To Our Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,
It is our wish that you all are well and you are enjoying life. Normally during the week we make notes of things to include in our report, because, like today, when we sit down to write, our minds go blank. We like to write a little more than “just the facts, m’am.” (Dragnet TV show). Unfortunately, this week, we failed to jot down any thoughts!
We are thankful to have survived the “upper respiratory bacterial infection.” EVERYONE in the family became sick except for our resident “germ-a-phobic”, Lindsey, who stayed as far away from us as possible. It paid off for her this time! We are still “fighting the fungus-amungus” and seem to be winning the battle slowly. Otherwise, we are doing just fine. Our thanks to those who have sent cards lately. One in particular, from Sheila Milligan, was a real day-brightener (had a bright yellow sun on the front)!
Our appreciation is extended to Gary Fallis, director/instructor of Bear Valley Bible Institute Graduate Studies, for his efforts and time spent teaching “Denominational Doctrines and Islam” to the ACSOP students. In addition, he preached at both the Kisongo and Arusha congregations. Pray for his safe travel when he leaves Tanzania on Wednesday night. We are also thankful for the work of Keith and Molly Kisarjian and thankful for their safe arrival home.
The ladies at Kisongo continued reviewing Genesis (chapters 17 & 18), Peter Angatta (ACSOP Master’s student from Uganda) taught the Men’s class, Jimmy taught the New Converts’ class and preached on “The Final Judgement.” A young lady (maybe 14 years old) visited the services today. Her name is Mary and she is the house-girl for Matthew’s therapist (Lucy). Speaking of Matthew, if anyone knows of any dvds/video tapes demonstrating physical therapy or occupational therapy exercises for a cerebral palsy patient, we would like to purchase some. Also, we really need books/tapes/dvds concerning speech therapy for a CP child.
At a rummage sale yesterday, Abigail noticed a book entitled, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist.” We think that is definitely true! How much “faith” does it take to believe that something came from nothing and that this world, in all its’ splendor and glory, just “popped” into being or that every creature we see simply slowly, ever-so slowly, evolved into its’ present state? To believe something without a thread of evidence certainly takes a “leap of faith!”
This week we welcomed back to Tanzania our director, (Cy Stafford), his wife (Stephanie) and mother-in-law (Exel Aultman, affectionately called “Granny” by all here) who have returned after their reporting tour and furlough. In perfect TZ tradition, soon after arriving, they were hit in the face with their freezer going out and the repairman having to come out three times. This is not a problem you want shortly after getting off the plane (trying to save food from ruining, cleaning out spoiled food, transferring food to the school freezer, etc). The Hochdorfs (having been here about a month) are still waiting for their container to arrive and are still living out of suitcases at the Stafford’s house. They have secured a house just up the hill from us but, without a stove, refrigerator, beds, etc there is no reason for them to move in as yet. Some of the Hochdorf family have been sick with seemingly the same respiratory infection we had.
We are anticipating the arrival of Dupree and Soneia Galloway and Cotton and Beulah Box this week. Due to their numerous trips and heavy involvement with the TZ 2000 Work, we don’t dare call them “visitors.” They are family! Thanks to ALL of you for your interest in this work and for reading our newsletters! You are making a difference in the world and especially in Tanzania.
Because He Lives,
The Jimmy Gee family