Ministry to the Datoga in Gidamalanda (Gil & Dolfi Maunda, Missionaries to Tanzania)

• Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
• Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
• Colossians 4:3 (NLT)
• Colossians 4:4 (NLT)

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Dolfi - After 6 years, doubt, fear & witch doctor curses behind, today, beginning January of 2012, now over 1/2 the village of Gidamalanda has come to Christ.

The Datooga are, in appearance, similar to the Masai, but are actually enemies to the Masai. As a result, no historical ministry to this people group. 200,000 souls, spread out in small villages of, at the largest, 500. Forced into the most arid, inhospitable parts of Tanzania, no scripture in their language. High illiteracy rate.

When some in the village said, "We have cursed you. You must leave," the Word of the Lord to them was Galatians 6:9. "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

Gilagwenda - husband, a Datooga, was an alcoholic (drank with the Swahili), parents took him to witch doctor. Water with medicine from the witch doctor supposed to cure alcoholism, 3 days later, drinking again.

Listening in a town to the gospel through speakers, heard another voice say, "You're not going back to drink alcohol." while watching "Jesus" film, heard voice again. As preacher preached, came to decision to accept Christ. Dolfie & team starting church in Ompiro.

Given a choice between oil (life) and blood (death), Gil chose blood, which meant he was dead to his family. He chose blood because Jesus' blood washed his sins away. Being the first to believe in the area, he was an outcast, who had to learn to read to study the Bible. After 1 month, God opened his eyes, and he could read.

Because he was cut off, his family could not assist him in any way. Choosing to go to church, to associate with the Faith, was a life- changing decision in more than just overcoming alcohol.

Dolfi - "If it were not for missionaries, where would I be today!". Colossians 4:2-4. "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should." (Colossians 4:2-4 NLT)

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