Breaking News from the Bryants

Change is in the air

The last 6 months have been quite a roller coaster of a time for us.  Don's mother passed this world and Don was busy dealing with some of the legal issues related to her death.  We were looking for jobs to help pay off the debt from having to travel to the USA twice within a relatively short period of time.  I found out that the job market is especially difficult in Hot Springs.  Don managed to get  one interview and he was on the phone with one of the biggest trucking recruiters in the USA at the same time that I was on the phone with Pastor Parris Bailey.

The recruiter wanted to send Don to Memphis to begin orientation.  Pastor Parris was asking for us to come to New Orleans to direct a brand new Men's Restoration Ministry that is called, The 180 Center.  The request caught us both off guard, but within minutes we both were super excited to begin a brand new adventure in New Orleans!

That was a little over a month ago....We have both been going full-speed since.  My return ticket to Tanzania came in handy as I have been selling all of our possessions, including our car, generator, and the most difficult item to let go, was my Gibson guitar.  We put it all on the altar of sacrifice again totally believing that God will do awesome things in New Orleans.

Friday was a difficult day as I was saying, "Goodbye" to all of our co-ministers from New Life Outreach.  It is funny that cake is involved in so many of the rituals in Tanzania, even some that would seem sad, especially when we have been in Tanzania for so long.  March would have marked Don's 20th year volunteering at New Life Outreach and my 15 year mark, so we have been with New Life Outreach longer than any of our co-ministers that were at the party Friday.

Pastor Peter Raphael feeding me the first piece of the cake

I have set up a line of communication with Mary's Little Lambs, so that I can continue to help them with school fees and other needs in the future.  I am so proud of them , because they all passed their form four exit exams and are waiting to find out which school the government of Tanzania will place them.

We are so excited to continue as missionaries for the new mission, The 180 Center.  I leave Tanzania tomorrow morning and will be in transit for about 46 hours.  Please pray for my travels.  Pray for every need to be met as we change locations from Tanzania to New Orleans.  This is a huge change, so it will mean lots of set-up needs.  We will need everything, so if you are in New Orleans and have any unused household items or can make a special donation to help us get started.  The official launch date is April 1st, so we only have a few weeks to get everything ready for the list of men that is already forming!  There will be more news after I get to the USA.

The painting was done when Don turned 40.  Yep...I found this while cleaning out our room...had to share it.  He will turn 50 on March 17th!  I can't believe it!!!

We will really miss New Life Outreach and our dear friends!

Thank you for praying for us as we join hands with Victory Fellowship to launch this brand new ministry, The 180 Center.  We thank God for all your prayers and support.  Click here for Victory Fellowship's online giving link. Designate the donation for Don and Mary Bryant   You can also mail checks to: Victory Fellowship 5708 Airline Dr., Metairie LA. 70003.

 

Click here to give a Missionary Gift through Paypal

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We are not able to send a tax credit through Paypal gifts, but God will surely reward you

 

Our phone in the USA is (816) 730-0600

January News from the Bryants

Don  preached the roof off of a church in Kibaigwa

   The church in Kibaigwa was started by a former graduate of the New Life Outreach Leadership College.  It is great to see the graduates planting new churches in villages like Kibaigwa, that have a very small percentage of Christians.

Don has been on 2 ministry outreaches in Tanzania, since the last newsletter.  New Life Outreach was in Dongobesh from the end of October till November 8th.  There were huge crowds responding to the Gospel message in Dongobesh.  Thousands were saved, healed, and set free!

The following is a short video clip that Don took in Kibaigwa, that will make your day:  Click on, "Rejoicing in Kibaigwa, Tanzania!"!

Gifts from the pastors of Dongobesh

Don's view on the drive to Kibaigwa

New Life Outreach Leadership College Graduation, December 2014

The last three months have flown by as the ministry in Tanzania was in full-speed.  Don went 3 ministry outreaches as I was in the USA taking care of some issues with my mom.  I spent Thanksgiving Day with my mom and our family in Missouri.  

Uncle Ted and Aunt Rosalie have been so kind to house me and feed me during the time I spent in Adrian

Don and I received an email right before Thanksgiving that his mom's condition had worsened.  He returned to Arusha to begin preparations to join me in the USA.  He took a Qatar flight and 40 hours later was in Kansas City with me and my cousins, Martin and Vicky, who have also been housing us and feeding us.  It took Don about a week to get over the jet lag, then we spent a few days with my mom, before continuing our journey to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

My mom in Adrian Missouri- December 2014

There was a shocking change in Don's mom from when we saw her earlier in the year.  She was bright and able to walk.  It was precious time that we spent with her as she left this earth on December 23rd.  We are thankful that she held on long enough for Don to bring his sister to see their mother.  Pastor Jess Gideon and his sweet wife, Carolyn spent the entire morning with us, as we sang songs and prayed for Barbara.  "Oh the Blood of Jesus" was the last song we sang as she entered eternity.  Family, friends, and the church family came to the memorial service the first Sunday in January.

December 2014

A photo of Don's mom from April 2014

Teddy, chaplain from Hospice, blessed us with Christmas carols and hymns.

Photo from the  memorial service for Don's mother.  Mary and Don Bryant; Dave and Debra Fenimore

Thank You!

Our hearts are so grateful for the loving messages of condolence received as well as all the outpouring of love we have felt.  My cousins Martin and Vicki Bridges have done several airport runs, housed and fed us.  Uncle Ted and Aunt Rosalie Bridges have housed us and fed us.  Glory Barn Church has not only housed us, and Pastor Jess and Carolyn Gideon opened the doors to the church for a memorial service.  There are a number of our friends that gave special offerings over the last few months.  We are humbled by the care and pray that the seeds sown will return back to you 100-fold.  It has not been easy, but your outpouring of love has made this burden bearable.  

There are details that need to be taken care in relation to his mother's death.  The next thing on our agenda is to go back to check on my mom and hopefully get to New Orleans by the end of February.  It is our plan to spend time in New Orleans to get recharged and refreshed as we pray for the wisdom needed to go forward.  These last few months have taken a lot out of us, and we appreciate continued prayers.  Our walk is a walk of faith, so God has assured me that this is all going to come together to show forth His glory. 

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (Matthew 6:34 MSG) 

God bless,

Mary and Don

Celebrating 15 years of marriage this month, we have overflowing hearts that reach towards the One who keeps us.  Our Good Shepherd leads us each step of the way! 

We thank God for all your prayers and support.  Support in any amount is greatly appreciated. Click here for Victory Fellowship's online giving link. Designate the donation for Don and Mary Bryant   You can also mail checks to: Victory Fellowship 5708 Airline Dr., Metairie LA. 70003.

Click here to give a Missionary Gift through Paypal

An easy and secure way to give!

We are not able to send a tax credit through Paypal gifts, but God will surely reward you

Our phone in the USA is (816) 730-0600