A Reflection on the Last Few Months

Written by Jonathan DietrichMay 16, 2025

Dear friends and family,

As I reflect back on the last months and consider what to write for a newsletter, I hardly know where to start. I feel so blessed to be involved in full-time ministry. I wouldn't want to exchange collaborating with God in His mission for any other job on earth; it is the greatest honor anyone could ask for. True, me and my family endure challenges and hardship at times. But who doesn't? Nothing we endure compares to what Jesus endured for us.

The longer I live, the more I understand the seriousness and urgency of the Great Commission.

On March 15, I (Jonathan) had the privilege of being ordained to pastoral ministry! Pastor Salomon, our Union President, summarized our life and calling in Africa. Our choice to abandon the comfort of America to live a life of service and renouncement in Chad is inspired by a Divine call. When we evaluate everything in light of God's call and eternity, our priorities change. He talked about how authentic service is driven by a love of souls. He made a call for everyone to examine our own motivations. Are we working for our own temporal gain, or are we working for eternity? What are our priorities in life? What really counts? Why do we serve? How far are we willing to go? I pray that our example may encourage others to dedicate their lives to the Lord's service.

Jonathan's ordination

Shortly after our return from the ordination ceremony in N'djamena, Desert Tree Ministry hosted a translation seminar organized by Timothée, the Director of Translation and Editing at our printshop. Our goal is to organize, equip, and motivate people to actively translate gospel literature into the local languages. The guest speaker was Josué Ouankissam from N'jdamena who presented topics such as "Essential Skills of the Translator," "Pitfalls of Translation," and "Translation Tools and Techniques." I (Jonathan) also presented topics such as "The History of Adventist Publishing Work" and "The Importance of the Printed Page in Evangelism." We had about twenty-five people in attendance, representing around eight language groups.

Translation seminar at the printshop

Recently I led out first in a week of prayer for the elders and then for the church members. We studied the book Steps to Personal Revival by Helmut Haubiel. We had a steady attendance, and I pray that the Holy Spirit will work on each of our hearts.

Shortly thereafter, the principle of the school near the hospital asked me to conduct a week of prayer for the students at the school. Although my schedule was already overwhelmed, I agreed, as the district pastor recently broke his ankle. The theme was "Two Sides, I Can Choose." We looked at various Bible stories illustrating the importance of the choices we make each day. Some choices have consequences that may last for generations, so it is important to learn to choose what is true and right.

The theme for the week of prayer at the school was: "Two Sides, I Can Choose"

Beni recently visted the prison. One of the men he found there had a book titled Hope in Time of Crisis. He said that book has been a great encouragement and help to him during his time in the prison. Apparently his daughter bought the book from one of our literature evangelists in Lai and gave it to him. We never know where the literature might end up!

A prisoner holding a book that has brought him comfort and hope.

Literature continues to go out in many directions. A man that weaves baskets has come by our house for many years, and we have bought a number of baskets from him. Recently he requested help to go back to his village. So we did, and we sent him with a lot of books and tracts. He distributed them. Upon his return, he insisted that we plant a church there. A piece of land is available for the church, and the local authority is wanting us to come. Let us pray for more workers, as there are not enough to fill all the requests!

The basket weaver man with his box of literature.

Here is another batch of literature we are preparing to ship.

Beni and a table of literature to ship

OK, now here is a little fact for those of you who actually read to the end of this update: we are expecting a new baby in October! Also, I started working on my Masters in Ministry and Evangelism, an Online course through Southern Adventist University. I have to attend classes in-person in the summers, so we will be returning to the States in mid-June, and returning to Chad the end of the year, Lord-willing! I hope to be able to find some blocks of quiet time to finish writing several books and translate them into French, as well as continue working remotely for Desert Tree Ministry.

In the name of the whole team here at Desert Tree Ministry, we appreciate all the support and prayers from everyone. Our ministry could not operate were it not for you listening to God's promptings to donate to our ministry. We have ordered another container full of literature, including 1 million tracts. Here are a few of our needs and projects:

  • A pack of 100 tracts ($3)
  • Ink ($35/liter)
  • Tuition for Jonathan's Masters in Ministry and Evangelism course (about $600 per course needed)
  • Three full-time pioneers (about $250/mo, or $3000/yr for each pioneer)
  • Literature container (estimated $60-70,000 USD)

Please continue to pray for our ministry, for us, and for each member of our staff. The work is great, and the workers are few. We continue to pray for more workers.

In His service,
Jonathan, Melody, Gideon, Liliana, and Eliora Dietrich