GARAGE AND TRANSPORT

It was good to be back in Blantyre and renew friendships. Abusa Michael Matalulu was the new man in charge so we got down to discussing needs, There were two cars needing major repair and we felt that concrete for the work area was a priority, so work was started on both. Synod felt a brick security wall was needed and I wanted a security door on the mechanics’ storage shed.

The first car, a Toyota twin cab needed a crankshaft regrind and a rebuild, so we took the crankshaft to the regrinders but  had to wait till Mary, who was team driver, was available to transport the crankshaft back as the synod was short of transport - this was a constant problem.

Before

Patrick had the Australian tools safely in a corner of the workshop so the first job, while Patrick, Fasani and the new mechanic worked on the twin cab, was to change the electrical plugs and test run the air compressors - another trip with Mary; the plugs were 250kwacha each (89c) at a small shop in town and 1250k each at the shopping mall. 

Meanwhile the sand, crushed rock and cement for the concrete was being delivered by the truck, who’s engine we had worked on in 09. This truck then had the clutch fail so we, Mary, Fasani and I went out and bought the required bit a whole  $5; later that day after the repair the bricks were picked up. Shortly after that, the Orbus Mitsubishi Pajero played up and repairs had to be organised.

After

When we left the concrete was nearly finished, the security door installed and a locking bracket had been welded to the window of the storage shed. Unfortunately we ran out of money for the second car (a Landrover) 

Mary spent her time driving Amy and Kylie to schools and taking Diane, Judy and Melody to Chigodi and back, among other things -she now knows her way around Blantyre. Mary also found time to visit 3 BSHDC projects that she had worked at previously and was greatly encouraged to find they were all doing great work, in spite of great practical difficulties. It was wonderful to meet up with old friends.

Jim & Mary

Out of Africa ;-D

Well, there are only 24 hours left of our month in Zambia. The last 2 weeks have absolutely flown! Since the crusade in Kabwe, we’ve been busy each day teaching - Dean continuing with leadership training at Matero CCAP, and Sandy teaching Grades 1-3 at Matero community school and the Women’s Guild.

Mustafa, Shadreck & Wisdom from the Community School

Azbusa (Pastors) Dean Carroll and Chizason Chunda

We have been so encouraged to hear people from the Matero congregation reflecting on our work here. So many in the leadership training seminars have changed their thinking on all sorts of issues as we’ve searched God’s word for answers together. It seems this kind of intensive training and Bible study is very rare here and this is something we are able to offer to the African church. And, as always, we have been the recipients of blessings, too. The beautiful Zambians have shown us such generous hospitality and warmth.

Sunday was the highlight of the past week. During the morning service, Dean baptised 10 young people and 2 babies (wearing the mandatory robe borrowed from Chizason), and 14 young people were confirmed. Dean was also asked to preach and gave a message from Luke 2, when Jesus was presented at the temple and greeted by Simeon and Anna. It tied in well with the baptisms that morning. Once the main worship part of the service was over, we were farewelled in true African style - lots of speeches, singing, dancing and gifts of African clothing and a clock in the shape of Zambia! We also presented some Aussie gifts and gave speeches. For all you Aussie Presbyterians, be encouraged - the Presy church here loves you and they are praying for you!

Dean baptising 10 Catechumen graduates

Our gifts from the Matero Congregation

Tomorrow evening we fly to the Middle East to visit friends working there. More adventures still to be had before we return to Oz! This will be our last blog entry. Thanks for reading. See you all soon....

Anyone for a banana?!

Greetings from the building team

Another week, another dollar, no, another church roof at Nbemba village. Their church is Nsungwi Christian Church Africa Presbyterian (means bamboo). A very poor farming village with no incomes, they all live off the land with some cattle, goats, chickens and pigs. There are roughly 170 people plus children. They have no Bibles. They are thrilled to see us and bow to say thanks to help. Steve, Doug and 2 Synod carpenters with saws, generators and nail guns. So in 5 days we cut and put up trusses and iron roof with all their help. Their ladders are made from tree branches. They have no safety boots just bare feet on the trusses, all day in the sun, they all help us. We stayed with the Session Clerk Benjamin for one night. We are fed beans, rice, nsima (which is maize) chicken and cabbage washed down with a coke, your stomach is full. In the night as we  try to sleep, we hear goats bleating, cattle lowing, chickens squawking, dogs howling, roosters crowing, and so a good night’s sleep  is had!!! We collect water in a cart and oxen from the well, a great experience. We are in the day’s where Jesus went to the well and the women were all there. So with 14 trusses up, roof with iron on, great rejoicing, singing and praise. So as we leave a message is said, a story is told in drama about Noah, greetings are passed on from you all in Australia to them. Bibles are given with emotions running high. The ladies sing, the men hold the Bibles high in their roofed church (their old church is falling down with the thatched roof leaking badly. They all shake hands and want to thank those who gave so generously for roofing, and they also that gave the Bibles. Those who came and worked were touched and everybody has been blessed, God’s name has been honoured and glorified. We have finished our 3^rd roofing project, yes we are blessed and they are blessed. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Hallelujah!

Steve & Doug

Chigodi Week 3

We had an unusual greeting when we returned to Chigodi for our last week of work.

Gertrude, our chook was in our lodgings.  She had laid us four eggs, which Diane scrambled for our tea that night.

Let me take you back a step or two to explain how Gertrude appeared on the scene.

On our first trip to Chigodi in 2006, we met “Grandma Moses”. 

“Grandma Moses” has become a dear friend and we see her each visit.

Last week, she came and gave us some “goodies” from her garden, which included a hen.  We named her “Gertrude”.    After some chatting she told us Gertrude was for relish. Which means an accompaniment for Nsima.

In utter amazement we said no, to relish.   There was lots of laughter and now the staff call her “Gertrude, not for relish”.  

We are surprised she is still with us, as we did say she, Gertrude could be used for relish, but as long as it wasn’t for us.   Now they are going to keep Gertrude because she is laying eggs!!!

As we walk up to our work room, for morning devotions, it is lovely to be greeted by the call of the birds, feel the sun on our backs, and the sunlight on the tips of the gum trees, and to hear the singing of the Mvano women getting ready for their sessions.

During the past three weeks, chatter, laughter and singing could be heard all over the premises.

There have been many Mvano sessions as well as the  ‘skills classes’ we are involved with in progress during our time here.

Diane and Judy were thrilled when ladies from the 2010 class came for a visit.

Two of the Mother’s had been blessed with twins.   We heard news of their families and what they have been doing. We were really pleased that most of them were still sewing and some even for income.  Lots of hugs and smiles and few tears. A true blessing.

  

We find it true that you make so many friends, that it is hard to catch up with everyone on our short trips.  We need to come for a holiday just to catch up with people.

Our ladies have delighted us, and themselves with their improved skills.  They showed us their finished skirts. Then they each made a pair of boy’s shorts.

The next project was the hand sewing of a black Doll we named Precious.  They really enjoyed doing this and renamed their own.

As each Malawian home has “antimacassa’s” which are called Chair Cloth here, they thought the design we showed was “chocongola” beautiful.

As an experiment , and with permission, we introduced the ladies to making a tote bag that we would then purchase from them.  This income would be used as basis for them to then start a “small business”. 

Excitement filled the air as the ladies set up a market stall.  The three of us were the only buyers, but there was much fun and laughter and the ladies spontaneously burst into singing and dancing around the room.

One of our aims is to encourage our Malawian brothers and sisters in the Lord.  We witnessed their love for Jesus. And we were pleased to see their appreciation of the gospel.  Arnold, their tailor, always joined us for devotions.

Our last day was filled with emotions.

Our first task was to make tomato chutney.  While this was simmering on the open fire, we handed out some gifts to the ladies and took time for a few outdoor activities. Balls games, exercises, limbo, and skipping.  We all laughed and giggled. It was great fun.

Our ladies said they had a special farewell song for us.It included each of our names thanking God for our visit and help.

During our final prayer together, many tears flowed.

Lots of hugs and kisses followed with all of them saying “we will miss you”.

We were ready to take our leave as the Directress, Esabell, said we must have a short meeting in her house to say a staff farewell.

More tears, more hugs, and one and half hours later we loaded the car and drove back to Grace Bandawe.

We thank and praise God for these lovely people and like Paul says in his letters to the Churches. We will remember them in our prayers.

Blessings Diane, Melody and Judy.

THE SAGA OF THE MALICIOUS MITSUBSHI

Mitsubshi to the left

JohnS is off to Zambia and we now have the use of a Pajero that does not creak groan or rattle! Unheard of luxury! Abusa David is going to Mfungu with Margaret as navigator about one hours drive or a little more away. I was at the garage with Patrick working on the Synod fleet peacefully enjoying myself, when Patrick got a call from Mary, could I call David “The Pajero” has stopped by the side of the road, my phone was back at Grace Bandawe, so a fast return walk to Grace Bandawe and back and I called David.  The mighty Mitsubishi had been getting slower and slower and now would not climb hills, I spoke to Patrick who said we will go out and get it. I then rang David and told him the Malawian Cavalry were on the way and he said that after a rest the Pajero would move under its own steam at 40kph so.

After changing the plugs in an Abusa's car we set of in Patrick's 1.3 litre Corolla to tow a two and a half tonne Pajero home.  About ten minutes later we got a call from David saying that the Pajero was now maintaining 40kph and he hoped to get home under his own steam. Five minutes later we saw David with a stream of traffic following. He pulled into  a petrol station and the four of us decided that Patrick and I would follow David to the Synod Garage.

The following day Patrick and I put new spark plugs and oil and fuel filters into the Mitsubishi. After this kind treatment the Malignant Mitsubishi ran even worse. On the following Monday we, Mary riding shotgun in the Rav 4, Patrick and I took “IT” to its usual garage to be told it needed Computer Analysis and the only people who could do this were the Mitsubishi agents so we then Kangaroo'd, stalling every now and then, the five or six hilly kilometres to them. They took it for a test drive of a few hundred meters and informed us it was a GREY IMPORT and as such they would not work on it, and when asked who would we were told to speak to the mechanics.

The mechanics when asked  said that they had come across these symptoms before and they would come out on Friday after work and fix “IT”  They then rang later on and said if we came and picked them up after work they would look at it. So we did, and they did, and then then quoted One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Kwacha ($US535) to fix it. They then stripped the engine, working into the night, using mobile phones for torches. They informed Patrick and I that the high pressure fuel pump was broken and a new one was $US 800, but they could get a reconditioned one. We then drove them home.

On Tuesday I purchased an extension lead and rewired the Synod lead light to suit and picked up the mechanics again and reassembly started. When the light faded we found we had no power for the light. It came back fifteen minuets later but not to our power point! More phone light untl we discovered a working power point and ten minuets later the power went off again! Five minutes later it came back and stayed on and at last we had a going Mitsubishi. So we paid our very helpful mechanics and drove them home, getting lost on the way back!

Jim Burfoot

There is no limitation for those who believe!

Tuesday 3^rd July

Man determination to be at club!

Later in the afternoon I went to Tidzlerana Club a program that is set up for all those who are both young and old, who are living with a disability.

Tidzlerana means 'we care for each other' and how true these words became to me as I stepped into the building.

The group of children and adults

As I walked down to the hall they meet I was greeted by children who have multiple disabilities, their faces light up as they see you are there to see them. One man who was eager to be there was dragging himself on all fours, he had gloves on his hands to protect him from the gravel yet the smile on his face warmed my heart. He was so determined to get to the program, nothing was going to stop him.

As I walked in the door along the wall were people young and old who were waiting for the session to start, some carers of those who were disabled others disabled themselves in some way.

They start by a time of praise and worship thanking God for the new day, then sing songs to encourage one another.

For those in Malawi with disabilities, some believe its a curse on them, however this program is set up as a support network, each will support one another, children assisting other children, parents and carers are able to come into a safe environment where love is extended and support is available.

A disabilities is only a disability if you allow it to be!

Matthew 19v26- “with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible'

Craft time

I meet some of the most amazingly strong people, who in despite of difficult circumstances have hope for a bright future, who have such joy in their hearts and such love and compassion for those around them.

I was taken back by the ages of some of the children I meet, some so disabled that they have been stunted in their growth, one boy I meet who I would say was 7 was actually 12 years old there were many more in similar circumstances.

Beautiful Esther

Immanuel 12 yrs old

It was a delight to see the smiles on peoples faces as they spent time in each others company, doing craft activity making paper plate fish, then ladies doing sewing and beading as the men talked or enjoyed the atmosphere!

Would go back in a intent given the opportunity, it was humbling to be apart of program and see how in the mist of challenging circumstances people are united in love for one another.

Xx Kylie.

A Centre full of Love and Care!

Tuesday 3^rd July

Outside Timvane Community Based Childcare Centre

Amy and I travelled out to the village of Chinagala, there we join in with the Timvene Community Base Childcare Centre. This centre is a place were both orphan and vulnerable children can come and be cared for, with the funding support coming from the community itself, not a lot of money is given however a lot of love is shown and expressed.

On arrival we were warmly greeted and welcome to join in with their program, there were about 50 children in the centre, ages 2-5 years old.

As we walked into the concrete room the children were singing 'rain, rain go away and head, shoulders, knees and toes' their voices echo off the walls and floor so it could like 100 children, absolutely beautiful, they then processed to sing some more songs in Chichewa.

The beautiful children ages 2-5 years

The children love our presences, we were invited to sit amongst the children before being asked 'what's your program'. Amy and I have learnt to always be prepared because you never know when you will be called on to run an activity.

Relay game with the balloons

We read the children a story to the children, sang some songs and then played a activity with the balloons. It was such a delight to see the children having a go and really getting into the fun and games.

Their gorgeous smiles!

After a prayer time, the children went to wash their hands and sit down for lunch, for some children this would be their only nutritious meal for the day.

Washing hands!

Sharing a meal!

Washing up dishes!

Later the children enjoyed their own brought snack from home, and it was so encouraging to see how nicely the children willingly shared their food with one another, those who had much shared with those who had little!

The staff volunteer their time Monday to Friday from 7:30-11:00am, they are amazing! They give so much of themselves and their joy and love for the children is so evident!

Writing in English

The program continues as the younger children learn counting, learning months, ABC, and memory verses. The older children (5 year old's) were writing English their words were, door, duck and desk.

As I sat with the children I saw both excelling students yet some struggling to hold a pencil, the way the volunteer ladies gently came alongside the children was beautiful, they truly want to see the children give their best effort.

We finished the program with singing and prayers before the children went home.

Xx kylie.

Tragedy and Triumph

Last Thursday was the start of the evangelistic crusade in Kabwe, in Zambia's central province. Kabwe is know to be a stronghold of Satanism and the tiny Presbyterian church there has been struggling. John Wilson and John and Sue Steendam were due to arrive in Zambia to join Dean and Sandy on Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday night, John S came down with a bad stomach virus. Although still weak and unwell, all three flew from Blantyre to Lusaka on Wednesday. We had a feeling this was going to be a tough few days of ministry and that our Enemy was trying to make it harder.

The front garden at Vineyard Lodge

At breakfast on the morning of the Crusade, we greeted our host, David. Dean and Sandy had already spent 2 weeks at Vineyard Lodge and enjoyed getting to know David and his wife Alice, both elders in their church. On the way out of breakfast, we heard David had collapsed in his room. Sue and Dean rushed to help. David was already unconscious and not breathing, so they started CPR immediately while others called for an ambulance. After about half and hour it became obvious no ambulance would come, so David was lifted into a friend's 4WD and taken to the hospital. Soon afterwards he was officially pronounced dead. Alice returned home and soon many of their relatives and church friends filled the living room and a great outpouring of grief mixed with prayer began. It was so moving to see the Zambian Christian's response to the sudden death of a loved one. Prayer and singing and crying intermingled while Alice, now widowed, sat on the floor with other women (Zambians always sit on the floor to mourn). We later learned that Dean and Sue's efforts to revive David will save Alice from any accusations that she had something to do with David's death, a common problem if someone dies without witnesses. We spent a couple of hours grieving with the family and then left to get on the road for the Crusade. This was not the day we had expected, but it gave us an insight into the difficulty and brevity of life in Africa.

Matero Praise Team on the stage

By evening, we arrived in Kabwe and went out to the church plot to meet the local church members and the pastors and praise team who had travelled to be there. The plot is down a LONG, BUMPY road and is a bare paddock. Two light bulbs swung on poles and speakers were set up on the rough wooden stage that had been built for the singers and preachers. We 5 Aussies were introduced to the team, then we all headed for dinner and bed.

Rev John Wilson leads morning devotions

The next morning, the whole team met for morning devotions, then we broke into 3 groups for training. John S, Sue and Sandy each led a workshop on different topics aimed at helping the team in street evangelism that afternoon. From 4-6pm John W preached in one of the local market places on "Jesus, the Bread of Life". Hot sun, dust and wind made it tough but the people were taking it in. The crowd were then invited to come to the church plot to hear more that night.

Sue teaching children and Sunday School teachers

That night, as John S and Dean preached, some of the people from the market stood in the shadows beyond the dim lights. We didn't know they were there until an appeal was made to believe in Jesus and about 40 people appeared out of the darkness! The first to come was a little girl, perhaps 6 years old. As the praise team sang, each of these seeking souls was counselled by CCAP evangelists who spoke the Bemba language of Kabwe. They lifted their hands in surrender to God as they prayed a prayer of repentance and faith. This scene was awesome to witness - right in front of us, souls of men, women and children were passing from darkness into light, from death to life.

"The boy" giving his lunch to "Jesus"

People responding to the Gospel: God at work!

The next day followed the same program of devotions, training, street evangelism, market preaching and evening preaching. This time we went to a different market area. The singing of the praise team quickly brought a crowd. John preached again on the Bread of Life from the feeding of the 5000 story. He and Dean added a little drama by Dean being the boy who gave his lunch of rolls and fish to Jesus. The drama grabbed the crowd's attention fully. More people came and moved around the edges of the gathered crowd. Many children stood at the front, many more were playing around the back of the crowds. A drunk man asked some of us at the back for prayer as he wanted to do away with his drinking and smoking. A deaf boy, who was at first afraid of the white-skinned Aussies eventually slipped his hand into Sandy's hand and smiled at her. Meanwhile, as the sun set, an appeal was made by a Zambian evangelist for any who wanted to take the Bread of Life that is Jesus. About a third of the large crowd came forward, adults and children alike! Out of the chaos and crowds in a dusty marketplace, the Spirit of God brought repentance and faith in Jesus. We couldn't see the Spirit, we couldn't quite understand what was occurring, but we could see that he was working again in the lives of the people of Kabwe.

On Saturday night we all gathered back at the church plot, where the praise team sang and John S and Dean preached in the dim light of the two bulbs. This time, there were not all the extras in the shadows. Today's response was seen in the marketplace instead. On Sunday morning, many of those who came forward on Friday night and on Saturday in the marketplace were there worshipping with us. John's message on coming to the Good Shepherd had such an impact that more people responded and were counselled and prayed for after the service. The church in Kabwe was being revived as we watched. What a privilege to see God at work!

The African sun sets over Kabwe

Dean and Sandy, with input from John Wilson

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