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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
