News

We’re grateful to share an update on progress with the hostel construction project. While the build has not been without challenges, encouraging progress is being made and momentum is now building as we move into a critical phase of the schedule.

Early Delays and How We Responded

As with many construction projects, we experienced several early delays. These included additional site clearance work that became necessary once construction began, as well as a prolonged Christmas and New Year shutdown period in South Africa, which affected manufacturing and supply timelines.

Recognising the risk of knock‑on delays, we took decisive steps to adjust procurement and sequencing, helping us regain valuable time later in the programme.

October 2025
March 2026

Excellent Work on the Ground

We are especially thankful for the work of the bricklayers, who have progressed quickly and delivered a high standard of workmanship throughout. We also want to acknowledge Goodson’s attentive supervision, together with the care and diligence shown by the foremen on site. Their commitment has been a real encouragement and has contributed significantly to the quality and pace of the build.

Construction Progress to Date

  • West Dormitory: Construction is now complete up to roof height, marking a major milestone.
  • Toilet and Shower Block: Additional building work is still required. Progress here is temporarily paused while we await delivery of structural steel from South Africa.
  • East Dormitory: To avoid further delays, we decided to bring forward procurement for this block. If all goes to plan, we may be able to complete it in time for the upcoming conference.
  • Common Room: The floor slab for the common room and East Dormitory are ready for construction to begin

February Procurement Trip to South Africa

In February, Stephen and Goodson, together with Gail and Anna, made a productive procurement trip to South Africa. This allowed us to source materials directly, ensure quality, and reduce the risk of future supply interruptions.

From South Africa, we are purchasing:

  • Roofing sheets and structural steel
  • Plumbing materials and sanitaryware for 10 showers and 10 toilets
  • Electrical wiring, lighting, ceiling fans, and accessories
  • 36 internal doors
  • Almost 90 aluminium windows
  • Steel to construct bunk beds
  • Paint and finishing materials

Materials in Transit

The first truck‑load of materials is currently at the Malawi border customs post, and we are praying for a smooth and timely clearance process. A second truck‑load is scheduled to depart in approximately two weeks, which will enable roofing and internal works to progress in parallel.

Solar, Water, and Utilities

We are sourcing solar PV panels, batteries, inverters, and solar hot‑water geysers from a highly reputable supplier in Malawi. The company is run by a brother in the Lord whom we trust implicitly, and this local partnership also helps ensure reliable after‑sales support.

In addition, foundation work has begun for a 40,000‑litre water storage tank, a critical component for reliable water supply once the hostel is operational.

A Tight but Achievable Schedule

The coming weeks are crucial. We are now working to a very tight schedule to complete roofing and internal works so that the hostel will be usable by the end of May. While there is still much to do, we are encouraged by the progress so far and thankful for the Lord’s provision at each stage.

Please continue to pray for:

  • Timely customs clearance at the border
  • Safe transport of materials
  • Strength and wisdom for those overseeing the work
  • Favour as we work towards completion

Thanks

We want to express our sincere thanks to all who have supported this project through prayer and financial giving. This hostel is only possible because of the faithfulness and generosity of God’s people, many of whom will never see the building in person but have invested sacrificially in the work. Your prayers sustain those overseeing the project, and your gifts have enabled us to move forward with confidence at each stage. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this work and for sharing in the vision of providing safe, functional accommodation to support the ministry.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project continues.

Pray

Please pray with us for the safe and timely arrival of a truck‑load of roofing and plumbing materials that is currently delayed at the Mwanza border.

These materials are urgently needed for the ongoing hostel construction project, and successive delays mean that we now have very little slack in the programme if the hostels are to be completed in time for the conference at the end of May.

The shipment represents a critical next step in the build. Until it arrives, progress on key elements of the work is effectively paused. We are grateful that much groundwork has already been completed, but without these materials on site, the construction team cannot move forward as planned.

How You Can Pray

  • For smooth and speedy border clearance at Mwanza, with no further hold‑ups or complications
  • For protection over the vehicle, driver, and cargo while waiting and during onward travel
  • For the overall timeline, that despite delays, the hostels would be ready in time to support the conference and all who will attend

We are very conscious that each delay tightens the schedule, but we also take comfort in knowing that the Lord is not constrained by borders, paperwork, or timetables. Thank you for standing with us in prayer at this crucial moment.

We give thanks to the Lord for a very profitable trip to Malawi for Stephen and Gail, especially as this was Gail’s first visit in several years. Although she had concerns about her language skills, the Lord graciously helped her find many practical ways to support Anna. Gail was able to sit in on several Children’s and Youth activities, giving her the opportunity to begin hearing and speaking a little Chichewa again.

Please pray that the Lord will clearly guide how Stephen and Gail can best serve the work in the coming months, as they anticipate being able to spend more time on the ground in Malawi.

We also give thanks for the enjoyable times shared with the assembly at Saidi, and for the help given to Stephen as he preached each Lord’s Day, as well as to the young people at Njuli Community Day Secondary School.

Today brings a further opportunity to visit D* Prison. Please pray for help to make the Gospel clear as the Word is shared there.

Pray

Please remember Anna especially in your prayers this week. As she resumes her NYB/Emmaus training, she will be travelling regularly on roads in Malawi that have deteriorated significantly. Pray for God’s protection over every journey she makes.

Stephen and Gail are also due to begin their return trip to the UK on Wednesday. Please pray for safe and smooth travel for them.

Thank you for continuing to uphold each one in prayer.

Pray

A truck carrying a large load of roofing and plumbing materials left Johannesburg last Friday. Please pray for the Lord’s protection over the journey, especially through Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and for smooth progress at each border checkpoint. This shipment has already faced significant delays, so we are looking to the Lord to help us make up time.

In recent days, Stephen has been busy ordering windows, electrical installation materials, and sanitaryware. These will be sent on a further truck in the next 2–3 weeks. Meanwhile, Goodson is confident that his team can complete the second (west) dormitory wing to roof level by the end of March. Because of this, we have decided to purchase the roofing materials now, to avoid further delays.

Please continue to pray that the Lord will provide everything needed for this important project and that the buildings will be ready for use at conference time in mid‑May.

We give thanks to God for the safe travel of Anna, Gail, Goodson, and Stephen to Johannesburg, South Africa last week. The trip proved to be extremely fruitful and timely as the team worked to support the ongoing Malawi hostel construction project.

One of the primary goals of the visit was to scope and secure procurement opportunities for key items required to complete the hostels. In Malawi, many essential construction materials—particularly plumbing and electrical products, doors, and hardware—are often very expensive and frequently below acceptable quality standards.

By sourcing these items in South Africa, the team was able to identify more durable, higher-quality products at a significantly more affordable cost, ensuring better long-term value and sustainability for the project.

In addition to construction materials, the ladies put their excellent bargain‑hunting skills to good use by sourcing bedding materials sufficient for 80 people, a critical requirement as we prepare to make the hostels fully habitable.

As we press ahead toward our goal of having the hostels ready in time for the May conference, we ask that you continue to pray:

  • For wisdom and provision as procurement decisions are finalised
  • For smooth logistics and transport of materials
  • That the hostels will be a place of blessing for all who use them

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support as this important work continues.

We give thanks to the Lord for Harold and Goodson and their successful calendar distribution trip this past week. They travelled throughout the Central and Northern regions, visiting many faithful distributors and ensuring the gospel calendars reached communities far and wide.

We are grateful that almost the entire supply of 1,000,000 gospel calendars has now been distributed. However, demand exceeded supply, and sadly the materials available did not meet the full need.

Please join us in thanking God for the work accomplished, and pray for wisdom to know how best to deploy our resources moving forward so that these vital gospel materials can continue to reach those who eagerly seek them.

Pray

As Stephen, Gail, Anna, and Goodson travel to Johannesburg from Monday to Thursday, we would value your prayers for their journey and their work. They hope to source hardware and supplies for the building project, as well as bedding and essential items for the conference accommodation.

Please also pray for favour and fruitful meetings as Stephen connects with potential building‑material suppliers. May the Lord guide each decision, provide needed resources, and grant safety throughout their travels.

Pray

Later this week, Stephen and Gail will be travelling to Malawi, where they expect to spend around one month supporting the work on the ground.

Please pray for safe travel, good health, and smooth connections as they journey. Pray also that their time in Malawi would be fruitful, marked by encouragement, wisdom, and strength as they work alongside the local team.

A key focus during this period will be the ongoing distribution of the Gospel Calendar. We are thankful that a significant number of calendars have already been distributed in the southern region of Malawi. In the days ahead, attention will increasingly shift toward the Central and Northern regions.

Please pray for:

  • Open doors as calendars continue to be shared
  • Protection and energy for those involved in distribution
  • Hearts that are receptive to the message of God’s Word
  • Good coordination as focus moves to new regions

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. Your partnership makes this work possible and helps ensure that God’s Word continues to reach communities across Malawi.

We give thanks to God that the Mitsubishi Canter engine swap has been successfully completed. The Canter is a vital part of our ministry, carrying building materials for the construction project as well as medium‑sized loads of literature. Having it back in service is a real blessing.

The new engine was not an exact replacement for the old one. Because of this, several modifications had to be made to ensure everything could fit and run correctly. As a result of these changes, the vehicle no longer has power‑steering capability. We are grateful that the installation went well, and we ask you to pray that all will continue to run smoothly as the team adjusts to these changes.

Thank you for remembering this practical side of the work. Your prayers and support keep essential resources moving so that the Gospel can reach many more people.

ENLIGHTEN | ENCOURAGE | EMPOWER

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