Every day after arriving at Chimala, one gets more and more acclimated to the time zone, altitude, and culture. Even after living here and making dozens of separate trips, you have to adjust back into being here; but it’s worth the effort. Slow internet makes producing a newsletter quite challenging at times. But I encourage you to take the time to read this edition of the Challenge of Africa!
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We are now at the end of our second week-end here at the Chimala Mission after helping Nathan, Kristi, Eden and Emmy load-up and move across the world to their new home in Tanzania. Getting here was quite an endurance test not only with the flights, but also getting all the COVID tests and submitting the proper results documents. We arrived quite exhausted Thursday night (Feb 11th). Before landing in Dar-es-Salaam, we had a short stop on the island of Zanzibar where a small aircraft mechanical malfunction delayed our short 10-minute flight across the bay to Dar. With all of our luggage accounted for, we caught 2 taxis to carry us across the street to the FQ Hotel.
Since we have arrived, it has rained nearly every day which is good news for the farm program. Already, Nathan and I have preached twice; and Mary and Kristi have taught Bible classes for children in two different congregations. Kristi has been able to finally use her new Swahili language skills she has been studying for so long before coming to Chimala. Nathan and I have been busy with a lot of special projects including moving furniture, repairing a generator, running-off destructive monkeys and a few annoying snakes, setting up a meeting with the doctors introducing them to the new Butterfly ultrasound and software; and teaching Nathan how to drive a Land Cruiser 5-speed sitting in the right seat while driving on the left-side of the road. If it sounds confusing, it is. But you eventually get used to it. And we have already received our first gift from one of the CSOP instructors – a rooster! For now, he’s a pet in Nathan and Kristi’s small court area behind their house. Eden and Emmy are quite fond of the rooster and aren’t ready to cook him yet.
We have several meetings to schedule to get updates on the CSOP, the farm program, the schools, the general estate, and planning for the construction of a new sterile operational theater at the hospital. It appears more modifications will need to be made to the plans before consulting a contractor. This is a significant addition to the hospital; so we want to get it right before we pull funds and start construction.
On a personal note, my brother sent a text saying that our mother had a bad stroke Sunday evening and has been transported to Jackson (TN) General Hospital. She has had mini strokes before, but the ER doctor said the scan showed a big area indicating she had a bleeding stroke. He said she doesn’t act like she recognizes anyone. I would appreciate your prayers as we are hoping things will stabilize for her and she can be brought back to Union City. We are aware that the outcome of her condition may very well affect the length of our stay here at the mission.
God bless you for your love and support of the Lord’s work at Chimala. Howell
Traveling by plane for a few hours, like Emmy is here doing, is taxing for little kids. Doing this for 24 hours, it’s a special kind of endurance test that most little kids like Emmy will likely never remember. In just a few more days, Nathan, Kristi, Eden, Emmy, Mary and Howell Ferguson will be on their way to Chimala, Tanzania after a three-week delay. We hope you will enjoy reading some of these details – and much more – inside this edition of the Challenge of Africa!
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Greetings to all of you who love and support the Chimala Mission!
I need to give you a brief update on our January 20th trip to Chimala. As you know, Nathan, Kristi, Eden and Emmy Ferguson were supposed to move to Chimala to begin their new work there as missionaries. Mary and I planned to accompany them not only to help manage getting them moved and settled-in, but also to evaluate a year’s worth of time spent away from the mission due to the COVID pandemic. On this trip, we planned to stay several weeks to evaluate and assist in the many aspects of the mission. Unfortunately, due to delays in getting Nathan & Kristi’s work and residence permits, we have no choice but to postpone our departure date. We have canceled our KLM flights and received vouchers that can be used to reissue new tickets. At this point we don’t have a definite date of departure; however, a general estimate would be mid-to-late February. I will give you an update as soon as I have more definite information. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers that this inconvenient delay might be removed. Thank you for your understanding. May God’s goodness and kindness always be at home in your heart!
In His service,
Howell Ferguson
Stateside Coordinator
Chimala Mission
Wow, another year has come and gone! Even though the year 2020 was not what anyone expected, there are still many reasons to be grateful. The Chimala Mission was basically unscathed from any outbreaks of the dreaded virus. Many people put on Christ in baptism, and many others were restored. Nathan and Kristy were able to raise their monthly funds even though we were greatly hindered from reporting to churches this year. God is able to do great things even during less-than-ideal situations. And even though we begin another year with more unknowns, you have always been there for the Chimala Mission. For that we are all eternally grateful! Thanks for reading this month’s issue.
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Black Friday has come and gone as businesses try to catch-up from any lag in their sales year. Here at the Chimala Mission we’d rather focus on Sunday and praise the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On that day we are also to “lay by him in store” as we have been prospered. In this issue, you are encouraged to consider the numerous ways you can help the Chimala Mission. The “Healing for Humanity” campaign, preachers’ kids, upkeep of the estate, unpaid hospital expenses, the farm program, next year’s shipping container, and overhaul of the mission generator–all are needed this time of year. Already people are helping in numerous ways, but the opportunity to do more for the Lord is continuous. Can you help?
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A lot of forethought and planning went into the establishing of the Chimala Mission Hospital in the 1960s. Over the years there have been a number of additions and modifications to improve the quality of medical treatment offered. In this month’s featured photo, three medical staff leaders look over the drawings obtained in hopes of updating the hospital’s operational theater. Other hospital needs are discussed in this month’s newsletter including the greater need of spreading of the Good News of Christ and the success it is having at the Chimala Mission. Thanks for reading!
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This month’s featured image is of an elderly sister who was baptized into Christ in 1960 behind the main mission at Kitikelo near the Ailsa farm. The person who taught and baptized her was Lenkos Mkwama who was then a young student at the Tanganyika Bible School located at Ailsa. Lenkos is now one of the elders at the Chimala Mission congregation. Although she fell away, this precious grandmother was restored back to Jesus Christ and His church due to the efforts of the CSOP. Such stories not only make this work exciting, they also confirm the incomparable longsuffering and mercy of God!
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The song says, “Time is filled with swift transition.” But the Christian should never underestimate the effect of God upon this world nor the work of His hand at the Chimala Mission. God’s will is being sought in all that we ask and hope to do. There are certainly challenges on the horizon, and we hope you will read about them in this month’s issue of the Challenge and pray for the very best God has in store to occur.
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Please take the time to read the July issue of the Challenge of Africa. Especially notice our new brothers and sisters who have been added to God’s kingdom through continuous active evangelism. Thanks to all of you who help with the Chimala Mission in many ways. You are making a difference!
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Today our souls are thrilled at the news that the head doctor at the Chimala Mission Hospital decided to put on Christ for the remission of his sins. We are so happy to have this new brother in Christ. Dr. Esau Mwaipepe is much loved not only at the hospital but by everyone at the mission. His genuine care and compassion for his patients is unsurpassed. Now as a New Testament Christian, his ability to serve has been infinitely multiplied. We praise God for this wonderful news at the Chimala Mission!
In His service,
Howell Ferguson
Stateside Coordinator
Chimala Mission
In this issue: the leadership of CSOP director, Frank Mwashikumbulu continues to emphasize evangelism as the primary goal of the Chimala Mission. We are very thankful also for the example Frank sets for the CSOP students as he not only teaches the Bible but he also shows the way by personally participating in this aspect of the mission’s efforts. Nathan and Kristi Ferguson are looking forward to joining him and others at Chimala in January. From the Dalraida elders, to the efforts of individual Christians, to supporters, to the farm program; it takes all and more to keep the Chimala Mission a shining light. Thanks for reading!
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In this issue: What does the opening up of Tanzania look like for future travelers to Chimala? We may not know exactly. But if there is anything to be learned from the events in this world, it is you must be ready and willing to adapt. Needs continue to be filled in the preaching of the gospel, the healing of the sick and hurting, and the pursuit to teach children in the ways of God. Thank you for reading the Challenge of Africa!
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Will these “stay-at-home” orders ever end? Should they have ever begun? Everyone has an opinion, and with the springtime of the year everyone is anxious to get back to work and to normal life. Whether at your home congregation or at the Chimala Mission, God’s work never ends and never should end. While we all try to find the right response to our national leaders’ suggestions (demands), let us rise above the noise and keep our focus on why God put us on this earth: to glorify God through His Son Jesus Christ!
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Hello friends of the Chimala Mission!
I pray that you are all doing well and staying safe and well from the coronavirus. It has definitely changed our lives in ways that we would have never imagined just a few short months ago. But historians will one day be able to write the following words about this virus: “And it came to pass…” However, the Chimala Mission continues to work hard to serve in the capacities that the Tanzanian government still allows to preach the gospel, encourage the saints, and help heal sicknesses, injuries, and offer other medical care to those in need. One of the unfortunate consequences of the coronavirus is that Tanzania will no longer allow inbound flights into the country in an attempt to protect the people. Buses are also not allowed to cross Tanzania’s borders; while internal flights and bus transportation are allowed. Although this is probably best for the citizens, it has caused upcoming visits to Tanzania to be postponed or cancelled altogether. Consequently our many summertime visitors, nursing students, preachers, teachers, and representatives from supporting churches are not allowed at this time to enter Tanzania. Mary and I originally had a trip planned this summer along with our son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Kristi. But unless things change quickly, we are probably looking at January.
In my last Skype meeting with the Chimala Mission department heads, they indicated there were 46 cases of COVID-19 in the country. As of today (4/20) according to the Tanzania ministry of health there are now 254 cases, 3 of which are now in Mbeya which includes Chimala. This number will likely change every day as it does in the rest of the world. Trying to keep the virus away, the people are washing hands more and using hand sanitizers, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings; however it does appear, at least in many places, that churches are still meeting.
The Chimala Mission primary and secondary schools have dismissed classes in the meantime awaiting the month of May for any official notices. This makes it eerily quiet in the classrooms and school grounds. Like all economies faced with national shutdowns, the lack of school fees is having a negative impact on the schools’ ability to pay teachers’ and workers’ salaries. Their financial futures hang in the balance. We are keeping a close eye on the developments as much as is possible although it would be much easier to manage if we were there in person.
The preparedness of the Chimala Mission Hospital is as you might imagine. In my conversations with Health Secretary Shadrach Obeley, they have 8 oxygen concentrators with only 5 in working condition and currently in use. As to respirators, they do not have the N95 type that we hear so much about in the media; rather they typically have the face masks or what is sometimes referred to as surgical masks. While these masks are useful to capture droplets, splashes or sprays; they are not really effective in blocking airborne viruses like respirators can. Even so, Shadrack told me very recently that even these types of masks are getting hard to find. In his conversation with Bhojani Chemists, their primary pharmaceutical supplier in Mbeya, they said their stock was empty due to the high demand for masks, but would tell us when they had more. Having these masks available in abundance would seemingly be the first line of defense to help protect the Chimala Hospital in the event that the coronavirus makes its way there. In view of these factors, I have encouraged them to modify the homemade bandages that we ship in abundance to the mission for use at the hospital as masks until proper supplies are available.
Please continue to pray for the Chimala Mission as it, like other third-world countries, is vulnerable to the ravages of such new viruses. Chimala has weathered many storms before, and Lord willing with your continued care, support and prayers, they will endure this one as well. May God bless and keep each of you safe!
In His service,
Howell Ferguson
Stateside Coordinator
Chimala Mission
Coronavirus is on everyone’s mind, but the work at Chimala Mission continues. As Christians we are keeping our spiritual perspective and God’s high calling in Christ Jesus. Read in this month’s issue of Chimala’s continuing good works and successes and the need for missionary families. Thank you for your support and thank you for reading the Challenge of Africa!
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COVID-19 otherwise known as the coronavirus has captured the world’s attention. While we are all concerned about how close the virus may be to our hometown, we are also very concerned about how the virus is affecting the rest of the world. We have thousands of fellow Christians around the world who are also dealing with this virus in their own land. If we are concerned for our safety and access to proper screening and medical care, those in very poor countries are even more so due to a greater lack of such things, including Tanzania. I am passing onto you as a subscriber to the Challenge what I am learning about the current situation in Tanzania and especially at the Chimala Mission.
From reading Tanzanian news sources, the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus is six. They include three Tanzanians and two foreign nationals; the sixth person’s identify has not yet been revealed. There are another 112 persons who could have made contact with the infected people with some already in self-isolation. It was only one day after the first confirmed case of the virus in Tanzania that the government ordered closure of all schools and banned all forms of public gatherings.
Chimala Mission is also following the government’s directive by closing not only the primary and secondary schools, but also closing the Chimala School of Preaching. Boarding students in the primary and secondary schools as well as the preaching school students have all returned home until further notice. Shadrick Obely, Chimala Mission health secretary says that some restrictions have been put in place limiting the number of people visiting the hospital especially during normal visiting hours; and all people are advised to stay home. As to be expected, there are some who are in denial to the existence of the virus in Tanzania as in a video adapting the popular saying, “hakuna matata” (there are no worries), to saying, “hakuna corona” (there is no corona).
No one knows how long this virus will continue to affect us personally or people around the world. It will undoubtedly affect upcoming visits to Tanzania for those who already had plans. We will try to keep you updated on the situation at the Chimala Mission in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, please keep our brethren at Chimala in your prayers.
God bless!
Howell Ferguson
In Tanzania, our winter is their summer; and summer in Tanzania is a time of growth and development. Not only in the farm fields is their growth; but in every area of the mission there is gradual growth. Paying off debt, improving classrooms, moving up timelines, and teaching and saving the lost. The Chimala Mission continues to fulfill it’s goals and purpose. Thank you, dear readers, for your interest, prayers and support!
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The brand new 2020 year brings many exciting and thought-provoking challenges. January is the beginning of the new school year for Chimala School of Preaching, Chimala Mission Primary School, Herring Christian Secondary School, and planting of crops in the farm program. The Fergusons have already arrived as well as several visitors. Read inside about the power of the gospel to save souls as well as other great works!
Year ONE under the new oversight of the Dalraida Church of Christ and me as the new stateside coordinator has been completed. What a learning experience it has been! 2019 has proven to be a mixed bag of both good and not so good, yet nothing has dampened our spirit nor hindered our resolve. And while we say good-bye to long-time Chimala workers, Bill and Cyndi Stinson; their dream will continue to be part of the overall goal of building up the body of Christ in Tanzania, East Africa. Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support. You are a tremendous part of the great work at the Chimala Mission! Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2020!
Vol-1-No-12-December-Newsletter-2019
“Only in heaven will we know all of the people who have helped the Chimala Mission effort. Souls have been saved, minds have been taught, and bodies have been healed due to the courage of those willing to go and work in places most of us will never see.” From farewells to future beginnings, the Chimala Mission continues to recruit new talent in the continuing challenge to evangelize southern Tanzania and beyond.
Vol-1-No-11-November-Newsletter-2019
“Helping Humanity” is the theme of this special 8-page issue of the Challenge of Africa. This newsletter is actually a two-in-one edition combining both the months of September and October in a special effort to help shore-up various areas on the mission in financial need. You will also find informative insights into missions and preacher-training as well as a page dedicated to those supporters wish to honor or remember. Thank you for reading this newsletter, and thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Eight students from the Form IV Religious Education Graduation and one hospital worker are baptized into Christ
In this month’s issue read about the successful Gospel Chariot campaign efforts as well as the great works in the hospital and schools. And please note the special plea for the farm program as the planting season is quickly approaching!
OCU nursing students taking vitals at free medical clinic
With so many visitors at the Chimala Mission while the Gospel Chariot campaigns are in full swing, we can’t get everyone in one single newsletter. This month’s edition introduces some new visitors with others to be introduced in next month’s issue. And please take time to think on the article on page four about preachers’ kids. Thanks for reading!
In this month’s issue of the Challenge, Chimala’s “winter” (our summer) is a time ushering in a host of events and visitors that make the mission busier than usual. The resulting blessings, however, are shared both by the visitors and those they assist or teach at Chimala. Thank you for reading!
Welcome to this month’s 8-page special edition of the Challenge of Africa newsletter. If you are not a regular subscriber, we invite you to join us. Your prayers and support are keeping the work of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ alive in Southern Tanzania.
We hope you enjoy the larger format of this month’s Challenge of Africa containing more information about the Chimala Mission.
Chimala Mission is a work focused on healing the bodies and souls of those in Tanzania, Africa (and the surrounding countries). We teach Christians how to preach the gospel, and we use our resources to show the people that Christ's Church cares about them so they will listen to God's Word.
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