We both had done our research and as far as we could tell getting a visa was as simple as getting on the plane and purchasing one at the airport in “secret place” (for security reasons the name of the country must be undisclosed). Well, we found out different through the Tanzanian passport control. They told Mbirima he had to have a visa prior to entering that “secret place”. The concern is not only would we lose the tickets we had already purchased but the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone for whom Mbirima has been praying for quite a few years.
Mbirima called me to inform me of the problem. He had a bad headache that day and was confused about what to do. I told him to go to the consulate the next morning to find out for sure. Fortunately we had an extra day scheduled (Friday) once he arrive in Dar es Salaam before he had to fly.
The visit to the “secret place” consulate confirmed that it was true. He had to have a visa prior to boarding the plane to enter the “secret place”. To obtain the visa he needed an invitation letter and passport photos – both of which he was not able to get in due time for him to leave.
Somehow Mbirima mentioned the name of a former “secret place” senator with whom he relationship, perhaps hoping to gain some favor. The director at the consulate knew the senator personally and encouraged Mbirima to call him. By God’s grace that senator happened to be available on What’sApp at that time and Mbirima was able to connect with him. After explaining to his senator friend his predicament, Mbirima handed the phone to the consulate director.
Within five minutes of that conversation Mbirima had his passport stamped with a “secret place” visa. They even wisked him away somewhere to get the passport photos he needed! This was nothing short of Divine intervention!
Please keep praying for Mbirima while he is there for the next 4 to 5 weeks in a country of 100% Muslims. The danger is obvious to anyone who knows about sharia law (death to converts and even possibly to the evangelist). He will be doing the DBS with his Muslim friend if he agrees. I believe he will receive the Word of God and Jesus as his Savior. Let us pray to that end.
