May 6th, 2009
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
The Lord is truly good and He blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine!!
Much to my shame I have not sent out our “Prayer Letter” since the month of February. To this I ask your forgiveness and my only defense is that we have been overwhelmed with the ministry here in Malawi.
I pray God’s blessing on all those dear people that have responded to our “Plea Letter” for the month of January. During the month preceding the implementation of our new food menu at the Good Samaritan Children’s Home, we took 56 children to the Chiradzulu Hospital for illness. The month following the start of the new menu we took 5 to the hospital. We continue to receive emails from those that have given a “one time gift and from those people or families that have committed to contribute every month. We are “Tasting and Seeing” that the Lord is very good!!
Our members of Bible Baptist Church of Bwaila have really taken to heart the “Great Commission” in that they are faithful in going out soul winning in the Satemwa tea fields and the surrounding villages. During the months of February, March and April we have had many people believe and receive Christ as their Savior;
Satemwa tea fields 184
Mbeluko #1 99
Mbeluko #2 160
Kautuka #2 70
Chizinja 220
At the village of Chizinja people asked that we start a church at their village because of the distance from Bwaila and the hills and streams that needed to be crossed. Two Sundays ago we started our second church, Chizinja Good Samaritan Baptist Church. We moved the church service at Bwaila up to 9am, and finish at 12:30pm. We then travel the 5 Km to Chizinja, a 20 minute drive, and start that church service at 1pm. We also have started a Bible study for these dear people on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30pm. Just this last Tuesday during the Bible study some other village people sat down to listen as we taught. During one of the question/answer periods a man raised his hand and stated, “I am tired of drinking, I want to be saved”. Six people trusted Jesus as their Savior at the end of this Bible study! The Malawians are hungry for the Truth of God; John 8:32, “ And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The work at the Good Samaritan Bible College and Children’s Home at Mapanga continues. We are trying to maintain the facilities to His Glory and Honor. Between the weather, insects, pest, and all the children, this is a task.
During the month of February we completed the electrical wiring for the bakery addition at the kitchen facility. After hooking up two of the commercial ovens, Darcy baked bread for the first time. The children and staff enjoy these first fruits and Lord willing in the next couple of weeks Darcy will teach the cooks and others how to bake simple but nutritious foods.
At the end of April, 5 graduating teen girls and 2 adult women chaperons from Bible Baptist Church of Fairbanks Alaska arrived for a two week “working” mission’s trip. We have put them to work at Mapanga teaching and cleaning at the Orphanage. They have gone out soul winning both at Mapanga and Bwaila and have also taught Junior Churches at Njuli, Mapanga, Bwaila and Chizinja. They have been a blessing to our family and also to the people of these villages. Some of the nationals that have seen them work have commented that they did not know that the Inzungu’s, white people, worked with their hands. The visitors have seen the work here in Malawi “first hand”and Lord willing their report will encourage and energize others!
We understand that a family from Bible Baptist Church of Fairbanks has surrendered to come and join our family in this ministry in Malawi. David & Laurie Mowery are believing God’s Word, Prov. 3:5 & 6. They have talked with Pastor Duffett, received his blessing and are moving forward with the plans to come to Malawi. We have known this family for many years and are excited about working with them!
PRAYER ITEMS
- People continue to see the needs for the Mapanga Orphanage
- The new Independent Baptist church at Chizinja
- Bible Baptist Church of Bwaila
- Health for our family as we are stretched thin
- Funds for a permanent church building at Bwaila
By His Grace & Mercy,
John, Darcy, Elizabeth,
Sarah & Johnathan
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