April and May have been hugely significant months.
After much anticipation, we came together for a time of fellowship, prayer, team-building and planning. Following several challenging years, this gave us an opportunity to reflect on the past and renew future plans. The investment of time yielded much more than expected, and we thank the Lord for graciously giving us the opportunity.
Sharing about the work
Immediately after the trustees’ workshop, we had a series of 4 “Open Days” in different locations around the UK. Although attendance was modest, all who came agreed that these provided invaluable opportunities to meet the frontline workers, and learn about the work.
From our point of view, Anna and Harold, representing the team in Malawi, both remarked how encouraging it was to meet some of those who support the work practically and in prayer. We will definitely consider running more Open Days in other locations, Lord willing. (We did note with sadness how few younger people seem to have an interest in the Lord’s work! A cause for concern, and much prayer.)
This was Harold’s first time out of Africa. Although somewhat hampered by a heavy Irish cold, he still enjoyed the fellowship of believers and seeing a very different part of the world. For him, a big highlight was visiting the David Livingstone birthplace in Blantyre (Scotland), after which his hometown is named. Anna enjoyed some hiking in Scotland, the land of (some of) her ancestors and a weekend in England where her dad was speaking at the Bicester conference.
NYB Training Videos
While in N. Ireland, Harold spent a day recording Chichewa training videos for Nthawi ya Baibulo (Bibletime) teachers. We hope this will make it possible to multiply the reach of NYB without proportionately multiplying the work involved. We were so grateful that the Lord gave Harold the health and strength required.
2025 Annual Conference a great blessing
We are so thankful that Harold’s cold and cough cleared up in time for our 2025 Annual Conference. Particularly as the conference had been extended to include a second week of teaching. His role as translator for the visiting speakers is a vital one, for which the Lord has really gifted him. (But that’s another story!)
Over the two weeks, we were joined by a total of around 100 brothers from various parts Malawi. Some came from as far as Mzuzu (Northern Region), a distance of around 700Km. At least one brother came from Mozambique. Economic conditions in Malawi are so difficult we had to help cover almost all the attendees’ travel expenses. As you can imagine, this amounted to quite a considerable sum.
Sadly, accommodation constraints meant that we had to send around 25 brothers home at the end of the first week. This meant we could invite another 25 to come for the second. The place we rented last year was unavailable, and we had to block book a rest-house at Thondwe trading centre, a 2Km walk away. The standard, frankly, wasn’t great, and some unseasonal heavy rain made this even more challenging. Some slept on the floor of our print-room floor, or the literature storage container.
Crucially important teaching
Notwithstanding the logistical challenges, we had a really wonderful time. During the first week, we made a systematic study of 1 Timothy. We touched many essential topics for those present in their work of evangelism and teaching others. Most have no other opportunity to hear clear teaching of the scriptures. Therefore, the messages on the charge for faithfulness in Christian service, identifying false teachers, the respective roles of brothers and sisters, and the characteristics of godly leadership, were of crucial importance.
During the second (shorter) week, we had 6 sessions aimed at giving a basic dispensational understanding of the Bible. At times, it was almost possible to see the lights coming on in the believers’ minds. They were learning for the first time how the Old and New Testaments fit together in God’s one unified plan. Many had no idea how to reconcile Law and Grace, OT Temple worship and NT worship in the Spirit, or circumcision vs baptism. Some did not properly understand the significance of gathering on the Lord’s Day instead rather than the Sabbath. One evening, Harold said excitedly, “We may get a surprise, brother, when we discover what the Lord has accomplished this week.”
Please pray that it may be so.
The encouragement of the conference reinforced the vision of the workshop. We face the months ahead with renewed commitment. We look to the Lord to bless his work. May he save souls, strengthen believers, and establish still more testimonies for his glory and the blessing of others.
Abale, pempherani ife. Brethren, pray for us.
