Tanzania 06' Pics #2

Above left; Russ introducing the story of Saul.

Above; Group of both children & adults watch intently as the story of Saul's conversation is told.

Saul, the Puppet ministers to the crusade crowd
as Pastor Moses interprets.

Tanzania 06 Chronicles #2

Sept. 15, 2006 Tanzania 06 Chronicle #2 recap
Dear Friends & Family,
Our stay in Mwanza, Tanzania now over we look back & reflect on our time there & the 4 days of crusades held. 230 recorded adult decisions for Christ plus another 100 or so from the "Jesus Film" presentations seems like so little on a continent so large. We now leave them in the care of Pastor Moses & the local churches to which he pastors. On the last day of the Crusade we first did a special children's presentation & passed out candy. I began telling the story of Saul & his conversation on the road to Damascus. As soon as I brought out "my friend" "Saul the puppet", people who were standing on the out skirts of the field began to hurry forward to see this strange sight. I think many of them had never seen a puppet before. Over the years I have come to realize that creating word pictures using descriptive language, objects or puppets is one of the most powerful teaching tools. It creates a lasting image that is connected to the lesson being taught. I trust God will use these images & His Word for years to come in the lives we ministered to.

Many miles to the southeast of Mwanza on the Indian Ocean coast, north of Tanzania's capital of Dar Es Salaam is the almost forgotten city of Bagamoyo. The meaning of it's name tells of its horrific past; "throw your heart away" is the translation. It was here through much of the 18th & 19th centuries that slave trade flourished and entire families & communities were destroyed. We came to Mwanza asking people not "to throw their hearts away" but to freely give it away to the one (Jesus) who freely gave His life for us as a payment for our sins. In return Christ promises us eternal life (John 1:12, 3:16). All of our team, including those who stayed behind & prayed, are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be used of God and see over 300 make such a commitment. Please be in agreement with us that God's word will not return void in these lives & what He began He will continue as they grow in the knowledge & Grace of our Lord. That the church there will grow in power & influence in that community, experiencing both the favor of God & of men.

Tentative plans will see us back in Tanzania in Oct. of 2007. But next on the agenda (Lord willing) will be a trip back to my beloved Philippines in March of that year for the annual missions convention and later a crusade with my church team. As always I appreciate your prayer & support in these matters.


Left: Crusade in progress, Right: Pastors Chris, Angel, Moses & friends
God's Best & Blessings to you, Russ Rutler

Tanzania 06 Pictures

Mwanza Student Choir worship before Crusade crowd


A few local youths enjoy the novelty of a digital camera


Pastor Chris Ludwig ministers to those responding to an alter call

Tanzania 06' Chronicle #1

Mwanza, Tanzania Thur. Sept. 8, 2006 AM (local)

Dear Friends & Family,Mwanza means the first or Beginning, appropriate enough seeing this is our first crusade in this part of the world. We are a small team of 3 and as with many firsts we have had to learn a few things as we go. The piece of sound equipment we brought with us was unexpectedly held up for "ransom" at the custom's office in Arusha. After a day of negotiating we were able to redeem it for a mere $180 about half the amount this certain official was asking for. Other logistical & permit problems caused us to miss our 1st 2 days of crusade times. A lost, misplaced or stolen wallet (I don't know which) of this certain crusade team member to the tune of approx. $800 USD also caused us grief (since most of $ were crusade funds.This person should be horse whipped for being so careless) But God is indeed good, the Jesus Film showings that we are sponsoring saw 50 adults come to Christ each of the two nights. Our first crusade night also saw 68 come to Christ, with one woman testifying of a healing of her legs. This more then makes up for our long tiring trip here, the inconveniences, hassles & loss of mere money, knowing that eternal destinies are being effected.
300 miles to the southwest of here is a little place called Ujiji. It was here that those famous words were uttered; "Dr. Livingston I presume" by the NY Tribune journalist Stanley about 150 years ago. It was David Livingston who first preached the Gospel all through this region as he explored & mapped central Africa. What a privilege to be able to lend our hand to the work he started so many years ago and possible be an answer to the prayers uttered by many "Give us Africa for Christ"

Our 2nd night of crusade saw another 70 come to Christ and several more testify of healings. One woman who had respiratory problems, which reg. doctors couldn't help so she had gone to the local witch doctor, (similar pattern to what we saw in Guaymas, Mexico) was marvelously delivered. The local church we are working with is diligently taking the names of the new converts for follow up & instruction. Since one of our team, Pastor Angel Cintron, had been here last year there is probably more going right then going wrong, seeing relationships & ground work was already established.
We are are expecting the next 2 days of the cusade to be even more powerful as momentum builds. Please be in prayer that God moves mightily confirming his word with signs and wonders. That a people are raised up here to testify of God's Goodness & Mercy. That God anoints Pastor Chris Ludwig as he brings forth the messages. That all of us remain in good health while ministering here.
I will go to a school today to minister to some of the many students here. So with guitar in hand & my friend "Saul" the puppet in tow it looks like another exciting day serving our Lord. As always we covet your prayers & intercessions & thank you in advance for your obedience.
God's Best & Blessings to you,In Christ Russ Rutler