Mbabzi Miracle Center

Mbabzi Miracle Center, the church with a new tabernacle.  This church was in desperate need of a structure.  The one they were meeting in had actually fallen to the ground.  When this happened, they moved their meetings to one of the member’s home.  It seems that this member then decided that they would separate themselves from the church, which then left them with no place to meet.

There was a donor in the USA that had donated the funds for a tabernacle to be built in Africa.  This is the great equation for building: need + resources = building!

The pastor and his family were so excited to be getting this tabernacle.  They have been at this church for over a year.  Today, they are worshiping along with their congregation under a new structure.  They have already begun the process of molding bricks in order to finish the building.

Mbabzi is a small community about 25 kilometers from Lilongwe.  This church has already made a huge difference in the area, and not doubt will continue to grow and impact the area with a greater sphere of influence.

                         

                         

We thank God for churches like Mbabzi, and we thank God for donors who supply the resources to build in Africa!

Not All Ministry Is With A Bible!

 

I became an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) while pastoring our first church in Electra, Texas.  There was a need then, and there is a need today.  Most villages in Malawi do not have any medical facilities.  Sometimes, those facilities are a great distance away.  Many minor injuries, or insect bites are left untreated and therefore become more severe than they should be.

When I work in the village, there is always someone who needs simple, basic first-aid attention.  This past week was no exception.  We built a tabernacle (metal church building) for a church.  The pastor brought a young girl to me with an injury on her leg.  She was leaning on a make-shift crutch, and trying her best to keep from putting weight on her left leg.  When I looked at the sore, I believed it to be a tropical ulcer.  It was already very large and very deep.  I doctored it, and tried to stress the need for her to seek medical attention.  Then we prayed for her.  The next day she had been taken to a clinic about 15 kilometers away.  When I saw her again, about 4 days later, she was much better, and not limping so much.

                         

                 

One woman had some sort of insect bite that had become infected.  Simple needs, yet so dangerous when left untreated.

A mother brought her young daughter for me to look at.  She had sores covering almost all of her body, and like many children, she was just a bit afraid!

With each need, there is an opportunity for prayer and to share the love of Christ.  Not all ministry is with a Bible. Sometimes, we are the Bible!

Decade of Pentecost Launch in Malawi

 

On April 21, 2011, the Decade of Pentecost was officially launched by the Malawi Assemblies of God.  Rev. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera signed a document declaring that in the the next 10 years the Malawi Assemblies of God would add 2 million new members, and 3,000 churches to their existing status.

Rev. Dr. Denny Miller, Director of Acts In Africa (AIA), Rev. Uche Ama, Missions Director for the Assemblies of God in Central Africa & AIA Team member, and Rev. Ken Krucker, Acts In Africa Team member, were present for the three-day event held in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Assembly of God pastors and laymen were also present from all over Malawi

       

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Malawi Assemblies of God, inspired the congregation each night with powerful Pentecostal preaching.

I was privileged to be part of this historical event, and as a member of the NEC, National Executive Committee, to place my signature on the official document.

We are very excited to see how God leads us through this Decade of Pentecost!

New Taste Treat

Living in a foreign country and culture often offers real surprises, especially in the culinary department. While shopping in the local store today I ran across these small packages of peas. Yes, peas! I couldn’t resist so I purchased one package of each kind offered. Of course I can’t read what is written on them, but I do pretty good with pictures. Anything with a picture of a chili pepper perks this Texans interest.
The peas inside were either freeze-dried, or slow cooked in an oven like beef jerky. The flavor was actually good. The hot ones were better than the garlic flavored ones. Now I wish I had purchased several of these tiny taste treats, because I feel sure the stock will be gone when I return to the store.
Next time you are in the local yuppie grocery store you should ask for, oh my…, I have no idea what the name is.  Just take this picture with you!

When Little Is Much!

I must admit that when Fredna and I first came to Africa in January of 2005, I was probably a bit idealistic.  I thought I would be coming with many, if not all the answers.  I thought that surely I had much to offer.  Boy, was I wrong!  It seems that I have done nothing but learn since sitting foot on this continent.  I think that one day I should make a list of the these things I have learned.

Probably one of the most important things I have learned is this:  Small offerings can be much if you know the heart that is giving it.  Let me explain.  Most churches in Malawi consider it a great honor and responsibility to give an offering to the minister on Sunday.  No matter what size, location, or social status – they give an offering.  It is a Biblical principle.

In Africa we have received many different offerings.  Money, vegetables, fruit, cloth material, live chickens, and even a live goat.  Today, as usual, the Pastor received a special offering for us at the end of the service.  As the church was singing, some people began to bring baskets full of potatoes, and a few people brought money.  Just before the time of giving was finished, a small-framed woman, who looked to be in her late 50’s or early 60’s, made her way to the front.  She carried with her a small package which she laid in the offering.  It was a package of biscuits (cookies to Americans).  That is all, a small package of cookies.

Tonight I am sitting in my living room reflecting on the days events, and the lessons I was subjected to.  I have a hot cup of coffee on the table beside me, and I am enjoying a really tasty Custard Cream cookie.

This morning I saw the heart that gave it!