July 19, 2012
We had another wonderful day at Chiwoza and in the other villages. The village across the river, Mtata, asked if we could do a children’s program on their side. Jessica and Steve went across together in the morning to do a small VBS program for thirty or so children, working with Steve’s interpreter. By all accounts it was a great experience all around, and it was great to know that we could do for them something similar to what we were doing in Chiwoza. Jessica came back to Chiwoza to work with Constance and the two interpreters for the afternoon session of VBS.
Adam went to meet a group of people to begin a teaching session. This turned into a virtual church service with Adam teaching about discipleship matters and people making decisions to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Adam had hoped to be able to obtain some Chichewa Bibles “on the fly”, but it was not possible since we were away in the village.
The three young women went back to their village area also. Allison and her interpreter, met a group of men who were Muslim, with a couple of teachers from their mosque. Allison explained that she had come to present Jesus, not to debate their differences. After she spoke, some vigorous discussion followed as she answered questions and later her interpreter jumped in to carry the discussion directly in Chichewa. There were no decisions for Christ, but they did commend Allison on her courage to make her presentation.
Emily and Hannah went back to share their testimonies and the Gospel as well. I think their coolest experience of the day was in the morning when we arrived. As they stepped from the vehicle the children said their names, “Emily, Allison, Hannah.” Hearts melted. Once again there were several who accepted Christ.
I continued teaching at the small church there in Chiwoza. There were half a dozen attending the morning session, ten in the afternoon. We talked about spiritual warfare and the Christian’s armor in the morning, and prayer in the afternoon. It is a wonderful group of people. The chief’s wife has attended every session and regularly offered comments or questions.
We have one more day in Chiwoza. Pray that those who have learned the storying will tell and teach others in their villages. Pray that those who have made decisions will attend the church this Sunday in Chiwoza. God has been answering your prayers and ours; please continue with us in prayer.
Ray Smith
