Tanzania, Africa
Chimala Newsletter – Darrin & Carrie Stapleton – March, 2004
Greetings from Chimala! We trust that all of you are well. Carrie & I continue to do well. As you may know, we are close to the end of the rainy season, however, it continues to rain almost daily. The weather forecast on CNN International predicts the rainy season will not end until the end of May. It is so beautiful here during the rainy season. The days are now getting shorter as the “cold” season is coming in. The “cold” is most welcome by me as I enjoy cooler weather. However, the “cold” season is nothing compared to the States, as I have never wore a jacket here.
We have mentioned having new missionary families here and we thought we would let you all know that Chris & Tam Raynor along with Jason, Madesha and Levan Stapleton are all doing well. Jason has taken over the responsibilities at the School of Preaching along with evangelism. While Chris is also assisting with those duties, he has also taken over the primary responsibilities at the Primary School. Both of these men and their wives have been working very hard since they have arrived. So, please remember them in your prayers as they continue to work here. We are all also looking forward to another family coming and working with us in June. We are excited to have so many families on the mission. Truly there is a lot of work that can be done and now we have the extra hands to do it!
The work, in general, continues well in all areas. We have been busy, as usual, with the work, which is why we are here! The employees are already preparing for the May Day Celebration, which is May 1st. The employees get excited about this, as it is the day we chose an employee from each section and name them “The Employee of the Year.” They are also rewarded with some kind of gift. This is something that is required by the Government. The employees usually purchase a cow and make pilau, a traditional dish that consists of rice, potatoes, onions, meat, ginger root, and other spices. So, I guess it all means I’ll be eating well soon!
A number of different things are going on. We have been busy with construction at the Hospital, Primary School, Secondary School, and in the Staff Quarters. All of this has kept us “hopping.”
The Nursery School, Primary School, and School of Preaching classes have been closed for one week as the first quarter came to an end. The teachers have been able to take a short break and prepare for the second quarter. We have also had three seminars—two Friendship Seminars and one Women’s Seminar.
Carrie and I are very grateful to all who help with the work here, whether it is through prayer or monetary help. There are so many souls saved each year by the efforts put forth. A couple of weeks ago, we were baptizing a man, while it was pouring down rain. As I was looking around at the smiles on the fifteen people present during the baptism, I thought how much of a blessing it is to be able to be here and participate in bringing souls to Christ. We are here today because of you and your help! God bless!
In Christian Love, The Stapleton’s