Give thanks with us that an order for 5,000 Emmaus booklets has just been sent to our local printer in Malawi. This latest print run brings the total number of Emmaus booklets produced to around 17,000 since we relaunched the Emmaus work in mid-2025—a significant encouragement as demand continues to grow.
This order includes courses on Personal Evangelism, Marriage, and Growing as a Believer, along with a handbook for students who graduate to become Emmaus markers. These materials are intended to strengthen believers and equip them to help others grow in their faith. Most of the booklets will ultimately be used across Central and Northern Malawi through the work of Emmaus Road Trust.
We are especially thankful for the many hours of translation, revision, and careful editing that have gone into the Emmaus material. This often unseen labour has now resulted in a major milestone: we have 18 Emmaus courses available in Chichewa, providing a solid and growing foundation for Bible teaching and discipleship throughout Malawi.
Please join us in praising the Lord for His provision, for those who have laboured faithfully behind the scenes, and for the lasting spiritual fruit that will come from placing these resources into eager hands.
Give thanks with us that the much-delayed replacement engine for our Mitsubishi Canter truck has now arrived safely in Malawi. The engine was purchased second-hand in South Africa, and its arrival is a real answer to prayer after a long season of waiting and uncertainty.
We would now value your prayers for the next crucial step. Please pray that our local mechanic will be able to install the engine successfully and get the truck running very soon. This vehicle is central to many aspects of the work — transporting literature, materials, and people — and its absence has been significantly hampering progress across several ministries.
Thank you for joining us in giving thanks for safe arrival, and in asking the Lord to swiftly restore this essential vehicle to service for the work ahead.
We would value your prayers as a major consignment of over 2 million Gospel calendars and tracts is due to arrive imminently in Malawi.
According to the shipping company’s tracking system, the container was loaded onto a train in Mozambique on 30 December 2025 and is now en route toward the Malawian border. Please pray for smooth, speedy customs clearance, with no unexpected delays, complications, or additional costs, so that this urgently needed literature can quickly reach those who are waiting for it.
We are continually humbled by the scale of opportunity before us. Even with shipments of this size, we estimate that we are currently meeting only around 25% (or less) of the demand for Gospel literature across Malawi. As we look ahead into the year before us, we would deeply appreciate prayer for wisdom, clarity, and the Lord’s direction as we consider how best to further scale up this work — logistically, financially, and operationally — while remaining faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer, asking the Lord both to open doors for this immediate consignment and to guide our steps as we seek to see His Word carried ever further throughout Malawi.
Work continues at a good pace on the new dormitory accommodation at our Saidi site in southern Malawi. We are thankful to share an encouraging progress update as this important project moves forward.
The dormitory and ablutions block will help us host larger and more frequent Bible teaching conferences, supporting believers from across Malawi with residential, in-depth teaching.
Construction Progress on Site
Several key milestones have now been reached:
The toilet and shower (ablutions) block has reached ring-beam level. The team has installed the formwork and is now preparing the steel reinforcement ahead of concreting. This stage is especially important in an area prone to minor earth tremors.
Brickwork on the first dormitory wing continues to progress well. Local bricklayers are working steadily, and supervision on site remains strong.
We are grateful for the skill, care, and consistency of the local building team.
12 November
19 December
Roofing Plans and Engineering Support
The project did not advance far enough before the Christmas break to place the roof steelwork order with suppliers in South Africa.
However, this is unlikely to cause major delays. A recent roof design adjustment should allow the project to move forward quickly once orders are placed in early January.
We are thankful for the structural engineering input from William Smyth, which has been invaluable during this phase.
Windows, Utilities, and Next Steps
We have now received window quotations from South African suppliers. Once the ring beams are complete, the team will take final measurements and place the order.
During Stephen’s visit to Malawi in February, we plan to install the electrical and water systems. Completing this work on site will help ensure proper coordination and quality control.
Looking Ahead to May
Despite the normal challenges of construction work, especially across borders, we remain very hopeful.
Our aim is to complete one dormitory wing and the toilet/shower block in time for the Bible Teaching Conference in May. Reaching this goal would significantly increase our capacity to host residential teaching events at Saidi.
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray, give, and stand with us. Your support makes this work possible and helps provide facilities that will serve the Lord’s work in Malawi for many years to come.
We look forward to sharing further updates as construction enters its next phase.
For the many children who heard the Gospel last Saturday at the Children’s outreach, and that the rain did not adversely affect the day’s activities. Pray that the kindness shown to the children will leave a lasting impression upon them.
For good rains so far – most people have finished planting, and most maize is already above ankle-height. Pray that rains will continue, especially while the plants are still very susceptible to dry periods. Most families are seriously stressed after several years of poor harvests. (see Prayer Points)
For safe, trouble-free travel for Anna as she sets off today for a few weeks at home. Pray that she will have a blessed time with family and that she will be able to successfully complete the renewal of her Driver’s License while home.
For speedy arrival of a 20ft Container of Gospel Calendars and other literature. The container has just left Mauritius en route to Nacala, Mozambique, and is expected to arrive there later this week.
For the arrival and installation of the second-hand engine for our Mitsubishi Canter Truck. With building work advancing, this vehicle is now needed urgently. The truck carrying the engine is presently at the Zimbabwe border.
For the building work – the Toilet & Shower block is now at “Ring Beam” level and brick work is commencing on the first dormitory. Work is ahead of schedule, but threatened by frequent heavy showers. Stephen will be ordering steel and other roofing materials from South Africa this week – pray that the order is processed accurately and timely, before closure for the Christmas holidays.
For continued good rains, essential for a healthy maize crop, especially after several stressed years. A few weeks ago the Malawi president declared a state of disaster because of the acute food insecurity across the country. The rains have been consistent, so far.
Our Nissan Pickup is too small for present needs!Rented 2-Ton truck for Building MaterialsRented 2-Ton truck for Building MaterialsThe replacement 2-Ton Canter Engine is needed urgently!
Please continue to pray for relief of the ongoing economic crisis in Malawi. Fuel is in extremely short supply, with unbelievably long queues when filling stations are supplied. People have been seen fist-fighting over their place in the line.
Other locally-grown commodities like sugar and cooking oil are not available, presumably as producers export in order to obtain much-need foreign currency. This has been going on for many months now, and has a really debilitating effect.
Please also pray for the arrival of the used engine we purchased from South Africa for our 2-Ton Mitsubishi truck which has been laid up now for many months. The engine has been delayed for several weeks – we suspect it has also been affected by the fuel shortage.
Jeff says: “As we near the end of our time here, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for what the Lord has provided and what He has enabled us to do for Him! “
Do give thanks for all that Jeff & Cammo, and Tom & Debbie were able to accomplish during their visits to Malawi.
We now have extremely practical roller doors on our workshop & stores, improving security and greatly reducing dust. And we have a working double-cab pickup again, which we expect to provide reliable service for a few more years, God willing. We praise God, and thank them for their efforts.
Please pray for Jeff & Cammo as they start their journeys home on Monday, DV.
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: “It’s Quite Humbling to See How Little They Have”
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:
“It’s quite humbling to see how little they have, when we enjoy so much in our culture.”
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.
Tom carrying packs Tom distributing Classroom PacksDebbie distributing Classroom Packs
Roll-Up Doors: Hard Work, Long Days, and a Torchlit Finish
Much of Tom and Debbie’s 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 needed—especially 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.
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 year’s shipment included these durable balls, and they were a blessing everywhere they went—especially 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.
“We Trust the Gospel Will Bring True Spiritual Blessing”
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:
“There 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.”
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 year’s shipment, and continue to pray for the ongoing gospel work across the country.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19–20
Distributing packs at KalimbukaTom shared a word on Lord’s DayIt was a tight squeeze as they left for the airport
Over the past three weeks, our team and vistors have been privileged to witness, serve, and connect with communities in Malawi. Here’s a look back at the journey, the challenges faced, and the blessings experienced.
Arrival and Early Outreach
The journey began on October 22nd, with Stephen arriving ahead of the main group. The following day, Tom & Debbie Turnbull (USA) and Samuel Adams & John Moore (Revival Movement, N. Ireland) joined, setting the stage for a busy and impactful visit.
Tom & Debbie and Samuel & John arriveWe were warmly received at Anna’sClassroom packs are a big hitPrison VisitJohn & Samuel doing inventory checkSamuel interviews Harold
School and Prison Visits
Our first major outreach was a visit to Kalimbuka School, distributing classroom packs and presenting the Gospel. The response from students and staff was heartwarming.
That same day, we visited Bvumbwe Prison. We distributed prison packs to over 300 inmates, many of whom showed signs of malnutrition and discouragement. The simple gift of two soccer balls brought visible joy, and it was humbling to hear the prison chaplain recall messages from our previous visit in August 2023. The Gospel was shared, offering hope in difficult circumstances.
Later, a team lunch at Game Haven Lodge provided a valuable opportunity to network with Revival Movement representatives and discuss future literature needs.
Saturday saw us at Thondwe market for open-air outreach, followed by a traditional lunch at Saidi. Revival Movement guests met local Literature Distributors, strengthening partnerships for future ministry.
Sharing with kids @ Thondwe MarketSat afternoon Children’s clubSaidi assembly
Fellowship and Exploration
Sunday was a day of spiritual refreshment, with the Lord’s Supper at Saidi and a scenic lunch on Zomba Mountain—the only chance for our guests to experience Malawi’s beautiful landscape.
On Monday, as Samuel and John departed, new arrivals Jeff Gratias (Oregon) and Cammo McCrindle (Seattle) joined the team. They immediately set to work on a challenging project: swapping the engine between two Isuzu vehicles.
Progress and Practical Challenges
The following days were filled with practical tasks. Tom & Debbie began erecting rack shelving sent from the USA, while the long-awaited roller shutter doors arrived—an answer to prayer. Meetings with contractors advanced the dormitory project, and school visits to Namaka Primary & Secondary Schools allowed us to share the Gospel and classroom packs with over 1,500 children. The joy among the students was palpable.
Meanwhile, the team faced the realities of working in Malawi: unreliable building materials, a lack of basic tools, and the need to adapt to “Africa-square, Africa-plumb, and Africa-level” standards. Yet, perseverance paid off, and by November 3rd, the doors were installed and operational.
Assembling Rack ShelvingJeff’s home for 3 weeksShopping for spares (lunch!!) in Blantyre
Literature Distribution and Vehicle Projects
During the visitors’ time in Malawi the first part of a consignment of one million tracts arrived from the printer in Lilongwe. This will greatly support ongoing outreach efforts as we await a further major re-stock courtesy of Revival Movement.
Vehicle maintenance continued, with Jeff & Cammo making significant progress, including an axle swap and getting the Isuzu pickup back on the road. The arrival of a new cement mixer was another boost for the dormitory construction.
Unloading TractsThe doors are installedAs Stephen departs
Farewells and Final Reflections
As Tom & Debbie departed, work began on compacting the dormitory floor foundation. Anna left for NYB training sessions, leaving Stephen, Jeff, and Cammo to manage at Anna’s house until her return.
Fuel shortages meant some sacrifices—like skipping lunch in Zomba to conserve diesel—but the team adapted. After Stephen’s departure, Jeff & Cammo took a brief break to explore Lake Malawi and enjoy a safari in Liwonde National Park before returning to Saidi to finish up vehicle projects.
As the visit drew to a close, the sense of accomplishment was matched by gratitude—for new friendships, successful projects, and the opportunity to serve. The team’s efforts have left a lasting impact, and we look forward to building on these foundations in the months ahead.
