Tanzania, Africa
Chimala Newsletter – Darrin & Carrie Stapleton – April, 2004
Greetings from Chimala! We trust that all of you are well. Carrie and I continue to do well. We have had some ups and downs this month, but are very thankful that the Lord’s work continues well. I was speaking to an older man the other day and I asked how he was doing. He replied, “I am good.” Then he went on to say that he and his fellow men are old, but they continue to do their work and their “little work” makes a difference. So many times today, people look for a way out of doing their part in spreading the Word of God. Let us learn from this older gentleman that our part truly makes a large difference, even if we think it is small! So much can come from one “seed” planted!
The patient load at the Hospital is up a little, which is a challenge, as we are short on nurses at the present time. I believe there are five nurses on maternity leave, along with one back in school. So, the others are putting in a lot of overtime. The evangelistic work at the Hospital is continuing well. Along with our evangelist, the second-year students from CSOP are helping to teach patients and their families. Please pray for these efforts.
The work at the Primary School and Nursery School are going well. The teachers and the students all seem to be dedicated to our school. We hope that they continue with the same zeal in the future. Peter Kamatula, who is the head of the Bible Knowledge Program, has set up an evening class which meets three days each week to teach the older children more about salvation. The last class I saw assembled consisted of around 40 children. Please pray for Peter and the children. Let us especially pray that the parents continue to allow their children to attend these classes.
The Chimala School of Preaching continues without a hitch! The teachers are well into the second quarter. The students are all doing a great job this year! The second-year students are gaining more responsibility, as they do a lot of evangelism also. This past Friday they baptized three people. We are so very thankful for such teachers and students!
Carrie and I are very grateful to all who help with the work here, whether it is through prayer or monetary help. We are so thankful for all the love that comes our way! The Lord’s work has its challenges, wherever it may be, but through your prayers, we can succeed!
In Christian Love,
Darrin and Carrie