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
