Last week we were able to build another tabernacle, Area 44 Healing Temple Assembly of God. Rev. Anderson Mataka, and his wife Elsie serve as the pastors of this church which is in a very poor area of Lilongwe. The old church structure consists of a grass roof, 1/4” thick plywood walls, and six brick support columns. A strong wind could demolish the building easily. This does not deter people from coming together to worship God. Each Sunday the building fills to capacity with worshippers. The new tabernacle will be finished out with brick walls that the people of the church will mold themselves. Eventually, the old structure will come down and a beautiful building will take it’s place.
Doctor Donna Ivey, and her team, came to the church to conduct a medical clinic on the day after the tab was finished. People here rarely receive basic medical needs. It either is simply not available, the distance is too great, or the cost is too much. Many doctors and nurses conduct these clinics in areas where little or no care is available. The people began to queue well in advance of the opening in hopes that they would be able to see the doctors. They stood outside the church for long periods of time, waiting to enter. After entrance, they faced another queue that almost filled the church. Kristen McGaffee, daughter of A/G missionaries, Dan & Noreen McGaffee, helped with the clinic. Fredna and Lydia, another McGaffee daughter, took photos and played with the kids.
Just close to the church is a water well where women come and draw water for their daily needs. It is only about 12 feet deep, but services the entire area of people.
After all the work was finished, we enjoyed a wonderful Pizza party!
I am always amazed how people survive on so little. Most of the things we take for granted, are only luxuries in a place of poverty.
2 Cor. 8:9 (ESV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Rev. 2:9 (ESV) I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)…
1 comment:
God does work in mysterious ways. I never knew that you were and are a pastor and a missionary. I have been reading your blog about your work. God bless you.
Rodney Mantooth
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