Malawi Mission Report #9
Today was our second and last day in Chiwoza. For those of you who have visited there, there are some changes. The little church made of homemade brick has a side wall that is leaning outward, and the wall near the pulpit is leaning inward. It is a dangerous situation, and I doubt it will survive the next rainy season. Also, two years ago there was construction on a large building. This is complete and is a local hospital, funded at least in part by foreign funds. Kamoyo is only 2-3 km away, and the hospital could serve to back up the dispensary Curt has been planning for Kamoyo.
The morning began on a sad note. One of our interpreters, Gift, received word that his father-in-law had just died. There are no living sons to attend to the funeral arrangements, so Gift has that responsibility. Peter, our logistics man, took Gift back home. Gift will travel tomorrow about 5 hours to the north to Mzuzu, where his and his wife’s families live. That is the second death event to hit this team of interpreters.
Constance and Wendy worked with the children, assisted by Alicia. There were over 200 children today, some from Mtata village across the river. Once again it all went amazingly well. Wendy led the teaching this time, and in the afternoon she worked without Constance, who swapped with Maddie.
Curt, Hannah, and Maddie went by bus to Mkangamira village once again, with the hope of meeting the chief whose father they had met yesterday. He told Curt that he was sure God had arranged the visit to help with his father’s illness. This was a long visit, and there was no other evangelism in the morning. In the afternoon Curt met a school teacher who is thinking of entering the ministry. This would of course be perfect for a church plant in the village. Curt later discussed this with Balckson, and he was very excited at this prospect.
I worked with Abusa Blackson again with a small group of leaders in the Chiwoza congregation. There were eight women and five men. After the morning session I fielded some questions about forgiveness. It was during this time that a surprise happened. We had a brief, light rain. Remember this is their winter and the dry season. But none of us got very wet.
Matters for praise: Praise God for the developments in Mkangamira. Thank God for continued blessings of health, safety, and receptive hearts.
Matters for prayer: Please continue to pray for our safety in travel and for prepared hearts as we continue to share our faith in a third village beginning tomorrow--Kalolo. And pray for continued unity.
Thank you again for praying with us.
Ray Smith
Malawi Team
