Karama

    Being here in Tanzania has allowed me to become exposed to so many incredible different ministries. In fact, most of the parents of the students I teach have ministries that they work with while we are teaching their kids. In fact, part of the ministry of HOPAC is the fact that it provides a good education for the MK's so that the parents don't have to worry about homeschooling their kids. Instea, the parents can throw themselves full force into service for the Lord in ministering to Tanzanians. I love it.
    As a result, I get to hear about all kinds of cool ministries, through my students. For example, one of my students' parents just started a coffee shop business. They are using this business to share the Gospel by providing jobs for their workers and simply just being Christ to their customers. The coffee is INCREDIBLE too. :) Always a plus.
    Another one of my students is named Ephiphany Larmey. Her parents are in charge of Young Life Africa. They do a lot of traveling but essentially they empower National believers to start young life youth groups all over Africa. I have been to dinner with them and truly find them to be incredible ambassadors for Christ. Dyan and Steve Larmey, when I met them, truly encouraged me and reflected Christ to me in a genuine way. :) They are also in charge of the Young Life group at HOPAC. Their 4 kids are pretty fantastic also.

      However, I think the most unique and interesting ministry that I've seen so far is called Karama. I found out about it through Dyan Larmey and my friend Erin Steinhoff. Erin teaches art at HOPAC and has been helping me adjust to all this new culture stuff. Next year she will be working full time for Karama and her passion for it is contagious.
     Basically, Karama works to empower artisans in Tanzania to sell their products all over the world. By doing this, they are providing incomes to families in Tanzania that might not have sold their products otherwise. Products like jewelry, scarves, bags, ornaments, etc. are some of the things they sell and they are still growing! I can't wait to see how God blesses the ministry and artisans in the future. He's already done so much in it.
     For more information visit http://www.karamagifts.com/  . The website has more information on their products and the people in Tanzania who make them! :) Very exciting!

God is on the move in Tanzania. I'm just glad I get to see it all! :)