During our recent revival services in Tanzania, I received a note from one of the women who attended. Her words were humbling and reminded me of the importance of simply being present and seeing each person, no matter where we are.
Her story is a reminder that Christ meets us in our struggles, gives us hope for today, and promises hope for the future.
My name is Lucy, and I am so happy to know you, Andy. You have been such a blessing to me, especially through your sermons from Thursday to Sunday. They built me up, but sometimes they also made me stop and think deeply.
One day, you taught us about family and the gospel. You shared examples from your own family talking about how you were raised, how you live, and your relationship with your parents. It gave me a feeling of love. I thought, I wish I had that kind of upbringing.
I was raised by my mother alone. My father is still alive, but he left us when I was very young. My mother worked very hard to raise me and pay for my education. Sometimes she worked as a porter, carrying tourists’ luggage up Mount Kilimanjaro so we could have what we needed and so I could stay in school.
Many times, this brought me so much pain. I would think, “I wish my dad was here. Life would be better, and my mother would not have to suffer so much.” But in all things, God is good.
Your teaching gave me new hope in God. But sometimes I still remember and long for the unity of having a family with both parents. I miss a father’s love.
That day, when I asked to take a picture with you and you agreed with such love and joy, I felt so good. (Photo below) I remember thinking, “I wish you could be my father.” Sometimes I still long for that, but I know there is no way to change the past.
Instead, I am encouraged by the Word of God and by knowing that I have a Father in heaven who always wishes me well. So I keep moving forward.
Your message about listening only to God’s voice also taught me something important. You told us about the blind man Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man told Jesus what he needed, and Jesus did it for him.
Since then, I have learned two things I want to ask God for.
First, I am praying for financial freedom. I want to build my mother a house and help her start raising chickens. She loves farming and growing vegetables—work that is not as hard as climbing a mountain with luggage on her back.
Second, I am praying for God’s grace to have a good family of my own someday—a family full of love and unity, for God’s glory.
So, Andy, may God bless you, man of God. Would you like it if I called you “Daddy”? Have a safe journey, you and your friends. And welcome back to Tanzania again.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:7–8