“Coming to Africa was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Meeting new people and serving the local Tanzanians was an awesome experience. I loved working with Called to Serve. I really felt like God was in everything we did here.”
Tarangire Safari---“Seeing all the animals was great fun. Our driver was so nice and showed us a lot of animals.”
Whitney D.
“I thank God for the opportunity to come to Tanzania and serve. My time here at times has been overwhelming emotionally, seeing the great needs of the people in Arusha and surrounding towns. Elton and Barbara made the three-week stay a time filled with “real” experiences being with the Tanzanians, immersed in their cultures. God has allowed my heart to be broken. I trust Him to bring forth His plan so I may be able to continue to stay connected and serve the people in Tanzania.”
Denise S.
“Africa has always been a place I wanted to serve and as I stepped onto the plane to come I knew that only God would have gotten me to this place. I fell in love with the people and the country. The rugged beauty of the mountains and the praises of the Africans completely captivated my heart.”
Tarangire Safari---“A great safari!”
Rebekah T.
“The thing that I appreciated so much about working with Called to Serve is that they connected you with locals, who helped you to cross cultural and language barriers. They don’t stay in the office. They go into the community and meet needs on an individual, personal basis.”
Tarangire Safari---“The driver was very wiling to help us find the best animals. He was always on the look-out for amazing things to show us and helped us get the most of our experience.”
Mindy M.
Annie V.
“CTS. So many blessings! So many opportunities to learn, serve and experience Tanzania. My heart was touched by our translators’ hearts for God; the orphans and street children’s smiles and hearts to love and share; the Tanzanian worship which reminded me of what heaven must be like; and our hosts, Barbara and Elton – their love, joy and service, to us and so many friends – ministries.”
Tarangire Safari---“What a special day! - baboons of all ages and sizes right outside our vehicle, zebras and elephants and gorgeous scenery. We were well taken care of and enjoyed the day tremendously.”
Jan F.
“This trip to Tanzania was great. Many doors were opened to us, so we could preach the Good News to those who needed to hear it. But more importantly, we were given the opportunity to be the gospel – to literally be “Jesus with the skin on” as we were able to minister to the needs by providing food, or Bibles, or clothing and shoes, etc. I was able to hear God speak as I had ample opportunities to ponder what God was doing. Barbara and Elton were terrific in attending to our needs and the myriad details necessary to keep a team. I am very thankful for all the opportunities given to us.”
Tarangire Safari---“It was a good opportunity we enjoyed the vehicles with the pop-tops which gave us 360 degree vision. Our drivers were knowledgeable and very accommodating.”
Keith F.
Other Comments from those who have visited:
It was incredible to be able to love and encourage on the people in
We honestly will never know what effects our dramas, crafts and games had on the people we came in contact with but it is good to know that there are those that love God in
Amanda
Dear Barbara and Elton;
Bless you for taking all 12 of us in, is the house silent yet! I already miss you guys and everyone else. You have definitely shown us so much of Arusha and the surrounding areas. God blessed us in letting us come to your part of the world and try to help show how God loves everyone. I hope that we were able to touch at least one person with our skits and testimonies, I know the people there touched my heart, this was an experience that I will never forget and hope to return again someday soon. I will keep you in my prayers that your ministry continues for many years. The people in
God Bless;
Sherry
This trip would be really hard to just "sum up" even if you gave me a few hours....The way the people touched my heart and my life is something that will stay with me forever. Since I can't speak of all of it, I'll just touch on two memories.
The Masaai were very intimidating at first but it was incredible to see how when they came to Christ they worshipped him with their whole heart, mind and soul. Our last day while waiting for our airplane a Canadian girl who was with World Vision was talking with me and she mentioned that her prayer was to see a Masaai with a Bible in his hands. A huge smile ran across my face as I excitedly explained to the dear girl that there were entire villages and families that lived everyday for Jesus Christ. Their lives and dedication left me humbled by how much I label as "important" and its in those moments that things come into perspective.
The second thing that really left me silenced were the children. These children had nothing, and yet life was still so exciting and beautiful. We were all waiting for an activity and immediately without being asked about 5 kids started cleaning up garbage and sweeping. These weren't kids near the age of 12, or kids who had someone looking over their shoulder, they just noticed something needed doing and they did it. American kids (even the really good ones) would never do that. One of the church services was really cold and the children had nothing to keep them warm. I gave my blanket to a little girl, and she immediately wrapped it around her friend. What child who's teeth are chattering would just be so willing to give probably one of the best things they have ever received to another cold child? Wait, no....what adult, let alone child would do that?!
I was so humbled by the love that the people showed to us, to each other and to the Lord.
If I would only take the example of the little ones and show God's love the way I should.
Thank you for everything Barbra and Elton!
I love you!
Maria