Last week, the roof of the msasa collapsed after extremely heavy rains swept through the area. Several of the supporting columns were pulled down as the structure gave way. We are grateful that rebuilding work on the columns has begun this morning.
Give thanks that no-one was injured in the collapse.
Please join us in praying for the next steps. We need to find someone skilled and trustworthy to reconstruct the roof and complete the thatching โ expertise that is not always easy to secure locally. Pray for the Lord to guide us to the right person, and for the restoration work to run safely and smoothly. We really need this building for our regular meetings, and the upcoming teaching conference in May (DV).
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and supporting the work of SALT.
โWhen I close my eyes I see SALT as a tool that the Lord can use to bring the gospel to Malawi and beyond.โ
Confronting Biblical Illiteracy in Malawi
That the People Might Understand is a new documentary from Southern Africa Literature Trust (SALT) exploring the challenge of Biblical illiteracy in Malawi and how we can address it.
In Malawi, many believers hunger for Godโs Word but own no Bible and lack the opportunity to understand it. Poverty, limited education, and the high cost and scarcity of Christian literature have left many churches without the resources needed for spiritual growth.
Watch the Documentary
That the People Might Understand shares the reality of biblical illiteracy in Malawi, the challenges faced in producing and distributing Christian literature, and the heart of Southern Africa Literature Trust (SALT).
Southern Africa Literature Trust (SALT) exists to educate, train, and equip local evangelists and Bible teachers so that Godโs truth may be faithfully taught and passed on.
Through SALTโs ministry:
Millions of gospel tracts and calendars are distributed each year
Bible study courses are translated and produced in local languages
Literature is printed overseas where possible, then shipped to Malawi
A network of around 400 local distributors delivers materials to villages, schools, hospitals, and trading centres
Evangelists and teachers are strengthened to serve their own communities
A feature documentary exploring Biblical illiteracy in Malawi and how Southern Africa Literature Trust (SALT) is equipping churches through Christian literature and training.
Weโre grateful to share an update on progress with the hostel construction project. While the build has not been without challenges, encouraging progress is being made and momentum is now building as we move into a critical phase of the schedule.
Early Delays and How We Responded
As with many construction projects, we experienced several early delays. These included additional site clearance work that became necessary once construction began, as well as a prolonged Christmas and New Year shutdown period in South Africa, which affected manufacturing and supply timelines.
Recognising the risk of knockโon delays, we took decisive steps to adjust procurement and sequencing, helping us regain valuable time later in the programme.
October 2025March 2026
Excellent Work on the Ground
We are especially thankful for the work of the bricklayers, who have progressed quickly and delivered a high standard of workmanship throughout. We also want to acknowledge Goodsonโs attentive supervision, together with the care and diligence shown by the foremen on site. Their commitment has been a real encouragement and has contributed significantly to the quality and pace of the build.
Construction Progress to Date
West Dormitory: Construction is now complete up to roof height, marking a major milestone.
Toilet and Shower Block: Additional building work is still required. Progress here is temporarily paused while we await delivery of structural steel from South Africa.
East Dormitory: To avoid further delays, we decided to bring forward procurement for this block. If all goes to plan, we may be able to complete it in time for the upcoming conference.
Common Room: The floor slab for the common room and East Dormitory are ready for construction to begin
February Procurement Trip to South Africa
In February, Stephen and Goodson, together with Gail and Anna, made a productive procurement trip to South Africa. This allowed us to source materials directly, ensure quality, and reduce the risk of future supply interruptions.
From South Africa, we are purchasing:
Roofing sheets and structural steel
Plumbing materials and sanitaryware for 10 showers and 10 toilets
Electrical wiring, lighting, ceiling fans, and accessories
36 internal doors
Almost 90 aluminium windows
Steel to construct bunk beds
Paint and finishing materials
Materials in Transit
The first truckโload of materials is currently at the Malawi border customs post, and we are praying for a smooth and timely clearance process. A second truckโload is scheduled to depart in approximately two weeks, which will enable roofing and internal works to progress in parallel.
Solar, Water, and Utilities
We are sourcing solar PV panels, batteries, inverters, and solar hotโwater geysers from a highly reputable supplier in Malawi. The company is run by a brother in the Lord whom we trust implicitly, and this local partnership also helps ensure reliable afterโsales support.
In addition, foundation work has begun for a 40,000โlitre water storage tank, a critical component for reliable water supply once the hostel is operational.
A Tight but Achievable Schedule
The coming weeks are crucial. We are now working to a very tight schedule to complete roofing and internal works so that the hostel will be usable by the end of May. While there is still much to do, we are encouraged by the progress so far and thankful for the Lordโs provision at each stage.
Please continue to pray for:
Timely customs clearance at the border
Safe transport of materials
Strength and wisdom for those overseeing the work
Favour as we work towards completion
Thanks
We want to express our sincere thanks to all who have supported this project through prayer and financial giving. This hostel is only possible because of the faithfulness and generosity of Godโs people, many of whom will never see the building in person but have invested sacrificially in the work. Your prayers sustain those overseeing the project, and your gifts have enabled us to move forward with confidence at each stage. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this work and for sharing in the vision of providing safe, functional accommodation to support the ministry.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the project continues.
Please pray with us for the safe and timely arrival of a truckโload of roofing and plumbing materials that is currently delayed at the Mwanza border.
These materials are urgently needed for the ongoing hostel construction project, and successive delays mean that we now have very little slack in the programme if the hostels are to be completed in time for the conference at the end of May.
The shipment represents a critical next step in the build. Until it arrives, progress on key elements of the work is effectively paused. We are grateful that much groundwork has already been completed, but without these materials on site, the construction team cannot move forward as planned.
How You Can Pray
For smooth and speedy border clearance at Mwanza, with no further holdโups or complications
For protection over the vehicle, driver, and cargo while waiting and during onward travel
For the overall timeline, that despite delays, the hostels would be ready in time to support the conference and all who will attend
We are very conscious that each delay tightens the schedule, but we also take comfort in knowing that the Lord is not constrained by borders, paperwork, or timetables. Thank you for standing with us in prayer at this crucial moment.
We give thanks to the Lord for a very profitable trip to Malawi for Stephen and Gail, especially as this was Gailโs first visit in several years. Although she had concerns about her language skills, the Lord graciously helped her find many practical ways to support Anna. Gail was able to sit in on several Childrenโs and Youth activities, giving her the opportunity to begin hearing and speaking a little Chichewa again.
Please pray that the Lord will clearly guide how Stephen and Gail can best serve the work in the coming months, as they anticipate being able to spend more time on the ground in Malawi.
We also give thanks for the enjoyable times shared with the assembly at Saidi, and for the help given to Stephen as he preached each Lordโs Day, as well as to the young people at Njuli Community Day Secondary School.
Today brings a further opportunity to visit D* Prison. Please pray for help to make the Gospel clear as the Word is shared there.
Please remember Anna especially in your prayers this week. As she resumes her NYB/Emmaus training, she will be travelling regularly on roads in Malawi that have deteriorated significantly. Pray for Godโs protection over every journey she makes.
Stephen and Gail are also due to begin their return trip to the UK on Wednesday. Please pray for safe and smooth travel for them.
Thank you for continuing to uphold each one in prayer.
A truck carrying a large load of roofing and plumbing materials left Johannesburg last Friday. Please pray for the Lordโs protection over the journey, especially through Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and for smooth progress at each border checkpoint. This shipment has already faced significant delays, so we are looking to the Lord to help us make up time.
In recent days, Stephen has been busy ordering windows, electrical installation materials, and sanitaryware. These will be sent on a further truck in the next 2โ3 weeks. Meanwhile, Goodson is confident that his team can complete the second (west) dormitory wing to roof level by the end of March. Because of this, we have decided to purchase the roofing materials now, to avoid further delays.
Please continue to pray that the Lord will provide everything needed for this important project and that the buildings will be ready for use at conference time in midโMay.
We give thanks to God for the safe travel of Anna, Gail, Goodson, and Stephen to Johannesburg, South Africa last week. The trip proved to be extremely fruitful and timely as the team worked to support the ongoing Malawi hostel construction project.
One of the primary goals of the visit was to scope and secure procurement opportunities for key items required to complete the hostels. In Malawi, many essential construction materialsโparticularly plumbing and electrical products, doors, and hardwareโare often very expensive and frequently below acceptable quality standards.
By sourcing these items in South Africa, the team was able to identify more durable, higher-quality products at a significantly more affordable cost, ensuring better long-term value and sustainability for the project.
In addition to construction materials, the ladies put their excellent bargainโhunting skills to good use by sourcing bedding materials sufficient for 80 people, a critical requirement as we prepare to make the hostels fully habitable.
As we press ahead toward our goal of having the hostels ready in time for the May conference, we ask that you continue to pray:
For wisdom and provision as procurement decisions are finalised
For smooth logistics and transport of materials
That the hostels will be a place of blessing for all who use them
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support as this important work continues.
We give thanks to the Lord for Harold and Goodson and their successful calendar distribution trip this past week. They travelled throughout the Central and Northern regions, visiting many faithful distributors and ensuring the gospel calendars reached communities far and wide.
We are grateful that almost the entire supply of 1,000,000 gospel calendars has now been distributed. However, demand exceeded supply, and sadly the materials available did not meet the full need.
Please join us in thanking God for the work accomplished, and pray for wisdom to know how best to deploy our resources moving forward so that these vital gospel materials can continue to reach those who eagerly seek them.
As Stephen, Gail, Anna, and Goodson travel to Johannesburg from Monday to Thursday, we would value your prayers for their journey and their work. They hope to source hardware and supplies for the building project, as well as bedding and essential items for the conference accommodation.
Please also pray for favour and fruitful meetings as Stephen connects with potential buildingโmaterial suppliers. May the Lord guide each decision, provide needed resources, and grant safety throughout their travels.
