Malawi Update#11

July 26, 2012

The Team left Wednesday for an overnight retreat at Chisomo Cottages on the shore of Lake Malawi. This is a retreat in a Muslim area that is run by missionaries from South Africa. Over these last few years their mission opportunities have expanded, and they are opening a Christian school with the blessing of the chief, who wants a school for the children and does not care that it will be Christian.

We stopped first for some shopping at some woodcarvers there in the Salima district. Then we went to a nice resort (the Sunbird) for lunch and some time on the lake shore. Alas, the power was out, but some limited selections were available. Several had the buffet of beef, chicken, potatoes, and rice; others daringly ordered spaghetti. I had the goat with rice and seasonal veggies—delicious.

The stay at Chisomo was pleasant, but this has been an unusually cold winter, and there was a stiff wind from the east off the lake. It blew all night long. Also, this is Ramadan, and at 4:00 AM there was a call to breakfast before the dawn, allowing people to eat before the fast. Then the 5:00 call to prayer.

The next morning after a nice breakfast of toast, eggs, local sausage (many were passed along to me), and tomato slices we returned for a little more shopping at the woodcarvers. We then drove to Lilongwe for a nice lunch at the Four Seasons (That’s the name of the shopping area; the restaurant is Buchanan’s.). Then back to hosts home to settle accounts, pack, and plan on dividing gifts for the interpreters.

It has been a good trip. This relatively young team worked hard, worked together, jumped in at all times with a hand to help. We accomplished good things in the villages and in the urban neighborhoods. Thank God with us that He included us in His work here in Malawi. Pray for us as we travel tomorrow…safety for us and our luggage and timely flights.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#10

July 24, 2012

This morning the team went back into the neighborhoods in Lilongwe for unban ministry. Once again they were able to share the Gospel with Malawians living in the city. Many of these opportunities were with people who claimed to be Muslim. In the main, these Muslims are not firmly committed, and they are open to the Gospel. Many of them have prayed to ask Jesus into their lives.

Our host and I went out to conduct some business. I was able to meet with the pastor and give him the ministry allotment from First Baptist. We met him at the Baptist Theological Seminary area in Malawi, and I was able to see the grounds. There are several dormitories, a kitchen and dining room, class rooms and a small library. The Faith Builders Sunday school class at First Baptist Norfolk had sent me with money to pay seminary tuition for one of the interpreters, and I was able to make that payment in both his and our behalf.

In the afternoon the team regrouped with our interpreters at the home of our hosts. We exchanged some gifts, and many comments of appreciation were made by all. We went outside for pictures and some final visiting. A tearful time…It is hard to believe we will not see them again this trip. They have become a part of our lives. Watching Allison break into tears, and Hannah fanning her face and wiping her eyes, and Emily stopping another interpreter from driving away to give him the last tearful hug—and he was so sad in her sadness.

Tomorrow we drive to Lake Malawi, and the team will meet a South African couple who are trying to engage the Muslims for evangelism. We will stay at their retreat, Chisomo Cottages. Pray for safety in our travels and a restful time as we wind down from the mission.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update #9

July 23, 2012

The team spent the day in Kamoyo and had a great time. This was a typical day of village ministry: there was VBS, teaching and evangelism. But there was another project.

As we left Chiwoza we discovered that the little church there was in debt. They had purchased the land to build their church, but they still owed 17,000 Kwacha, which is really beyond their ability to pay without some help. It would be possible for the man who sold it to call the debt and take the land back. So the team decided to pay the debt. How much money? About $62.00! Not exactly going to break our bank…easily within our capacity. So, today a few went with the pastor to Chiwoza to settle accounts. Now their church is free and clear.

Today at VBS Emily and Hannah jumped in to help. They had a simply wonderful time working with the kids. Constance and Jessica had prepared a great lesson. In the afternoon Constance changed over and went out with Adam evangelizing hut-to-hut.

Steve and Allison also took part in the evangelistic visits. Allison had a large crowd gathered to listen to her, and Adam had a good number also. Many people prayed to receive Jesus. This was all in the next village over from Kamoyo, and they can easily walk to Kamoyo for church on Sundays.

I am no stranger to Kamoyo. Ten to twelve people sat in on the teaching sessions as I spoke on yielding ourselves to God, renewing our minds, and letting the Spirit control both our souls and our bodies. In the after noon there were great questions. The people are listening and engaged in the material. We even gave them some Bible verses for memorizing and helped them begin.  My interpreter today, was amazing.

Be assured, God is answering prayers for us on this trip. He is doing wonderful things here in Malawi. Tomorrow will be urban ministry, and in the afternoon we will say farewell to our interpreters. They have been such a blessing to us. Continue in prayer for us: we will spend some time debriefing at Lake Malawi Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, then leave for home Friday. Pray for continued safety and unity.

Parents of teens, I have good things to report about your daughters, who have done you proud.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#8

July 22, 2012

This was another great day of ministry. We divided the team. Steve, Jessica, Adam, and Emily returned to Chiwoza to help with the Sunday service. Of course, their interpreters were with them. Constance, Allison, Hannah, and I went to Kamoyo.

In Chiwoza Jessica and Emily led a VBS session with the children, Adam taught adult Sunday school, and Steve preached, a message on leadership from the book of Nehemiah. About 17 adults were present with many children. After the service, the chief of the village gave a brief address thanking the team.

In Kamoyo, Constance, Emily, and Allison led the children’s VBS and I taught Sunday school and preached. About twice as many adults were in attendance at Kamoyo, and again there were many children. The team also helped by singing “Lord I Lift you Name on High” (complete with hand motions) for the Malawians. I also joined three natives (one of which was the pastor), in singing (in proper harmony) a hymn in Chichewa.

We spent the afternoon resting after our busy week. It is a bit sad to realize that our time is now slanting towards our return to Norfolk. All of us (yes, even I, the old hat) have been touched by what we have seen and been able to do. Next week we have plans for village work and urban ministry. Pray for us as we continue our work with the missionaries here among the Chewa people of Malawi. Pray for continued health and safety. God has been so faithful, and we are hopeful for His continued graces over the remainder of the trip.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#7

July 21, 2012

The team spent the morning in urban neighborhoods looking for opportunities to share the Gospel. We rode to a central place in the city, broke into teams of two to three plus interpreters, and caught rides in local minibuses into nearby neighborhoods. There were a number of people who let us meet with them and talk about spiritual matters.

Emily and Hannah met with a group of young women and shared their faith. After the women prayed, they discovered they were Muslims…but now Christians. Allison and I met a family where the grandmother was Christian, but the younger women were Muslim and the young man was Jehovah’s Witness. They listened as I shared my testimony and presented the Gospel. We answered a couple of their questions. The four Muslims girls prayed to receive Jesus.

In the afternoon we visited the Hope House Orphan Care Foundation. This is run by friends of our hosts, and ministers to over 300 orphans. These children live in their nearby villages, but they often go unfed. This ministry gives them a meal in the midday after school. They also are tutoring them and teaching them the trade of tailoring. Since 2005 the ministry has grown to have three homes in the region and 25 employees. The ministry is largely managed by Malawians; the Oklahoma couple who started it live on their pension and apply all gifts to the ministry. It was a wonderful afternoon spent learning what God will do with an ordinary couple who follow His lead.

We spent the evening preparaing to help in the churches at Kamoyo and Chiwoza.

Pray for us as we conduct one more day of village ministry at Kamoyo on Monday and do urban ministry on Tuesday. That will complete our planned ministry here in Malawi.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update #6

July 20, 2012

Today was our last working day in Chiwoza. We will be helping in the church service on Sunday, but no more storying, no more VBS, no more teaching. There was sadness as we left and the children shouted to us, “Azungu (White foreigners).” Still, there were many decisions for Christ.

Across the river Steve returned to meet some of the people he had been working with during the week and also walked around and met several people with whom he shared the Gospel. Adam met with a group of people, smaller than yesterday, and did more teaching on discipleship.

Allison, Emily, and Hannah also returned to visit people they had worked with. They spoke with them about a number of spiritual issues, each taking turns speaking. In the afternoon they were down by the river where they met with a group of children. They told them stories and sang Christian songs with them.

VBS went quite well. Constance told the story of Peter preaching, and Jessica worked with her to teach the children their Bible verse, “Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” The best part: the lesson was held by the river, and the kids from the other village came across the river to take part. There were over one hundred children with paper candles waving them and singing “This little light of mine” in their language.

Today I spoke to the adults in Chiwoza about the lifestyle of deacons, as models of church leaders.  I asked for questions, and one person offered this comment: “Every Christian should live this way.” I thought, they really are understanding this. We talked about the truth of the comment.

Tomorrow we begin urban ministry. Please pray that we will find people with whom to share the Gospel. And thank God with us for the work He is doing here.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#5

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

Malawi Update#4

June 18, 2012

The team returned to Chiwoza to work again on the same projects. We once again were greeted by many children. We spent a little while singing with them and then broke into our teams.

Today was awesome at VBS. Jessica and Constance had an even larger group of children, but everything was very orderly. The children were so well behaved. The craft was to make an evangelism bracelet of beads and a pipe cleaner. The kids then learned how to share the Gospel with the bracelet. They practiced with each other, learning to share from the bracelet.

Adam and Steve returned to Mtata across the river, but only the chief and several other leaders from other nearby villages showed up with their wives. They went through the stories, but the people already knew them. They moved to the river and shared the Gospel with several people who prayed to receive Christ. Then a group of children came, and they again presented the Gospel. These also prayed to receive Christ. That afternoon there was a woman who was sick with abdominal pain. This proved to be something they believed to be due to “dark magic”. This was a reminder that we are in spiritual warfare, and Satan will try to stop us. Later that evening at our devotional time we prayed that God would heal her, break down this stronghold, and all in a way that would leave no doubt that God is working.

Emily, Hannah, and Allison returned to their nearby village. Emily and Hannah basically completed their story telling and teaching with one young woman who returned. And Allison walked around to share the Gospel. She sat down to help some women shell corn as she witnessed to them. One prayed to receive Jesus.

And I taught more about discipleship to nine or ten people. In the afternoon there was a question and answer session. The pastor interpreter sensed that some present were not believers, and he invited them to pray for salvation. Seven people prayed to receive Jesus.

Truly some of these may be rededications, but God is moving in the lives of people here in Chiwoza.

We will be in Chiwoza for two more days. Pray that God will continue to work here and give us wisdom to carry forward in the best way in our various ministries. Spirits are high; pray that God will protect us from the enemy, who wants to stop the Gospel here in these villages. We are confident: greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#3

July 17, 2012

Today was our first day in the village of Chiwoza, and it was the first Malawi village for all of the team members (except me). Needless to say, the children won the hearts of everyone immediately. They ran after our vehicles shouting and waving to us. It is heart-warming beyond words.

After we arrived, the children were formed into a circle and sang to us. They dragged Constance Smith into the center with a young girl and got her to dance with them as they sang. And so VBS began… Constance and Jessica led the children in a wonderful and greatly appreciated lesson on God the creator.

Four years ago a team from First Norfolk came to Chiwoza to teach and evangelize. There is a little church there with its own building. On that same trip we had crossed the river to another village, Mtata, on their invitation, to do evangelism. There is now a small church in that village as well.

We broke into teams. The three girls wanted to work together: Allison, Hannah, and Emily. They went out from Chiwoza to a nearby village and found a group of people to whom they could share the story of God’s redemption, a Creation-to-Christ panorama. The goal is to find people who will learn the story from hearing it (remember, this is an oral culture with very few who can read and write) and tell it to others. Oral cultures do story-telling very well. They were able to find some people and begin to tell and teach the story.

Meanwhile, Adam and Steve went across the river to Mtata and met with the chief. He told them to announce the story sessions today and begin tomorrow. They spoke to everyone they could find. Steve shared the Gospel with a married couple and a friend and led them to accept Jesus into their lives.

At lunch I asked how the day had gone. Allison was so overwhelmed that she could not speak of it without beginning to cry. The afternoon was more of the same.  The girls returned to their people; the men continued to work down by the river. Steve met a Muslim man and shared the gospel; the man accepted Christ and plans to be in church in Chiwoza this Sunday.

Friends, it has been remarkable. God has answered and is answering our prayers. He has gone before us by His Spirit to prepare our way. As I reminded the team Monday night, “Not by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” We are seeing the truth of this play out.

Please continue in prayer that God will further the great work He has begun here in Malawi. Pray for God’s work in the lives of the team members.

Ray Smith

Malawi Update#2

July 16, 2012

Today was an orientation day for the team. We slept in and took a late breakfast, and afterward our host reviewed aspects of village life with the team. He and I discussed more of the work assignments of the team. It was a good time for the team to get to know our host.

Toward midday his wife took most of the team to the downtown. This was primarily a shopping trip for the women to buy zitinje, the traditional dress for women in the village, worn over their dresses. These were purchased at a market (no bargaining).

During the afternoon, the team rehearsed storying with one of our interpreters. This gave everyone an introduction to working with an interpreter, alternating from Chichewa to English, as the story of redemption is explained. This all went very well. It was interesting to listen to the young women tell parts of the story in their individual styles. From time to time our interpreter would stop and give advice on how to break the sentences into smaller parts for him to work with. He also explained that for some words, he needed more time to explain the concept for the listeners. But he assured them that the interpreters would not run ahead in the story but let the team members tell it in their manner. Everyone enjoyed this rehearsal and expressed how it had set their minds at ease to actually see and hear it.

 This team has been all about helping in the kitchen, and Jesica Souther even made an apple pie (with our host's directions) from scratch.  Dinner was steaks, peas, and rolls.  And the pie was delicious.

Tomorrow we begin the work, fully prepped by our hosts.

Continue to pray for us. In many ways we are all outside our comfort zones. But everyone has a heart for the work. Pray for our health, as some have been struggling with stresses of travel. We all need our biological clocks to reset to local time. Pray that God’s Spirit will go before us to prepare our way.

Ray Smith - Malawi

Malawi Update#1

July 15, 2012

Just a note to let you know that all is well with Team Malawi. It was a long trip, over 13 hours from Dulles to Addis Ababa, and then another three or so to Lilongwe. There were some moments.  At Addis airport as we made our way to the shuttle, they took carry-ons away for check in. We could only guess due to language issues. Hey, there’s malaria medicine in those bags!

But God is faithful. We have arrived again with ALL bags. Crowds at passport control, mayhem at baggage claim, yes. But at customs they just waved us through. Our hosts met us with smiles and embraces…and two vehicles. Then we loaded up and were off.

The team is split. Jessica and Stephen Souther are around the corner, half a block away in the Baptist Guest House. The rest of us are in the home of our host missionaries.

With everyone sleep-deprived, we are planning and early evening and a slight sleep-in tomorrow to catch up on sleep. Plans for tomorrow are more orientation for the village work, which will center on storying.

Praise God with us for answered prayer for safety, timely flights, and no lost baggage.

Ray Smith - Malawi