Malaria, Baptism, and Bachelorship

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We made the 8 hour drive to the working capital of Dar Es Salaam and said our goodbyes to Joy and Lindsey at the international airport. Their journey from Iringa until they arrived at Joy’s parents’ home in Stockton, California would take about 50 hours. Wow! You talk about an exhausting ordeal. We are happy they have been enjoying the time with family and Christian friends.

Since Carey, Charles and I were in Dar for the airport deposit, we got some errands done; especially since Iringa has much fewer items available. We were able to purchase a new modem which we had hoped would improve our internet connection (no improvement on this yet). Wednesday evening we worshiped with the congregation that used to be Charles’ church home. They asked me to teach the Bible class. My lesson touched upon how the world is squeezing us – especially in the functioning of our families. We allowed the New Testament to call us back to God’s way.

Carey began to feel increasingly sick and feverish. That night at the hotel he was quite ill. The next morning we leaded for home – it was another ambulance-type drive for me. I made only one stop the entire journey, and when we finally reached Iringa town, we dropped Carey directly at the hospital. A blood test confirmed that he had malaria. Thankfully he is doing much better now.

Over the past few weeks we have been having studies with “Mama Salome.” Here it is common to call a mother by the name of her eldest child. Salome is a member of the church here. Her mother’s name is Elizabeth (Mama Salome). She had so much confusing denominational teaching that it took careful and patient teaching to bring her to an understanding of the one true church and how to enter that body. This morning we went to the river and she was baptized into Christ! The picture of her which was taken after her immersion does not even properly convey the happiness she was feeling. As has become our custom, we sang on our walk back to the vehicle.

Last Friday Luke began to have fever and was feeling awful. Our concerns were heightened when his temperature reached 105.2 degrees. Saturday morning (thanks to Joy’s insistence – though half a world away – through internet) we took Luke to the hospital and had his blood checked. Sure enough he had malaria! We obtained the needed medicines and headed back home. The last few days have been difficult for him as the fever rose and fell and his stomach was ravaged by the medication. Thankfully he seems to be feeling some better. We pray for his complete recovery soon. Special thanks to everyone for your prayers on his behalf. Please keep them up!

I am certainly happy Joy and Lindsey are able to have this visit time in America. However, it is certainly a time for us to be coping like bachelors. Jacob has truly been his brother’s keeper. When Luke’s fever was more critical he got up in the night to check on him, and he continues to serve him. It has been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder! Well let me say I am SO fond of Joy!!!!!!!!!!! The same goes for Lindsey – she took much of our sunshine when she left.

Thanks to all our faithful supporters who give, pray, and encourage us in our work here. To God be the glory.

In Christ’s service,
George

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Photos

Happy in Christ
A "Bibi" (grandmother) and a babe at the same time!

Part of the family
David, Zawadi, Salome, Mama Salome, Olivia, Editha, Charles

Comments

[Jim and Judy Marshall]

Luke
Bless your hearts, our prayers are with Luke and the rest of your family as well, out hearts and love are with you all. Jim and Judy

[Patrick Swayne]

You're in our prayers!
Of all the times to get malaria! We're praying for you all and hope that the "bachelors" can survive without a much needed female presence.