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Pray

Anna writes: Please pray for help preparing for the upcoming (much simplified) conference for the local community.

Most importantly, pray the Lord will prepare hearts to respond positively to His word.

We are thankful that we have been able to keep stocked up on fuel, but we need wisdom during these challenging times to know which if any activities to curtail and how to work within the context of the fuel shortages.

Note: Ongoing fuel shortages in Malawi have been greatly intensified by the present crisis in the gulf region. The local brothers took the decision to cancel our planned conference, normally attended by brothers from across the country, due to the prohibitive cost and great uncertainty of them being able to travel. Instead they intend to take advantage of the visit of Anna’s dad (David Vallance) to have teaching for the believers from the local area. Pray too that David & Heidi will have a blessed time with Anna during their time in Malawi.

Pray

Please pray that we will have wisdom and clear guidance as we weigh up whether the conference should go ahead.

We have been looking forward to this conference with great anticipation. Goodson & his team have been working tirelessly to get the dormitory ready. The brothers have been sending invitations across the country. The speakers have travel booked & paid for and have been preparing their messages.

However, sadly the crisis in the Middle East has exacerbated the near-permanent local fuel problem. Malawi is now the second most expensive country in the world for petrol & diesel – when it is available. (Pump prices are now ~US$3.85 / litre – black market prices are nearly double that. And the fuel is often contaminated.)

Each year we heavily subsidise the travel of those who attend the conference. However transport costs have rocketed, making it prohibitively expensive for people to travel. More seriously, there is a very real and increasing possibility that there will simply be no fuel and the country will come to a complete standstill.

The Government of Malawi has stated that they have acquired a loan of $120m to acquire fuel. That will only provide very temporary relief, if it actually materialises.

We are keeping the situation under close review, but will likely have to take a decision to cancel if the situation does not markedly improve in the next few days.

Pray

Anna writes: Please pray for God to use His powerful word to save and sanctify individuals as it continues to be distributed each week in the form of tracts, Emmaus courses, and Bibletime books.

Note: Our recent video, “That the People might understand” gives a great overview of the importance and challenges of the Literature ministry. To date, by God’s grace, we have distributed around 25 Million Gospel tracts, calendars and other booklets.

Pray

Anna writes: Please pray for help preparing for the conference – both in terms of the logistics and in terms of God preparing hearts to take in and obey His word.

Note: The annual Bible conference will take place from 18-17 May, 2026 God willing. We expect this to be a time of blessing from the Word of God.

We are under considerable pressure to have usable accommodation for the 70-100 brothers who we expect to attend, due to delays in completing the Hostel at Saidi.

Pray

Please remember the following specific prayer points.

1. Msasa Repair & Dormitory Completion (Conference w/c 18 May)

Our schedule has become increasingly tight as we work to repair the Msasa and complete the dormitories in time for the conference beginning the week of 18 May. The team is working long hours—Goodson was up most of last night unloading roofing grass that arrived from Mangochi.

  • Materials & Transport: Two truckloads of building materials have already arrived from South Africa. A third truck, carrying windows, is currently in transit, and a fourth is expected to depart shortly with steel for fabricating bunk beds. Please pray for safe journeys and trouble-free customs clearance for all consignments.
  • Construction Priorities: Our immediate focus is on completing the roofs and installing toilets and showers. Electricity will follow if time allows. While we can manage without power for a short season, we cannot manage without water. Please pray that the builders will be able to complete the work swiftly and without setbacks.
  • Solar Installation: Our solar contractor hopes to install the panels, inverter, and batteries within the next couple of weeks. Please pray that this installation proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

2. Fuel Shortages Affecting Work

Harold reports that filling stations in Zomba are completely without fuel. Black-market prices have risen to around K20,000 (approx. US$11.50) per litre, which is severely restricting travel for literature distribution, school visits, and other outreach activities. Please pray for a swift resolution to this situation, which has no doubt been worsened by global events.

3. Upcoming Board Meeting

We are preparing for a Board Meeting this weekend. Please pray for wisdom, unity, clear thinking, and a profitable time together as important decisions are made.

4. Thanksgiving for Travel in Northern Scotland

Stephen and Gail have been travelling in Northern Scotland over the past few days. We give thanks for the very warm interest shown in the reports shared. Please particularly pray that some will be led to sign up for MGO 2026, as we are still light on volunteers at this stage.

Thank you once again for your faithful prayers. We are continually encouraged by the knowledge that so many are standing with us before the Lord.

Pray

As work continues at the hostel site, we would greatly value your prayers for several key developments over the coming weeks. This phase of the project brings together logistics, construction, and essential infrastructure — each part dependent on the Lord’s protection, provision, and timing.

Please pray with us for:

  • Safe and speedy transport of materials
    A full truckload of building materials is currently being shipped from South Africa. Please pray for protection throughout the journey, smooth border processes, and timely arrival without delay or damage. (A further shipment of windows will follow in a couple of weeks DV)
  • Roof construction for the shower block and dormitories
    With materials arriving, work can progress on roofing the shower block and dormitory buildings. Pray for safety for the construction team, favourable weather, and good progress as these key structures are completed.
  • Solar power and hot water installation
    We are procuring and preparing to install solar PV panels, inverters, and battery storage, alongside solar hot‑water geysers. Pray for reliable equipment, skilled installation, and a system that will serve the site well for many years to come.
  • Installation of a 40,000‑litre water storage tank
    This large tank will be vital for consistent water supply, especially during the dry season. Please pray for successful installation and long‑term reliability.
  • Completion by mid‑May
    Our aim is to complete this phase of the project by mid‑May. Please pray for coordination across all trades, availability of materials, and wisdom in decision‑making so that the work can be finished well and on time.

We are deeply thankful for your ongoing prayerful support. These facilities will play a vital role in Bible teaching, discipleship, and practical care — and we trust the Lord to guide every step of the way.

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1)

Progress as of 23 March

Pray

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 — 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.

Pray

Please pray with us for the safe and timely arrival of a truck‑load 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 hold‑ups 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.

Pray

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 God’s 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.

Pray

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 building‑material suppliers. May the Lord guide each decision, provide needed resources, and grant safety throughout their travels.

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