On 21 September it was exactly 5 years since SALT was formed.
We look back with profound gratitude to the Lord for all that He has done in the interim, and how the work continues to flourish in spite of many challenges.
We particularly give thanks for the Children’s work and Literature Outreach, each of which continue to thrive, under the hand of God. We are grateful too for the assembly planted at Saidi, and for how it continues to grow.
Please pray for Brother Harold & his family, who earlier this week had a very traumatic burglary at their home.
The home was surrounded by a gang of around 15 thieves, two of whom were armed with guns. When they were unable to break down the doors, they took time to break down a wall to get in.
The thieves were looking for money and were very disappointed to find mainly tracts and Bibles, although their phones were taken.
Harold, Egly, and their boys are all very traumatised, especially on the back of the frightening events of the weekend of 12 March when they feared they would be swept away by the mudslides. They are not eating or sleeping, and the children have been crying out in the night.
Please pray for them all. There is NO DOUBT that their association with the work (especially white people) has made them vulnerable, and we need to further review our security as the increasing hardships in Malawi bite even deeper, making crime more and more likely. However, above all, this is yet opposition is another proof that that God is mightily at work in Saidi.
Please pray for Angel, who started work with us last Monday to help with bookkeeping and admin.
It was certainly an unusual first week on a new job for her, as we were head and ears into MGO, but pray that she will not only be able to relieve an admin burden for us, but that we will be a spiritual blessing to her.
It seems that mechanical / vehicle trouble is never far away!
The saga of the repairs to Stephen’s old Isuzu truck continues. After ignoring my calls all week, S*, the mechanic promises that the car will be ready this week, but we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve heard that. We really need a resolution to this situation as it’s inhibiting our literature distribution capability.
Meanwhile, the second-hand Mitsubishi two-tonner we imported a couple of years back has also been in the workshop for repairs for the last couple of weeks. Fortunately building work has more-or-less come to a standstill during MGO, but we will be needing it again soon.
Finally, we are still trying to resolve a complication with the paperwork for the other second-hand Isuzu we were gifted last year. Somewhere along the way the ownership was incorrectly transferred prior to us receiving the vehicle, and it’s proving difficult to resolve. The vehicle’s suspension and steering also need maintenance as the poor road conditions have taken a heavy toll. Obviously, we need to get the ownership issue straightened out if investing more money into the vehicle’s upkeep.
Please pray for our second week of MGO 2023.
Most of the team are leaving today (Monday) for an overnight visit to the National Park at Liwonde. Pray that they have an enjoyable time, and a well-deserved rest.
Activities for the remainder of the week, after the team returns tomorrow include: further open-air work and Seed Sower distribution, Bible Study at Saidi (Wednesday) and a second prison visit on Thursday.
Please continue to pray for safety, stamina and good health for the entire team. Especially pray that as we have planted and watered the seed that the Lord will give the increase.
We praise the Lord for His faithfulness and help during the first week of MGO 2023.
Although much smaller than most previous years, the team still managed to distribute several thousands of Seed Sower texts, and many people listened to the Gospel preached in the open air meetings.
As in former years, the prison visit on Wednesday, and the Children’s Day on Saturday were outstanding highlights.
We arrived at M* prison to the news that they had several suspected Cholera cases. A team from Headquarters was on site to assess the situation and to advise on preventative measures, so our gift of a hygiene pack for each man was particularly timely, and exceedingly welcome. Almost the entire prison complement returned from their work in the fields to listen to the Gospel being preached.
On Saturday, around 300 children were present to listen to the Gospel presentation and to enjoy the activities and games laid on for them. It is humbling to think how little it takes to brighten the lives of these most impoverished children. Pray for them.
Please remember to pray for the various efforts of the MGO team this week.
We have a variety of activities lined up each morning, with a mix of street preaching and Seed Sower distribution and a visit to one of the nearby prisons. Each afternoon, we have planned to have a Gospel meeting at Saidi. We are looking forward to a big finale on Saturday, when we hope to have all-day Children’s camp at Saidi.
Please pray for safety as we travel – we have already had a minor mishap with the hired minibus. It wasn’t serious, but it reminds us how easily accidents can happen. Please also pray for health & strength of the team members, some of whom are feeling a little ragged after their long journey hear. Finally, please also pray for availability of fuel as the country continues to struggle with chronic fuel shortages.
We thank the Lord that the last of our small team arrived safely in Malawi from USA this afternoon. We are grateful for the sacrifice each one has made to be here.
We plan a slow start on Monday morning, with the main program getting underway with a Gospel meeting at Saidi on Monday afternoon.
Brother Goodson asks that we pray for an additional 10 women and 4 men who have requested Baptism, bringing the total number to 17.
Starting on Wednesday, Goodson plans to start special Bible studies for these individuals to make certain they understand the message of the Gospel and the meaning of Baptism.
Pray for wisdom and discernment as Goodson speaks to each to hear their testimony of salvation.
Anna says: “Please pray for safe travels for all of our visitors who will be arriving this week!”
Note: Stephen travels on Wednesday, with remaining members of the team arriving in Malawi Saturday & Sunday. Please pray for uneventful journeys, safe arrival of luggage, and speedy adjustment to the new time zone – as much as +9 hours for some team members.
Please remember the deteriorating economic situation in the country, as a result of which, simple things like having enough fuel for airport runs cannot be taken for granted.
