The Lord knows how to keep us grounded.
Although the Trustees would have loved to have been present in Malawi to oversee the start of the development of the site at Saidi, that has not been possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
I feel a little like Jude – eager to write about one thing, but constrained by the Holy Spirit through circumstances to write about another. However, unlike Jude, it is a very happy matter which now takes precedence.
Initially my intention was just to write enclosing a copy of a recent letter that some of you will have received in the mail, in which we gave an update on our development plans in Malawi. Within the past couple of months we have purchased a 1.3 acre site at Thondwe, upon which we hope to start building facilities for the Literature, Children’s and other ministries we are engaged in. You can read / download the letter here.
At this time of year we would usually be making final preparations for Malawi Gospel Outreach (MGO). Although Coronavirus has brought many frustrating limitations, we want to share with you a recent major encouragement in the work in Malawi.
Like everyone else, the work of the Trust has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are grateful to the Lord that none of the directors or local volunteers have so-far contracted the illness.
Our latest News Update is now available.
Please keep an eye on the website for further ad-hoc items.
We published our Annual Review a few weeks ago. You may view it here if you haven’t already done so.
The above images show the Prison Officers’ sleeping quarters and the Training Centre kitchen.
It’s always a joy to stop at Dedza Pottery – one of my favourite spots, anywhere – to break the journey between Lilongwe and the south. The air is cool, they do the best Chicken Curry for miles around, and we’ve been enjoying Dedza Delights with great Malawian coffee since first we came to the country. A great watering hole.
This time was particularly special as we met with a group of brothers from Chidewere, some of whom have attended our Bible Teaching conferences, and who have started to gather together for Bible study and prayer.
These dear men were anxious to begin functioning as a Scriptural assembly, and over lunch we were able to point out the simple principles upon which the early disciples met together – Receiving the Word, Baptism, the Apostles’ Doctrine, Fellowship, Breaking Bread & Prayers.
It was a real thrill to learn a few days ago that they have since begun to break bread together is accordance with the New Testament pattern.
Although well-established within the prison culture in the UK, chaplaincy is still in its infancy in Malawi.
It was a privilege to spend a couple of days with key officers within the chaplaincy team, who work with limited resources for the spiritual and physical care of inmates.
Jim & I were so grateful that the ongoing unrest in Malawi abated enough to enable us to make a brief visit to see the work of COOM which we have been privileged to support a little during the past few months.
