Chinjala Baptisms

We have had another wonderful Saturday as 7 people came for baptism. I was thankful the river was much cleaner than last time but will admit it was quite chilly! Along with our ministry partner, Dan Jalowiec, we baptized 6 girls and 1 boy. Each gave a clear declaration of salvation through Jesus Christ, and although some were nervous, they all wanted to identify their life with our Lord Jesus! Please be praying for: Violet, Samsoni, Esther, Ruth, Tyness, Patricia, and Misozi.

Bush literacy school

It may not be well lit and full of modern desks and chairs but it is our little bush literacy school. We have between 12-18 people that regularly attend our weekly classes. The class meets 3 days a week for at least 1-2 hours. Many of the people coming started without being able to read or write mostly because they have never attended school. Now, after some months many are able to write their name for the first time ever! It is our goal to bring the class to a 6th grade reading and writing level which is a lofty ambition.

As a missionary, my goal for the literacy school is to help people read and write so they can understand the Bible for themselves. Obviously, being able to read and write opens up a whole new world and brings so many new opportunities for these people! We are thrilled at the progress and the future of our little school and the people attending!

Nyau dancers

The Lord truly seemed to bless our little church as we finished preaching through the gospel of John on Sunday. The last chapter of John is so rich with delightful and practical truths. One of the last words spoken to Peter were the simple words, "follow me". After all the miracles, all the parables and stories, after all the great messages and teachings, after all the lessons, after His death, burial, and resurrection - Jesus simply encourages Peter to follow. It is this great truth that seems to abandon so many Christians - we have the knowledge and we hear the preaching, but like Peter, we seem to get off track instead of just following. We encouraged the church to make May 5th a day in which they commit to follow the Lord from this day forward until forever. So many came wanting to truly commit their life to Christ! Our hearts rejoice as we continue to see our Lord work in the lives of so many!

Just a few moments after the service concluded, the sound of Nyau drums began. According to the United Nations this is just a harmless dance that embraces the culture and rich ancestry of the Chewa people. However, when speaking with the local people, most will tell you it is far from harmless. The boys that perform the dance believe they literally turn into fierce animals and are possessed by spirits. The dancers are said to have no names, live in cemeteries, and try to evoke fear in the surrounding villages through their dances and erratic behavior. After a few moments, I was told to stop filming the dance as it was not allowed. Later, more and more Nyau dancers arrived increasing the stature of the event. 

We stopped and prayed that God would truly work in the hearts of these boys. I was told the dancers came near our church because they have heard God is doing a work here and more people from the area are coming and hearts are being changed. Our prayer is that the light of the Gospel would shine through this little church and its people and bring salvation and transformation to these Nyau dancers and all throughout the surrounding villages.. Please pray!

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Corinthians 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Full day

Had a great day at Big Tree on Sunday. We had Todd Beaman come and preach for us from John 20 to about 40 adults and lots of children. He did a fantastic job of explaining the chapter and the application to our lives! 

After the service finished, we had a sports day at the field just next to us. The ladies played 'net ball' and the men played football (soccer). During the activities many people gathered to watch the games and see what was happening. After the matches finished, I was able to sit everyone down and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Many have now heard the Gospel and hopefully will come to church this Wednesday to begin learning the Scripture and beginning a true walk of faith with our Lord Jesus. Please pray for our little group and the influence this small church can have on the community, province, nation and even the world!  

Team Big Tree

Todd Preaching

Bible School

Spent 4 days teaching on the subject of 'missions' to a group of local pastors at our Chipata Bible school. Of course, the subject is quite broad and includes evangelism, discipleship, church planting, prayer, leadership training, etc. Four days certainly is not enough time to exhaust the subject but it was enjoyable to go through many of the highlights to this subject and hopefully give these church leaders a real thirst for God's command to "Go"! 

It was also quite refreshing to remind myself through the Scripture of the focus to reach the world with the true Gospel in order that all may worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. Recently, seems like I have seen so much false religion and erroneous beliefs about God it has just renewed my desire to reach people and properly teach from God's word. It is not that I think people are 'doing' it wrong or that I have the corner on worship but rather that God must be worshiped on His terms not our imagination or traditional ways.