News

Work continues at a good pace on the new dormitory accommodation at our Saidi site in southern Malawi. We are thankful to share an encouraging progress update as this important project moves forward.

The dormitory and ablutions block will help us host larger and more frequent Bible teaching conferences, supporting believers from across Malawi with residential, in-depth teaching.

Construction Progress on Site

Several key milestones have now been reached:

  • The toilet and shower (ablutions) block has reached ring-beam level. The team has installed the formwork and is now preparing the steel reinforcement ahead of concreting. This stage is especially important in an area prone to minor earth tremors.
  • Brickwork on the first dormitory wing continues to progress well. Local bricklayers are working steadily, and supervision on site remains strong.

We are grateful for the skill, care, and consistency of the local building team.

12 November
19 December

Roofing Plans and Engineering Support

The project did not advance far enough before the Christmas break to place the roof steelwork order with suppliers in South Africa.

However, this is unlikely to cause major delays. A recent roof design adjustment should allow the project to move forward quickly once orders are placed in early January.

We are thankful for the structural engineering input from William Smyth, which has been invaluable during this phase.

Windows, Utilities, and Next Steps

We have now received window quotations from South African suppliers. Once the ring beams are complete, the team will take final measurements and place the order.

During Stephenโ€™s visit to Malawi in February, we plan to install the electrical and water systems. Completing this work on site will help ensure proper coordination and quality control.

Looking Ahead to May

Despite the normal challenges of construction work, especially across borders, we remain very hopeful.

Our aim is to complete one dormitory wing and the toilet/shower block in time for the Bible Teaching Conference in May. Reaching this goal would significantly increase our capacity to host residential teaching events at Saidi.

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you to everyone who continues to pray, give, and stand with us. Your support makes this work possible and helps provide facilities that will serve the Lordโ€™s work in Malawi for many years to come.

We look forward to sharing further updates as construction enters its next phase.

Gallery: Some of the Building Team

Give thanks:

  1. For the many children who heard the Gospel last Saturday at the Children’s outreach, and that the rain did not adversely affect the day’s activities. Pray that the kindness shown to the children will leave a lasting impression upon them.
  2. For good rains so far – most people have finished planting, and most maize is already above ankle-height. Pray that rains will continue, especially while the plants are still very susceptible to dry periods. Most families are seriously stressed after several years of poor harvests. (see Prayer Points)

Pray

Please pray:

  1. For safe, trouble-free travel for Anna as she sets off today for a few weeks at home. Pray that she will have a blessed time with family and that she will be able to successfully complete the renewal of her Driver’s License while home.
  2. For speedy arrival of a 20ft Container of Gospel Calendars and other literature. The container has just left Mauritius en route to Nacala, Mozambique, and is expected to arrive there later this week.
  3. For the arrival and installation of the second-hand engine for our Mitsubishi Canter Truck. With building work advancing, this vehicle is now needed urgently. The truck carrying the engine is presently at the Zimbabwe border.
  4. For the building work – the Toilet & Shower block is now at “Ring Beam” level and brick work is commencing on the first dormitory. Work is ahead of schedule, but threatened by frequent heavy showers. Stephen will be ordering steel and other roofing materials from South Africa this week – pray that the order is processed accurately and timely, before closure for the Christmas holidays.
  5. For continued good rains, essential for a healthy maize crop, especially after several stressed years. A few weeks ago the Malawi president declared a state of disaster because of the acute food insecurity across the country. The rains have been consistent, so far.
Our Nissan Pickup is too small for present needs!
Rented 2-Ton truck for Building Materials
Rented 2-Ton truck for Building Materials
The replacement 2-Ton Canter Engine is needed urgently!

Pray

Please continue to pray for relief of the ongoing economic crisis in Malawi. Fuel is in extremely short supply, with unbelievably long queues when filling stations are supplied. People have been seen fist-fighting over their place in the line.

Other locally-grown commodities like sugar and cooking oil are not available, presumably as producers export in order to obtain much-need foreign currency. This has been going on for many months now, and has a really debilitating effect.

Please also pray for the arrival of the used engine we purchased from South Africa for our 2-Ton Mitsubishi truck which has been laid up now for many months. The engine has been delayed for several weeks – we suspect it has also been affected by the fuel shortage.

Jeff says: “As we near the end of our time here, Iโ€™m overwhelmed with gratitude for what the Lord has provided and what He has enabled us toย doย forย Him!ย “

Do give thanks for all that Jeff & Cammo, and Tom & Debbie were able to accomplish during their visits to Malawi.

We now have extremely practical roller doors on our workshop & stores, improving security and greatly reducing dust. And we have a working double-cab pickup again, which we expect to provide reliable service for a few more years, God willing. We praise God, and thank them for their efforts.

Please pray for Jeff & Cammo as they start their journeys home on Monday, DV.

We were delighted to welcome Tom and Debbie Turnbull back to Malawi this month. Their visit was packed with practical work, school ministry, and encouraging gospel opportunities. They also spent valuable time with Harold, Anna, and Goodson, who continue to lead the day-to-day efforts on the ground.

School Visits: โ€œItโ€™s Quite Humbling to See How Little They Haveโ€

On Thursday, the team visited two schools to distribute backpacks and classroom packs.

The first stop was a primary school where more than 1,000 children gathered in the courtyard. Tom shared a gospel message from John 3:16, and the children listened with remarkable attention. Afterwards, they filed back into their classrooms, where the team handed out backpacks.

The conditions in the school were striking. Most of the classrooms have no desks, no chairs, and no electricity. Children sit on the floor. Light enters only through open windows, and teachers write on large blackboards.

Tom wrote later:

โ€œItโ€™s quite humbling to see how little they have, when we enjoy so much in our culture.โ€

In the afternoon, the team visited a secondary school with about 250 older students. They again shared a gospel message and distributed classroom packs and senior kits. Supplies ran short, and 38 students did not receive a kit. Names were taken, and the missing supplies were purchased locally. Harold delivered them on Sunday, making sure every student received the help promised.

Tom carrying packs
Tom distributing Classroom Packs
Debbie distributing Classroom Packs

Roll-Up Doors: Hard Work, Long Days, and a Torchlit Finish

Much of Tom and Debbieโ€™s time was spent installing the new roll-up doors for the storage buildings at Saidi.

Some sections of the existing wall construction needed to be cut away and replaced with strong concrete so the doors could be anchored properly. Tom carried the main responsibility for the installation, with Debbie working alongside him every step of the way. Jeff, Cammo, and Stephen helped when neededโ€”especially when extra hands or muscle were required.

The work stretched across several days. The final bolts went in at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday night, with torches lighting the site. It was a tough job, but the doors are now securely in place and ready for years of service.

Assembling Rack Shelving
A late-night finish
The finished doors!

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2026

Tom is already planning for next year. Lord willing, he hopes to send another container to Malawi mid-2026. His goals include:

  • 10,000 classroom packs
  • A 50% increase in senior kits
  • More street soccer balls, which brought huge smiles this year

Last yearโ€™s shipment included these durable balls, and they were a blessing everywhere they wentโ€”especially in the schools and prison. Many children normally use footballs made from rolled-up grocery bags tied with rubber bands, so receiving a real ball is a moment of pure joy.

โ€œWe Trust the Gospel Will Bring True Spiritual Blessingโ€

As always, the deepest encouragement comes from sharing the gospel. Tom wrote that he prays the messages, Scriptures, and literature distributed during the week will lead many to true spiritual blessing.

He ended his update with heartfelt thanks:

โ€œThere is great need there, but we have a great God who is able.
Thanks again for all of your support, and please continue to pray for the ongoing work.
Please especially pray for Anna, Harold, and Goodson who lead all of the day-to-day efforts in Malawi.โ€

We thank Tom and Debbie for their dedication, their hard work, and their love for the people of Malawi. Please pray for them as they begin preparations for next yearโ€™s shipment, and continue to pray for the ongoing gospel work across the country.

โ€œGo therefore and make disciples of all nationsโ€ฆโ€ โ€” Matthew 28:19โ€“20

Distributing packs at Kalimbuka
Tom shared a word on Lord’s Day
It was a tight squeeze as they left for the airport

Over the past three weeks, our team and vistors have been privileged to witness, serve, and connect with communities in Malawi. Hereโ€™s a look back at the journey, the challenges faced, and the blessings experienced.

Arrival and Early Outreach

The journey began on October 22nd, with Stephen arriving ahead of the main group. The following day, Tom & Debbie Turnbull (USA) and Samuel Adams & John Moore (Revival Movement, N. Ireland) joined, setting the stage for a busy and impactful visit.

Tom & Debbie and Samuel & John arrive
We were warmly received at Anna’s
Classroom packs are a big hit
Prison Visit
John & Samuel doing inventory check
Samuel interviews Harold

School and Prison Visits

Our first major outreach was a visit to Kalimbuka School, distributing classroom packs and presenting the Gospel. The response from students and staff was heartwarming.

That same day, we visited Bvumbwe Prison. We distributed prison packs to over 300 inmates, many of whom showed signs of malnutrition and discouragement. The simple gift of two soccer balls brought visible joy, and it was humbling to hear the prison chaplain recall messages from our previous visit in August 2023. The Gospel was shared, offering hope in difficult circumstances.

Later, a team lunch at Game Haven Lodge provided a valuable opportunity to network with Revival Movement representatives and discuss future literature needs.

Saturday saw us at Thondwe market for open-air outreach, followed by a traditional lunch at Saidi. Revival Movement guests met local Literature Distributors, strengthening partnerships for future ministry.

Sharing with kids @ Thondwe Market
Sat afternoon Children’s club
Saidi assembly

Fellowship and Exploration

Sunday was a day of spiritual refreshment, with the Lordโ€™s Supper at Saidi and a scenic lunch on Zomba Mountainโ€”the only chance for our guests to experience Malawiโ€™s beautiful landscape.

On Monday, as Samuel and John departed, new arrivals Jeff Gratias (Oregon) and Cammo McCrindle (Seattle) joined the team. They immediately set to work on a challenging project: swapping the engine between two Isuzu vehicles.

Progress and Practical Challenges

The following days were filled with practical tasks. Tom & Debbie began erecting rack shelving sent from the USA, while the long-awaited roller shutter doors arrivedโ€”an answer to prayer. Meetings with contractors advanced the dormitory project, and school visits to Namaka Primary & Secondary Schools allowed us to share the Gospel and classroom packs with over 1,500 children. The joy among the students was palpable.

Meanwhile, the team faced the realities of working in Malawi: unreliable building materials, a lack of basic tools, and the need to adapt to โ€œAfrica-square, Africa-plumb, and Africa-levelโ€ standards. Yet, perseverance paid off, and by November 3rd, the doors were installed and operational.

Assembling Rack Shelving
Jeff’s home for 3 weeks
Shopping for spares (lunch!!) in Blantyre

Literature Distribution and Vehicle Projects

During the visitors’ time in Malawi the first part of a consignment of one million tracts arrived from the printer in Lilongwe. This will greatly support ongoing outreach efforts as we await a further major re-stock courtesy of Revival Movement.

Vehicle maintenance continued, with Jeff & Cammo making significant progress, including an axle swap and getting the Isuzu pickup back on the road. The arrival of a new cement mixer was another boost for the dormitory construction.

Unloading Tracts
The doors are installed
As Stephen departs

Farewells and Final Reflections

As Tom & Debbie departed, work began on compacting the dormitory floor foundation. Anna left for NYB training sessions, leaving Stephen, Jeff, and Cammo to manage at Annaโ€™s house until her return.

Fuel shortages meant some sacrificesโ€”like skipping lunch in Zomba to conserve dieselโ€”but the team adapted. After Stephenโ€™s departure, Jeff & Cammo took a brief break to explore Lake Malawi and enjoy a safari in Liwonde National Park before returning to Saidi to finish up vehicle projects.

As the visit drew to a close, the sense of accomplishment was matched by gratitudeโ€”for new friendships, successful projects, and the opportunity to serve. The teamโ€™s efforts have left a lasting impact, and we look forward to building on these foundations in the months ahead.

Weโ€™re excited to share the latest developments on our dormitory construction projectโ€”a journey made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our team on the ground.

Laying the Foundations for Change

This summer, our team began the groundwork for the new dormitory. While initial site preparation required extra levelling due to a misunderstanding with the architect, the issue was quickly resolved, allowing us to move forward. Despite delays in cement delivery caused by fuel shortages, we adapted by sourcing an alternative transporter and restocking supplies, ensuring the project stayed on track.

Milestones Achieved

  • Foundations Complete: The foundations for the Ablutions block and dormitory wings are finished. Stephen checked all levels checked and found them to be within excellent tolerances.
  • Concrete Work: The concrete floor slab for the Ablutions block was poured ahead of schedule. Backfill operations for the first Dormitory wing are progressing well.
  • Supervision & Cost Control: Goodson continues to provide excellent supervision and cost control, ensuring every stage of the build meets our standards and budget.

Looking Ahead

  • Brickwork: Construction on the Ablutions block and West Dormitory is set to begin on schedule, with key milestones targeted for January.
  • Conference Readiness: Our focus is on completing the Ablutions block and West Dormitory in time for the May 2026 conference, with further work on the East Dormitory and Common Hall planned post-event.

Overcoming Challenges

Early rains have helped with compaction and will help concrete curing, but we remain vigilant as weather could impact the schedule. Water for construction will soon be supplied by a temporary pumping solution, replacing manual carrying. Weโ€™ve also invested in a new diesel-operated concrete mixer, allowing two teams to work simultaneously and providing resilience against fuel shortages. (One mixer is petrol-operated, the other diesel.)

Although we incurred unplanned expenditure with the site leveling, we have managed to mitigate some costs by negotiating good exchange rates for funds brought into the country.

Site levelling Delayed us
Goodson checking levels
Stocking up on Cement
Rain stopped play
Provision of Temporary Water Solution

Partnerships & Quality Improvements

A “chance” meeting with a Blantyre businessman has opened doors to reliable suppliers for steel and roofing materials in South Africa, promising improved quality at lower cost.

Timeline & Completion

With a detailed building schedule in place, we are confident thatโ€”barring unforeseen delaysโ€”completion by the end of March is realistic, allowing a month for internal finishing before the conference.

Thank you for your continued prayerful and practical support. This brings us closer to providing safe, high-quality accommodation for our conference activities. We look forward to sharing more updates as we progress!

Pray

Please EARNESTLY pray concerning the arrival of a shipment of 3 Roller Doors that were sent from N.Ireland 7 months ago but have not quite reached Saidi yet.

Tom plans to help install this during his time in Malawi, but the information last week was that they are still in Customs in Lilongwe. Please pray that they will clear customs very imminently and be with us in time for Tom to complete this project.

Pray

Anna writes: “Please pray for the safe arrival of the visitors. Pray they would be blessed by their time here.”

Note: Stephen will travel Tuesday / Wednesday. Samuel & John, Tom & Debbie, and Jeff and Cameron will all travel at difference times over the following days. Pray that the Lord will grant safe and trouble-free travel, as well as a profitable time in Malawi.

ENLIGHTEN | ENCOURAGE | EMPOWER

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