Our Prayer Focus this month is on Prison Ministry.
We have unlimited access to all prisons across the country. However, as a small team, we must focus on those that are within a reasonable distance from us.
A typical visit involves a time of preaching the Gospel, often to the entire prison population. This is followed by distribution of food (maize) and Prison Hygiene packs or locally purchased soap if packs are not available.
Give thanks for this incredibly valuable opportunity to reach thousands with the Gospel
Pray for the expansion of prison ministry, as prisoners in several prisons are now studying Emmaus Bible courses.
Pray for the resumption of planned prison visits. Fuel shortages mean that we are unable to conduct these visits at present. Pray that this situation will improve so the work can continue.
Pray for supportive and cooperative prison chaplains who can help this important work develop.
Pray for the distribution of prison hygiene packs. These practical gifts demonstrate genuine care for people who are often forgotten.
Pray for the safe arrival of the large shipment of John’s Gospels and New Testaments, which will be distributed among prisoners.
Pray for prisoners’ health, asking God to preserve inmates from disease and malnutrition.
Above all, pray for their salvation, that prisoners will come to know the Lord through His Word.
Thank you for praying.
Prison visitation is an increasingly important part of SALT’s ministry
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.
Does network troubleshooting constitute “real missionary work”?
As always, it’s been a joy to be back in Malawi. Today is the midpoint of a short trip which has already proved to be extremely valuable. I often feel frustrated that so much of my time seems to taken up with admin and planning, and not the “real missionary work” of preaching and teaching. Then I remember that Paul wrote, “there are varieties of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5) and how he often commended the tireless efforts of many who evidently laboured behind the scenes, whom he was happy to call “co-workers”.
Although my last visit was very much about the “real missionary work”, this visit has been more about necessary “behind the scenes” activity. We’ve spent a lot of time reviewing the conference in May, and how to add value to something which was evidently of great profit to many. We have also spent much time thinking about the much-anticipated launch of Nthawi Ya Baibulo (Bible Time), which gets closer with each passing week. There is already a lot of interest in NYB, and we want to make sure that we manage the roll-out carefully.
In addition to this, SALT has recently taken overall responsibility for the Emmaus work in Malawi. Although a phenomenally valuable teaching and discipleship resource, Emmaus has failed to reach its potential in Malawi due to the absence of a national coordinator for the past 7 or 8 years. Please pray for Anna who has accepted this responsibility on behalf of SALT, on top of her already-busy schedule.
Yesterday, we met with Gibson, our main literature translator. I’ve worked on and off with Gibson for many years, but he and Anna have done a fantastic job over these past 2-3 years, cooperating on the NYB translation. With less than one month’s work remaining (by his estimate) we are looking forward to letting him loose on some other important translation projects.
To be honest, although I do often feel frustrated that I’m unable to do as much of the real missionary work that I love, I am humbled, and sometimes rebuked when I think of all that the Lord has privileged me to be involved with here. The work has grown beyond recognition, and maintaining that necessarily involves a lot of tedious and “unrewarding” effort, which the Lord graciously blesses.
Mark has recently volunteered his experience
I’ve been very happy to be accompanied by Bro Mark Beach, who has recently volunteered his extensive experience in missionary literature work. Mark has been involved for many years in various aspects of Christian work, most recently leading Everday Publications Inc, highly regarded in assembly missionary circles for their helpful resources in “Everyday English”. He also brings his experience in accounting and bookkeeping, which has already lifted a great burden off my shoulders. I believe that with his help and your prayers, the work will go forward from strength to strength.
I shouldn’t forget that there was some “real missionary work” on Wednesday, when we had a visit at one of the prisons, around an hour’s drive from base. What a thrill as around 350 inmates sat attentively listening to the Word of God. Pray that the gifts of a hygiene pack left with each will be a blessing. Each pack contains a leaflet with a simple Gospel message. And, of course, I’m looking forward to being with the assembly at Saidi tomorrow, when doubtless I’ll have opportunity to share the Word of God with them.
Earlier this week we loaded 96 cartons into a rental van at SALT’s depot in Newtownards. We extend sincere thanks to the assemblies and individuals across the UK who have helped put these packs together.
Please remember the deteriorating economic situation in Malawi, illustrated by this plea for help received this morning from a senior prison officer in Malawi.
“Good morning Stephen, I trust the Lord is keeping you well.
“We have a difficult situation at C* Prison and N* Prison. The two prisons have run out food. We have maize in stock at M* Prison Farm but there is no fuel. Therefore, I am requesting if SALT can come in to help. The Officer In-charge for N* Prison personally called me on the need.
Malawians refer to their beautiful little country as “The Warm Heart of Africa” – and I heartily agree. Since Gail, Philip and I relocated from Malawi to Northern Ireland in 2011, I have made more return visits than I can remember. When I am away, I definitely miss my family and the fellowship of saints at home. But there is something about The Warm Heart that irresistibly draws me back.
Brother Stephen plans to depart on 24th Feb for his first 2022 trip to Malawi.
Brother Jim plans to join Stephen the following week, Lord willing.
This visit will be mainly practical. There are plans to be made for the rebuilding of the msasa and further developments on the site, as well as long-overdue visits to be made to meet the prison authorities.
They also plan to visit relief programs in Lilongwe and Dzaleka.
Please pray for them as they make preparations, and while they are away – for a safe and profitable trip, for the glory of God.
