As the clock runs down on MGO 2022, we reflect upon the Lord’s goodness over the past two weeks.
We always expect big things of MGO, and this year exceeded expectations. The team has been fantastic, with a healthy mix of mature believers, and others with much less experience. Some are Seed Sowers veterans of more than 30 years. Others are missionaries in their own corner of the vineyard, while some have only just begun their Christian journey. Some are black, some white. All have laboured together harmoniously for the spread of the Gospel.
School Visits
The format this year has been quite different from previous years. Schools are normally closed during August, but term time was extended this year due to Covid. This gave us a unique opportunity to take the Gospel into a total of 6 schools. As we now have our own base at Saidi we were able us to organise a whole-day children’s outreach there. In this way, we were able to reach thousands of youngsters with the Gospel. We praise the Lord for the engaging Gospel presentations, and the opportunity to give each child a John 3:16 text. We also gave them an exercise book with Gospel message themed on Acts 16:31. According to the World Bank, almost 43% of the population of Malawi is under 15 years. This is a great way to reach a very significant percentage of the people.
Preaching in Prison
While for some, the highlight of the trip was working with the children, for others it was the visit to Mikuyu 1 prison. A life of sin has hardened these men. Some inmates are relatively minor offenders, while others are hardened criminals, but all listened attentively as the Gospel was faithfully preached.
Daily Gospel Meetings
The response to the Gospel meetings held at Saidi each afternoon really encouraged us. Attendance has been consistently good (exceptionally so during the first week). Some people from the surrounding villages have attended every meeting. One older gentleman, who has been attending the regular Bible studies at Saidi, has asked to be baptised. Others show evidence of being really interested.
Open-air work
The inclusion of schools’ visits and the daily Gospel meetings meant fewer open-air meetings and less Seed Sower distribution in the market places. While hundreds of people listened, and thousands gladly received texts, we had a definite sense that people were not quite so hungry for the Word as in previous years. Western influence is creeping in through TV & the internet, so this is a good reminder that we must work while it is still day.
I have already organised 7 MGOs from a distance, so it has been such a blessing to have help on the ground this year. Wati & Anna’s assistance has been invaluable and has lifted much of the burden from my shoulders. We are still learning. We trust that if the Lord tarries, MGO 2023 will build further on the success of this truly blessed fortnight.