News from Sue and Sarah

The days have been full. Every day we we feel are witnessing life here at the grass roots level.

Village visiting. 

Sue with a child headed family

We have had the privilege of accompanying Samson Namanya – Community Development Worker with BSHDC to three different villages under his care. These villages are urban – attached to Blantyre city – our suburbs. They have little infrastructure. Samson does a wonderful work in assessing the needs of the poor and vulnerable in these villages and working with the village Heads and Committee members in each village to help meet these needs. For example they work with orphan and vulnerable children, youth, HIV/AIDs patients. International funding has been provided to two of these villages for centres to be built. These centres provide space for caring for children – like our kindergartens – they are also given meals there. The centre in Timvane has become a community hub – people hire it out for use and whilst we were there an adult literacy course was happening funded by government.

Samson (in red) and the village head
and committee members at Chipagala Village

It felt an honor to go inside peoples homes or sit outside with them. We would be introduced by Samson and then find out their story. We gave Bibles if they did not have one and then prayed with the family. We were also able to give small gifts that people had donated from Australia. Alice – an elderly grandmother (go go) is blind and is caring for 5 young grandchildren She loves Jesus and was very happy to receive a Bible for others to read to her. The smiles when God's word was given and excitement in many receiving Bibles was humbling. Amy and I visited two elderly muslim men who both had orphaned older grandchildren to care for and were incapacitated – so could not earn any money. They were both happy to receive a Bible – we encouraged them to start reading at the book of Mark. It was amazing to be able to pray in their homes for the Holy Spirit to show them that Jesus is God. Many families are child-headed families – older children caring for younger siblings who have been orphaned. Three young women had 12 orphans in their care. There were overwhelming needs every where we went – but it was so amazing to see how the village committee members were caring for their community when they themselves are struggling to make ends meet. There was a palpable sense of communiity care which was uplifting.

Zomba prison/hospital visit.

Prison Women with their children

Four of us last Saturday traveled the fascinating hour long trip to Zomba to join the Mvano women from Colin's curch to visit the Zomba Hospital and the Womens prison. The Mvano women are kind of like the PWMU. To join this you need to pass an examination on Bible knowledge. They are what John Wilson describes as the 'backbone of the church' and they are beautiful hearted women who care for others. And man can they sing - in incredible harmonies without backing music!!

We visited the maternity unit and special care nursery. There is a unit just for 'Kangaroo care' – where well premature infants are cared for skin-to-skin against their mother's chests. This works very well and survival rate of premature infants has improved greatly with this care – as isolettes are scarce. Isolettes are used for sick premmies – and one of us glimpsed 3 babies inside one isolette . One woman and her mother were providing kangaroo care for her tiny prem twins – rough guess – 32 weeks. The women were very grateful for gifts of clothing and baby bundles given from Australia. The antenatal ward was packed with expectant mothers. 130 bundles were given out. The Mvano women prayed with a packed room of women who had recently given birth.

Shirley

The womens prison was again a moving experience. We had bundles for those women who had babies who had missed out. The women greeted us with singing and speeches were made. There were two women prisoners who are soon to sit examination to join Mvano guild. In this dusty prison, there were joyful faces radiating Jesus. On cell doors were stickers – 'triumphant in Jesus'. Many are waiting for trials – they have not yet been found guilty. The Mvano women will often help those being released – they provide for their physical needs and encourage them spiritually.

Sarah at Open Arms

Open Arms.

We have also spent time in 2 health clinics, an Orphanage – 'Open Arms', another residential centre for disabled adults and children, and have been involved in craft sessions and Bible study with women at Orbus, and also a prison in Blantyre. Each of these experiences has a story of their own – but time is short! All I can say is – man can Sue Steendham crack a fair pace – am just keeping up but loving every moment!!

Sarah & Sue

Defend the cause of the Fatherless

One afternoon I was taken out to Orbus, a place whose motto is ‘Defend the cause of the fatherless’. I hadn’t had the opportunity to see the property since 2008 when generous Australians took a 99 yr lease on this land to be used for orphans and vulnerable children. Then the land was bare except for an old tobacco building. The development of the property has been amazing. Now there are 2 large brick dormitories, used as classrooms, an outside kitchen, a general storeroom and right now 2 new classrooms with offices attached are being built. The grounds have been developed with maize, tomatoes and various other vegetables. Fruit trees are growing in an orchard area and are all watered by an irrigating system with water from the river. The newest additions are goats to raise for selling as well as a small pig pen with 2 of the sows pregnant. This week they are starting to construct a chicken run. All this has been possible by the continuing support of Australians and the work of Malawian and Aust. volunteers. More info is on the OrbusAfrica website.

I also was able to see some children receive clothing sent over in the containers. It was a bit overwhelming, but so pleasing, for me to see the ‘end of the chain’ after we’d boxed and packed clothes for these and other children. The clothes they had on would’ve been their only set and were coming apart all over. It was such a delight to be able to give them something clean and ‘new’ to wear. The Chief of the village thanked Australia for thinking of them and assured us they were giving the clothes to those ‘that were lacking’ or the vulnerable. So THANKYOU to every one of you who thought of these children and packed clothes for them; God bless you.

Our 2nd week at Chigodi

On Monday morning it was back up the Zomba Road for the 30min drive to Chigodi. Chigodi is quite picturesque with palm trees, gum trees and bamboo all around well kept grassed areas and gardens. The gardeners do a great job keeping up with all the leaves. It’s lovely to wake up and see the sun shining over the property.

All days are good days at Chigodi, but we think it’s an especially good one when the cistern is running so we don’t have to bucket water. This week it didn’t happen quite so often, so are muscles are growing! We do recommend dipper baths though as they use so much less water. The problem would be getting someone kind enough to get up at 5am to heat the water. We have Martha and she’s just wonderful.

We started the week off with our girls crocheting a cross-shaped bookmark. Most of the girls can crochet and knit but they don’t always have available the materials to do so. They are loving this opportunity to do so much. We sat in the sunshine on the verandah of the hostel as we crocheted enjoying a chat. Some of the girls need what we say interpreted as they don’t always understand us. They also completed the child’s pinafore dresses.

Tuesday was an exciting day when we ventured to the outdoor kitchen to cook. All of us had such fun and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea that day. We made sweet potato scones (mbatata), in an outdoor oven made from a 44gal drum. Also we cooked, over open fire, banana fritter drop scones that looked like doughnuts and some ufa scones (made with maize flour).

We were asked to do items around recycling so we started the girls off on crocheting plarn bags made from strips of plastic bags. They like the idea and soon ran out of bags so we have to get some more over the weekend for them. From recycled stretchy material we are making a knitted bag. They are calling them Bible Bags as they think they will be quiet to get your bible out of in Church. Another recycling lesson was on composting. Judy does a great job of this lesson and got out with their hoes digging up a piece of ground. These girls seemed more interested than previous years so hopefully they will take the ‘new’ idea back to their villages. To have them have a use for leaves and ash as well as their kitchen rubbish they thought was good, but unfortunately Judy was bitten by an angry ant during the lesson.

After all these recycling lessons we thought the girls would like to make something for themselves. We decided on an 8 gore skirt. Some of the fabric we thought would be great was a big see-through so we cut out 16 pieces and did them double. Judy and Diane were very sick of this fabric by the time we had cut out all the needed pattern pieces, but had to admit the skirts looked lovely when they tried them on. They are rightly proud of their efforts and a picture should appear, when they are all completed, in our next blog.

In our little abode we get our own breakfasts and our own tea, western style. We had quite a banquet the other night with tomato and egg in a sandwich maker with boiled egg on the side, followed by fresh pineapple. The sandwich maker was sent over in the container for our use.

Today we had the opportunity to visit the village of Ulumba. Chigodi look after 9 child-headed families in this village, clothing them and paying their school fees and providing food for them as they can manage. Judy and Diane previously visited Ulumba in 2010 and Diane decided she would do a bag of clothes etc for each child to send in the latest container. (Esabel, Catherine and Alfred were up at 5am to look for the last box of bags from all that was sent in the container.) It was a delight today to be able to give some of the bags out. Some children were sick or away. As it was a school day we had to attend the school to see them. The children remembered us and were thankful for their gifts. We were able to provide them with some essentials of maize flour, sugar, beans, salt, candles and matches and a solar light.

Devotions this week went well with Judy’s explanation of how to study the bible, Diane’s on Eph 5 – to live well’, singing some new choruses and hearing Chichewa ones. As with most groups there are the ones who will speak up and others that are quiet. We pray they are understanding what we are sharing with them.

Bring on next week!

Diane B.

A week of work in Zambia

The past week has been a full one with both of us teaching a lot. Dean has taken a group through eldership training, with lots of great questions being asked along the way. This showed that they really engaged with the teaching, an answer to prayer.

Dean teaching the Madodana and CYF

On Saturday we team-taught a Bible overview to another congregation in Lusaka. Dean spoke while Sandy illustrated on a blackboard. Many of the congregation were busy taking notes and copying the pictures and, again, they had great and thoughtful questions. They said it will help them as they read their Bibles to see where each passage fits into the "big picture".

On the same day, Dean gave a summary of the gospel from Romans 1:1-5 to a group of men (the Madodana/Men's Guild) and youth (CYF: Christian Youth Fellowship). Before long, questions started coming on spiritual gifts and especially speaking in tongues. We had a really helpful discussion and search of the scriptures together to find the answers. While it wasn't exactly on topic, clearly this is a real hot button issue for Zambian youth at the moment. Less than Biblical teaching on spiritual gifts has taken many youth out of the church.

During the week, Sandy taught Grades 1-3 at the Matero church's community school. This freed up the only teacher there to concentrate on the nursery-prep children. Teaching children whose second language is English was rather challenging but we got there in the end! The children are absolutely delightful and have stolen Sandy's heart. Tomorrow will see Sandy back at the school for more teaching and Dean will be running a seminar on 1-1 discipleship.

Some of Sandy's Grade 1-3 students

Giant skipping rope from Aus was a hit!

If you don't have a playground, use a dumped mini-bus!!

Friday saw Dean spending the day with the General Secretary, Rev Maleka Kabandama, at the Synod Office. Due to the power being off, they had plenty of time to talk with each other and Rev Mtonga. Rev Mtonga is one of the first four trained Zambian ministers for the CCAP 31 years ago. We talked outside, partly because the power was off, but also because the contents of the container we sent fills the lounge room! Distribution is to commence soon as they only received clearance from Customs last week.

Rev Kabandama's lounge room. The rest of the house is similarly full at present

While Dean was yapping with the GS, Sandy was busy teaching the Umanyano (Women's Guild) an in-depth study of the Apostles' Creed. She had taught part of this when we were last in Zambia in 2007, so it was great to teach the entire series this time.

Sandy with the Women's Guild. Can you find her?

Advertising Thobwa on a Zambian billboard, someone's wall.

On Sunday Dean led and preached at the smaller English service at Matero, then we travelled to the slum area of George. Here in the midst of heart-breaking poverty, Dean preached again on the cost of discipleship. Ponde, a charismatic and Godly young man, interpreted enthusiastically. We were welcomed so warmly by these precious people. They spent 15 minutes singing and dancing while each one came to shake our hands. Our little bit of chinyanja language came in very handy here! After the service we were "treated" to a local drink they were having for morning tea. The version we had was made of millet, maize and plenty of sugar, called Thobwa. A little gritty due to the husks, we presume, and lukewarm. The kids loved it!


We are also having many classic African experiences whilst here. For instance, last Wednesday we spent the whole day chasing for permission to minister in the prisons next week. We were sent from one department to another, just to be sent back to the other department again, and then told we actually had to write a letter to each department. Our host, the General Secretary of the Presbyterian church here, would not be deterred! We went backwards and forwards several times chasing the paper trail to the permission we're seeking. Permission is still pending.....

A Powerful and Impactive Night

St. Michaels Presbyterian Church, Blantyre

Words can't express clearly what took place last night (Sunday). On Thursday afternoon Amy and I were asked by Joy if we would like to attend the youth service at St Michaels Presbyterian Church. We thought it was a great idea and give us further opportunity to reach out to the students from the local area but especially those who attend from HHI Secondary School (which is just across the road from where we are staying). In true African style, we were assumed that we would lead the whole service 6:30-8:30 which would consist of leading in a time of praise and worship, prayer, bible reading, a message and testimony. Amy and I were not fully confident in leading the WHOLE service as we had never been before, so we told Joy that we would go away to think about it and spend time in prayer.

God impressed on my heart to consider and pray about doing the message for the night, with some time spent in prayer I felt very convicted to start preparing. After speaking with Joy about the issues and struggles teen and young adults have in the culture of Malawi, I very quickly picked up that this message wasn't going to be a message that would be received to well. Joy shared with Amy and I that the biggest issues facing teens were drunkenness, sexual immorality, impurity and they hide their struggles so they are never truly address. I didn't at all feel I could teach on such confronting issues, however God strongly impressed upon my heart to trust Him completely, so after pouring over passages of scripture I was lead to start preparing on Colossians 3v1-17, entitled “Can you Handle the Truth” focusing on Living a holy and pure life, as Amy was lead to prepare to share her testimony. 

In the lead up to the service, I felt the weight of giving out a passage, I was feeling physically drained. I was going to addressing sin for what it is, and the warning for those who choose not to repent and the consequences of refusing to live a holy, pure life however the promise of forgiveness to those who repent giving their lives over to Christ. I knew God was going to use it, He gave me all I needed to pull a message together in just 3 days. It was going to be confronting, impactive and require action and change. What I didn't realise what just how impactive.10 minutes before we were to be at the service I finished pulling together the message, I felt confident with the words God had for me to speak and I knew all I had to do now was trust Him to deliver it with grace yet conviction. 

The Praise Group

On arrival to the church David, Amy, Sarah, Steve and I meet our first obstacle, around the entrance of the church where mounds of turned over bricks which they are in the process of pulling up, we didn't see the path way so we made our way across the bricks. We were greeted by Joy and his beautiful wife Grace before being lead into the church were the youth were singing praise songs. We took our seats and at this stage not many youth had arrived maybe 20 at the most, David introduced the team while slowly more youth arrived and now half the church was full. More songs were sung including one David lead called “I am Redeemed”, then Amy and I lead a song which we had been teaching all week at the schools, “Jesus got heaps of lambs”, but omitting the first verse dew to lack of cultural understanding. David noted the good re-pour Amy and I have with the students, and that is all of God, He is using us to have a big impact in the school and in the lives of the students.

With the bible reading read, I was invited to get up to deliver the message from Colossians 3, I stood up on this high platform, wasn't a fan, however I was able to see everyone from the front of the church to the very back. By this stage the church was completely full... with a prayer and deep breath I began to give out what God had given me to speak. All was quiet until I read from verse 5, here comes the second obstacle sexual immorality, impurity and lust addressing sex and what God says in regards to it, this is where we see God begin to work in the hearts of the teen, where we start to see a spiritual battle starting. As I continued to speak Gods word, He empowered me to speak with boldness, conviction, and truth...half way through God was convicting hearts of the hearers, although I was mostly unaware of what was taking place among the youth in the back of the church I did hear some of it, mocking, fake coughing, laughing, snickering , banging on the wooden chairs. This only gave me more confidence and boldness to speak, God gave me the ability to have such strength and power in my voice that I've never had before. Although all those in the church could hear loudly what was taking place in the back, I wasn't distracted by anything. Amy and Sarah, the whole time I was up there, were praying for me, that my voice would be heard clearly over all the distractions, they were praying for the disruptive youth and that they maybe convicted in their hearts and that I wouldn't hear the noise. This is the power of prayer.

Inside St. Michaels

David got up, walked down the middle of the church to keep people quiet, it was just as I was sharing a brief part of my testimony, once I started back into the passage the noise elevated again. I continued on, determined to finish what God had placed in my mouth to speak about 40 minutes later I was going to close in prayer however David has his own sermon to say. He addressed the behaviour of the youth, how satan is wanting to drag them away for the truth of Christ, challenging them to consider their actions, and not just merely follow the crowd but consider where they stand with God and seek His forgiveness. Some heads went down in shame others continued to mock quietly. Joy then stood to say a few words back up the message that was spoken and the words that David spoke. He then made a call for those who want forgiveness and give their life over to Christ to stand, about 20 youths stood proudly, most young guys from the back of the church. THIS IS GOD AT WORK!! His Word alone brought about conviction in the hearts of the youth, which lead them to want a relationship with Christ, praise the Lord! 

What was more interesting, we later learnt after the service that it is was a requirement the youth at HHI who are boarding are made to come. Nothing could stop that message from being heard, the very ones who needed to hear heard and responded, if not with boldness to stand publicly, God is at work in their hearts of those who sat quiet and we pray that He will continue to bring about truth in the lives of these youth, that they will truly desire to turn from their sinful habits into the forgiving arms of Christ and seek to live a more fulfilled life in Him. A powerful impactive night! God is so good!

Praise the Lord,

Kylie.

Builders Update

We arrived in Malawi and hit the road running, soon after arriving on Wednesday afternoon we went to John Steendam’s garage to check out and sort all our equipment from the container and then to the Synod workshop to catch up with the carpenters.

Chigodi Ceiling

On Thursday morning it was off to Chigodi to replace the ceiling in the rooms where our women would be staying. The existing ceiling was made of Canite and was water stained and falling down. It was soon obvious that we would have to fix the roof as well as all the Iron was coming off the batons and thus the cause of the water stains. We used plywood to redo the ceilings in the 2 rooms one rectangular and the other round. The round room was a challenge but we got there in the end. Doug also took the opportunity to install a Network printer, that had been sent in the container, in the Office. We spent Thursday Friday and Saturday at Chigodi and were happy with the result.

Our first full week began on Monday with a car problem, and as usual we were delayed getting to the work place, but only by a few hours this time. We accept this now as it is part of life in Malawi. When we were picked up, Alfred, one of the Synod carpenters, had blankets with him and we asked him would we need blankets as well. He said, Oh yes! We set off wondering what was in store for us. A few kms later we were on a dirt track going through areas of very basic village life and we had visions of sleeping on the floor with no blankets. After 40kms of bushbashing we arrived at Nkula, the site of Malawi’s first hydro power station. We found the worksite which is the congregation of Mfungo which means smell in Chichewa, as when the congregation first met they gathered under the Mfungo tree. The tree emits an odour thus the name. 

 

The church is similar to the other churches we have roofed in that it is in the shape of a cross. With so much help from the locals and all the tools from the container, we have managed to get all the trusses made and in place and we are hoping to level the batons and lay the iron in the next few days and be finished by Wednesday before we start the next church which is a smaller building and just a straight roof line with no wings. 

 

Mufungo Roof

We thank God constantly for the people who sent tools in the container as it makes our job so much easier. We are also still using the dropsaw, generator and nail gun that Reservoir donated in 2010. The locals are amazed with the tools that we have for all the various tasks, which now includes a hammer drill to go through the brick work as they tie the trusses down with wire here.

The people have been so kind to us. We were so relieved to arrive at our accomodation with us having a single bed each in a house and lovely Christian people caring for us. Our meals have been great including a welcome dinner on Monday night which was a very formal affair similar to what the team received when we arrived in Malawi. Our hosts are Edwin and Carol and they have 2 children Robert 12 and Favoured (girl about 3yrs). On Wednesday night we were privileged to go to their bible study meeting which was conducted in Chichewa in a private home. You can just see their faith shining through in their worship. We then were invited to another family’s home for tea where we had Chambo (the local fish from Lake Malawi) and a enjoyable social evening. 

 

Already we have 2 dinner invitations for next week. The people are so loving and friendly. The men work together very well and have a lot of fun and we look forward to next week.. They are so thankful for the the Austraians who have donated (Scots Church Melbourne) the money to allow them to roof their Church

Edwin our host works at the Power Station and took us for a tour after work one day and also took us looking for crocs and Hippos down at his veggie garden on the river bank but we didn’t see any. 

Doug & Steve 

Chigodi – Week 1

It was a joy and a delight to return to Chigodi this week, to meet our friends Esabel, Martha and Florence again and to learn of all that has been happening since our last visit. We were greeted with such enthusiasm; it really warmed our hearts. It has also been heartening to meet some former students and to learn of their progress.

Samples made from recycled fabrics

We are working with seven lovely ladies who are part way through a six months skills development course. Our day begins at 7:30 am sharing devotions with our ladies Lydia, Maria, Erica, Everess, Mary, Lean and Rachel. We came prepared with many samples, patterns and instructions, and are using fabrics sent across in the containers. As well as items of clothing, there are items made from recycled materials, such as bags made by crocheting cut up plastic shopping bags, and floor rugs using strips of fabric from old sheets or doona covers. We have had very positive responses from the leadership at Chigodi for this aspect of our program.

Two of the bag samples –

 the one on the left is made from plastic bags

We are enjoying beautiful weather at the moment, so while doing hand sewing, we have been able to take our work outdoors. The ladies are all very appreciative of everything we do, and are rightly proud of their work. They are a close-knit group, supportive of each other and often choosing to make exactly the same thing.

Diane showing samples

View from the workroom

As well as this skills course, Chigodi is also hosting Mvano training for Presbytery Coordinators. Groups of 40 women have been coming for a week at a time, to be trained in various aspects of the leadership of the Mvano (Ladies Guild) including leadership skills, Bible studies and leading worship.

Two our ladies sewing their pinafores

So far this week, our ladies have made a pincushion, a bag and a needle case. We’ve left the ladies to finish off their girl’s pinafores. One of the ladies, having two sons, and being pregnant, wanted to make a dress for herself, so Melody altered the pattern to fit her. She is very happy with the result.

The ladies with their finished bags

Hand sewing in the sunshine

We feel blessed to be part of this ministry, and give thanks for the relationships that are being established/strengthened with everyone at Chigodi. Please pray for continued good health for all of the team, and for opportunities for sharing God’s word with “our” ladies.

Melody

God at work in the Schools

Moni, Muli Bwanji?

Hello, How are you?

This is a beautiful country where everyone is so willing to greet you and help you out. At present, Kylie and I have been going to two schools a day, joining in with the Student Organisation (CCAPSO) which runs worship services in school lunch breaks and after-school classes. We have been so impressed with how open these student are about their faith, and how joyful they are in the Lord. We've been instructed to go and teach the students, but everyday we find that they are teaching us more and more.

Amy teaching from Lamentations

I want to try and share with you our experience at the last school we went to on Wednesday afternoon, Blantyre Secondary School. Our daily ritual has been to arrive at the school when Joy, the CCAPSO organiser, finds the deputy principal to tell him that we have arrived. Then it's only around 30 minutes of waiting while they inform and gather the students so we can start. Even though there are these waiting times, we are enjoying this time, it's where we can get to know a little more about Joy, his wife and family, and general day to day life for people here in Malawi. We are encouraged with his vision and passion with the youth here in Blantyre, for his desire for them to have a personal relationship with God and have firm biblical grounding.

Once the students are all organised the Patron takes us to the room, where the students have gathered. Kylie and I have learnt not to have preconceived ideas on how the lessons should be run, for every school is different, and we need to go about approaching each one in different ways. For example Monday afternoon, we walked into a room of 50-70 girls singing songs at the top of their lungs. Tuesday morning we walked into a room of 5 students who were very shy and reserved students who didn't want to sing much at all, but the number grew to around 15 during the lesson. Wednesday afternoon we were led to an empty geography class. So for the first time we were able to set up the room in preparation for the students arrival. As the students arrived they greeted us with hand shakes and hellos, this is sometimes quite cute because whenever we say "hello", they ALWAYS assume that we ask them how they are, so normally the conversation goes, “Hello" ... "I am fine thank-you and how are you?” We don't even need to ask the question, to find out that they are all fine. After the tiny room was packed with around forty students, a gorgeous young girl came up the front to lead the worship time.

Teaching the students an Aussie song

The young student leaders are always fulled with passion and zeal, she started with calling the students to have joy in their lives by following Jesus. They always seem to have a little saying where everyone joins in. When the speaker says Hallelujah, everyone else says amen. This young lady started by asking us to give her a J, “J” give her and O, “O”, give her a Y, “Y” and what do we have? “JOY”. She did the same with Jesus. Then she finished by saying “up up Jesus” and everyone responding “down down satan”. Then we entered the time of worship songs. It's so amazing to join in with their worship time. They have no instruments, just their incredible voices and harmonies. Everyone dances and sways in time and claps to the beat. How it works is that one person sings a line, then everyone joins in, they sing beautifully, and go from song to song interchangeably. Some time it's in Chichewa, but thankfully at Blantyre Secondary they all sung in English and there were songs that we had learnt from our past lessons at other schools.

Once worship songs were finished, the lesson was passed over to Kylie and me to lead. We always start, explaining that we have come from Melbourne, Australia, then go into what we do in Australia and then we show them how far we travelled to get to Malawi on a world map.

After introductions are done, we say that we want to get to know the students better, so we have a short get-to-know-you game, so that we can interact with the students more. Generally, we just try and learn/hear their names and what they enjoy doing. Mainly they enjoy watching soccer, playing soccer, singing, listening to music, and dancing. On this particular occasion we got some interests that we hadn't heard before, like some enjoyed watching cartoons and films, watching basketball. We know that lots of houses don't have electricity and most the people in Malawi can barely afford anything more than their daily needs.

Kylie teaching on how Jesus calms the storm

We have had the opportunity to share with the students our personal testimonies, and passages of scripture to encourage and build up their faith. We have been finding it very uplifting, watching how God is using what we have prepared, and blessing not only us but the students as well. Some of the topics we have covered have been: living out your faith with confidence, God's big love for you, then working though passages using the SOAP method - Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.

We've found our time in the schools a very moving and humbling experience, and it's been an honour to serve God through this ministry.

Continued prayer is appreciated as we continue to build on the relationships with the school and the students. Pray that God would continue to give us the words to speak and wisdom to know what areas to address and teach. Pray for each of the Form 4s (last year of high school) who are preparing to sit exams in the coming weeks.

Blessings Amy and Kylie

First Impressions

Isaac, Gerald, Dean and Maleka tour the Synod property

Well, it’s 6 days into our time in Zambia. We’ve met with Synod to get an overview of the Presbyterian Church here. They have a wonderful vision for the future of their church, with well-thought out goals. Despite having very little in the way of resources and man-power, they have already made a start on many of their plans for the glory of God. They are an inspiration! In the background of the photo to the right are the foundations for a 4 classroom block to teach ex-prisoners life skills to reduce recidivism. This is a practical outworking of their desire to see the Gospel impact all people in Zambia.

Sandy holding Faith at a Community School

On Thursday and Friday, we were given a tour of 7 of the Church’s 10 community schools in Lusaka. These schools are run by volunteers who occasionally receive a small stipend. They offer education to the most vulnerable of children free of charge. They are all under-resourced but still do an amazing and professional job of educating children from prep-year 7 (Zambia’s final year of Primary school). One of the smallest students, Faith, was rubbing Sandy's feet to see if the white rubbed off! Another checked if her hand was white after shaking ours!!

Men's Guild (Madodana) Choir praising God

On Saturday, Dean taught the Matero Saturday Bible Study group an overview of the Bible over two and a half hours. Sandy illustrated each step as Dean spoke. Matero’s session clerk, Tom, translated into the local Nyanja language. Some really great questions from the group showed us that they were understanding what was taught.

Our first Sunday here was an absolutely classic African one. We were picked up from our accommodation at 7:20am and didn’t get back until 3:45pm. The two services Dean preached at ran from 8am til 1pm (and it wasn’t because Dean preached long sermons!). And yet somehow it doesn’t seem like a long time. Of course the singing is glorious -several different choirs treated us to some incredible praise of God. Sandy had a quick session teaching the Sunday School children from the “Wordless Book” gospel story in colours.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), we start full days of teaching - Dean teaching Eldership training, and Sandy teaching at Matero Community School, one of the church’s free schools for vulnerable children. Many of the children in this school are single or double orphans. Thanks for taking the time to read what we’re up to, and especially thanks for your prayer support! More soon...

Chickens at Chiradzulu

John Wilson, Amy, Kylie, Doug and myself had the privilege of joining with the beautiful people of Chiradzulu for their Chichewa Service today. After some time along the Zomba Rd we travelled for 20mins along a winding dirt track, travelling at not much more than walking pace to avoid the pot holes, with the expert driving of Mike, even a broken-down truck didn’t deter him. We were greeted by wide-eyed children at seeing Azungus (white people). The 9 o’clock service commenced just before 10 after the formalities in the vestry with the elders. Even at this stage we were shown how much they appreciated the visit from us. The team was asked to sit in front of the church with Doug and myself given lounge chairs, very comfy and appreciated by the end of the service.

Speech after speech they expressed their appreciation to the Synod for sending us to them. They proudly told us they were the first prayer house the missionaries set up in the area of Blantyre. We were treated to choirs praising God and you could see they meant what they were singing. In this small church with concrete seats and no back wall God’s name is truly honoured and praised. 

Doug and I did the children’s talk on how angels were involved in the birth of Jesus. The children had to say ‘do not be afraid or musaope’ each time Doug held up the sign. It really involved the children as they listened for the next time they could shout it out. Mike did a great job interpreting for me.

Kylie had been prepared to do the bible reading and then all of a sudden she was asked to do a prayer. She stepped up there and came forth with a beautiful one. God enables if we are willing to be used.

John preached, with Mike interpreting, from I Tim 1 – 11. He had everyone sharing bibles when the scripture was read and listening intently to all he had to say. The message of grace, mercy and peace was strongly delivered.

Many choirs sang and when the m’vano ladies came forward for their part they got Kyle, Amy and myself involved – great fun and privilege. A drama group performed a story about the 17^th June being the day the Australians were coming. It was funny.

A surprise to us was the presentation of gifts to us. Two of the congregation walked down the small aisle, one with a wrapped gift, the other with a live chicken!!! Each member of the team received a chicken.

We made a presentation of bibles to the congregation and it was greeted with great applause.

And 3 and half hours later the benediction was pronounced, but it seemed to go so quickly.

We were shown back to the manse for a lunch of chicken, rice, nsima, coleslaw, beans and carrots. Followed by bananas. We were served coke, a real treat, only for us visitors though.

Following the final speeches, we returned to Blantyre 8hrs after we left. A wonderful, memorable day, and each of us thank God for the privilege it was to have been at Chiradzulu.

Diane B.

The Warm Heart of Africa

If I was to describe in one word my first thought of Africa Malawi it would have to be embracing!

On arrival to Blantyre Malawi I was taken back by the welcome we received , as we walked out we were greeted with beautiful choir of voices who were sing praises to God for our safe landing and arrival to do the service of God. Their generosity and love for God has been humbling!

Already in the short space of time being here, we have experienced how God has been at work in the heart of Africa through touring the local area, through the stories of people and seeing the progress of how far through the support of partnerships God has grown ministries and opening new doors for further work for His kingdom!

Whenever entering into a new culture you can prepare all you can in learning the ways of life and what to expect, however until you experience it first hand I don' think you can ever be fully prepared for what God has in store.

Already Amy and I have been able to meet with Abusa Joy and Abusa Dennis to organise the work they have for us to do. We have decided to do 4 days of school ministry in local surrounding high schools its still not fully clear what will take place however each session is 1 ½ to 2 hours long, we will be working alongside Joy working in with his program we may do talks, run games, sing songs etc.

We also decided to run one Sunday school training program on the 23^rd and on Sundays run a Youth Bible Study!

We had the opportunity to visit Obrus Orphanage yesterday, We walked into two classes older children and younger, the children sang song to us such as Jesus loves me, open shut them, head and shoulders. We were able to sit among the children as they sat and listened to a story about a kangaroo and the story of the Good Samaritan. The children were inquisitive about us, touching our hair and comparing skin colour.

We then had free play with them, they follow you everywhere and love to see themselves on camera.

I sat to feed some children before saying our goodbyes.

Later that afternoon we went back to Orbus to help with the Woman's Ministry. The ladies spoke no English however they were learning knitting and for the first time we taught them to do coiling with paper, each picked it up quickly and created some beautiful cards.

It all sounds so exciting and we cant wait to start this coming Monday. We would appreciate prayer as we interaction with the students, for insight to know what God would have us teach and for lasting partnership with the schools as we begin this new ministry.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support, 

God is truly at work here in Malawi 

Kylie and Amy

Afternoon at Orbus

We were privileged this afternoon to witness the first handover of donations to some of the most vulnerable children in villages surrounding Orbus. Senior personnel from the Blantyre Synod Health and Development Commission (BSHDC), two village chiefs and several of the STAMP team were present.

It had been decided that it was important to involve the village chiefs in formulating lists of those in most need. It was exciting to see the cooperation and respect between the Synod, Orbus and the village chiefs.

One of the chiefs giving a speech

Today’s gathering was the initial stage in the process of distributing goods from the containers.

Lonnie Ncozana (Director of BSHDC) encouraged the community to look after Orbus and protect it from vandalism.

It was beautiful to hear Lonnie explain to the villagers how they knew if any of the articles they received were not suitable for them personally, they would pass them on to others within the village and that they would continue the process of identifying the most vulnerable.

 Lonnie Ncozana about to pass out one of the parcels

Thanks
Judy and Melody

On airport welcomes and Orbus visit

STAMP 2012 begins the moment we step off the plane. Arms waving from the VIP lounge invite us to walk to the left and enter Blantyre as if we are VIPs (which, of course, we’re not!). But it saves us the ordeal of standing in queues or finding our own luggage. The process may, in fact, take longer than it does for the other 150 passengers on the plane … but that’s not the point. It’s about relationship and dignity rather than efficiency or saving time.

And the singing! … fully uniformed mvano women from two nearby Presbyterian churches form a guard of honour as they sing songs to welcome us. Ultimately, it’s not us they honour, but the Lord Jesus Christ. For they are a witness to the grace and mercy of a loving Saviour as their songs float across the whole airport compound. Not ashamed to name the Name. Singing is from the heart with joy on their faces.

In Malawi culture it is important that visitors are received into their country with a warm welcome … and a speech or two.

On route to our accommodation the Synod bus pulls into the CCAP Ministry to Orphans called ORBUS, funded essentially by Australian donors from the PCV. This is an outstanding project. The landscape is restful and refreshing, the buildings are solid and fully functional and a credit to designer and builder and funder. The surrounding farm with its goats and pigs, banana and mango trees, tomatoes and maize are simply amazing.

 Orbus is a haven of peace … a house of mercy for children of Africa with no parents to love or care for them.

Rising above the turbulence of some difficult days this ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is emerging into something of strategic importance for the Presbyterian Church of Blantyre Synod. The STAMP team walked into this compound and felt there is something special here. It’s a ministry we can be “proud” of and a gift from PCV to Blantyre Synod for which the Synod is becoming increasingly grateful.

Mentioning some names is bound to be a mistake (by omitting others) but we think it’s worth the risk. The vision for Orbus was provided initially by Colin Mbawa, and Orbus ministry today would not be where it is today without the dedicated service and support from men like Vin Lopes, John Steendam (with Sue), Rob Boyle and Craig Manners (with Jayni). (pic of green trees surrounding buildings)