June 23-28 Camp Igalula, Tanzania
Kigoma-Igalula, Tanzania
Youth Camp, Igalula.
June 23rd-28th, 2026
Please forgive our gap in posting on the blog. We were challenged by poor internet quality and the lack of phone charging capabilities for the last several days.
On the evening of Tuesday June 23, we set out onto Lake Tanganika on the HOTN boat
“Tumanini” with all of our ministry supplies. It would be a long boat ride to our youth camp in Igalula, which was due to begin the next day, the morning of the 24th. All of us – the buddies, our SVCC team and the boat crew were camped out in and on the boat
deck and settled in for some rest. The evening was cool and the stars were incredible. We were even able to see the Southern Cross. About three hours into our trip we developed engine problems- twice. Harold and Shukuru worked on the issue for a long time and determined that we needed to turn around and go back to Kigoma, arriving at about 4am.
Tired and a bit disappointed, the boat was unloaded, and the vehicles packed again. Our only choice was to take the HOTN bus and the Land Rover to get to Igalula. Setting out in the early morning, we began our trek- endless rutted, dust and rock covered roads
up and down mountains and valleys, with the lake occasionally in sight. Several times the bus, loaded with 18 people and supplies, couldn’t handle the steep grades of the hills and we had to get out of the bus and walk up the steep dusty road in the midday heat to lighten the load on the bus. At another point we had to exit the bus so that we, our vehicles, several nationals, produce, and livestock could load onto the ferry crossing the Malagarasi River. Up to that point, our team and HOTN has acknowledged the obvious spiritual opposition to this STM both before and during our trip, and because of that we are certain that the Lord had something life-changing in store for the people in Tanzania.
Our team and buddies finally arrived at the camp in Igalula late afternoon on Wednesday. We held the camp outdoors, under trees and tarps at a secondary school in Igalula. At night we were camped in tents inside of classrooms. The bathroom facilities were primitive. The Internet was spotty at best. Phone charging was nearly impossible and a bit dangerous due to the creative wiring at the school. Our 3 day youth camp began a day late on Thursday morning, June 25th. Seventy young people between the ages of 13 and 20 joined us. They came from many different backgrounds-Christian, Muslim, and other sects. We found out that some of these kids attend the local church planted by HOTN in the area.
Our team each got a chance to teach lessons to the youth. They also enjoyed many different games, crafts, and the glorious, exuberant worship time was spontaneous throughout each day. The HOTN buddies seamlessly created an incredible environment of cohesiveness and joy at the camp- leading, emceeing, DJing, and trouble-shooting. These young, Godly men and women did amazing work!
Over the course of the next three days, the kids were equipped with solid teachings,
encouragement, love, and answers to their many thought-provoking questions about scripture. During the camp, the youth learned about walking in faith, trusting God, evangelism, hospitality, God’s promises kept, journaling, and the full armor of God. Every evening, there was a rousing time of worship, praise, dancing, and testimonies around a campfire. Before we finished camp on Sunday morning, one young man Gaston, who had several spiritual questions drew much closer to the Lord and felt the freedom and release in the truth of the Bible. In addition, there was one baptism in the lake- a young man whose life was eternally changed by his decision for Christ.
Our team is more than excited to hear reports of what the Lord will do in the lives of these two young men and their communities!!
After rejoicing in this beautiful and solemn Sunday morning, we all said our farewells, and began the long journey back to Kigoma, arriving late afternoon on Sunday June 28th.
After much appreciated cold showers at the college, we were treated to an incredible dinner at Coni and Harold’s hillside home nearby, where we debriefed and fellowshipped before a long, comfortable night’s rest back at the college.
Team blog by Laurel Lindner
Youth Camp, Igalula.
June 23rd-28th, 2026
Please forgive our gap in posting on the blog. We were challenged by poor internet quality and the lack of phone charging capabilities for the last several days.
On the evening of Tuesday June 23, we set out onto Lake Tanganika on the HOTN boat
“Tumanini” with all of our ministry supplies. It would be a long boat ride to our youth camp in Igalula, which was due to begin the next day, the morning of the 24th. All of us – the buddies, our SVCC team and the boat crew were camped out in and on the boat
deck and settled in for some rest. The evening was cool and the stars were incredible. We were even able to see the Southern Cross. About three hours into our trip we developed engine problems- twice. Harold and Shukuru worked on the issue for a long time and determined that we needed to turn around and go back to Kigoma, arriving at about 4am.
Tired and a bit disappointed, the boat was unloaded, and the vehicles packed again. Our only choice was to take the HOTN bus and the Land Rover to get to Igalula. Setting out in the early morning, we began our trek- endless rutted, dust and rock covered roads
up and down mountains and valleys, with the lake occasionally in sight. Several times the bus, loaded with 18 people and supplies, couldn’t handle the steep grades of the hills and we had to get out of the bus and walk up the steep dusty road in the midday heat to lighten the load on the bus. At another point we had to exit the bus so that we, our vehicles, several nationals, produce, and livestock could load onto the ferry crossing the Malagarasi River. Up to that point, our team and HOTN has acknowledged the obvious spiritual opposition to this STM both before and during our trip, and because of that we are certain that the Lord had something life-changing in store for the people in Tanzania.
Our team and buddies finally arrived at the camp in Igalula late afternoon on Wednesday. We held the camp outdoors, under trees and tarps at a secondary school in Igalula. At night we were camped in tents inside of classrooms. The bathroom facilities were primitive. The Internet was spotty at best. Phone charging was nearly impossible and a bit dangerous due to the creative wiring at the school. Our 3 day youth camp began a day late on Thursday morning, June 25th. Seventy young people between the ages of 13 and 20 joined us. They came from many different backgrounds-Christian, Muslim, and other sects. We found out that some of these kids attend the local church planted by HOTN in the area.
Our team each got a chance to teach lessons to the youth. They also enjoyed many different games, crafts, and the glorious, exuberant worship time was spontaneous throughout each day. The HOTN buddies seamlessly created an incredible environment of cohesiveness and joy at the camp- leading, emceeing, DJing, and trouble-shooting. These young, Godly men and women did amazing work!
Over the course of the next three days, the kids were equipped with solid teachings,
encouragement, love, and answers to their many thought-provoking questions about scripture. During the camp, the youth learned about walking in faith, trusting God, evangelism, hospitality, God’s promises kept, journaling, and the full armor of God. Every evening, there was a rousing time of worship, praise, dancing, and testimonies around a campfire. Before we finished camp on Sunday morning, one young man Gaston, who had several spiritual questions drew much closer to the Lord and felt the freedom and release in the truth of the Bible. In addition, there was one baptism in the lake- a young man whose life was eternally changed by his decision for Christ.
Our team is more than excited to hear reports of what the Lord will do in the lives of these two young men and their communities!!
After rejoicing in this beautiful and solemn Sunday morning, we all said our farewells, and began the long journey back to Kigoma, arriving late afternoon on Sunday June 28th.
After much appreciated cold showers at the college, we were treated to an incredible dinner at Coni and Harold’s hillside home nearby, where we debriefed and fellowshipped before a long, comfortable night’s rest back at the college.
Team blog by Laurel Lindner
Musings from Jack Daley:
This past week has been quite the testament to God’s sovereignty. At every step of the way we felt Satan’s opposition. Broken vehicles, hot dusty travel and yet we had confidence that God would bring us through. The highlight of my week was meeting a young man named Gaston. He was the first person I met and we began to become friends. At one point we sat down to answer many of his questions about scripture that he had. It was obvious that he had been hearing lies and not the truth of God’s word. It was exciting to see his spirt released of deception and filled with God’s truth and Holy Spirit. I learned a new acronym this week, when this go not according to plan they says TIA which means This is Africa. We are learning and seeing that in fact that AIG, Africa is God’s. I can’t wait to see what he is going to do in the coming week ahead.
Zephaniah 3:17. “The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with his love; He will rejoice over you with singing.“
This past week has been quite the testament to God’s sovereignty. At every step of the way we felt Satan’s opposition. Broken vehicles, hot dusty travel and yet we had confidence that God would bring us through. The highlight of my week was meeting a young man named Gaston. He was the first person I met and we began to become friends. At one point we sat down to answer many of his questions about scripture that he had. It was obvious that he had been hearing lies and not the truth of God’s word. It was exciting to see his spirt released of deception and filled with God’s truth and Holy Spirit. I learned a new acronym this week, when this go not according to plan they says TIA which means This is Africa. We are learning and seeing that in fact that AIG, Africa is God’s. I can’t wait to see what he is going to do in the coming week ahead.
Zephaniah 3:17. “The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with his love; He will rejoice over you with singing.“
The Kevin Higgins Moment:
Tanzania has been such a eye opening and joyous experience. So much has been happening it's felt like a marathon but it's been such a uplifting experience, despite anxieties. Being given the opportunity to teach, play, and make crafts with the kids has been my highlight in Igalula, as well as learning the stories of the HOTN team members stories I've found to be deeply touching and healing. I've learned so much here and can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to work!
Psalm 103 has been in my thoughts over the last week.
Tanzania has been such a eye opening and joyous experience. So much has been happening it's felt like a marathon but it's been such a uplifting experience, despite anxieties. Being given the opportunity to teach, play, and make crafts with the kids has been my highlight in Igalula, as well as learning the stories of the HOTN team members stories I've found to be deeply touching and healing. I've learned so much here and can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to work!
Psalm 103 has been in my thoughts over the last week.
The Aidan Thomasini Moment:
It has been so awesome to experience a culture outside the states. I always knew in principle that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:10) but I have seen this with my own eyes at the 1st young adults (13-20 yrs old) youth camp in the town of Igalula. I am seeing this in the worship and messages be translated in sawhilli. This is amazing to see!! God is not bound by language.
Our team has encountered many setbacks so far (boat carrying vbs luggage and food broke down on lake Tanganiyka, bus stalling on dirt hill roads requiring us to get out and hike, language barriers galore) but our team and hope of the nations buddies (nationals that help translate our messages and lead small groups) have persevered. We have a schedule, but at the end of the day, God has already laid out our trip and I’m excited to see how it plays out. A mans heart prepares his steps but God is at the helm (Proverbs 16:9)
I have definitely learned to be flexible (be bendable like a tree!) this trip and acclimate to the communal, joyful, relaxed, and slow paced (Jeremiah, a HOTH buddy, calls it Africa time) Tanzania lifestyle. I am learning to simplify my communication and explain with visuals in giving messages and explaining games.
I have loved interacting with the teens of igalulu as they explain what things mean in sawhili. Excited to see what adventures are in store for us!
It has been so awesome to experience a culture outside the states. I always knew in principle that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:10) but I have seen this with my own eyes at the 1st young adults (13-20 yrs old) youth camp in the town of Igalula. I am seeing this in the worship and messages be translated in sawhilli. This is amazing to see!! God is not bound by language.
Our team has encountered many setbacks so far (boat carrying vbs luggage and food broke down on lake Tanganiyka, bus stalling on dirt hill roads requiring us to get out and hike, language barriers galore) but our team and hope of the nations buddies (nationals that help translate our messages and lead small groups) have persevered. We have a schedule, but at the end of the day, God has already laid out our trip and I’m excited to see how it plays out. A mans heart prepares his steps but God is at the helm (Proverbs 16:9)
I have definitely learned to be flexible (be bendable like a tree!) this trip and acclimate to the communal, joyful, relaxed, and slow paced (Jeremiah, a HOTH buddy, calls it Africa time) Tanzania lifestyle. I am learning to simplify my communication and explain with visuals in giving messages and explaining games.
I have loved interacting with the teens of igalulu as they explain what things mean in sawhili. Excited to see what adventures are in store for us!
Tammy Stone input:
We made it back to Kigoma safe and sound. We are all very tired and can't couldn't wait to shower. What an adventure we were on over the last 5 days. If you were ever told that doing God's work was boring or for the weak, let me bring them to Tanzania on a mission trip...lol...
Even though we faced many obstacles, we had an amazing time as we witnessed Gods hand at work changing the lives of these young kids. We witnessed physical change in their body language and the light in their eyes get brighter after hearing Gods truth. It's so sad that the majority of the kids have been told lies. Please pray that these kids in all of Africa have the opportunity to hear God's truth and that the fiery darts of the evil one are extinguished. One of my favorite examples out of many is about a boy named Gaston. After each teaching the teams would break into groups with their HOTN team leader, and one from our team. During group time I floated around to each group, in one of the groups a boys questions caught my attention so I decided to sit and listen to were his questions were going. He was asking many deep questions that could not have been truly answered correctly in only 15 minutes of group time. God put it on my heart that this young man needed his questions answered, so I grabbed Jack and one of our interpreter that I felt was appropriate to help with this situation and we sat for about 1 hour counseling and answering this young man's deep questions about salvation, sabbath, eating unclean animals, baptism, the day Jesus went to the cross etc... after showing him scripture of truth and talking with him and having him read the truth himself, we visually so the release in his body language from the lies he was told. When are time finished with him, his eyes were bright and he had the biggest smile. You could see that Gods truth and life was received. The following days at camp Gaston slowly opened up and told Jack his story. It was lost somewhat in translation and we are not clear if his father hung himself or was hung, and that he was from a village that people were using the word to control him. A village full of witchcraft, Muslims and 7 day Advintents. So from this his mind was full of bondage. But now his mind is free after receiving the truth!!! We gave him bible in Swahili and taught him how to use it to battle the evil lies he hears, he promised to read it daily. This is just one example how God is working hear. We now know why we had soooo many obstacles to overcome to get hear, but through perseverance and being covered with prayer from everyone at home, the devil was defeated!!!!
We had such a blessed time.
We made it back to Kigoma safe and sound. We are all very tired and can't couldn't wait to shower. What an adventure we were on over the last 5 days. If you were ever told that doing God's work was boring or for the weak, let me bring them to Tanzania on a mission trip...lol...
Even though we faced many obstacles, we had an amazing time as we witnessed Gods hand at work changing the lives of these young kids. We witnessed physical change in their body language and the light in their eyes get brighter after hearing Gods truth. It's so sad that the majority of the kids have been told lies. Please pray that these kids in all of Africa have the opportunity to hear God's truth and that the fiery darts of the evil one are extinguished. One of my favorite examples out of many is about a boy named Gaston. After each teaching the teams would break into groups with their HOTN team leader, and one from our team. During group time I floated around to each group, in one of the groups a boys questions caught my attention so I decided to sit and listen to were his questions were going. He was asking many deep questions that could not have been truly answered correctly in only 15 minutes of group time. God put it on my heart that this young man needed his questions answered, so I grabbed Jack and one of our interpreter that I felt was appropriate to help with this situation and we sat for about 1 hour counseling and answering this young man's deep questions about salvation, sabbath, eating unclean animals, baptism, the day Jesus went to the cross etc... after showing him scripture of truth and talking with him and having him read the truth himself, we visually so the release in his body language from the lies he was told. When are time finished with him, his eyes were bright and he had the biggest smile. You could see that Gods truth and life was received. The following days at camp Gaston slowly opened up and told Jack his story. It was lost somewhat in translation and we are not clear if his father hung himself or was hung, and that he was from a village that people were using the word to control him. A village full of witchcraft, Muslims and 7 day Advintents. So from this his mind was full of bondage. But now his mind is free after receiving the truth!!! We gave him bible in Swahili and taught him how to use it to battle the evil lies he hears, he promised to read it daily. This is just one example how God is working hear. We now know why we had soooo many obstacles to overcome to get hear, but through perseverance and being covered with prayer from everyone at home, the devil was defeated!!!!
We had such a blessed time.
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