THE

Non-Profit Organization

P I C K 1 T T

U.S. Postage

LINE

Fission Services

2659'First Street

Napa, Calif. 9455S

PA

Napa, California

Box 36B

Joliet, 111. 60434

Permit No.28

Eebruary

1970

Dear Friends in Christ:

Greetings and Happy New Year.

It is now the second month of a new year,

and my fourth month in Rhodesia,

content-ed.

How time does move when one is busy and

But it has beerr a trem^dous anct-eventfui-ijhree monthrs.

First of all, I would like to thank each of you for your kind remembrances
to me at Christmas time. I received many, many Christmas greetings, some
of them still arriving by surface mail which were mailed in December.
they are very deeply appreciated when they arrive.

But

There are many things I'would like to tell you, but space wouldn*t be suf
ficient to tell you all, so I will concentrate on one particular twentyfour-hour period that stands out in my wealth of experiences.

Let me begin by telling you a little bit about the Church at Chidamoyo.
The building itself is a very lovely brick with white columns surrounding
the veranda.

Inside is a spacious room filled with wooden benches which

hold up to 400, but have on occasion (Reggie Thomas Crusade) held 700.

It

is a very simple building, but serving God's purpose very well. But the
Church is the people, and they are a very hard-working group of African
Christians who love the Lord dearly. Chidamoyo Church of Christ is the
mother church of some 24 outlying village churches which have been started
through contact of the Church at Chidamoyo and the Hospital.
.It had been decided that on the week-end of January 31. a church gathering

would be held on the mission. Weeks in advance plans were made for the ac
commodation of several hundred guests from throughout the area. Then on

Saturday, the 31st, all was in order for the beginning of the meeting,

Sat

urday morning was an exciting time as all mission vehicles were pressed
into service collecting Christians from villages as far away as forty miles
from the mission. By two o'clock, the time for* the meeting to begin,, they

were-arriving in various ways, on foot, bicycle, lorries (or truck), Pugeot

vans, etc.

song.

The mission was alive with the voices of happy people raised: in

By three o'clock some 300 people had arrived, and by seven o'clock

over 400 were present. The meeting began with a joyous song service led by
Mr. Bruce Ammerman. Special music was heard from some of*the African Chris

tians as well as some of the missionaries. Dr. Bill Nice, who just arrived
in January, delivered the afternoon message. At the conclusion of the mes
sage, seven stepped forward to give their lives to Christ. Two of these
were adult men, and a glorious victory this was. Following the afternoon
session all gathered behind the church building where sadsa and beef and
beans were being prepared over open fires. The meal was being prepared by
the African school girls from the mission school. While the people were
waiting for their sadsa to be served they were constantly singing. One man
particularly is a joy to watch. Even though I cannot understand him with
my limited Shona, I can feel the love of the Lord coming forth from his
presence. He is Mr. Benjamin, and he loves to sing about his Lord, and no

matter where he is, he is singing praises and leading others to do the same.
Following the meal, the group was divided into women's sessions and men's
sessions.

Here different leaders from the different churches were encour

aged to speak and give testimonies for Christ.

These meetings were also

times of fejoicing in song, and it was like living stereo with the women on
one end of the church building and the men on the other.

Following the

dismissal of individual meetings, all once again entered the church to view
Bioscope (slides) showed by Mr. David Campbell. A short devotional and more
singing accompanied this session, then all were dismissed for the night.
The missionaries retired to their homes for a night's sleep, but not so the
African Christians, They had come to worship their Lord and they just did
not have time*to sleep. Singing and praying continued well into the wee
morning hours, but at 5:30 A. M. all were bright and cheerful as tea was
served in preparation for the morning's activities.

-2-

Following the tea service a ^roup of ver 200 people, including several of
the missionaries, left the mission ^rpunds in a procession headed for the
surround in villages. This is one mi^sionary that can say she literally
ran on'an evangelistic journey.

The

leaders of the group kept saying,

"Manya, I-fenya" - run, run - in their pfforts to keep such a large group to-

gether. Vife marched out of the missiolcL grounds and up the bush road some
3/4 of a mile; and then took off throiigh a bush path toward the village of
Chief Dandawa, the head chief of the e rea. Chief Dandawa had just been returned home from a three-week stay in the Hospital, at which time we were
very concerned for his life. But as this group of happy Christians-gathered in a circle outside his hut and sang hymns and began to preach, Mrs.
Ammerman and I were surprised to feel the presence of the old chief beside
us as he came shuffling out of the doc r of his hut where we were standing.

We helped him to a sitting position!ip

the shade of the hut and there he

listened intently to what was being sa id. I couldn't help but shed a tear
as when the final song was being sung, tired as he was, he began to sing in
his very weak voice his praises to th^ Lord. The journey continued through
three more villages and even halted in the midst of a maize (com) field to

hold a service for one lonely old Imbi:(:ya (grandmother)-who was plowing her
field. Then we continued on through two'mo re villages, and by this time
the sun was high in the sky and very blot, but this did not dampen these
happy Christians for they were tellinjs; others about their Lord. Returning
to the mission in a din of noise and song,

all were served sadsa and beans

before convening for the Lord's day service.

The meeting was concluded at

two P. M.; and as the group climbed aboard their various

portation, once again the mission rang with their songs.

modes of trans-

This was a time of great fellowship with the children churches and their
mother church. It was a time when small-village Christians felt the com
fort and strength of other Christiansl It was a time to realize that there
are many hundreds of Christians in Africa, all loving their Lord dearly,
This missionary felt very humble in tb e presence of such love and dedication. It had been a very draining week-end physically, but spiritually we
had been on the "Mountain Top" with Christ.
It is at meetings like this and times of great fellowship, that we realize

how much these people want to know Chrjist. 'It is at times'like these that
we missionaries realize we cannot do enough, go far enough, preach lo^^

enough, to reach all the unsaved'soulb

It is at times like these that we

realize that without the prayers, letters of encouragement and financial

help from you at home, we could not continue. The need is so great, and
the harvest is ripe.

May we pray the ord of the Harvest that more will

catch the vision and help to bring Christ to the spiritually hungry.

More_.sepylce linlc-imda.^^^^^
for my work here in Rhodesia than I
^ad time to raise before'leaving the United States, due to the urgency of
my arriving here in time to be trained by Madonna Burget before she had to
leave on furlough. The service link o f a missionary is the fund used to
further the work of the G-ospel on thet field. My service link is divided
in two, half to the Hospital and half to be used for my personal work among'
Shall we pray together t lat the need will be filled? If you
are not presently doing so, and would Like to contribute to the support of
work here, you may send your pledge or contribution to my forwarding

the natives.

agefit-, whose name and address appear

ab the bottom of this letter.

Again may I thank you for your letters

the Lord richly bless you all.

prayers and encouragement.

May

Sincerely in Christ,

JUDITH L^ PICIOETT" (Miss Judy)~

FORWARDING AGENT:

Mrs. Stanley E. Anderson

1521'Menlo Avenue

Napa, California 9455B

vr-.'

THE

V>>'

Non-Profit Or?5anization

P I C K E T T
LINE

U.S. Postage
PAID

Mission Services
2659-First Street

Napa, California

Box 36B

Nepp, Cslif. 9k55^

Joliet, 111* 60/v34

Permit No.28

April 1970
Dear Christian Friends:

It is Sunday evening and I have iust come home from our Sunday evening
church service of all the"Tiissionaries.

As I walked up the path from the

Amraerman home, I chanced to look at the sky. A more beautiful sight I

have never seen.

The stars were so numerous that I felt as if I were

wrapped in a complete star blanket.

Usually the nights are very dark here

in the bush, but when the moon is out, one can see very well without a
torchlight (flashlight).
Our rainy season has ended and the beautiful green hillsides are begin
ning to turn broxvn and dusty, but still they are beautiful. The days are
verv mild and the nights very cool, as Fall is here, and our Winter months
of May and June are fast arriving. It seems odd to look out the window in
the middle of April and see the leaves falling. With dry season here, we
are seeing manv more*snakes and having lots of trouble with "svesve" or

ants.

The Ammermens, Campbells and Nices had a very unwelcome visitor to

their chicken pens last week in the form of a hyena. They were unable to
scare him awav before he had slain some of their young chickens.

The work at the Hospital is running smoothly, and many new contacts are

being made*for Christ. One day last week, Mr. Togerepi, our Hospital
evangelist, excitedly related to me that he had eleven baptisms in one
day.

Todav there were two at the Mission Church service and in one of

the outlying villages there were sixteen.

So Christ goes forward and we

re.ioice wilrh Him.

Easter weekend saw Chidamoyo playing host to another meeting of the sur

rounding churches. The group began gathering on G-ood Friday afternoon and
stayed until Easter Sunday. Services were held Friday and Saturday nights
and Easter morning. The African Christians sang, prayed and preached all

Saturday night, but all were very ready and willing to march up the moun
tain at 5 A. M. Easter morning for a beautiful Sunrise service. This time
I found myself on the working end of the program as I assisted in cooking

meat, sudsa and tea, and cut bread for the "feeding of the multitudes."
It was ouite thrilling to see the huge pots of water placed over the fire

and the meally meal added to make Sudsa, but after standing over the very
hot fire for a while, the thrill was gone.

Pat Kenney and I have decided v^e will have to raise chickens as one of the
ladies in one of Pat*s groups presented her with a hen, and one of my
ladles presented me with a cock.

Need I say more?

I em finding my Shona lessons very interesting, but becoming more diffi

cult as we move along. I feel like a first grader as I read in Shona and
translate such sentences as: "See the man"; "Ask the girl"; "Look at the
boy"; "Fetch the ball." However, each time I am able to use what I have

learned, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and I see the joy of the
people in knowing that I am trying to ieam their language.
I am beginning to receive boxes from several of you, and they are so much

appreciated. In time, all of the articles will be put to good use.

Thank

you all so very much.

I continue to covet your prayers on behalf of Central Africa Mission and

Chidamoyo Christian Hospital, and for myself as I labor here.
In Christ*s Service,
JUDY PICKETT.

THE
P I C K E T T
LINE

2659 JPirst Street

Non-Profit Organization
Mission Services
Box 36B

U.S. Posta'^e
PAID

Joliet, 111. 60434

Napa, California
Permit No.28

Naca, Calif. 9455^

July, 1970
Dear Christian Friends:

It has been some time since I have written.

Sometimes in our busy lives we

tend to nush our corresDondence aside for tomorrow, but tomorrow has come
and I_find JjtL_-tlme jCorL 8 newsletter,

_ _

I have .iust this minute arrived home from my ladies' meeting at Chevakenenvama. I was thrilled to have 40 women present today, and what a joy they
were. These women are all members of the Church of Christ in that village
and they are a fine example of Christian ladies anywhere. There are sever
al young ivomen and girls in this club, and they love to sing, and most of

the time they are working, they are singing in beautiful harmony. I have
a favorite chorus that I love to sing, "Every time I Feel the Spirit",
which I had taught my interpreter. She liked the song very much and so to

day she said, "Will you teach it to the*club." I asked her if she could
translate it into Shona. She said, "No, but teach it to them in English."
Since there are several of the younger women who sneak English a little, I
decided to do this. Thev have a natural talent for harmonizing, and it
was just a few moments until they were carrying the tune beautifully.
Tears filled my eves as I stood before these lovely Christian women sing

ing, "Sverv time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray." Of
course, the interpreter had explained to them the meaning of the song, so
thev knew thev wrere singing praises to the Lord.

On the way home I stopped to pick up a school boy whom I had taken to his
home village on mv xvav; i-^s I stopped, 20 or 25 school children came run-

"ni:njg^"'TU~trhe car~a3klng,^'^PTaase leL us ride, pluaae let us ride." I couM

n't Possibly take them all, so it was finally decided by the interpreter
that we would take those who went the farthest, which was some 10 miles
awav. (And they walk this every morning and night.) I ended up x-^/ith 8 of
these children in the back of the truck, my interpreter and the other boy
and myself in the front.

But I was duly rewarded when upon letting them

out at their yillages, they were so thankful, because now they would eat
hot Sadza tonight instead of cold.

How many of us could v^/alk txwenty miles

a dav, back and forth to school, and then sit doT'n to a cold meal without
complaining?

On the 31st of July we are planning a Youth Rally for all the young people
of the surrounding yillages.

Some 300 youth are expected and a camp type

program*is planned. One such rally was held last year and was a terrific
success, so we are looking forward to this one with great anticipation.
The young people will supply their own mealy meal for sadza, but we at the
mission will supply the relish (meat and yegetables such as goat meat and
rape or Choumollier - rape and Ghoumollier being spinach type green vege

tables.) I am again on the cooking end of the program so will be kept

busv, I'm sure.

There is usually one type of Church meeting a month here on the field so
as to keep the African Christian in close fellowship with other Christians.
So often an African Christian finds himself or herself the only Christian

in his/her village and, therefore, needs the encouragement which can be

gained by meeting together with other Christians. In June we held a
Ladies' Show Day at Chidamoyo. This was a day in which all the women's
clubs came to the mission and brought their handcraft which they had com

pleted. in their clubs and at their homes. It was a two-day meeting, with
some 300 women present and 305 projects on display. * Prizes were given in

many categories, and eyeryone was happy. Of course, a program was planned,
with the usual all-night preaching and singing that they so love.

With all the activity in June and the coming activity of the youth rally,
I felt the need to have a day or two of rest last week, and was joined by
Miss Marsha Kay Thompson of Chiredzi-Hippo Valley Mission. Miss Thompron's

mother, who is dorm mother at Ozark Bible College, is visiting for the sum
mer, and was also "with us. 'Dr. Nice flew us from Chidamoyo to a rest hotel
on the shore of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills, which is a half hour's flight.

-2-

but a five and a half hour drive by car over-impossible roads.

V/e had a

very peaceful twcand a half days in the sun, and enjoyed the real Africanswild ^ame.

We were nrivile'^ed to take a boat cruise out on the lake to

view the fl^ame, and I saw thin'?s that I have always read about, but never
dreamed to be within 50 feet of. As we skimmed along* on the water, our
guide and driver would suddenly turn itward the shore, pointing out Zebra,
or Kudu or Sable or Elephant. Our unajscustomed eyes would be unbelieving,
but in a few moments the animals wouldj start moving as they heard the motor,
and we.would be thrilled at the natural beauty before us. We saw huge

herds of Elephant, Impala, Water Buck^ jand several smaller herds of Zebra
Kudu, Sable and Buffalo. The hotel is|situated on a high cliff overlooking
a sloping plain down to the lake, and each evening we would watch as the
game came down to the water's edge to jdrink. Rhodesia is truly a beautiful
country.

As always, there is some excitement at the hospital. Today we had a man

bring us twins,
giving birth to
their infancy.
to see them and

a boy and a girl, fivp days old. Their mother had died
them, so Chidamoyo now has the job of oaring for them in
They are tiny little things, and one feels a great sadness
know they are motherlesis. Their names are Musarapasi

(girl) and Musiwa (boy) Shava. Being the baby-lover that I am, I saw to
it that I was in on the first feeding ^fter they arrived at the hospital.
They are both established in one large baby bed in the Nurses duty room,
where'they will be under constant supeivision. Upon arrival, the Head

Nurse, Mrs, Tsuro, and I dug into our store of baby clothes and outfitted
each of them in govns and diapers. They are so tiny that the clothes look
as if to swallow them. Will you pray mth us that these children will grow

strong and healthy under the care they] receive here at Chidamoyo.
Now I would like to thank* all of you who are supporting me, both with your
prayers and your finances, and also for the nice boxes you have sent.

have received so many lovely sewing supplies, and they are certainly wel

comed, Many of them found their way injto the prizes for V/omen's Day, and
thev were so much appreciated.

I have many lovely quilt squares and scraps

want to make quilts. Pins and

in preparation for the time my groups ^ill

need;les are certainly a well used iteml

Perhaps it seems a little early to mentlLon Christmas, but as the mail systern is so slow, Christmas packages shod Id be sent before too long in order
for them to arrive on time. It has bed Q the custom for the missionaries to
give some sort of little gift to the ladies in their clubs each year, and

also we try to provide a small gift for our hospital- staff and patients.

In view of this, I thought perhaps ther'9 might be a Sunday School class or

Women's group v^ho would be interested in some Christmas projects. I will
list, therefore, some items that would pertainly be welcomed by the men
and women:

Belts (can be used if in good condition), men's and women's.

Dress belts for which the drpsses have worn out, but the
belt is good.

Cloth remnants (all sizes).

Jewelry (earrings, pierced and otherwise, necklaces, etc.)

Crochet thread is always in demand! as these ladies iise so much of it.
Once again let me say thank you from th( bottom of my heart for the encouragement we missionaries receive frpi you folk at home. Without this.
all our efforts would be useless.

In Christian Love,
mss JUDY.

Fomwarding Agent:
Mrs. Stanley E, Anderson
1521*Menlo Ave.

Napa, Calif/ 9A558

THE
P I C K E T T
LINE

Mission Services

Non-Profit Or^^anization
U.S. Posta<?e

Box 368

Joliet, 111.

60434

PAID

Napa, California

2669'First ^Street

Net)a, Cpiif. 94558

Permit No.28

September 1970
Dear Friends in Christ:

Crreetin^s from Chidamoyo. It is 4:30 in the afternoon here and activities

at the Hospital are auite heavy just before the day staff leaves. I am
takins; a breather from working on my books and usin^ the time to write to
you.-

This is Friday, and has been a very busy day. Dr. Nice is away for
short time, and Dr. G-loria Cobb from Mashoko is filling in for him.

a
Every

Friday afternoon is devoted to Maternity Clinic. Today there were 25 ex

pectant mothers'at the clinic. During the month of August we had 27 births
at the hosnital, including a set of twins. Our census has been running in

the middle 80*s and high 70*s.

With only 72 available beds, this means two

children to a bed and adults on the floor in the wards - and still they

come.

The outnatient department has been seeing over 100 patients a day.

We are seeing lots of malaria, measles, whooping cough, malnutrition and

nhemonia.

We have a new Chaplain at the Hospital, Mr, Kennias Maringira, a recent

graduate of the Bible College at Fort Victoria. He is doing a fine job in
leading the hospital spiritual life, with several additions to the Lord*s
church each week. He is also organizing a choir among the hospital staff
and the enthusiasm of their songs is very inspiring.

In my last letter I told about the set of twin babies which were brought
to us in very poor condition. I am happy to tell you that our prayers in

their behalf have been answered. The girl now weighs 7 lbs. k oz., and the
boy 6 lbs. 14 oz. They are happy, healthy babies, and the pets of the en
tire hospital.

We will sorely miss them when their father feels he can

_care for them at home, but we hone that^Jie can do this as it is his right.
It is hard to believe that on the 4th of November I will have been in
Rhodesia one full year. It has been a year filled with exciting new ex
periences, challenges to'learn work I had not done before, joy at seeing
victories'won for Christ, and happy associations with fellow missionaries.

Of course, there have been the usual things a missionary must face by go
ing to a far country, difficulties in adjusting to climate, initial cul
tural shock, overcoming language barriers, facing news of illnesses of
loved ones at home, etc. Now as a new year approaches, I am looking for
ward to opportunities of further service and evangelism. I covet your
pravers for all of us here at Chidamoyo that we might be Cod*s tools in
this place.

November will see the decarture of the Aramerman family for their furlough
in the states. They have been two terras at Chidamoyo and are loved dearly
by the people. December will see the departure of Miss Ola Marion, our

mission school teacher,-and hopefully the return of the Chuck Kelly family
and Miss Mary Maclntyre, Miss Marion's renlacement for the year. New
clinics are olanned by Dr. Nice, new churches are being started through
hosnital contacts, Village women are asking for someone to come and lead
them in sewing and Bible Study, and many other opportunities are opening
up.

In Christian Service,
Forwarding Agent:
Mrs. Stanley Anderson
1521'Menlo Ave.

H/EESS JUDY.

Napa, Cal. 94558

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

Service Link {16100-$150 needed monthly; |50 per month,

approximately, now coming in.)

SUICESTIONS TO THOSE DESIRINO TO SEND PACKAGES:

1. Keep value under ^>10.

2. Include License No. 371-11 on each package,

with the words "Hnsolicited gift--not for resale".

to me at Box 330, Karoi, Rhodesia, Africa.

pital.

3. Send personally

Do not include name of hos

This sometimes causes difficulties with Customs.

6 to 8 weeks (or longer) for delivery.

inside of box as well as on outside.
board and tied very securely.

4. Plan on

5. Be sure to place address on

6. Boxes should be of heavy card

THE
? I C K E T T
LINE

Non-Profit Or'^anization
U.S. Postage

Mission Servioes
Box 363

Joliet, 111. 6043,

PAID

Napa, California
Perniit No.28

?65^'First Street

NaT)a, Calif. 9L55^

December 1970
Dear Christian Friends:

Once a^^ain it is time for m.e to come into your homes via the Pickett Line.
Our rainy season has arrived, and the people are busy plowin'^ and planting

th^ir maize (com). We can see them ^oin<> to their fields at the first
liQ;ht of dav?h~to ^et several hours of work in before-the sun <5et-s too hot.
Todav it was somewhat of a surprise to see hail alon^ with the rain* The
patient load at the Hospital has dropped considerably as the

people are

too busy in the fields to come to the Hospital unless they are desperately
ill.

The mission seems rather ouiet for a day or two, as the Aumerman family and
Hiss Ola Marion departed yesterday on their wav home to America for furlouQ:h. Pat-Kenney and I are the only ones livin'?; on the one side of the

mission now, but soon in December the Campbell family will be moving over^
to the Ammerman home, and the Chuck Kelly family will be returning to their
home here. It is always sad parting with friends, even though we are
happy for them to be going home for a much needed rest.

We Americans celebrated our Thanksgiving early as we wanted to share with

the Ammermans'before they left, and we all had a delicious American Thanks
giving dinner, with turkey and all. TH'jo African girls volunteered to help
with the cleaning up and they too en.ioved the turkey and said they really
liked our Thanksgiving Day.

I thought perhaps vou would like to hear about some of the African staff
Pt. t.hp Ho.qr>ltal> so I have chosen to write my next few letters about dif
ferent staff members. I have chosen first to teli you abolit Mr. Kenirias

Maringira^^3ps^^Ji^ee^f the newest members of our staff, having joined us

in Augu^^^sChaplainryMr. Maringira was born in April, 1936, and is the

fifth p
i mn
'c- family. He very early developed a desire to be
educated, and so he worked for several years on the farms to earn the money
to support himself in school. He attended Mukanga School (Mashoko) in 1955
for his grade 1. The more schooling he acouired, the more he desired, so
he worked at many jobs to be able to continue his schooling. He worked for
the I. R, Smith family while at Mashoko, and there became interested in be
coming a preacher. Moving to Salisbury with the Smiths, Mr. Maringira
found that he was disturbed by the sin he saw around him in the city, so

his heart became burdened to preach the C-ospel. He was able to enter the^
Bible College sponsored by our mission at Mashoko, and then at Ft, Victoria
and finished in August of 1970.

Mr. Maringira is married and has two

daughters, Catherine, 5 years, and Constance, 5 months. His wife is also

a fine Christian witness.

Since coming to Chid.amovo, Mr. Maringira has helped to bring about the
baptism of 46 people at the Hospital.

He leads in the Hospital devotions

which are held each morning for in-patients and out-patients. During the
day he can be seen sitting in the wards or on the veranda talking to pat
ients and. visitors about the Christ.

Each VVednesday evening, a service of

bioscope (filrastrip) is held for staff and patients, and each Sunday after
noon, staff, patients and visitors meet about the Lord's table.
Just a few weeks ago the Sunday afternoon service was held, and when the

invitation was opened, no one came forward. The next day Mr. Maringira
reported two baptisms on Sunday afternoon. Upon investigation, we learned
that the vreek before Mr. Maringira had talked to a woman who had come to

the Hospital to sell bananas, with the result that she accepted Jesus as

Saviour, and was baptised.

On the following Sunday, she had returned

bringing two other 'vomen from her village whom she herself had witnessed

to, and who came also wanting to know more about the Christ, and to be

buried with Him in baptism.

Mr. Maringira says of himself, "I am satis

fied in my decision and know* that when Jesus said, 'G-o ye'. He meant me,
and like Isaiah, I have said, 'Here I am, Lord, send me.' *'
In Christian Love,
MISS JUDY.