On April 16, a group of thieves broke into the YWAM Arusha, Tanzania base office and made away with a safe containing cash from school fees, and donations to several ministries, including some for orphaned children. This leaves the base struggling to pay for the basic needs of nearly 100 staff and students in the near future. Base leader, John Mukole says, “It is obviously going to be a challenge and a time of growth for us in trusting the Lord. We really need the Lord to show up in this situation. We are basically looking upon Him through this.”

YWAM Arusha is located in the 3rd largest town in Tanzania. They run a number of Discipleship Training Schools and second level schools each year. They are engaged in outreach to numerous local villages and communities, incorporating outreach with mercy ministry efforts such as orphan care and health clinics. YWAM Arusha recently purchased land which will house a training centre aimed at equipping and sending missionaries to the nations.

During the attack one security guard was badly hurt and remains in hospital. The base asks for prayer for his recovery and for peace to dwell among their community.

In further tragedy in East Africa, a fire, thought to be caused by arson, gutted a school dormitory just outside the capital of Kampala in Uganda on the night of April 14. One of the girls missing belonged to Dickson and Mable Wesonga, a YWAM couple working with Kings Kids Uganda. So far 19 bodies have been found , and over 10 more children aged between 8 and 10, are missing. Many others sustained serious wounds. Please pray for the Wesonga family, and the other families whose children were lost, at this difficult time.