Dear Friends and Faithful Supporters,

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). As I reflect on these words, I am reminded that God ordains each chapter of our lives with intention and grace. I write to you today to share that I am stepping into a new season — one of change, transition, and renewed calling.

My first short-term mission trip took place in 2001, and this year marks 25 remarkable years of short-term and long-term mission service. It has been a journey filled with faith, sacrifice, joy, the love of my support family, and the unmistakable hand of God at every turn. I am deeply grateful for every step of it.

For the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of living full-time in Tanzania, serving in remote tribal areas. The last 9 of those years have been with Blessed2BlessU Ministries, Inc. as a missionary engineer in Kiruani, Tanzania, where our team has been building Tumaini Evangelistic Pre & Primary School.

I am thrilled to share that the school is now complete — a God-given milestone that fills my heart with immense gratitude. Tumaini stands as a beautiful testament to the power of partnership ministry. Our students have achieved outstanding academic results, with the last four government examinations resulting in every single student receiving an A or B on the Tanzania grading scale. Beyond that, the local community now contributes approximately 30% of the school’s annual operating budget — a powerful sign of true ownership and sustainability.

After much prayer and reflection, I feel clearly that God is calling me into a new season. Two significant factors have shaped this decision. First, my own health has had up and down struggles with my diabetes being the hardest to manage in the tribal environment, and I must be a responsible steward of the body God has given me. Second, after the passing of my mother last year and my dad turning 90, I sense a calling to invest more time and presence with him in this precious season of his life.

I will be leaving Tanzania during the first week of December, after the close of the school year.

While I will no longer be living on-site in the tribal community, my connection to Tumaini and Blessed2BlessU will continue. I plan to continue to review the school’s grades and finances monthly via email, and I hope to visit on short-term mission trips every couple of years. The work God began there is well-rooted, and I trust He will continue to grow it.

In the months following my return, I will be taking time to debrief, rest, and enjoy some much-needed vacation. After 25 years of mission work, I feel God’s permission to breathe, to be still, and to listen. I do not yet know what comes next, and I am at peace with that. I will take the time I need to discern His next call with an unhurried heart.

Your partnership has meant the world to me throughout this journey. I humbly ask that you would prayerfully consider continuing your financial support through the end of this year as I make this transition.

Beyond that, if you feel led to continue giving to the work in Kiruani, I warmly encourage you to support Blessed2BlessU Ministries, Inc. and Tumaini Evangelistic Pre & Primary School directly — the fruit there is real, and the need continues.

If you are also open to supporting other missionaries, I would be honored to recommend several faithful workers whom I know personally and trust deeply. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and I will gladly share those recommendations with you.

Thank you — from the bottom of my heart — for walking this road with me. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity have sustained this work and sustained me. To God be all the glory.

In His service,

Steve Hendrix