Raphael reports that the task of producing all 2250 masks is now complete and distribution of these and the soap and pails to the remaining prisons in Northern Region will happen this week.
Each inmate will receive Gospel literature along with the hygiene items, so please pray that the Lord will use this to the blessing of many souls.
We again express our gratitude to Raphael and his team who have begun distributing the items purchased through the kindness of the Lord’s people.
Pails, soap and masks have already been distributed in Chitipa and work is underway to sew masks for the remaining five prisons in the region.
Each inmate has also received a supply of Gospel Literature.
Thanks to everyone who has given support to this valuable effort.
The government in Malawi has just re-introduced prevention measures designed to slow the progress of the virus – many of them measures which were lifted a month or two back to facilitate the Presidential election. This U-turn has caused considerable confusion about the issue.
On Saturday past COOM organised a day of training for foster parents of the Orphan children to sensitize in the issue of Covid-19 prevention.
Although frustrated not to be able to be in Malawi as we normally would this time of year, we are encouraged by pictures and reports from the camp at Dzaleka.
Sadly, one little girl passed away a few weeks ago, but there are still over 90 children being fed daily, and it is our privilege to assist with this program.
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.
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.
