Hi Friends!

Merry Christmas! After seven months, I’m finally back in the U.S. and currently in Houston, TX. Many fellow JYs from around the country are here, and we’re all hands on deck as we prepare for Zion, a Jesus Youth national campus conference that begins in just a few days. This event is a time to celebrate faith, foster fellowship, and invite participants into an encounter with the person of Christ. There’ll be around 370 students in attendance, supported by over 50 Ministers of Presence and we’re praying that each one encounters Christ in a powerful way, with a renewal of heart and mind. The conference has been in the works since March, with a variety of keynotes, activities, and discussions. Zion will run from December 31 to January 4, please keep the participants and all those working behind the scenes in your prayers.

My time in Tanzania, which concluded on December 27, was a culmination of everything I’ve experienced so far. You can see the journey through pictures by clicking here.

Morogoro & Oysterbay

During the first two weeks, we led initial retreat programs for teenagers in three parishes/schools. We covered topics like God's love, the reality of sin, prayer, and an introduction to Jesus Youth. Our schedule was intense—often starting at 6:15 AM and running full throttle until 10 PM. While physically and mentally challenging, I found strength in moments of prayer and solitude, which became a source of inspiration and energy to keep going.

Kilimanjaro - Same (sam-eh)

Our final program took place in Same, in the Kilimanjaro region. While the sessions there were similar to those in previous locations, I want to highlight the unique mission of the priests who invited us. Originally from Mangalore, India, these priests focus on creating self-sustaining communities. Their work includes everything from managing parishes to running boarding schools, bakeries, cattle farms, and agricultural projects—similar to the work of Father Simon I mentioned in my previous update.

Mtwara

After Same, we embarked on a 22-hour bus ride to Mtwara, in the southern part of Tanzania. There, I spent several days with the JY missionary family of Rajesh Moses, Sowmya, and their younger three, of their seven children. Their family has been serving as full-time missionaries for over 12 years, pioneering Jesus Youth missions in Uganda and Tanzania, and with time spent in India as well. Their dedication and inspiration were a great blessing. We shared many meaningful conversations, learning timeless lessons about mission and discipleship. Who would’ve guessed another Joshua would learn from a Moses centuries later. 

I also had the privilege of attending daily Mass in the private chapel of Bishop Titus, affectionately known as "Baba" (Father) throughout the diocese. His kindness and wisdom left a lasting impression on me. Before leaving, I facilitated the first Jesus Youth prayer group at a local agricultural university and celebrated Christmas at the Cathedral. The next day, I flew back to Dar es Salaam, spent the day at the Montfort Brothers' home, and then made my way to Houston.

These past seven months have been an incredibly transformative period, growing in self discovery and learning to trust God more- through the various situations and experiences presented. My perspective on the world has been reshaped in ways I never anticipated. As I approach the end of the first phase of my missionary journey, I look back with deep gratitude for the challenges and joys that have shaped both my experiences and my character. Now, with eager anticipation, I look forward to the next phase of this mission in Canada, much like a child on Christmas morning, and excited to see how the Lord will continue to work in our lives.

Looking ahead, my time over next month and a half will be spent with regional visits, meetings, personal retreat and a chance to be with family, friends and donors. Looking forward to a little break before getting back out there. Thank you for continuing to journey with me. Your messages are always a source of joy and encouragement, even if my response time doesn’t always reflect it. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!