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: โItโs 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:
โItโs 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.
Roll-Up Doors: Hard Work, Long Days, and a Torchlit Finish
Much of Tom and Debbieโs 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 neededโespecially 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.
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 yearโs shipment included these durable balls, and they were a blessing everywhere they wentโespecially 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.
โWe 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:
โThere 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 yearโs shipment, and continue to pray for the ongoing gospel work across the country.
โGo therefore and make disciples of all nationsโฆโ โ Matthew 28:19โ20
