dream bigger!)  The initial gift is firm, it is simply an invitation to join others in sharing hope for an improved future for a small group of people on the other side of the world and in the process share Christ with them and the community around the school.  This will change lives for generations. 

Our hope is that for those of you who are moved to participate, the joy of the gift and the growth in your relationship with God is a real blessing.  Thank you to any of you who are drawn to join in this effort and thank you to each of you who have supported Next Life Foundation in the past.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.      ~Proverbs 31:8-9

Carpentry Class

A number of the NLF carpentry graduates have come back to classes to learn contemporary skills from our new instructor, Fundi Reonard.  Everyone is very excited about his skills, his faith and his personality.  He’s also interested in adding more students right away and begin teaching beginners the skills of his craftsmanship.

Pictured is one of the beds the young men are making. The beds that are made are given to widows that are sleeping on the floor.  The right picture is Fundi Reonard and Patti

Tailoring Class

Our tailoring students have been very busy measuring, sewing and delivering school uniforms to the students in the three primary schools (similar to what we call elementary school) in Mbuguni.  Uniforms are mandatory in all schools in Tanzania.  If a uniform is not worn or is in too dilapidated condition, the student is beaten and/or sent home.  Next Life tailors-in-training have made uniforms for the children who cannot afford new attire.  There are many very destitute people in Mbuguni.

Giving without an expectation of something in return is not a normal human reaction.  But it is a Christian lifestyle; something we want our students to learn.