Sunday, January 13, 2008

Mark's Double Duty Trip to Tanzania


If you've ever sent a gift to Wild Hope then you'll have received a receipt prepared and posted by our own Mark Harris in his office in Pasadena. Mark faithfully keeps our books straight and makes sure that donations are allocated properly and receipted in good time. We would NOT like to face this task without him!

But Mark is far more than an accountant! With cross-cultural mission experience of his own (in Russia) and an advanced degree in the subject, Mark brings to our team a depth and knowledge that we truly appreciate.

Not too long ago, Mark had an article published in a missions magazine. His topic was Cross-Cultural Leadership Training. Though he was citing experiences from Russia, his article caught the eye of a local pastor here in Tanzania. Sergi tracked Mark down and invited him to come out to Tanzania and lead a seminar in Moshi, a city not too far from our Wild Hope team.

"Hmmmm," we thought. "This could be a nice double blessing for Wild Hope and the indigenous pastors and leaders who are gathering." With books to keep straight in the United States and East Africa, and with several different systems already underway and trying to converge into one, we knew that we could really use Mark's expertise on this side of the ocean. Peter and Byron and Mark just needed time in one place together to set up a good, workable system that would allow for flex and growth and multiple currencies! Meanwhile, local church friends in Moshi were looking with expectation for input from his other areas of expertise. How could we pass up such a great opportunity to launch a double blessing?

Peter teamed up with Mark to teach and they greatly enjoyed their days with the men in Moshi. Their time and input was deeply appreciated and they were happy to be able to help bring further training to these dedicated leaders. During the rest of his trip, Mark, Byron and Peter huddled around computers with ledgers and receipts and multiple cups of coffee and tea. A nicely workable system emerged and we are thankful!

What a great blessing all around. Thanks, Mark, for your help on so many different levels.

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