Collin, a Special Joy!
Recently we learned of the death of one of the Next Life Foundation student body, 16 year old Collin, a second year student in the tailoring program.
Collin passed away on Friday, July 14th after collapsing at his home and being transported to the hospital. Collin was a special joy to have in the NLF program because he brought a positive attitude to class, always smiling, singing, dancing and demonstrating his love for Jesus. With heavy hearts, the Next Life family in Tanzania said their last goodbyes to their friend and classmate. The NLF team in the United States shares their sadness in his passing.
God promises to bring good from all circumstances for those who love him in Romans 8:28. Collin’s life and death bring the importance of this little but growing ministry, founded in two small towns on opposite sides of the world, to the lives of all touched by a little school in Mbuguni Tanzania. The original mission of Next Life was to educate young people so they could have better lives using the skills taught to them. The original hope for these students from this mostly Muslim village, was that they would find Christ as their Lord and Savior. Collin is an example of how God has used the school to not only learn a trade but to bring some to a saving knowledge of Christ. Although we are deeply saddened by Collin’s passing, we are elated that he gave his life to Christ through his time as a student with Next Life.
| But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. ~ Psalm 9:18 |
Your support for the Next Life Ministry is the foundation of Collin’s being with God in heaven. We ask you to revel with us in our grief and express our thanks more than we can put into words. Thanks be to God!
Another Big Milestone
Three Next Life Foundation carpentry almuni have started their own carpentry shop in Mbuguni! As they step out in faith, their venture is a testament to the school and the whole community that God has a plan for each of these young people’s lives. There is hope in Jesus!
Kelvin, Dominic, and Boniface are the newest business owners and would like to name their new endeavor Next Life Furniture Center. Organization names must be approved by the government so we’ll wait to see if this name is accepted.
Some donations were made to these young men and they then accepted the offer of a no-interest loan from a donor so they could open shop. This is a very difficult thing to do in the village of Mbuguni so we need your prayers along with ours for their success. Their success will come as they align their plans with the will of God.
More About our Students’ Lives
2024 Opportunities to Serve in Mbuguni
Last January the eyeglass ministry was such a huge success and served so many individuals. Still many had to be turned away. Praise our good God Next Life Foundation is partnering with MOST (Mission Opportunities Short Term) Ministries to serve again in this capacity. January 12-22, 2024 we will once more bring “sight to the blind” in northern Tanzania. What an experience it is to see the joy on a person’s face when they can see clearly with eyeglasses. The Gospel is shared, eyes are checked and glasses are provided. Is this something you may be interested in?
May 2024 we will be taking a team to teach our students and the general population basic first aid. Many people suffer needlessly because the average Tanzanian citizen does not know any first aid. We will teach how to respond to and treat an unconscious victim (CPR), shock, bleeding, burns & scalds, spinal injuries, rescue breathing and choking. Good Samaritan assistance is not a common cultural way of thinking in Tanzania. The Gospel will be shared with all participants also.
If you or someone you know is interested in either of these mission trips, contact Patti at NextLifeFound@gmail.com If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew an old one, it’s time to be applying! It is currently taking several months to process them.
Graduation is Drawing Near
Many of our students will be graduating in January. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could give each of the tailors a sewing machine to start a business when they finish school? Inflation has hit Tanzania hard so machines now cost $600 each. Could you have a small fundraiser to raise money for one or two machines?
Special Gifts
The $10,000 matching gift was met (WooHoo! Praise God!) and another section of the perimeter security wall is under construction!
Pilot Knob Lutheran Church in Forest City, IA presented their Sunday School offerings to Next Life Foundation and the money was used to provide food to individuals who came to “the gate” asking for food assistance during the dire drought circumstances. We are so thankful to God for providing for so many critical needs.
NLF Annual Banquet
Mark your calendar for the 2023 Next Life Foundation Annual Banquet. It will be held Thursday, October 5th at the Maser Monarch Lodge in Okoboji at 6pm. It’s a great time of fellowship and learning more about the happenings in Mbuguni. A special guest will be at our banquet this Fall. More details to follow.