Safe at Samfya

The team has now been at Samfya since Sunday evening. The drive north went well – some over heating problems with the van, and a section of road for approximately 100kms that was very pot-holded and slow to negotiate. We arrived to find that the old house has been given a good renovation and we are very comfortable here. Power is on and off more regularly than we have experienced before, and the water in always intermittent - welcome to life in Samfya!!!
The team is working in all sorts of areas. Stephen & Kelssa have been getting the medical clinic sorted and cleaned, with medicines sorted and stored. Gavin has had a number of electrical issues to sort as well as managing the development of a new water line that we trust will bring more regular high pressure water to the Bible School tank which will help the students hugely. Sam has had a number of areas to work in, repairing the floor in an office that was eaten out be termites, preparing backs for chairs in the classroom, getting materials and getting a bit frustrated by the different building techniques!!
Toby has ably assisted Sam as well as spending time with his many friends, playing soccer etc. Maria is over her stomach bug and has been working in discipling ladies and helping manage the food requirements. Kelssa stepped up as mother and cook and nurse as well, which we all appreciated. I (Donald) have been teaching in the Bible School each morning for four hours and have one day to go, having worked through 1 Timothy and now finishing up 2 Timothy – the dynamic is good with good interaction with the students. We are all enjoying the team dynamic and getting on very well together.
Today (Thursday), Stephen, Gavin & Kelssa also had the opportunity to visit Samfya Hospital. In the past this has been a fairly dodgy place, however some real improvements are happening and a new buiding is under construction to make the hospital a district hospital. The Foreman also asked Gavin for his suggestions from his Hawkes Bay Hospital experience. There are so many opportunities to serve here in every area!
We would value your prayers as we leave on Friday afternoon for Chishi Island where we will spend the weekend and have opportunity to participate in leadership training. There will be three graduates there and the elders deacons and deaconesses of the churches with them. The training is to encourage biblical principles in church leadership. This is a remote destination, please pray for safety and health, as well as the clear communication of the Word, that our brothers and sisters will be greatly encouraged and helped in their faith.
We hope to post an update by Monday or Tuesday next week to keep you further informed.