I’m currently in South Africa. Just arrived here in Johannesburg a couple hours ago. I’ll be here until Saturday morning. Jo and the kids arrive tomorrow late afternoon. I can’t wait! I have missed them so much. It is exciting to think of them here! Wow!
It’s been a good few days. Went to visit another church on Sunday and as usual, they asked the Bible school director to preach. I can’t go anywhere without being asked to preach! Thankfully, after a quick prayer, the Lord gave me a message to preach. I love how God operates! Praise be to Him.
The Lord continues to do some amazing things in Malawi. Just yesterday, after a very good day of teaching and fellowship, the Holy Spirit came – just like in Acts chapter 2. We have 47 pastors currently at the school – these are unschooled men who all have churches but know very little about God’s Word – but, they are so hungry for God – and so teachable. They are extremely poor but have a tremendous hope in Christ. We asked for God to send the Holy Spirit on these men and He came. As we prayed and laid hands on them, they cried out to God and began speaking in tongues – some weeping, some prostrate before the Lord on their faces, some standing – but the majority of the men were filled with the Holy Spirit in a remarkable way. They were so joyful! They were so thankful. It was so beautiful. Three weeks into the term and we are starting to see fruit. These men are being changed before our eyes! Praise be to God!
Everyday I’m more aware how the whole area of southern Malawi is in a very needy state. Poverty, hunger, sickness, witchcraft…there are very few jobs, its hot, the land is so dry and hard, and there are orphans everywhere. But, I am certain – that our Lord, the King of the universe, is beginning a new work that will soon change all that. The people are desperate for a change – they are in search of hope – it is so evident! I see it everyday. I see it in their eyes. I see it in how the little children seek me out each day just wanting to be loved. They are crying out for hope. I see the desperation in the single moms who are struggling to find something to put in the mouths of their children that day. I see how our 47 pastors are so willing to leave their families, villages, churches for three months just so they can be taught from Scripture. Pastor Jack (for example), one of our pastors, had to give up his teaching job to attend. As well as being a pastor, he makes a living teaching primary aged children. He fasted and prayed for a week before he came to school, seeking the Lord so he would know what to do. He has three children and a wife back home to support. He gave up his teaching job where he received a considerable salary (about 30 USD/month) just so he can be taught to be a better pastor. He knows the cost of following Christ – he and his family both. He knows the value of putting God first in his life – with certainty in his voice he speaks to me about how he only wants to do God’s will, nothing less. He loves his Treasure. So, we lead them to the only hope – the hope in Christ. We point them to Jesus – the only hope. It’s hard work, but I’m loving this work. God has given me such a love for these people – especially for the pastors and the children. They are the hope for the future of this nation. They are the ones I believe who are going to lead this nation out of their inheritance in Christ. So, because of this…I am able to press on. Holding on to my HOPE – Jesus!
