The End of Our Assignment

Almost five years ago we received the call that we had been accepted as missionaries to Tanzania, East Africa. That call preceded our actual employment however, and we then embarked on a mission to fundraise for our position. That process, while rife with difficulty and stress, was a Godsend, as it allowed us to enter into relationships with many of you. Those relationships have only been strengthened and enriched during our time abroad and in the brief moments during furlough in which we’ve gotten to see you in person. We are honored and privileged to have been welcomed into your lives.

After a year of fundraising we departed for the field as Directors of the Children of Promise program in Tanzania, intent on serving children and their families in East Africa. We also went knowing that our time in Tanzania would not last forever. A large part of our ministry would be to prepare the program to be transitioned into the hands of national leadership. A number of missionaries before us had paved the way for this transition. We were to be the final section of the bridge. When we arrived we knew where we wanted to go, but we weren’t quite sure when we would get there. Now we know.

This will be our final year in Tanzania. Thanks to a talented team of Tanzanian individuals here we will have fully completed the transfer of leadership by the end of 2015. We genuinely feel we’ve worked towards and are on the precipice of accomplishing what we set out to do. We are tentatively scheduled to return to the U.S. in December of this year and conclude our assignment with Global Missions in March of 2016.

At this point we are not certain as to what is next for our family. We have no plans for what we might do once our tenure is complete in the early part of next year. We are confident however, that the God who called us to East Africa will continue guiding our steps when we return to the U.S. We are excited to see what God has in store for this next chapter in the life of our family and we would appreciate your prayers through the process.

Your support has been invaluable and will continue to be in this next year. Our family, friends, and congregational supporters have been instrumental in changing the lives of children and their families here in Africa. This transition certainly doesn’t end our relationship, as you have come to be so much more than names on our prayer list. We’d also ask that you please continue to support the ministry of Children of Promise not only in Tanzania, but also around the world.

Also, we’d be remiss not to mention another opportunity you have to continue supporting missions throughout Africa. Upon the conclusion of your support giving for our family, we would ask that you consider supporting the work of Mike and Heather Webb. We have known Mike and Heather for a number of years now, and can attest to the heart they have for changing lives across the globe. They are currently fundraising for the role of Regional Coordinators for Africa, and will be working with missionaries and national leaders in assisting with ministry vision and strategy throughout the continent. They will reside in Tanzania and be living on the compound we’ve called home.

These few words aren’t enough to adequately communicate our love and appreciation for each of you. But we are honored and we are blessed to call each of you friends.

Much Love,
Scott, Deanna, Elliana, and Ian