James And Anneli Colton
February 2003
The Story So Far......

As many of you will perhaps be aware, Anneli has recently been experiencing a few health problems. We have been monitoring the situation closely, and been following the developments of Anneli's hospital visits in Tanzania very carefully. Although we are a Christian organisation and therefore trust God, we also insist that all our missionaries have adequate medical insurance whilst on the filed. This we feel is the correct balance between God's sovereignty and our responsibility. When the tests indicated that cancerous cells had been discovered, plans to fly Anneli back home were immediately enforced.

And so on the morning of Friday January 24, Anneli was met at Birmingham airport by a couple of members of the SICM team. She spent the weekend in the area and we can report that she is totally positive and upbeat about everything; her faith and trust in God is an inspiration to all of us.

On Monday January 27 we drove her to Whitby, her 'English home' where she was booked in for a GP's appointment the very next day. At the time of writing (Anneli is actually on the road as this is being typed!) we don't have contact details for Whitby, but please feel free to contact us at SICM and we can let you have updates.

The Coltons' Support Team is headed up by Martyn and Carol Ricketts who will be in regular contact during this time. Whilst in Africa, Martyn and Carol have been responsible for writing to James and Anneli on a weekly basis, ensuring that everything is in order. Actually, their job has been very easy; the Coltons are 'low maintenance' missionaries due to their maturity of character.

For those who are supporting the Coltons financially at this time, we strongly encourage you to continue to do so. James is still in Tanzania at the present time, but depending on what the result of Anneli's visit to the GP is, he is ready to fly back immediately. (Anneli also had a conflicting report from her Tanzanian tests that suggested she may not have cancer).

The aim of all of us, including James and Anneli is that they will be back in Africa as soon as is possible. That's the prayer goal! Please do continue to lift Anneli before the Lord at this time.

*** Latest news - Anneli visited the specialist. She now has a scan on Feb 4 and the results will be known on Feb 6. Keep praying.

When in Tanzania James and Anneli can be reached at :
PO Box 30268, Kibaha, Pwani, Tanzania.
e-mail : jamantan@hotmail.com    

In their own words.....
By James Colton

At Christmas time we organised a special event for our Sunday School children which was held at the Missions House. The start time on the programme stated 10 am, but they started to arrive at nine o'clock instead! We opened the door and 47 children invaded our home. Everybody enjoyed "the bite" - banana bread, doughnuts, roast ground nut, not forgetting the drink - passion fruit juice!

Everybody settled to listen to the message, which was about the angels proclaiming the Good News to the shepherds, that the saviour is born. We explained that we were proclaiming the same Good News today; and that we all have a part to play, to tell others. After the teaching session, we sang praises to our Lord; then it was time for fun! First we had to teach them the games - musical statues, balloon relay and others; they were all new to them.

The ladies from Church kindly prepared a meal for lunch. Bless them! We had meat pilau, greens, salad and a bottle of soft drink. You could see the children were enjoying the meal, with the boys helping themselves to seconds.

We then had more teaching from the word of God, singing and games again! Finally, surprise, surprise! There was a present for everyone. It was a memorable day for everyone; all of the leaders and helpers were exhausted, but very blessed!

We often take our health for granted. When you hear the doctor saying you have cancer, it turns your world upside down; that is what happened to me. I was shocked at first, but now I'm coming to terms and accept the fact that I may have cancer. I might have to face an operation and possible treatment; for this reason I have returned home to England for further tests.

Since my illness, the Lord has been comforting me through the book of Job. "For I know my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth" Job 19:25. Yes, He lives and He has the final word. He is able to heal and so I'll be healed.

I know my work in Tanzanian is NOT finished yet. All the children and mamas are waiting for me to return as soon as possible. I'm sure you want me to be there as well.

I know that you have been praying for James and myself, because the power of prayer has focused our minds to the heavenlies and to what God can do; he is the miracle working God, our Redeemer, our Saviour - Jesus Christ.

We have received streams of visitors to the Mission Mouse - elders of the Church, mamas, choir members, youth and children; everyone of them wanted to pray for my healing. We had a tearful farewell because they love me so much. They believe I'll be back soon. Yes, this is my desire to serve the Body of Christ in Tanzania.

Coltons' e-mail contact: jamantan@hotmail.com