So Much is Happening…

So much is happening across our ministry in Tanzania and Kenya. Certifications, construction, graduations, a snake bite, a pacemaker, and a flight booked for August 26th — if you’ve been wondering how to pray for us, here is your update.

Certified — After Months of Waiting

Last October, the government came to inspect the girls’ school in M’Takooja. They were overwhelmed with what they found — the quality of training, the facilities, the students’ work. They kept saying, “This is university level.”

They told us we would have our certificate in hand the following week. Then the riots came. The country was shut down. And we waited — for months.

Now, finally, we have that certificate. Calvary Mission Tanzania Vocational Training Centre – Arusha has received full registration from the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET), dated October 25, 2025. This certification is not only a milestone for the Technical School — it also serves as an umbrella covering for the Bible School operating alongside it. Years of faithful, incremental work with the government have paid off.

Now: Getting Kenya Registered

Our focus has shifted to getting the school in Ol’Gulului, Kenya officially registered. We just had another inspection, but at the end of it we were told we still need one more official document. The inspectors told us to find a teacher who already has that paperwork, fill in our information, and they would pass us. That is often how things work here — and we are navigating the next step.

The good news: they are very happy with the progress on the building. The walls are up on the girls’ workroom and offices. We are now raising funds for the roof. After that, the final steps will be finishing the interior and installing solar power.

Snakes at Night Are More Dangerous Than Elephants

Snakes are a genuine safety concern in ways that elephants simply are not. An elephant is easy to see. A snake at night is not.

One of our Tanzania girls was bitten by a snake as she walked back to the dormitory after evening prayer time. She was rushed to the hospital in Boma and, thankfully, recovered quickly. We are grateful for God’s protection over her — and for the medical care that was within reach.

Graduation: Tanzania on September 5th

Graduation in Tanzania is set for September 5th. Fifteen girls are completing the program and will each leave with their own sewing machine — a tool for independence, income, and a future that belongs to them. We are still raising funds for thirteen machines. Each one costs approximately $250. If you would like to sponsor a machine for a graduating student, please reach out.

The Kenya girls will not be graduating this year. Domenic felt they needed more time to strengthen their sewing skills before going out on their own — and we trust that judgment completely.

We’re Heading Back — August 26th

Harry was able to secure excellent ticket prices early in the year, and we fly out on August 26th. There are no reported cases of Ebola in Tanzania. For context on current travel advisories: anyone who has been in an affected area must complete a 21-day quarantine in another country before returning to the United States. Currently, 21 Samaritan’s Purse employees who served in the Congo are completing their quarantine at Laikipia Airforce Base in Kenya.

Harry and Kathy

Kathy is improving every day. As of August 1st she is cleared from the restrictions both surgeons had placed on her — those two surgeries were two weeks apart — and she is back to her home therapy routine and normal activity.

Harry received a pacemaker about eight weeks ago and has not looked back. He is like the Energizer Bunny — feeling like a new man and ready to go.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to be a part of what You are doing in East Africa.