Greeting to you all once again.
I once again went to see Simba in prison; he was of good cheer, a nice smile as he wore his slippers and his wrap around "skirt". These types of "skirts" are often worn by men in the coastal regions of East Africa which is where Simba is from.
I brought him some peanuts and about one hundred tracts to give out. I had to first eat some of the peanuts before handing them in through the rusty bars. Different people continue to try to poison him since he has been in prison so I was asked by the prison guard to eat some peanuts first, a precaution against any possible poison.
He received his peanuts with a smile, but had some concern for his wife and children back home. Simba’s wife has been very sick over the past weeks and his kids’ school fees are due and there is no dad at home to help out or supply an income. I assured him that we would help with the kids’ school fees.
I was only given seven minutes with him before I was asked to leave. We prayed together and off I went into my free world. Simba’s court date was held last week Friday. The judge did show up this time but it seemed the case went no further. His next court date is the 16th this month.
The head of security in the prison is a Muslim man. He says he likes Simba to be in this prison because the whole environment of the prison has changed for the better. There is a different spirit now that he is here. Simba has been busy preaching the kingdom to all the inmates who also enjoy him being there with them. 39 Muslim inmates have given their lives to the Lord due to Simba’s preaching.
Outside the prison walls various church leaders have written a serious letter to the President of Tanzania (who is himself Muslim) in protest of the religious freedom of this country not being respected. They are also planning a "peaceful" demonstration and will march through Kigoma town to end up at the front door of the regional governor’s office the 17th this month, the day after Simba’s court date the 16th. If there are any objections spoken or stones thrown by any Muslim onlookers this demonstration could very well become violent. Demonstrations here are generally very tense.
There are spiritual strongholds over the nations of Africa that go deep into the occult and these are not easily broken. It will take thousands of pure hearted Christians fasting and praying to break the authority of the demonic realm. A challenge that not many understand nor would they be willing to count the cost of such a spiritual battle.
My spirit is stirred and angered how the enemy has lied and deceived the people of these great nations for generations. I ask myself, where is the power of God, where is God’s presence? Africa is spotted with literally millions of churches, yet where is transforming presence of God? The people of these so-called "Christian Nations" like Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi and others will - given certain circumstances - turn and kill and even butcher their neighboring village though they are all church goers.
God, where have we gone wrong? We know how to "do" church and we continue to bring people to church rather than to bring them to God. We have our bible schools and great missionaries from the West that have been here for hundreds of years teaching truth, and this is all good but if the spirit and power of God is not present, will there ever really be a transformation taking place in Africa? The culture here is a power and spirit culture, this is where the real soul of the African lies and this is what I believe must be targeted and understood in order to see spiritual transformation. Biblical truths without a Spiritual revelation are only words, the mind hears but the soul and spirit do not perceive. We are to worship God in spirit and in truth.
I do not mean to preach but I weep when I read reports like I just read yesterday from Darfur and I quote, "They were raped, they tied them and put cotton in their mouths, then they lit the cotton and burned them to death." The Economist Dec 2nd-8th 2006. This is happening right now, today, even as I write
Thank you for the responses on behalf of Simba. Jette, my wife, has taken the scriptures and prayers sent by some of you, has printed them out and I will give them to Simba. Some of you have shown interest in financially supporting Simba. He sends a big thanks to all of you. God bless you! We continue to raise funds to ensure that all of Simba’s writings are translated into English and French. A big job.
Blessing to you all.
Lyle
Prayer Points:
- Simba’s family at home 1000 miles away, healing for his wife.
- Peaceful demonstration- Salvation for the head of security in prison.
Bank Information:
Payments within United States:
Checks made out to "UZIMA" with a separate note designating it to Simba Ulanga.
If transferring funds electronically, please email uzimausa@ywamuzima.org specifying what the donation is for.
UZIMA
Attention: Gaylen Beardsley,
P.O. Box 1875,
Silverdale, WA 98383-1875
Phone: +1-360-308-9756
Wire transfer: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Washington State / East Bremerton Branch
Routing number 512006217
Account number 1482166871
Halls
July 2015
Friday, February 16, 2007
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
A Baby Girl
Early Tuesday morning the 21st, just after 3 am, a beautiful little baby girl joined the Hall family. 6 lbs 14 oz, and 19”. Mother and child are doing very well.Her name is Naomi, see her in the attached photo.She was born in our home with only Lyle acting as midwife (he did a wonderful job!), while our doctor and midwife were at the hospital getting a room ready for us!! They arrived shortly after to help.
The big sisters are very excited and want to hold her constantly. We look forward to Jette’s mom coming to visit from Denmark Thursday.
And happy thanksgiving!
With much love from the 6 Halls in Kigoma!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Prayer Update
-Praise that the Doctor and his wife have arrived
-God’s wisdom in important meetings end of November and beginning of December
-Pray for safe delivery for Jette around Dec.1st
-God’s wisdom in important meetings end of November and beginning of December
-Pray for safe delivery for Jette around Dec.1st
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Summer Newsletter 2006 Hall’s Happenings
Prayerwalk
If you remember I had gone on a prayer walk, the original prayer walk down south never happened due to some major problems so we went north to Burundi and walked down to Kigoma. The long report mixed with many cultural things is soon to be on our web site.
There have been various ministry trips out on the lake in different villages with visiting teams. There will be about 11 teams this year from abroad. Sleeping in huts or tents. I have been asked to speak in many different churches and have been teaching in a bible college here, which I have truly enjoyed. I have never actually written an exam before, I have taken many; now I write the exams and score them, imagine that. We will start to minister in a special camp for those who are blind, crippled, leprosy etc. With no families, they are left here, so we will step in and bring a spark of joy and a smile to their lives. Different ministry opportunities with kids have opened up as well as working with a Muslim family that has become Christians and are now being persecuted for it. They lost their jobs. The wife even had her sewing machine taken away. So we are helping out where we can. I have been in 7 different debates with Muslim leaders by personal invitation. It has been challenging but I have truly presented the gospel starting from Gen. to Rev. Some of you may have heard of my time at this mosque some years ago. The crowds are at least 1000 people and even up to 2000. Pray for us, the battles here are spiritual, yes they mostly come in the form of man but spiritual they are. Life is spiritual here more than just truth, as we westerners think. We must reach them in spirit. We often just give them truth but the spirit is not there to reveal this truth so it mostly just becomes head knowledge. A hard bridge to cross.
Family Highlights
RACHEL: Rachel is in home school and always has her mind on having fun. She is growing lots. A great thinker, taking piano and wants to be tough like the boys.
YWAM UZIMA
We are still on the look out for a ship, some good possibilities but. The hangar for the helicopter will be built starting next month so progress is coming. Another nurse plus the doctor and his wife will join us in two months or so. Look at the Uzima report soon to be sent out.
Family Prayer Points
- safe pregnancy for Jette
- for the three teams coming out soon 
If you remember I had gone on a prayer walk, the original prayer walk down south never happened due to some major problems so we went north to Burundi and walked down to Kigoma. The long report mixed with many cultural things is soon to be on our web site.
Ministry
There have been various ministry trips out on the lake in different villages with visiting teams. There will be about 11 teams this year from abroad. Sleeping in huts or tents. I have been asked to speak in many different churches and have been teaching in a bible college here, which I have truly enjoyed. I have never actually written an exam before, I have taken many; now I write the exams and score them, imagine that. We will start to minister in a special camp for those who are blind, crippled, leprosy etc. With no families, they are left here, so we will step in and bring a spark of joy and a smile to their lives. Different ministry opportunities with kids have opened up as well as working with a Muslim family that has become Christians and are now being persecuted for it. They lost their jobs. The wife even had her sewing machine taken away. So we are helping out where we can. I have been in 7 different debates with Muslim leaders by personal invitation. It has been challenging but I have truly presented the gospel starting from Gen. to Rev. Some of you may have heard of my time at this mosque some years ago. The crowds are at least 1000 people and even up to 2000. Pray for us, the battles here are spiritual, yes they mostly come in the form of man but spiritual they are. Life is spiritual here more than just truth, as we westerners think. We must reach them in spirit. We often just give them truth but the spirit is not there to reveal this truth so it mostly just becomes head knowledge. A hard bridge to cross.
Family Highlights
RACHEL: Rachel is in home school and always has her mind on having fun. She is growing lots. A great thinker, taking piano and wants to be tough like the boys.
ACACIA: She wants to be a girl, she’s also is in school, loves her life but finds it hard to be the middle kid. Some moments are hard, but there is always a smile behind her big beautiful eyes.
MIKAELA: Who she wants to be like is hard to say, she is all her own. Tough but likes to look pretty with mom’s lipstick generally smeared around the face. Loves all types of animals.
BABY: Ok yes, they say that real missionary families have 4 kids so we thought we would try to qualify.. Jette is 4 months now. Hope for a boy. I need a boy in this house.Animal life: So far 9 rabbits, 1 dog, 3 snakes, 2 chameleons, 1 cat, and 10 birds.
YWAM UZIMA
We are still on the look out for a ship, some good possibilities but. The hangar for the helicopter will be built starting next month so progress is coming. Another nurse plus the doctor and his wife will join us in two months or so. Look at the Uzima report soon to be sent out.
Family Prayer Points
- safe pregnancy for Jette
- for the three teams coming out soon
- pray for a person/teacher to come out and give a hand in home schooling
- Gods favor on the work here, there have been some tough times here for us
- Gods favor on the work here, there have been some tough times here for us
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
The Package
Dear friends and family,
We are doing fine here in Kigoma, it is quite hot at the moment, right around 85 F most days, but no complaints. We just pray for rain to come soon. Many parts of Tanzania have had no rain at all and there are even reports of people dying from starvation in some places. In one area called Tabora people are said to be selling their cattle at only $4 a head compared to 200$ here in Kigoma, because they are unable to provide food and water for them. Please help pray.
We would like to share with you some things happened in the last few days.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we received a package from some good friends in Denmark. We received it the day after Mikaela’s birthday, so it was perfect timing. Lyle got it at the post office in the afternoon, so it was in the car still when we drove to the weekly missionary fellowship meeting that evening. We were so excited about receiving it that we opened it on the way over there. But we left the package in the car since there were other kids there who hadn’t been so lucky.
When we got in the car to go back home, the package was NOT there! The car had been locked, but the windows had been left with a little crack open because of the heat. We have no idea how anyone could get that package out. Everyone was asking around and searching under our car and the other cars, but the package was GONE!
Naturally, we were all very upset and sad and all three girls were crying, but we had to leave without the gifts. When we tucked the girls in their beds we thanked the Lord for the package and prayed that it would be recovered, and if it was not found that Jesus would comfort us some other way. We know that a number of the other missionaries also prayed that the gifts would be located. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t go back to sleep because I began thinking about theat incident. I was sad, also on behalf of our friends, for what should I write and tell them? “Thank you so much for the presents, so sorry to tell you they were stolen from us.” And I was upset. Upset at those who had stolen from my girls. Mad at myself for not leaving the package at home or brought it from the car, or I should have closed the windows all the way and triple checked that all doors were locket. (We have central locks so we know the doors were locked, but in the middle of the night you don’t reason that way) To escape all those thoughts, I decided to pray. Quite frankly I didn’t feel like it but I prayed a while for whoever did this. I prayed for my children that they wouldn’t be too sad and upset at the loss; and for myself that God would give me His love for people here in spite of this situation. And I prayed for our friends who sent the package. After that I slept well till morning.
This morning a young couple from the fellowship night came over with three little gifts for the girls to encourage them. Around noon we received a phone call from the bible school where we had been last night, that someone had come across the package under a tree in a corn field behind the campus and our neighbour would bring it back to us later. But obviously no one knew if everything was still in there. Rachel was so over the moon to hear that, but I was worried that she might be disappointed, so I tried to explain to her that there was a possibility that some of the things had disappeared.
This evening we were given the package. Imagine our joy when the only thing missing was one sheet of stickers, everything else was there! Socks, nightgowns, marshmallows as well as two sheets of stickers. We are all praising the Lord for an amazing answer to prayer! Why the package had been left out there in the field we don’t know. Whether the perpetrator put it there to return later and pick it up unseen or whether they realized that they couldn’t get away with it and left it there to be found without being found out themselves we will probably never know. But that really makes no difference; the main thing is that God heard our prayers! What a great God he is, to think that he cares for us in such practical and tangible ways!
Remember that he cares for you and your loved ones just the same!
With love and blessings from Rachel, Miriam Acacia, Mikaela, Lyle and Jette
We are doing fine here in Kigoma, it is quite hot at the moment, right around 85 F most days, but no complaints. We just pray for rain to come soon. Many parts of Tanzania have had no rain at all and there are even reports of people dying from starvation in some places. In one area called Tabora people are said to be selling their cattle at only $4 a head compared to 200$ here in Kigoma, because they are unable to provide food and water for them. Please help pray.
We would like to share with you some things happened in the last few days.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we received a package from some good friends in Denmark. We received it the day after Mikaela’s birthday, so it was perfect timing. Lyle got it at the post office in the afternoon, so it was in the car still when we drove to the weekly missionary fellowship meeting that evening. We were so excited about receiving it that we opened it on the way over there. But we left the package in the car since there were other kids there who hadn’t been so lucky.
When we got in the car to go back home, the package was NOT there! The car had been locked, but the windows had been left with a little crack open because of the heat. We have no idea how anyone could get that package out. Everyone was asking around and searching under our car and the other cars, but the package was GONE!
Naturally, we were all very upset and sad and all three girls were crying, but we had to leave without the gifts. When we tucked the girls in their beds we thanked the Lord for the package and prayed that it would be recovered, and if it was not found that Jesus would comfort us some other way. We know that a number of the other missionaries also prayed that the gifts would be located. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t go back to sleep because I began thinking about theat incident. I was sad, also on behalf of our friends, for what should I write and tell them? “Thank you so much for the presents, so sorry to tell you they were stolen from us.” And I was upset. Upset at those who had stolen from my girls. Mad at myself for not leaving the package at home or brought it from the car, or I should have closed the windows all the way and triple checked that all doors were locket. (We have central locks so we know the doors were locked, but in the middle of the night you don’t reason that way) To escape all those thoughts, I decided to pray. Quite frankly I didn’t feel like it but I prayed a while for whoever did this. I prayed for my children that they wouldn’t be too sad and upset at the loss; and for myself that God would give me His love for people here in spite of this situation. And I prayed for our friends who sent the package. After that I slept well till morning.
This morning a young couple from the fellowship night came over with three little gifts for the girls to encourage them. Around noon we received a phone call from the bible school where we had been last night, that someone had come across the package under a tree in a corn field behind the campus and our neighbour would bring it back to us later. But obviously no one knew if everything was still in there. Rachel was so over the moon to hear that, but I was worried that she might be disappointed, so I tried to explain to her that there was a possibility that some of the things had disappeared.
This evening we were given the package. Imagine our joy when the only thing missing was one sheet of stickers, everything else was there! Socks, nightgowns, marshmallows as well as two sheets of stickers. We are all praising the Lord for an amazing answer to prayer! Why the package had been left out there in the field we don’t know. Whether the perpetrator put it there to return later and pick it up unseen or whether they realized that they couldn’t get away with it and left it there to be found without being found out themselves we will probably never know. But that really makes no difference; the main thing is that God heard our prayers! What a great God he is, to think that he cares for us in such practical and tangible ways!
Remember that he cares for you and your loved ones just the same!
With love and blessings from Rachel, Miriam Acacia, Mikaela, Lyle and Jette
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas Newsletter 2005
Today is the first day of December and most of you are probably already surrounded by various reminders that Christmas is near. Not so here in Kigoma. Except that the red flowers on the flame trees are blooming more and more each day and will continue to increase during this month. We have made a rope with 25 knots on it for the girls, and each day until Christmas they will untie a knot and receive a small surprise and each day we will read a chapter from the gospel of Luke as our Advent calendar. We look forward to spending Christmas here with Jette’s parents who live in Dar es Salaam.
Highlights
There is a Danish hymn; I cannot count them all, the signs of God’s goodness that I have received. I saw them fall as dew drops, before my wondering eyes. This very accurately expresses how we feel when we look back on this past year. God has been so good and faithful to us, through the good as well as the hard times.
It is definitely a highlight that we have now finally arrived in Kigoma and are in a house with a great view of Lake Tanganyika. A view that daily reminds us why we are here. There are many people out there along this lake who have yet to hear the good news that “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9)
Birthdays are always a highlight and this year we have celebrated in Florida, Montana, Denmark and here in Kigoma. Lyle cut a corner and Rachel is now a big 7 year-old. The girls are doing great, making new friends, picking up some Swahili every day and enjoy having a real home, as do we.
Life and Death
We just had a man at our door. He came to see us about a week ago received some help so he could take his wife to the hospital. Well, today he came to let us know that she had passed away and to thank us for helping him. A thing like that sure puts our own little problems into perspective. They have a little 4-year-old who is now left without a mother. Before leaving, he prayed a prayer of blessing on our family and of thanks for his wife and her life. Amazing, such inner strength God gives him at a time like this! But it is true; there is a bigger picture, a God who is always there for us.
Uzima
It has taken time getting set up as it always does here in Africa. Many important decisions to make every day about things in Uzima as we move forward. So many hurting people here in Kigoma that at times it can be overwhelming. We are planning a 260-mile prayer walk on a big portion of Lake Tanganyika visiting the villages on the way, introducing ourselves and doing a lot of research. This trip will be hard and long, about 25-30 days. But it will set a good stage for Uzima for the future. Lyle and a few others will take the journey and it will be on foot since there are no roads. Please keep this in prayer as we prepare to go in February. I encourage you to also step outside and take a walk, praying for your own communities.
Thank you, for praying for and with us throughout this year. Thank you for standing with us and dreaming with us to bring God’s heart for life, health and wholeness to people in need.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Rachel, Miriam Acacia, Mikaela, Jette & Lyle Hall
Highlights
There is a Danish hymn; I cannot count them all, the signs of God’s goodness that I have received. I saw them fall as dew drops, before my wondering eyes. This very accurately expresses how we feel when we look back on this past year. God has been so good and faithful to us, through the good as well as the hard times.
It is definitely a highlight that we have now finally arrived in Kigoma and are in a house with a great view of Lake Tanganyika. A view that daily reminds us why we are here. There are many people out there along this lake who have yet to hear the good news that “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9)
Birthdays are always a highlight and this year we have celebrated in Florida, Montana, Denmark and here in Kigoma. Lyle cut a corner and Rachel is now a big 7 year-old. The girls are doing great, making new friends, picking up some Swahili every day and enjoy having a real home, as do we.
Life and Death
We just had a man at our door. He came to see us about a week ago received some help so he could take his wife to the hospital. Well, today he came to let us know that she had passed away and to thank us for helping him. A thing like that sure puts our own little problems into perspective. They have a little 4-year-old who is now left without a mother. Before leaving, he prayed a prayer of blessing on our family and of thanks for his wife and her life. Amazing, such inner strength God gives him at a time like this! But it is true; there is a bigger picture, a God who is always there for us.
Uzima
It has taken time getting set up as it always does here in Africa. Many important decisions to make every day about things in Uzima as we move forward. So many hurting people here in Kigoma that at times it can be overwhelming. We are planning a 260-mile prayer walk on a big portion of Lake Tanganyika visiting the villages on the way, introducing ourselves and doing a lot of research. This trip will be hard and long, about 25-30 days. But it will set a good stage for Uzima for the future. Lyle and a few others will take the journey and it will be on foot since there are no roads. Please keep this in prayer as we prepare to go in February. I encourage you to also step outside and take a walk, praying for your own communities.
Thank you, for praying for and with us throughout this year. Thank you for standing with us and dreaming with us to bring God’s heart for life, health and wholeness to people in need.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Rachel, Miriam Acacia, Mikaela, Jette & Lyle Hall
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