Church History

This week I was teaching a class of 14 men on the subject of Church history. Although I did not really finish the course because of time constraints we did run through a broad stroke of Church history and then began a more refined study. We made it through the first 600 years quickly but I think we all were reminded of God's sovereignty throughout the ages. It is not always easy to see our Lord work in the daily life of His people or among the nations; however, when we step back and see the big picture it is quite impressive to realize God is doing so much! 

We had some interesting discussions about doctrines, Baptist history, Baptist persecution, etc. I think some of the men were quite surprised at the richness of Church History! While the government school is on break, we rent a couple rooms and use them as Bible classrooms. The men eat, sleep, and learn all in the 1 room! Praise the LORD!

I handed out 5,000 Chewa tracts and 300 John and Romans to the men for use at their churches! We pray the materials will be a benefit in evangelizing and reaching their communities for Christ!

Gabriella Hope has arrived

After 9 months of waiting, the newest member of our family has arrived! Gabriella Hope entered the world at 10:45 pm on July 30th weighing a healthy 7lbs 2 oz. Both mom and daughter are doing well! She is a good girl sleeping most of the day away and only crying when she gets her diaper changed.

Thank you for all your prayers and support for our family as we went to South Africa for the delivery. There were no real problems with the hospital, housing or even getting a new passport for Gabriella. We know the Lord truly blessed us and believe it is because of the prayers of so many of our friends and family. 

Magwero School of Deaf - painted!

Seems like it took much longer than we expected but our school block is finally completed with a fresh coat of paint! There are so many that contributed to the financing and actual work of getting this project done. Amazing how we can accomplish great things when we all work together and do our part. Praise the Lord!

We continue to have projects in the future for this school as we would like to see the 150+ deaf students have the best environment and resources available to prepare them for their future. As of now, we are kind of on hold until the Lord directs us and provides for us. 

Thank you for praying and helping out. Although this project doesn't end with a village coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ or a new church starting or many being baptized, it does remind me of something Jesus said in Matthew 25:40,  "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Pretty sure this small project was still quite honoring to our Lord Jesus. 

Glass update

More progress at Magwero school. The window frames have been painted and the glass installed! We are currently working to finish the undercoat and then hope to start adding some color by the end of the week. It is all starting to come together and look real nice! Praise the Lord for the people that have given and continue to give and pray for this project and especially these children!

impressed

At the end of the conference on Sunday there were a group of people waiting to jump in the back of my pick-up truck... of course, they always squeeze more in than seems possible but somehow I am getting use to it! I asked where they wanted to be dropped and they said something about the tar-mac. So, off we went. It is a 10k ride just to the tar-mac so I could see why they wanted a ride. Once at the junction I made the mistake of thinking that is where they lived. I was wrong. We continued down the tar-mac road for probably another 15km before a portion of them jumped out. I was surprised to see a solid handful still remaining and needing to go further. Again, I assumed it would be just down the road. Wrong again. We drove for probably another 15-20 km before this last group was dropped off. That was about 2pm. In all, that last group would have walked 35-40 km (25miles) to get home and likely would not have reached home until VERY late.

Yes, I realize another vehicle might have picked them on the way home and greatly expedited their journey but that is not a guarantee. Talk about making a sacrifice. Impressed. Now I know why they were singing the whole way home!