We are asking for prayer concerning our ongoing vehicle reliability problems in Malawi. Regular visitors to this blog are aware that we have been struggling with vehicle troubles for quite some time.
Malawians refer to their beautiful little country as “The Warm Heart of Africa” – and I heartily agree. Since Gail, Philip and I relocated from Malawi to Northern Ireland in 2011, I have made more return visits than I can remember. When I am away, I definitely miss my family and the fellowship of saints at home. But there is something about The Warm Heart that irresistibly draws me back.
Malawi continues to suffer due to problems related to extreme weather.
According to the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS) most parts of Malawi are experiencing unprecedented levels of rainfall defecit. This is in spite of exceptionally destructive levels of rain during January (Cyclone Ana).
This weekend has seen sustained (48hr+), heavy rain which has caused further damage to roads and a breach of a dam in the Southern Region where SALT is based. This is further hampering relief operations and increasing the misery of the many poor who live in basic mud brick houses.
Please pray that the severeley impoverished people of Malawi (and sub-Saharan Africa generally) do not suffer further as relief monies are diverted to the crisis in Eastern Europe.
Although Stephen & Jim have been frustrated not to be able to travel as they had planned, nevertheless they have witnessed the Lord’s over-ruling hand.
On Saturday afternoon they had a “chance meeting” with a Christian Malawian couple at the B&B where they are staying. In conversation it became clear that they are able and willing to help with several practical aspects of the work we are engaged in, and we thank the Lord for the opportunity to meet them. It’s amazing to see how the Lord often brings some blessing out of our frustrations.
Jim & Stephen would appreciate prayer for the remaining days of their trip, and for safe and trouble-free homeward travel on Thursday (DV)
Yet another breakdown has interrupted their plans and prevented them from visiting projects in the Central region during the past week.
On Tuesday the entire team is due to meet for a meeting to review progress and plan for the future. There are many matters ro discuss. Please pray that this will be a very fruitful meeting.
Anna reminds us: Please pray for the many families in Dzaleka who have recently been taken off the rations list. With the situation in the Ukraine, this will likely only get worse.
Note: Dzaleka Refugee Camp is “home” to around 50,000 refugees from a number of Sub-Saharan countries. Life is exceedingly difficult and most survive on pennies per day. Recently, some have had all their aid removed due to lack of funding.
SALT helps provide a daily meal for almost 100 orphans in the camp and has also funded various other relief projects there. Please pray that we will know how to respond to this chronic situation.
From Anna: Give thanks for a successful Bibletime revision session.
Note: Anna & Wati spent the past week in Lilongwe doing further editorial work on the Bible Time translation project. We are excited for the opportunities this promises.
Yet another trip has been interrupted by a breakdown and Brother Stephen asks that we pray particularly about the persistent vehicle trouble that has beset the work for some time now. This has resulted in a lot of stress and much wasted time.
Stephen had been having problems with his Isuzu truck vehicle for a couple of years, but 3 years ago, it overheated and had been in the workshop since. It has had a replacement block and cylinder head, but it’s still overheating and unable to be used.
Brother Jim has arrived safely to join Brother Stephen for the remainder of his visit to Malawi.
The purpose of the visit is to encourage the workers here and to review the various activities and programs which the Trust supports. They will will spend Lord’s day with the assembly at Bethel (Blantyre), moving to Zomba district Mon-Wednesday, where they will visit the site at Saidi and some cyclone victims. Then they plan to travel to Lilongwe and Dzaleka (Central Region) for the latter part of the week to review the work among street kids and refugees respectively.
Please pray for journeying mercies, insight and much wisdom, Continue to pray that the Lord will abundantly bless the many souls who regularly hear the Gospel.
Anna asks that we give thanks for the safe and successful distribution of thousands of pieces of literature throughout the country.
You can read more about the literature work in this post.
