William J.

DeLaughter, 06:55 PM 2/21/01 -0600, DeLaughters to Zimbabwe 22nd February 2001

Delivered-To: missionz@usit.net
From: "William J. DeLaughter" <widzim@mail.icongrp.com>
To: < Undisclosed. Recipients@mail. icongrp.com>
Subject: DeL^ugbtecsJoZmbabwe22nd February 2001

Date: WaC?l Feb 2001^^55^1 -0600

X-Mailer: Microsoft Qutteet(%xpress 4.72.2106.4

Zimbabwe Crossbeams
Feb. 2001
Missionaries who travel o\rseas:

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

P.O. Box 193

Crown Point, Indiana 46308

Fon/varding Agent
on the home front.

Brian Swinfbrd
P.O. Box 626

Herrin, Illinois 62948

nd

The word has been received; we lea\e for Zimbabwe on the 22

of Febnjary to be gone until the last of

August. The trip has come sooner than we expected but we ga\e our word that we would fill In for Dale
Marshall whenever he decided to take a much needed rest. So, off we go to the same place we first went in
1976 when we started our missionary career. We went to what was then Sinoia, Rhodesia. We went to fill in
for a fijriough then and will now. We will be only 50 miles firom Karoi where we served for more than 20
years. Our e-mail will still come to this address < until you hear from us over there. All e-mails will be
fofwanjed to us at Dale Marshall s house. We intend to keep in contact with as many as write to us. Just
remember that sometimes it takes hours to get an e-mail sent from that end so be patient with us.

The work of preparing teaching materials for printing will be continuing while we are there. Iffuel allows, I
will go to Masvingo, a 5 hour drive south, from time to time in order to print needed copies of studies that
are ordered. As soon as we arrive, I will be printing copies of the History of the Christian Church - including
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William J. DeLaughter, 06:55 PM 2/21/01 -0600, DeLaughters to Zimbabwe22nd February 2001

our churches involvement in Zimbabwe. That includes New Zealand Churches of Christ from 1890s until

1949, and the U.S.A. based Central Afnca Mission since 1956 until the present time. The book is being
used currently as the Church History textbook at the Zimbabwe Christian College in Harare, Zimbabwe. The
College has placed an order for more copies of this book.
Other studies in the works are;

A Minister s Handbook fbr Shona Ministers (in Shona)

Several book of Communion Meditations
Sernion Starters fbr the Shona Ministers

The Book of Acts by Bob ShefRer

A Collection of Scriptures to Win People to Christ
in Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, and Swahili

Last year our very presence in the country was an encouragement to those who know us and to whom we
ministered fbr so many years. It is our intent to minister once again and to try to uplift the spirits of the
people as they face tremendous burdens. We will try to keep you all informed as to what is happening in
Zimbabwe.

Prayer Requests
1. The situation in Zimbabwe is still not good. Da>e and Amber Penny left Zimbabwe in

December and were finally able to come to the States last week to Wvs with her Aunt who is
also from Zimbabwe. They were members of the Karoi Christian Fellowship Church. Da>e
was beaten several times and his life threatened. Please pray that they will be able to get the
papers that will allow them to stay in the States.

2. Mike and Sharon Mason are still under pressure continually in Tengwe fanning area close
to Karoi. Mike said that a local doctor told him that he is treating more fanners fbr se\ere
stress than ever before in his practice. So, intimidation and threats still abound in the

country. Mikes trial on inciting public Molence, a trumped up charge has been postponed
several times and is still pending

3. The financial condition in the country is reaching a crisis position as there is no money to

pay the fanners fbr their crops, they were not paid fbr their crops last year either, >ery little
fuel is being imported, fbod is getting scarce and the political situation is getting worse by the
day.

4. Pray fbr the Chamonyonga fiamily. We thank those of you who contributed to the fund that
will enable the children to continue their schooling. The elder son, Bamabas, will be taking
important "O" level exams in 7 subjects this year.

5. Pray for Steve, Zana (Botha) and little Steven Colquhoun. We will be taking the funds you
supplied in December to Zana to help with the expenses of her husband. He was struck by
lightning as you may remember, and is totally incapacitated.

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William J. DeLaughter, 06:55PM 2/21/01 -0600, DeLaughters to Zimbabwe 22nd February 2001
6. And lastly, pray for us as we serve in Chinhoyi, that we may be able to minister eflecti>ely
and encourage the Christians that are in despair and under great pressure.
God s Peace.

B C/Vl/ cun/d/ Co/ra-l/yn/ VL a^u/g-h/tr

Allfunds should be made out to The First Christian Church and sent to P.O. Box 626 Herrin, Illinois 62948 will come

to us and are tax deductible. Receipts sent at the end of the year upon request.

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Dale Marshall, 10:44 AM 3/11/01 +0200, HI from Zimbabwe

Detivered-To: missionz@usit.net
From; "Dale Marshall" <dale@earth.co.zw>
To: <msa@missionservices.org>

Subject: Hj^iwrrzimbabWe---.

Date: Sl^II Mar2001 10^:33 +0200

X-Mailer:SwicmsQft_0tfo6irExpress 5.50.4133.2400
Zimbabwe Crossbeams - Qiinhoyi Edition -12 March 2001
Dear Friends at Mission Services,

It is hot and humid with rain every day especially early evening to the extent that there are floods everywhere. It is
the rainy season here in Zimbabwe and the grass is tall and green and the trees are in flill leaf and the maize is
almost ready to harvest.
The word from Dale Marshall's evangelists is that many of the rural churches are going strong and growing
except in the area where the high water in the rivers make it impossible forfriem to come to church. The churches
on the farms are suffering because manyofthe^rmers are leaving their farms, many under threats of death, and
there is no work for the labor, thus no wages, no food, nothing.
In the town of Chinhoyi things seem rather normal. The Supermarket is well stocked although the prices are out
the ceiling. We can get most everything that we need ifwe just have the money There is a chronic shortage of
diesei fuel and petrol so that we have to watch and buy whenever we know that they are selling at the service
stations.

I preached at the Doma Christian Fellowship Church this past Sunday and they were so grateful that Iwould
come in Dale Marshalls place. Immediately after the services they made sure that Iwould come each month and
twice in one month while we are here in the country. They are sufering on theferms but their ouWook is still
optimistic.

The Karoi, Tengwe areas are quiet with threats common and ^rmers still not knowing what is going to happen to
their lands. The Church in Karoi is still strong and meeting every week. I spoke to the two elders in Karoi and they
say that all is well with the church.
I will be preaching the second Sunday of every month at the Hillside Chapel right here In Chinhoyi while Dale is
gone.

More later

jn Christ,
Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter
We can be sent e-mails at this addressdale@earth.co.zw v^hile we are in Zimbabwe

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Dale Marshall, 10:33 PM 5/4/01 +0200, family uupdate 24 May 2001

Deli\ered-To: missionz@usit.net
For: <msa@missionservices.org>
From: "Dale Marshall" <dale@earth.co.zw>
To: <tomdei@mail.icongrp.com>

Subject: fep:}HylJupdate~2^ May 2001

Date: Fri,(4 May 2001 2^3:13 +0200
X-Mailen MtcfSSoft-OOfldbk Express 5.50.4133.2400
Dear Family and Friends,
This will be a short note this time. This week and last have been very hectic. We have had unending visitors in
and out and overnight and for meals for more than 10 days.

Today we go into the capital cityof Harare to attend a funeral for an elderly friend of ours. The mother of Merle
Mitchell died on Sundayaflera bad fall which broke her hip. She was in herSO's.
The little boy needing the foot operation is scheduled to go into hospital on tfie 4th of June with frie operation on
the 5th of June. We ask for your continued prayer for him and his familyas this will take time to heal and will require
therapyfor some time to come.

Fuel has been very short but this past week, some has trickled through to us. Itis a chronic problem and will not
be sorted outfor some time to come. The Zimbabwe dollar has been losing ground ata fest pace so inflation is

rampant. We don't know how the local people can survivewith prices jumping up so fast that there is no way that
salaries can keep up. Businesses are simply closing down and the economy is grinding to a virtual halt in some
places.
Morejaler,

and Carolyn DeLaughter

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Palo Marshati, 05:41 PM 5/6/01 -t-0200, Family update 28 May 2001

De)i\ered-To: missionz@usit.net
From: "Dale Marshall" <dale@earth.co.zw>
To: <tomdel@matt7ieongcp.com>

Subj0Ct:^FaTtily update 28^ay 2001

Date:

6 May gogi 17:41:59 +0200

X-Mailer: Microsoft Outrook Express 5.50.4133.2400

Dear Family and Friends,
We have been rather busy for the past two weeks. I counted 24 people in and out and overnight (some of them)
just in the past week. Today is Monday and so far the number is up to 5.
We are planning on taking a trip since we have enough diesel to do so at this time. Judy Pickett will be going
with us on the trip. We will goto Gweru for a short visit witii Jim and Lisa Bacon, if they are home, then on to
Bulawayo where we will spend Thursday and Friday nights wiWi Ivan and Joann Martin. While there, Ivan has
arranged a meeting with the 5 member Tonga Team which is translating some of Bob Sheffier's study books into the
Tonga language. I brought along a lap-top computer which I used for some years, so they will be able to give me
the translations on a computer disk. That makes it much faster to get it ready for printing. Then on Saturday we
want to stop by and see Richard Lee and discuss some projects with him in Filabua and then on to Masvingofor
the dedication of their new church building. It will be a veryjoyous occasion I am sure. Ben Pennington has done a
fantastic job in the community and this building is a sign of faith in God and his Son Jesus Christ.
We will spend Saturday night and Sunday night in Masvingo and then head for Harare where we will meet Isaac
Chamonyonga at the Doctor's office. This young doctor will do the operation on Isaac's son's foot (club foot) on
Tuesday of next week, the Lord willing. Iwill deliver certified Bank checks for all ofttie expenses, so that Isaac will
not have to carry checks for a large amount of money on the bus into Harare. Little Kenneth Chamonyonga will
have to spend the night in the hospital, but his mother will be allowed to be there with him overnight.
We will then come back to Chinhoyi to resume our duties. We will have to carry Jerry Tins of diesel witii us In
case we cannot buy any on the way. 1will try to do a bit of printing while in Masvingo since there is a lotto do. I
have 30 Shona sermons which have been entered into my computer which we are wanting to print several hundred
copies to pass out all over the country for the preachers in the Bush to use. We also have a book of Communion
Meditations and Offering Meditations which we are wanting to print and distribute. Iwill be carrying with me a hard
copy of material on about 20 subjects written by Dale Marshall's evangelists which we hope to glean through and
come up with a much needed Shona Minister's Manual. All of this material will have to be scanned into computer
documents but since they are hand written, will probably have to be typed in.
We called British Airthis afternoon to change our flight back to the States in order to get there in time to return to
South Africa for a 10 month stay. When Iwent to the South African Embassy Iwas told just to come into the country
as a visitor and then after 3 months apply for an extension and have a letter from my host as to why it is needed.
They make it sound so easy, just hope and praythat it is!! We have not been able to make our ticket changes yet
but the process has begun.
We would ask for your prayers as we make the plans forgoing to South Africa into a culture with which we are not
at all familiar. Yet the challenge to put my material into other languages is great. So, we will be busy. We need
extra finances in order to fill this post since I do not take a mission salary but will have to increase our support so we
can live while there. Any prayer support and/or financial support will be appreciated.
.qfill wpflring the "fifted yoke".

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter"^

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Dale Marshall, 07:12 PM 6/5/01 -0200, Family update 6 June 2001

Delivered-To: missionz@usit.net
For <nnsa@missionservices.org>
From: "Dale Marshall" <dale@earth.co.zw>
To: <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>

Subject. Family opdate^june 2001

DakJue. 5Jufv2001 19pig;^2 +0200

X-Mailen MterosoftOotfoolTExpress 5.50.4133.2400

Dear Family and Friends,
We are home again after a long trip from Chinhoyi to Bulawayo and Masvingo and retum. On the way to
Bulawayo we stopped in to see Jim and Lisa Bacon, friends of ours who are also doing mission woric in Gweru. It
was a lovely visit.
We bought a dozen donuts to take to Ivan Martin, Carolyn says that we would not dare go through Gweru and not
pick up donuts for Ivan. :-)
We arrived at the Martins to a bountiful meal during which we met Cheryl's boyfriend. He is more like a grown up
kid with a twinkle in his eye and mischief on his mind. Very pleasant though.
On Friday afternoon we met with Peter Mukuli, the Tonga minister from the Tonga Church of Christ in a Bulawayo
suburb who is worthing on the translation of Bob Shefiler's 'The Christian Marriage" into tfie Tonga language. Itis

finished and only needs to be re-written so it is readable after all the changes of the committee. :-)
We then went on to Masvingo to be In Church on Sunday moming fbrtiie dedication of their new Church
building. There were about 320 people present and tiie building has only a few empty chairs, including the
balcony. The beautiful building is mute testimonyto the faitiifulness of God's people in a land ofturmoil, political
unrest, raging inflation, and uncertainty. The architect gave a Christian testimony as did all oftfie church leaders.
God has certainly been atworic in Masvingo.

We stayed overnight again in a local home and leftto meet Isaac Chamonyonga in Harare. He and his family
had ti'avelled into Harare in preparation for tiie operation on his son's club foot. Iwas able to give him tiie Bank
Certified checks to cover the operation. (Iwent into Harare again today to pick them up and bring them to Chinhoyi

and send them on their way to Karoi). Littie Kenneth got along just fine. His greatest discomfort was tiie^sting on
the day of tiie operation. When Isaw him, he was a happy littie boy with very littiediscomfort. Prayers were
answered and tiie operation, according to tiie doctor was a success. Praise His name.
More next time.
In Service for our Lord Jesus,

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

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//2 fOG ?
OcT Zo0/
DeLaughter, 10:

PM 8/27/01 +0200, Family update 27 August 2001

From: "W.J. DeLaughter" <wjdzim@aiagrp.net>

To: "DeLaughter Tom" <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>
Subject: Familyjipc[aig27 August 2001

Date: Mon, ^^Aug 2001^:15:05 +0200

X-Mailer: MicWefrOSfl^k Express 5.00.2615.200

Dear Family and Friends,

We ha\e been here for a week and Murphy's law is in full effect. We got lost on the way to the Mission
to teach students, but fortunately we found out our mistake quickly and were able to recover. We picked up
the nuts from the macadamian tree and put them in the oven so that they would crack much easier and lo
and behold, the bottle gas tank was empty. We went into Port Shepstone where we had opened our bank
account more than 10 days ago to pick up the checkbook and bank card only to find out that the card had
not been ordered. So, I had to write a check in order to get some cash for groceries. We have been living
very fiugally since coming here with very little cash. But the teller says there is no money in my account.
They ha\e lost it and it is there somewhere but they don't know where. I had to cash in a U.S. $20.00 note
in order to get money for the parking meter which eats 50 cent coins very fast. Later in the day, they found
our money and I was able to get cash so we could buy groceries. Filled the bottle with L.P. gas and
hopefully now things are back on track.
On Sunday we went out to the mission outside Umzumbe where about 20 women and 1 man gathered for
church. I knew that if I went out there, I would be asked to preach so I was prepared. It was a great
service with special music fix)m the unmamed girls who were there. Carolyn wore the special dress that
Mrs. Chamonyonga had made for her and had to ha\ a hat or head co\ering as per their custom. She was
spectacular as usual. The regular preacher, George, works in Port Shepstone and goes to the mission
church e\ery week. He does not receive any salary for preaching so supports himself by working a regular
job. He has offered to translate the book "Pre-Discipling" into the Zulu language and teach it to the elder
there so he can teach it to the people. We will see how it goes, but it does look promising. Where we will
go next Sunday is not decided as yet but George is working on it.
We went out to the mission site 4 times in a week to teach the remedial students in English and Bible plus
to preach on Sunday. The hills are filled with sugar cane fields which are being bumed ready to har\st.
The trucks are loaded every day and off to the mill they go. The hills are steep and the vQlleys deep and
the scenery very beautiful. From the Mission station we can still see the ocean as we look towards the
house where the Michael Stanley family lived for several years. The hill up which we ha\e to dri\e is rather
steep and we are advised that when it rains, we might not be able to get up the hill but there is another road
farther down the main road where we can go, but we have yet to see that one. They ha\e graded the road,
which is almost unheard of on a private road, so wonders never cease.

Carolyn went walking on the beach as I watched her and the truck. We are told that the beach is safe on
week-ends when the fishermen are there but to be avoided during the week. A big disappointment, but

week-ends are all right ifthat is the only time we can be beach bums. She picked up a few shells and her
first rock since coming here. Sleep is still a bit spasmotic but we have slowed down a bit and maybe now
we can catch up on sleep as jet lag gets treated with more time sleeping.
Met a couple in the shopping center in Shelly Beach Mall who filled us In on the recent arrests in
Chinhoyi and Doma. He was one of the pilots who kept an eye on what was going on f?"om the air and
helped evacuate the women and children ft-om Doma. Not a very pretty picture up in Zimbabwe. He and his
wife are going to stay since there is nowhere else for them to go. There is quiet concern for their teenage
daughter who is also under great pressure at the school where she goes. Every day is a contest. Please
be in constant prayer for those people in the Chinhoyi, Doma, and Karoi areas of Zimbabwe. Roving bands
of thugs are brought in from other areas to do what they did in the past two weeks it that area. It is
orchestrated right from the top to drive them from their homes so that the powers that be can stay in power
at all costs.

We covet your prayers for us as we get deeply Involved in a new culture, a new situation, and a new
'country. As Carolyn would put it,
'
'

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W.J. DeLaughter, 10:15 PM 8/27/01 +0200, Family update 27 August 2001

God's Peace,

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

P.O. Box 13

Umzumbe, South Africa 4225__

Please note^^Bcrfnew e-mail addresses widzim@aiaan3.:net and/or wjdzlm@hotmail.com

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W.J. DeLaughter, 10:17 PM 9/3/01 +0200, Family Update 3 Sept. 2001

From: "W.J. DeLaughter" <wjdzim@alagrp.net>
To: "DeLaughter Tbm" <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>

SubjectyFamily Upaate^ Sept. 2001

Date:

Sep 2001^:17:18 +0200

X-Mailer: MicrosGfTOatSok Express 5.50.4807.1700

Dear Family and Friends,
As always things did not go as planned this week. We taught the 3 classes out at the Mission Site on
Remedial English and 2 classes on Bible. We struggle to find ways to help the students in what they are
taught in their regular classroom and yet get in a Christian witness into the classroom as well. We are
slowly coming to an understanding as to how this can be done. Tliey are taught in English in their High
School classroom but speak in Zulu when they talk to each other. So, it is difficult to deal with a different
culture using what is to them a second language, English. These students are very cooperatixe and eager
to leam that it is hard not to like them immensley.
As we mentioned last week, I preached out at the Mission Church at Umzumbe and this Sunday had
planned on going to another church out past Port Shepstone. Howe>er on Saturday aftemoon the Zulu
minister called to say that he had to attend his wifie's aunt's funeral and would not be taking me out to the
church. Since I didnt know where the church was, I had to cancel the trip. We made our minds up to go
into Port Shepstone for the services there thinking that church started there at 11:00 AM also. But when
we am'ved 5 minutes until 11 we looked in their bulletin to discover they had started at 10:00 instead. We
quietly left without going all the way inside. We went to the beach a few blocks away to worship by the sea
and watched the beautiful waves come into the shore. After having a sandwith at a local fiast food place we
went back home. Later that evening we had our own little Communion Service with Carolyn reading the
Scripture and Bill ofiiering prayer.
This is now Monday evening. We did a bit of shopping for groceries and when we got home, we got a

phone call from a dear fiiend now living in Zimbabwe. Her brother in law was 1 of the fanners anested in
the Lions Den area, he was the one banicaded in his famnhouse with his life threatened.

This young

woman just happens to have her mother living about 5 kilometres from where we li\ in Umzumbe. She will
be coming to visit us at the end of October. This lady also told us that she and her husband had visited
with Peter Layland in Messina, South Africa. Peter is the gentleman who was dying of cancer and just had
to talk with me by phone one more time before he died. Iwitnessed to him and led him to confess that
Jesus is Lord and the Son of God. He Is now with the Lord, may his soul be blessed.

Then this evening we received an e-mail greeting finom friends in the Tengwe area, close to Karoi telling
us of the terror that everyone is living under on their farms. Continued prayer is urgently needed and
appreciated. Nen^s are stretched to a breaking point.
I am beginning to print samples of the studies that I have been putting out, to pass out in an attempt to
detennine if it would be beneficial to use here in South Africa, ZuluNatal. Time will tell, in the meantime we

are wori<ing on typing that has to be done in Shona.

We are also looking into the All Africa Missionary Conference, how to get there and so on. It seems

almost as if, you just cant get there from here. And ifyou can, the cost is sky high. Oh, well, all things
wori< together , is what I have read somewhere in Romans. :-)
Last night we were startled by an avocato landingwith a bang on the roof. At first I thought it was the
troup of monkeys going on a romp on the roof, but only 2 bang was heard, so it had to be fruit fi^om the
tree. We are told that the monkeys do NOTcome into the house but then don't leave windows open either.
MMMMMmmmm. Ants are here in African ewrywhere, especially in our kitchen. The ant bait seems to off

base to them, they just go around them on their merry way to the kitchen counter. Anything that is leftout
is fair game to these little pests. But that is Africa.
Until next time,

God's Peace, as Carolyn would say,

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

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W.J. DeLaughter, 12:08 AM 9/11/01 0200, a problem - Family update 10 September 2001
From: "W.J. DeLaughter" <wjdzim@aiagrp.net>
To: "DeLaughter Tom" <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>

Subiec^a problem - F^ily update 10September 2001

Date: T^e, 11 Sep 200Tt)9:08:14 +0200

X-Mailer^icrosott-0otto(5K Express 5.50.4807.1700

Dear Tom,

I am writing this while on line. I could not get on the Internet for 2 days but Ithink I have the problem
solved now.

Went into town today and had 170 copies made to pass out 10 books on the "Fundamental Teachings of
The New Testament Church" to give out to the Bible Class from the local high school out at the Umzumbe
Mission site. They signed up that they wanted a copy so I will gi\e it to them. Not one of them Is a
member of the Church of Christ or Christian Church but at least this is an outreach.

We have been watching the sea lately with more than usual interest. There has been a tem'ble stomi,
worst one in 50 years so they say, down at Capetown about 1500 k's away but the sea shows that
something is going on somewhere because the waxes are higher than we have seen them before.
Since Michael Stanley had suitcases stolen from his tmck 1fiave been trying to solve how I could make
the back secure. Today I came up with a solution. The canopy is for a long wheelbased ushicle but this
one is a short wheelbase so there is no way to lock the back. I bought a chain, then a piece of garden
hosepipe, and two paddlelocks. I wrap the chain around the handle then lock it onto the little tabs that hold
the tailgate shut and walla, it is secure. Well, as secure as can be made. Since the canopy is fiberglass a
hammer could get in anywhere but that would make a lot of noise, or they could break a window but that too
makes noise. This only keeps the "chancers" out of the back of the truck. And so far, that seems good
enough. And the way I have it fixed, I ha\e not modified anything on a truck that is not mine. :-)
I had another problem with the bank on Saturday. I had not used the ATM machine with my new bank
card so I tried it on Saturday since we needed cash. Well, no matter what I tried, I got the message

"SORRY" the transaction cannot be completed. So, this moming Iwent inside and went to the person who
promised to give me help with the card if I ever needed it. When she checked, some little thing had not
been done by the bank so she got that done, and then I was able to get cash for groceries again. The
reason fbr the card is that a transaction on the ATM will cost me only 1 Rand 50 Cents while if I go inside
to cash a check, it will cost me 25 Rand. So, to be a good steward, I am learning to use the ATM much to
my dislike.

Since the Stanleys have only a very small spin dryer washing machine with a very small load capacity,
Carolyn had to stay at home and do the washing all day. Iwas the one doing the running around. But I did
get everything done.

We take a walk e\ery evening before dari< and it has been good for my health. I fieel better with that kind
of exercise. Especially since we are on a hill and it is down hill in any direction on the way out and up hill
on the way back. We have seen a lot of jungle with huge vines, palm trees, chocking jungle vines
entangles in the branches of grandious trees. Occasionally the upper branches are disturt>ed by the many
monkeys living very close to us. Cant put out a garden because of them. Then tonight Ifinally saw two
dieker deer which are a beautiful red color. They are not very large but very beautiful. And they were right
in our back yard.

Carclyn is busy getting ready fbr her remedial English class out at the mission tomorrow. Since we know
so little howthey do things here, she is really struggling, so am Iwith the remedial Bible Knowledge Class
that Iteach on Thursday and Fridays. But the kids are very appreciativeof our stumbling efforts and we do
enjoy being with them. Michael Stanley considers this an evangelistic outreach and it really does have
potential.

Almost midnight so much be off to bed so we can go go go tomorrow.

Love in Christ,

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

NOTE - Please use our widzim@aiaQrD.net address rather than the hotmail address.

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W.J. DeLaughter, 07:33 AM 9/24/01 I-0200, Family update24 Sept.2001

From: "WJ. DeLaughter" <wjdzim@aiagrp.net>
To: "DeLaughter Tom" <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>
Subject: FarpHy iipdateg4 Sept.2001

Date: NWnr24 Sep 200^:33:06 +0200

X-MalleiH4icTOSCflft-0llflook Express 5.50.4807.1700

Dear Family and Friends,
We hav3 been devastated by recent news. First of all, the planes flying into the International Trade

Center Buildings, which has caused panic all ovsr the world, yet has been brought together by our
inexperienced, new president in a spirit of co-operation ne>er before seen in this worid. We are very proud
of him.

Then the news that the daughter of one of our co-wori<ers in Zimbabwe for more than 25 years was
murdered at her work in Zimbabwe's capital city, Harare. We were told that she went in early as was her
custom and this time a co-worker arrivgd eariy as well. He had been watching her and knew that there was
in her safe, $5000.00 U. S which translates to $1,500,000,00 in Zimbabwe dollars. She knew him so let

him in the door. He demanded the key to the safe which she refused to give him, so he killed her. The
funeral is today in Bulawayo.
This past week, 32, September, Friday I dro>e out to the Umzumbe Mission Site in a very thick haze.
They are still burning the fields of sugar cane in preparation Ibr harvesting the balance of the crop. As I
drove along the road, I passed many school children going home from school. They walk in groups that
divide as you approach them. Some go to the right, some to the left, and that seems to be a habit of
people as they walk here. Even if there are only two walking together, one will go to one side of the road,
and the other one to the other side of the road, and once in a while as you approach, they will change their
minds and go back to the other side, so driving can be risky, so can walking. One man started running
behind me after I passed him and when I looked up ahead on the road, there was a toddler in the middle of
the road by himself. So, I proceeded slowly much to the relief of the man running fiiom behind.
The hills around Umzumbe are not too tall, but the sides are very steep. How they grow sugar cane on
those hillsides I'll never know how but the hills are covered with the crop. They are almost finished with the
harvest now, so the hills are bare. They look very strange, burnt off and black, however some fields are
growing with new plants already. They do not plant every year, just cut and let the stalks grow up fiiom the

roots for another crop. Weeding is necessary and much fertilizer is required but no plowing is involved fer
several years, yet each year the crop grows up from the roots.
No students showed up fbr my class today. I knew that might be a possibility since they had to write an
exam at noon and it took 3 hours. I was there firom 3 until 4 P.M. but no one came. I showed a book

called "Fundamental Teachings of The New Testament Church" to Girty, an elderiy Zulu woman of the
church and she said she would be willing to take the txK>k and teach the women the lessons that are in
there. Maybe she could do it on Sunday mornings befi^re church ifthey would only come an hour eariier.
George, the Zulu evangelist fbr this church has a copy of the same book which he will be translating into
the Zulu language so I am excited about that development. Carolyn asked for a copy of the AIDS book to
pass out to her English students next week. We are much busier than we ever thought we would be but
the Lord is using us in His own way.

I gave the evangelist, George a CD with many of my study books on it, and he is most anxious to look
into them. George is a real firebrand of a preacher with fiiends everywhere. He seems to know everybody
including the mayor and all the members of the cabinet in the Port Shepstone political scene. He Is my
mentor during my stay here in South Afiica and I thank God fbr his guidance.
Carolyn and I attended the Prayer service for the New York, U.S.A. terrorists attack, on Wednesday
evening in Port Shepstone. A couple sat beside us as we got to talking. Their daughter is in New Yori< and
was worthing a couple of blocks fi^m the towers when they came crashing down. So, they had a very
personal interest in the service. They invited us home with them for pot luck supper as they call it. We
had a very good visit. They live in the same retirement village that Mrs. Lucelle Stanley lives in and know
here and her children.

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W.J. DeLaughter, 07:33 AM 9/24/01 +0200, Famfly update24 Sept.2001

When we came home, it was after 10:00 P.M. , came into the house and disarmed the alarm system the
promptly set it off with the siren and the works. I dont think our neighbors were Aery happy about that.
TTien the phone rang checking up on us from the security system and we convinced them that everything
was all right and they did not need to come out and surround the house with guns drawn and attack dogs.
) So, it does get exciting here once in a while.
Tliis has been one hectic week and a half so will close with prayers for all of you people in the States
who are now at risk. I!! We are told to keep a \ery low profile at this time of unrest in the entire worid, so
I'll take my tired self to bed now.
Love in Christ,

Bill and Carolyn (Mom and Dad)

Next week I will tell you about the very Inspiring service we went to on Sunday the 24th of September.

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WJ. DeLaughter, 09:49 PM 9/30/01 +0200, Family Update 30 September 2001

From: "W.J. DeLaughter" <wjdzim@aiagrp.net>
To: "DeLaughter Tom" <tomdel@mail.icongrp.com>
Subject: Family Update 30 September 2001
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 21:49:33 +0200
X^ailen Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4807.1700
Dear Family and Friends,

Last Sunday and this Sunday havs been exceptional. Last week was the first time we were able to go
out with Ezra, one of the Zulu evangelists working with Michael Stanley. We went out to the church close
to where he runs the family store. I am not sure that I could find my way back there, so many tums, hills,
valleys, and vsry bad roads, but we had a fentastic time. George told me that it was going to be a youth
meeting so I should use a topic suited for them and he suggested that I preach my semnon on "Foundations
for The Christian Faith", which I did. I spoke about the church out at Chanetsa in Zimbabwe where the
people built it themselves. When they laid the foundation it was only 1 brick wide, one brick high, and when
I mentioned that, an old man almost jumped out of his chair and said, "Noll That's not good enough." So
then I went on to agree with him and on it went. There was a very good response ftom everyone with the
women nodding their heads in agreement when my words were translated, especially when I asked what
kind of bricks were in the walls of the building we were in at that time. (The bricks were made out of
unbaked mud and would not withstand a lot of rain). When I finished, the interpreter talked for another 10
minutes which is normal among the Shona, so I didnt think much about it. Later Ezra was so excited that
he couldnt wait to get me alone to tell me that what I said must have been directed by the Holy Spirit since
I was saying the very same things that he had been preaching for months to this congregation. After
church se>^l of the elderly women talked in their broken English with Carolyn and I, saying how they
enjoyed our \^sit with them. We went for tea to the house next to the church where the widow of the former
preacher lived. We saw the beautifiji little cemetery where the pioneer Zulu preachers and their wives are
buried. Maitle headstones and all. And in the middle of nowhere. Ifsomething happens to us while we
are here, we would not mind being put to rest there also.
This Sunday we went back out to the Mission site close to the Magog Primary School in Umzumbe. I
did not preach today. I had told George that we wanted to just come and worship with them this Sunday
and listen to him as he preached. His first announcement was to avoid using the long drop toilet until they
had taken care of the Green Mamba snake that had made its appearance this morning there. (That snake

will acutually attack an intruder not run away, if distuit)edl!) After the very good sermon, the old elder, the
only man there when we went before, got very excited and pulled out the book on "The Fundamental
Teachings of the New Testament Church" that I had printed and givsn to Girtie a couple of weeks before.
When she saw the book, she said she wanted to keep it and not give it back to me. I agreed on the
condition that she would go through it with the women of the church soon. I found out today that she
showed it to Gift, the old elder in the church, telling him to read it and not get into bed that night before he
finished it. And that is exactly what he did, getting to bed that night after 11:00 PM. They showed it to
their Sunday School teacher who called us after she read It. how good and necessary that book was. They
announced in church that they are going to ha\e it translated into Zulu and copies made for everybody in
the church so they would know for themselves vi^at the church is, and its fundamental doctrines. They are
also translating, on their own, the book by Willie White on How To Become a Christian, which I call, "PreDiscipling". To cap it all off, we showed George the book on AIDS by Bob Sheffier and he told us that we
were invited to the National Youth Confierence in December of this year, and they wanted us to go through
that AIDS book at that time. Carolyn would lead the young women, and I the young men. ft looks like the
Lord is throwing the door of opportunity wide open, now if we can just work fast enough to pro^de many of
these books for the people in their own language before we return to the States. We are worthing hard at
this task.

I called Ivan Martin and we spoke akout his daughter's murder and funeral. While we spoke he said,
"Oh, by the vray Bill, we start your New Testament Study on the Gospel of Marie at our mid-week Bible
Study this week, thought you would like to know." They have many new people who have never studied the

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WJ. DeLaughter, 09:49 PM 9/30/01 +0200, Family Update 30 September 2001

Bible before and that is just who these studies are designed for. The Lord is good and fills us with
encouragement.
May the Lord Bless and keep you,
God's Peace.

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

P.O. Box 13

Umzumbe, 4225, South Afnca

e-mail widzim@aiaarD.net

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Bill's Hot Mail, 09:44 PM 11/2/01 +0200, Family Update 2 November 2001
X-Originating-IP: [168.209.97.42]
From: "Bill's Hot Mall" <wjdzim@hotmail.com>
To: "DeLaughter Doug & Laura" <dlhedel@comnetcom.net>

Syl^ct: Pamily-Update 2 November 2001

1^: Fri 2 Nov2001$':44:00 +0200

X-I\^iler Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4807.1700
X-OriglnalAmvalTlme: 03 Nov2001 05:36:52.0601 (UTC) FILE'nME=[8AAB6690:01C16429]
Dear Friends and Family,

Nothing exciting here to report. But just to let you know that we are ali\e and well and surviving the heat
and humidity.
Carolyn has been going to the local W.I. in Hibberdene. It is a small club but the organization in this part
of Kwazulu Natal is \ery strong. They visited the Port Shepstone chapter today and Carolyn said that club
has about 200 members! It was to be a fiin day and e>ryone had to get skits ready to put on Ibr the
program. When they were deciding what to do here at Hibberdene they said to Carolyn, "You can lead us in
the National Anthem for the United States." Carolyn said, "No, I cant, it takes a profiessional singer to hit
those high notes." And that is tnje. When she sings along with it at sports events, she drops down an
octave when it comes to the high notes. They had a hard time believing that one. The women are a good
source of encouragement to Carolyn and show her where to buy plants for flowers in the garden, Velcro for
putting up mosie screens on the windows. They just do not make proper screens here in this part of the
world. But we improvise and come up with some rather workable solutions.
Carolyn came home with a big tale about watching the whales out in the ocean as they spouted. I have
seen one myself, but since she is looking while I am driving, I miss most of them. Did see a huge black
tail suspended out of the water for a liewminutes as it cooled itself off. At least that is what the locals tell
us they are doing???
When we drive out of Port Shepstone we ha>e to cross the rather large river. Most of the time it looks
like a sand riverwith little or no water. But lately when it rains up in the hills, the water comes down and
washes away the beach at its mouth so it cuts a swath through the sand. You would expect to see muddy
water coming down, but the mud is actually nothing but sand. And when the ri>er flows it pushed the sand
out several hundred feet in all directions and up and down the coast, depending on which way the wind is

blowing. Looks like it is only a couple of fleet deep one day and then is almost gone the next as the wind
and waves do their trick. Now the sea has distinctive bands of color ranging from deep blue fiarther out to a

lighter blue as you come closer to the shore and then a light green up close to the beach. Lately the wind
has been blowing rather briskly so the waves are pounding the beaches. This sends up a salt spray that
hangs in the air, coats car windows, gets all over everything and runs the window washers dry in a short
time, there seems to be a white haze over the coast, I'm sure it is the salt in the wind.

There is a "Something Fishy" fish restaurant that is opening soon in the Oribi Shopping Centre in Port
Shepstone. We are looking forward to having at least one meal there. Carolyn loves a good fish and chip
dinner. So, I suppose for our anniversary , lets see our 33rd. I think, I will treat her to a fish dinner
somewhere. Than a walk on the beach, how romantic can you get? (Especially when the old man is 74
years old?)
We have been asked to attend the National Youth Conference of the Church of Christ, South Africa in

December. In preparation for Carolyn teaching the giris and my teaching the boys, on the subject of AIDS,
Carolyn had a meeting with 3 Xhosa or Zulu women, I cant tell which, to see how they, in their culture,
instruct the young girts who are coming of age. She had her eyes opened to some strange things which
she will have to share with you some time.

Paul Reyman is printing 1000 copies of the AIDS book that we have been distributing in Zimbabwe for
years, and we will go through that vyrith the young people at this conference. Michael Stanley's daughter
worths for Scripture Union here locally and she is looking into using the book in her wort< also. Please pray
for wisdom for us as we undertake this most important task. They really dont take the threat seriously
down here yet.

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Bill's Hot Mail, 09:44 PM 11/2/01 +0200, FamilyUpdate 2 November 2001

Carolyn also discussed the book "Becoming God's Woman" by Judy Daus and Rowena Gastineau when
they were in Zambia, with the women at the local church here, it is an excellent book for teaching the
girls. We will see what becomes of that discussion.
The book out of Kenya by Kirk Hayes on "TTie Fundamental Teachings of the New Testament Church" is
creating a lot of interest also. It is even being taught at this time in a congregation in Johannesburg. We

have given it to a local preacher to be translated into Zulu, pray that he actually does this work.
So, for not much news, I ha>e gone on and on, sorry.
May the Lord Bless and Keep,
Still working in His vineyard.
Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter
wcdzim@hotmail.com

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Bill's HotMail, 07:32 PM11/28/01 +0200, Famity Update 27 November 2001

>From wjdzim@hotmall.com Wed Nov28 11:19:24 2001
XOriginating-IP: [168.209.97.42]
From: "Bill's Hot Mail" <wjdzim@hotmail.com>
To: "DeLaughter, Billy" <wcdzim3@aol.com>

Suhjnfit- Fnmily IIprleitrJ^ NovBmber 2001

Date: Wed. 28 Nov200O3&:32:53 +0200

A-iy/iaiigiTMIcrosofl Outlook Express 5.50.4807.1700
XOriginalArrivarnme: 28 Nov2001 16:19:22.0000 (UTC) FILETIME=[703AA100:01 C17828]
Dear Family and Friends,

We have had some exciting times since our last update. Carolyn has been attending the W.I. (Women's
Institute) here in Umzumbe. She was a member of the W. I. while we li>ed in Karoi in Zimbabwe. She was
asked to represent her group for a graduation celebration for a Pre-School that the Institute helps with

supplies. The women gave us the supplies that we were to take out to the school. We went out there in
time forthe program and many parents were already there. The children were all \ery excited. Looking into
one of the classrooms we saw the little caps and gowns that they were going to wear. EN^ntually the

program started. One thing after another until 2 hours had pass^. We had been told that the program

would last only 1 hour, yet the program was not even half over.

One part ofthe program was called, Modeling. The children, all aged from 3 to 4, were dressed in fancy
clothes and when they walked just like the International models walked on the big catwalks. Each child has
his own individual way ofwalking and it was hilarious to watch them. Several little giriswould swingthose
little hips from side to side, then stop, look overa shoulder and gi>e a great big smile, then do it on the
other side, and then take a fiew more steps. Tlie longer the program went, the hotter it got until it was
almost unbearable. We chose chairs just inside the door because of this.

Finally we were getting to the point that we would ha\e to lea\e because of other commitments, so
Carolyn went outside to tell the woman In charge. Butthe woman was upset saying, "We could really use
your help. The speaker has notanived." That was the reason that the program was going on and on. So,
Carolyn was now going to be the main speaker for this Zulu Pre-School graduation. She took 5 minutes
putting a few notes togetheron the value of educating our children and how Jesus had said, "Suffer the
little children to come unto me." and got up to speak. She did an excellent job.
She then told the woman In charge that we just had to lea\e. The woman said, "Oh, no, you cannot go

yet, we have to give you a gift at the end ofthe program." We explained that ourtime just did not permit us
to stay, that we had to go anyway, and that a gift was not necessary. We hopethat we did not upset their
traditions too much by refusing to stay.

The reason we had to leave was to driveto Johannesburg for Thanksgiving with the missionaries in that
area. There were 19 missionaries forThanksgiwng dinner. We stayed in Johannesburg forse>eral more

days. On Friday we were servedanotherturi<ey dinner with Gladstone and his wife, plus Ollfeet came to
eat with us. Alice's 2 woricers were also there for dinner. Gladstone and Ollfieet are the 2 African ministers

here in Johannesburg. We will be wori<ing with them later in 2002.

When Ispoke to Gladstone about the teaching materials that I had gathered, he was ^ery interested In
the study on the Holy Spirit written by Nick Adams, Dale Marshall's son in law. There was also a study on
circumcision which is an issue here also, and he wanted a copy of that too. Then on Sunday we went to

church in Vanderbljt Park (yes, the spelling is correct) and Ispoke at one of Gladstone's churches which Is
a home church where Ben Labatala is and elder. Ben has agreed to wori< with me in translating some of my
studies. The housing complexwhere this church meets Is the site of the most vicious of the battles was
fought between the Zulu and the Xhosa during the run up to the elections. All during the serce the
younger men had to chase the goats out ofthe building. The windows In the doors were broken so the

goats could comeand go as they pleased. We were concerned that the separation ofthe sheep and the
goats had occurred and we lost out. :-)

Ishowed copies ofseveral of my studies and they were vsry excited atx}ut them. In the city of George
down by the Cape, the women all have us a hug after church, here all ofthe men gave us the "holy" hug.
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Bill's Hot Mail, 07:32 PM 11/28/01 +0200, Family Update 27 November2001

Before we left, they served us lunch. Their custom is that ifyou attend church as a speaker and they don't
feed you, it means they did not accept you at all. (So we sat and ate, the 2 ofus, the 3 eiders and nobody
else at the table, the rest just served us and watched us eat.) TTien another custom took place. TTieir
choir sang several selections for us. One ofthe girls looked so deadpan, that is, until they got upto sing
and then she came alive, really enjoying the singing. Xhosa singing is something else, I have never heard
singing like it. Sounds off key at first, then sounds like minor key, but they hannonize beautifully. They
also appointed a committee to look over the materials In preparation for translating all ofthem into the
Xhosa language. Itold them that Alice FIshback who took us out to the church had all ofthese studies on
a computer disk plus many more. So, they ordered 10 copies ofeverything that they saw that day. We are
seeing a keen interestfrom the people everywhere we go for goodteaching materials in theirown
language. It is ourgoal to get the demand in place and thento encourage the missionaries here in South
Afnca to meet the demand. We are very excited about how this is developing.
There will be more on this in the weeks to come. But for now, this is already too long, sorry.
Love in Christ,

Bill and Carolyn - in Umzumbe, South Afnca

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Bill's Hot Mail, 08:16 PM12/16/01 I-0200, DeLaughter Family Update 16 Dec.2001
>From widzim@hotmail.com Sun Dec 16 12:48:47 2001
For <msa@missionservces.org>
X-Originating-IP: [168.209.97.50]
From: "Bili's Hot Mail" <widzim@hotmail.com>
To: "Mission Services" <msa@missionservices.org>

Siihjprt- Dftl anqhter Family Update 16 Dec. 2001

</^Date: Sun, 16 Decl00T^16:04 +0200

X-Mailer Microsoft UutlooiTExpress 5.50.4807.1700

XOriginalArrivarnme: 16 Dec 2001 17:48:46.0098 (UTC) FILET1ME=[E8EA8720:01C18659]
Dear Family and Friends,
Weil, here in Aliica we know that Christmas must i3e near. It is hot and humid. The house where we are

staying did not ha\e screens on a single window. So, we bought the nylon screening, then when we could
not get any more of that, we bought Fiber glass screening (iVe nevsr hear of screening made out of fiber
glass before - but it comes from the States and so is vsry expensi>e) and put it on all of the windows.
Now, we can open up the house and get a bit of humid air circulating in the house.
We hav3 not been idle. We were scheduled to represent the local W.I. (Women's Institute) at a local

Pre-school that the organization gives to once in a while. We got there on time, but the program did not
start right away. After a bit of a delay, about 45 minutes, the program got underway. We only had about 1
1/2 hours available so we were a little on edge. The "Fashion Show" was a riot with the little giris in such
beautiful bright dresses, and the boys in brand new suits for their "Graduation" fiiom Pre-school. They
strutted their stuff lil<e real live models going down the catwalk. They wiggled their hips, stopped at critical
times, gave a longing look o\er their shoulders, then turned and gave the other side of the room the
"treatment" and then swayed on down the isle. The room was packed with parents and well wishers. That
parade of stars went on and on. Finally, after prizes were awarded for the best little strutter, Carolyn went
outside to tell the head of the program that we had to leave. 2 hours and the program was not even half
over. But that was not to be. They pleaded with her to help them. The main speaker had not arrived so
they asked ifshe would give them a speech. You know Carolyn, she took 5 minutes, put some remari<s
together and became the Head Speaker. She did a fine job, using Scripture and educational experience to
apply to this special situation.
The next week, we were once again to be at a "Graduation Ceremony" for a pre-school. Only this time
Carolyn knew in advance that she would be the main speaker and her husband, to open and close the
program in prayer. We once again got there on time and were the only ones there. It didnt take long for the
crowd to gather. We met a man we had never seen before who carried a little case v^th him. We found out
that he was a musician and that case contained his squeeze box which he played with zest. He could whip
the people up into excitement in no time. He was great. We also met a man we thought was the member
of the counsel, but found out later was a "Traditional Healer". Some called him a witch doctor, and even

though he throws the bones and they tell him what is wrong with his patients, he is supposedly a good
herbalist. Carolyn said she was not sure if she would have shaken his hand ifshe had known who he was!!
We took a fisw feet of vdeo film, especially of the Zulu dance that the little 5 year old boys and giris put
on. Those little kids got out there and began stomping their fieet and raising their legs up o\er their head
and pounding their foot so hard that it shook the building. I knew they were not that strong or that big, then
I realized that when they danced, things happened to ewrybody gathered there. The people joined in the
dance by clapping their hands as the foot would smack down, and it sounded like the kids had done it all.
Then as they danced two by two to show how good they were, as each couple came up to dance, the
mothers came forward to join them. The mothers did not kick their legs o>er their heads, except in their
imaginations, but they were living that dance through their beautiful little children.
Then came the graduation, caps and gowns wom by all who were leaving the pre-school and each ^mily
provided gifts for their own children under a little Christmas tree. There were decorations handing firom the
ceiling. Mostly paper chains and balloons with a fiew streamers. Very hectic, exciting, loud and thoroughly

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Bill's Hot Mail, 08:16 PM 12/16/01 I-0200, DeLaughter Family Update 16 Dec. 2001
enjoyable. TTiey prepared a meal and the dignitaries, including the one who prayed and the main speaker,
plus the gaudily clad "Traditional Healer" were ser>ed first, after the pan of water and towel had been
passed around fbr everyone to wash his hands. TTien everybody else was served.
The National Youth Seminar experience will have to wait until next time along with the New Church
building dedication that we attend fbr the next two days.
Love in Christ, from the dark continent,

Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter

widzim@hotmail.com

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