Field of Souls

This is the video presentation that we use as part of our services while in the USA. We have not had a full itineration since departing for the field in January 2005, so there has not been a chance to show it to many of you in person.

This highlights some of the ministry that we have done while in Namibia and Malawi, Africa. We are involved in preaching, teaching, constructing, and sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by whatever means needed by our national church leadership.

If you listen to the words of this song as you watch the clip, you will hear our philosophy of ministry. We agree with the words of our Lord that the fields are "white unto harvest". We work our corner of the Master's harvest field, as we trust that you work yours. We each have a vital role to play in sharing the message of the cross. May we each be granted much fruit for our labor.

God bless you as we work the field of souls together.

We Love Sundays

We had another great day of ministry today in the town of Nkhamenya.  Four students from the Bible school went with us and participated in teaching Sunday school, interpreting, and assisting as needed.  We had a great time singing and praying in the car on the two-hour journey to the church location. 

 

God was so very gracious to spare the life of a small child who ran out in front of our fast-moving vehicle.  It was truly miraculous that we did not hit her.  We always pray for traveling safety as we travel the very-dangerous roads in this country.

The pastor, his family, and church were very warm and receptive to our ministry.  A young man in the congregation was wearing a “Dont’ Mess With Texas” t-shirt.  I had him assist me in welcoming the congregation with the Texas greeting "howdy”.  Believe it or not, this is not an easy word for most, since they have never heard it before.

Knowing that Bible school students sacrifice so much to attend school and have very little money for personal items, the church did a very considerate thing and gave our guests toiletry items.  That is no small gesture for one in need!

It is always a joy to shake hands with the people at the conclusion of the service.  And, of course, there is always time for photographs or jambula.  Thanks, Pastor and Family, for such a great day of ministry.

Live Offering

I can honestly say that we received an offering today unlike any that we have received before.  At the conclusion of today’s service, the pastor announced that the church would like to bless us with a special gift.  At that, a man entered with a live goat with feet tied.  How interesting!

   As he brought him near us, I was just about getting over the marvel of it all when the animal bleated loudly – sending us into shock and laughter.  The random, harsh cry was a bit unnerving, but we couldn’t help but laugh.  The church really enjoyed our reaction.  We were so humbled and thankful and shocked, all at the same time.

A frustrated goat sounds very much like a frustrated human being or baby.  I must be honest, all the way home the random bleating of this creature elicited reactions from all of us.  What a hoot!

Fishy Business

On the way back from Mkaika Sunday, I couldn’t resist the urge to stop and shop for fish for our ANTS students’ lunch on Monday.  We fried up some local potatoes, added some cabbage slaw, and had a great meal of fish and chips.  Did I mention that the vendors tied them to the side mirror and front cattle guard for transport home?

Ministry in Mkaika

This weekend we ministered in the trading center of Mkaika in the Nkhotakota District of Malawi.  We began on Friday night by showing the first half of the “Jesus” film with Gaylord closing the service. 

 

Saturday consisted of a morning teaching session on the Holy Spirit, lunch, and an afternoon session on marriage and family – with the men sitting on one side of the church and the women on the other.  Gaylord shared, and then he and I conducted a question and answer segment.  Very interesting!  That night we showed the last half of the “Jesus” film, again followed by Gaylord ministering.  Sunday morning service concluded the weekend before the two-hour trip trip home.

We were accompanied by three Bible school students from Assemblies of God School of Theology (AGST): Kenneth, Roland, and John.  All three were instrumental in assisting with ministry functions from praise and worship to interpreting to children’s ministry to setting up and tearing down.  What a great time we had!

  

We were privileged on Saturday afternoon to make a trip to the fishing village of Matumbi, where we conducted a crusade last year.  We were greeted warmly by adults and children alike.  It was great to see many of the church and village people who had attended. We brought a present to the village chief who converted from Islam to Christianity last year.  Unfortunately, he had taken his wife to the hospital with health complications.

 

As usual we were treated to very nice food.  Being on the lakeshore this included delicious fish.  What a blessing these ladies and this ministry are.

 

At the conclusion of the weekend, the church expressed their appreciation by giving us clay pots, ground nuts, and chitinji cloth, wrapped around my head and body in traditional Malawi fashion.  

We thank God for every opportunity we have to share the gospel at home and abroad.

Enough Said

I took this snapshot for the 3KC.   Lewis was more than happy to model for me.   Read the t-shirt.   Enough said!

Not Just Another Sunday

What a great time we had this past weekend ministering at Mastimale A/G in Ntcheu!  Many Sundays find us worshipping in some sort of enclosed structure, but that was not so this day.  We had the wonderful opportunity to sit under an open-air tabernacle made of gum poles and thatch.  The temperature was in the upper 70s or low 80s, and with a slight breeze, the weather was perfect.     

God bless this gracious teacher who tried to conduct Sunday school while SOMEONE was trying to capture the moment with a camera.

 

Praise and worship time was followed by special music from the OMCs (women’s group) and children’s choir

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With the men on one side and women on the other, Gaylord preached a sermon on mantha (fear) using David and Goliath as examples.  Can you guess which is which!

The children bow their heads for prayer before the convener calls for a special offering for us.  This included pumpkin leaves, ground nuts, beans, and kwacha.  With the assistance of her small daughter, she concluded the service.

     

After service everyone headed for home, and the pastor and his wife hosted us for a delicious dinner at their home. 

  

The trench system in this photo indicates the beginning of a permanent structure for this assembly.  May God grant them favor and provision as they build to the glory of God.