We Serve a Faithful God
Our God, faithful and true to every promise, continues to prove His faithfulness on the campus of Next Life Foundation in Mbuguni, Tanzania. During my recent visit with Lyn Creswell, an American board member, it was a joy to listen to graduates reflect on their time at the school and to welcome new students who arrived unsure, quiet, and quite anxious as they began their journey with us.
New Students
Lyn and I were blessed to be on campus when new students arrived, an especially meaningful time. In Tanzania, children are often taught to be seen and not heard, so many students struggle to make eye contact with adults or speak confidently. For most, their previous school experiences included corporal punishment, and positive student–teacher relationships were rare. As new members of the Next Life “family,” they arrive not knowing what to expect.
About one-third of our students do not complete the program they begin. There are many factors behind this, but one thing stands out: it is very rare for a sponsored student to leave. Sponsorship is $60 per month and includes a commitment to pray regularly for your student. Knowing that someone in the United States cares about them and is lifting them up in prayer is incredibly meaningful. Sponsored students write to their sponsor four times a year, and if specific prayer needs arise, we pass those along as well. Sponsorships can also be shared between two individuals or families, allowing each to contribute half; perfect if you have a friend you’d like to share with.
You can find more information on our website at www.NextLifeFound.org. Click on “Sponsorship” in the top toolbar , then choose between tailoring or carpentry students, or we would be happy to match you with a student.
With the help of an interpreter, we interviewed each student and learned a bit about their stories. Their backgrounds and education levels are wonderfully diverse. Some traveled great distances to be at our school; from Dar es Salaam, nearly 400 miles away, and Singida, over 200 miles away. (This clearly highlights the need for an onsite dormitory.)
Our incoming students range in age from 12 to 20 and in education from Standard 4 (4th grade) to Form 4 (11th grade). As always, we welcome students from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds. While not all students had arrived before Lyn and I returned home, we anticipate nearly fifty new students this year, more than ever before!
Graduates
We also spent time with our graduating tailoring and carpentry students, which was an absolute delight. Each expressed confidence that they are well prepared to start their own businesses. The tailoring students still hope to learn how to make suits once the proper fabric becomes available in the city, and all but two are willing to return to campus for this final lesson. The carpentry students unanimously agreed that their training should extend to three years, so it looks like we’ll be calling it post-graduate carpentry after graduation! What a joy to see their eagerness to continue learning until they are fully equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
Most encouraging of all, every graduate shared that their faith has grown during their time at Next Life. Some credited daily devotions and worship, others pointed to the example set by teachers and staff, and many said it was a combination of both. Praise the Lord! This is our primary goal; vocational training is a bonus.
The graduation celebration was truly unforgettable. One of the most meaningful moments for me was watching a student from a Muslim background lead the graduates’ procession, joyfully shout-singing, “Jesus is Lord!” It was also deeply moving to see community leaders step in to come alongside students whose families were unable to attend. It was a beautiful, grace-filled day.
Sewing Machine
We celebrated a wonderful milestone as each of our tailoring graduates received their very own sewing machine. With this incredible gift, made possible through the generous support of our donors, they now have the tools they need to begin earning an income and even start their own businesses. Our staff is coming alongside them to help identify places where they can set up shop. Some may rent a small space in their village, while others can simply place their machine under a tree at home and open for business. Thank you for equipping these graduates so generously and for helping turn their training into opportunity.
10-year Anniversary Celebration
Our Tanzania board certainly knows how to celebrate! The ten-year anniversary celebration will be hard to top. There was abundant singing, dancing, gift-giving, and feasting—and in all of it, God was glorified.
Several alumni returned for the celebration, and it was such a joy to see them again. Some are now working in Dar es Salaam, others in Moshi, and several have returned to their home villages to put their skills to work there.
We are so grateful that God allows us to hear the stories of our former students and see the impact continuing long after graduation.
Campus Infrastructure
After much anticipation, the final touches are being added to the perimeter security wall around campus. Looking ahead, the next step is for the Tanzania board to finalize a detailed site plan that includes future buildings. Our focus will then turn to constructing a women’s dormitory. With students traveling such long distances, God is clearly showing us the importance of this next phase.
God has blessed Next Life in countless ways, and we are deeply grateful for every person who prays, encourages, and gives. It is a joy to witness God’s faithfulness to the vision He placed in Laurence’s and my hearts thirteen years ago.
Thank you for being part of the Next Life story and for the role you play in the lives of the students and communities touched by the Holy Spirit through this ministry. What a privilege and what a thrill to be part of God’s story in East Africa.
Obediently His,
Patti
If you would like to donate to Next Life Foundation you can click here. Contact us at NextLifeFound@gmail.com