Pray for the hundreds of NYB books that have been and will be distributed this month to be used to bring many to a knowledge of the truth.
Give Thanks: Safety & Strength over many miles
Anna says: I am thankful for safety and strength over many miles traveled and during four training sessions this week!
Please pray the Lord may continue to give help during the remainder of the ‘training season’.
Pray: Nthawi ya Baibulo Training
As Anna asks us to give thanks for “A very profitable and smooth conference” she also requests prayer “for the next few weeks, which will be pretty busy with training sessions. Pray for stamina, wisdom and guidance. Pray for the teachers to have hearts that are willing to learn. And, most of all, pray for the Nthawi ya Baibulo (Bibletime) books to be used to bring many to Christ.”
Note: There is great and growing interest in NYB across the country, but we are anxious that the resources be used wisely and carefully. Consequently, each prospective NYB group leader has to undergo training prior to receiving the materials. Read more here.
Building Dormitories (Hostels) for Future Conference Success
Although it was a great success on many levels, we felt our recent Conference did not reach its full potential. This was due to our inability to provide sleeping accommodation on-site for more than a handful of those attending.
We had to squeeze most of the 100 or so who came into a rest-house we had block-booked for the purpose. The standard wasn’t great, and they had to walk 2Km each way for meals and the meetings. Renting the rest-house was a further expense for us (in addition to the help given with travelling expenses). It was also a considerable inconvenience for those attending the conference.
Furthermore, we couldn’t use the evenings together as the brothers had to return to their lodgings before dark (around 6pm). Equally important, we could not invite their wives which is a severe long-term limitation to the development of the work.
Increased Priority
The Msasa is great for children’s work and various other activities, but not really suitable for this purpose. Nor is it particulary suitable for the assembly which has been planted since it was built. Accordingly, although we had been considering building a more suitable meeting place, the need for dormitory accommodation is now clearly the priority.
Therefore, as the Lord provides, over the next year, we would like to build 2 simple, 40 bed hostels. This will give us the capacity to accommodate about 80% of the people who attended this year’s conference. If we are able, we would like to double that capacity the following year. This is still less than half the number we would like to invite but will be pushing the Msasa to the limit of its capacity.
Modifications to the Msasa
In the meantime, we will still need to make some modifications to the Msasa. Presently it is completely open and gets cold and windy in the winter months. The openings have been covered with mpasa – grass bedding mats – to give some shade, and reduce the wind. However, recently it has also become noisy with the proliferation of motorcycle taxis on the adjacent road . When the Lord makes it possible for us to build a larger meeting place, then we will consider adding further dormitory accommodation.
Please pray for this important project. It will involve considerable outlay and a step of faith for us. Nevertheless, we see it as a real long-term investment in the work. If you would like to support this initiative financially, please feel free to contact us for further information.
2025 Conference singing
Here’s a small selection of some of the singing from our 2025 Conference – there were a lot of joyful moments but sadly the recording doesn’t really do it justice.
Trustee Planning and Development Workshop (7-10 April)
As we look ahead to the future of SALT, we are excited to gather for our Trustee Planning and Development Workshop at Roe Park Resort. This strategic event will bring together UK Trustees, key volunteers, and, hopefully, one or two representatives from the Malawi Board. This workshop will serve as a crucial time of reflection, planning, and collaboration as we chart the path for the next phase of the work.
Workshop Overview
The workshop will span several days, filled with prayer, discussions, and strategic planning sessions. The agenda is designed to assess our progress, refine our vision, and strengthen our governance structure. Key topics include:
- Reviewing our progress – A comprehensive report from Malawi representatives will highlight successes, challenges, and the road ahead.
- Strategic Vision for the Next Five Years – Through analysis and group discussions, we will determine where to focus our efforts, who we need to reach, and how to measure impact.
- Strengthening Team Collaboration – We will explore ways to enhance teamwork, streamline internal and external processes, and apply Lean management principles for better efficiency.
- Governance and Financial Oversight – Sessions on board effectiveness, financial accountability, and risk management will ensure we continue to operate with integrity and excellence.
- Empowering SALT Malawi – Succession planning, leadership development, and training needs will be key discussion points.
- Reflection and Moving Forward – As the workshop concludes, we will consolidate our learnings and set clear priorities for the coming year.
Why This Matters
This gathering is more than just a series of meetings; it is an opportunity to renew our commitment to SALT’s mission and strengthen the bonds among our team members. With representatives from both the UK and Malawi, we aim to foster a shared vision that ensures long-term sustainability and effectiveness in our work.
We look forward to fruitful discussions, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose as we move forward together. Stay tuned for updates from the workshop! And please pray that the time will for the blessing of the work, and for the glory of God!
Pray – Immigration Delays
Anna writes: “Please continue to pray for the approval of my permit (going on a year now) and Harold’s passport. I’m hoping to visit immigration when in Lilongwe this week, but I think ultimately the Lord needs to intervene.”
Dunfermline & Northampton Open Evening / Afternoon
We are pleased to inform that we have added two venues to our itinerary. You now have four to choose from, so hopefully you will find one near you!
These events should be excellent opportunities to meet key representatives of the Lord’s work in Malawi. We believe you will be encouraged to learn what the Lord has been doing, and better informed as you continue in prayer for us.
Registration is essential to help us with planning. Please click here and choose the venue which suits you.
Northern Ireland Open Nights – 9 & 10 April 2025
We are delighted to invite SALT supporters in Northern Ireland to either of our Open Nights, planned for 9th & 10th April in Limavady & Lisburn respectively.
Click here for further Details and Register for Limavady
Click here for further Details and Register for Lisburn
God willing, we are looking forward to Harold Makawa and Anna Vallance joining us from Malawi, as well as some of the other volunteers who work behind the scenes to make possible so many aspects of what SALT does.
This should be a great opportunity to meet the Trustees and hear first-hand updates from some of those working “on-the-ground”. We believe you will be encouraged to learn what the Lord has been doing, and will be enabled to pray more intelligently for the work and workers.
The evening will include:
- Updates on ongoing projects and initiatives in Malawi
- An introduction to the Trustees and key team members
- A look ahead at future plans and developments
- A short devotional message to encourage in the work of the Lord
These events are free to all, however we kindly ask you to help us with planning by registering for the even of your choice.
Click here for further Details and Register for Limavady
Click here for further Details and Register for Lisburn
If you aren’t in Northern Ireland and would be interested in an Open Day / Night near you – please get in touch!
Give Thanks / Pray: Nthawi ya Baibulo arriving
We are super-excited that the container with the Nthawi ya Baibulo (BibleTime) lessons and other literature is due to arrive in Thondwe today. As you give thanks for this, pray for safe arrival of the other 2 containers which are still en route and pray that the Lord will greatly use these resources for the blessing of many young people in Malawi.