Mission Work in Malawi

August 11, 2009
Malawi Update:

We are home and finally getting back to normal. It was a very successful trip to Malawi and we feel that much good was done. Ronnie and I had a very busy schedule from beginning to end. The rental house worked out great again and we were able to have meetings with many of the teachers and evangelists. Ronnie had created a slide show of the history through the ages, showing many, many places of interest such as Jerusalem, the Holy Land and etc. The interest in this was great and we feel that it was a help in understanding places mentioned in the Bible. The meeting at the house gave us the chance for a study on several subjects that was of great interest. The truck which was purchased 2 years ago performed super. It was driven many miles on rough roads without any problems. We held 25 meetings, many of which we had to drive for hours. Bright Chitambi has done a good job of taking care of the truck.

We visited several places where wells have been dug and gardens were to be planted. We found only 3 gardens that we were able to visit and see favorable results. Two were in the Chickwawa area and were looking very good. The other was at Mulunji where Bro. Bright Chitambi lives. We are told that there are other wells with gardens which are producing in the Mozambique area. We visited other places where wells were dug and could not find water. Some of which needed to be dug deeper and others which had to be abandoned. At the Linjiliri Church of Christ in Blaka, a well was dug approximately 13 meters (40 feet) and not a drop of water. They are in a drought situation and are in grave need of water to drink and for gardening also. There are several congregations in the area which would benefit from a single well. It is very evident that a hand dug well will not work because of the water table being very deep. A drilled well is needed to get to the water table. We have a well drilling machine there in Malawi but due to our schedule and time allotted were unable to install a well at this time. It is our suggestion that a well drilling company there in Blantyre be sent to install one as soon as possible. We know and understand the expense of having one installed by a company there is very expensive. It would cost approximately $6,000 US dollars. I know we can't spend this kind of money everywhere but this case is exceptional. If we wait till we are back over to put one in with our machine it will be over a year and the cost then would be at least 2/3 the cost of having one installed by others now. We feel that this needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. There were 275 present at the meeting which was held at this congregation and we feel that they are very worthy of our help. It is very possible that there will be those who will die due to lack of good drinking water.

Everywhere we visited we were asked about Bibles and Song books. We are happy to say that we purchased 861 Bibles and 650 songbooks. The bibles and songbooks continue to rise in cost every year. A bible now cost K900 ($ 6.20 US ea.) and a songbook cost K340 ( $ 2.21 US ea.). Bro. Bright is delivering Bibles and songbooks to the various congregations that need these. Some of these are in Mozambique.

We were very happy to see the results of the container shipment a year ago. Many places we visited we saw those with clothes on that were donated by many of you. We were told many times to give their appreciation and love to those who had a part in sending these items. You would only have to see for yourselves what the items sent meant to these our brothers and sisters. It is our hope to arrange for another container shipment next year. The problems which we had on the first container have been solved and no problems are expected if we send another container.

It was a joy to work with Bro. Ronnie Scott on this trip. He gave many talks at various congregations and was accepted well. He did a superb job of teaching on issues which were greatly needed such as envy and strife, Elders & Deacons, Marriage and Divorce along with other subjects. His knowledge of computers and printing was a blessing. We printed 400 or more booklets on various subjects. These were handed out to teachers in various locations. Bright is taking many booklets to Mozambique where he plans to be for the next month teaching from congregation to congregation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave funds to support this trip and also all those who offered to give. We were able to help in many ways those who requested aid due to your generosity and love. I am adding an attachment showing where the funds were spent. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask. Many thanks again and may the Lord Bless you all.

Yours in Christ

Danny

Attached Document

July 30, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Our time in Malawi is quickly coming to a close. We will leave on August 1st.

We have driven many, many miles, from places south of Mulanje near Mozambique, to Chitipa in the north near Tanzania and Zambia, a distance of over 650 miles on some very dangerous highways. We have also driven countless miles on some very narrow, rough dirt roads to visit some very remote locations. On more than one occasion I have questioned the wisdom of going farther, but the Lord has been very good to us and we have had only one major incident which was in town and we reported earlier.

We have been able to conduct some 25 meetings, despite several days spent in traveling to the far north, at various places all over Malawi. Countless people have made confessions and we were witnesses to two baptisms and four elders being ordained at two congregations. At some meetings there were up to 18 different congregations represented and 300-400 people present in places. An incredible amount of congregations have been touched by our visits this year. Each time, we were told by a number of people that they appreciated our teaching and would carry word back to their congregations of what had been said. Many took very careful notes during our sermons. Primarily we have taught on jealousy and envy, divorce and remarriage, and the qualifications of elders. Jealousy, adultery and poorly chosen leaders are all very large problems here, and at each teaching a surprising number came forward during the invitation and expressed concern over adultery they had committed and promised to quit and wanted forgiveness.

We were able to purchase 861 Bibles today for distribution. They have increased to 1000 Kwache each (around $6-7 each depending on the exchange rate), but they gave us a 10% discount.

Much good has been done. Money has been given for iron roofing for some buildings, plastic paper to help the grass keep out the rain, land purchased for buildings, wells to be dug and some dug deeper. We have also assisted with medical bills and a myriad of other things. We hope to be able to purchase a few hundred song books tomorrow with the money that is left.

Bro Danny will send a complete report of the money that was distributed and expenses during our time here in Malawi.

We saw the old Wende Wende mission today and met Bros John Smoke and BC Severe. Sadly, they no longer fellowship or work with us and have joined another mission, but they were friendly and it was a bit nostalgic to see the old building and meet these men.

This will be our last report from Malawi, but not the last on Malawi and the work going on here and in neighboring countries. Again, we wish to thank all those who have helped financially and all the prayers uttered on our behalf. May God bless each of you who have contributed in any way to the success of this trip.

Yours in Christ,

Ron and Danny

Attached Pictures

July 25, 2009
Update from Malawi:

We are nearing the end of our time in Malawi, but you would not be able to tell it from the schedule we are keeping.

We traveled almost 400 kilometers yesterday and nearly that far today. We plan to reach two congregations tomorrow on Sunday. That does not sound too far unless you have been in Malawi. At times today, the road was just a foot path in the bush. Traveling at 5-10 MPH feels like riding a bucking bronco. It is very tiring, but well worth the effort.

Danny and I complain, and rightly so I guess, about the condition of the roads, or as today, the complete lack of a road as we blazed a trail through 5 miles of bushes. That is until you stop and think that the people who live in these places must travel by foot that far to the nearest paved road before even hoping to gain some sort of transport. Can you imagine being seriously ill and having to be carried for miles to a road in hopes a truck might give you a ride to a clinic?

We were asked by a gentleman at church yesterday if we could haul him and his bicycle to his house. He had ridden it to hear us speak. Tired, hot, and hungry, I was wondering why he could not just ride it home. After all he had ridden it there. Danny and I seldom refuse such requests though, so the bicycle was loaded and he piled in. He did not ask us to take him directly to his house, only to be dropped off at the nearest trading center and he would ride home from there. 70 kilometers later, he asked if we would let him out. That’s right, almost 44 miles down the road. The dedication of many members of the Lord’s church here is truly incredible.

Today we visited a congregation where a well had been drilled. The entire community uses the well and is very thankful to have it. It is 65 meters, over 200 feet deep. Bro Bill Yarbrough and Bro Harry Cobb were instrumental in the drilling of this well a few years ago. The entire community benefits from it still today and the congregation nearby has grown tremendously.

There is so much work that could be done in this country to help our brothers and sisters. We will never be able to see to all their needs, but the work that has been done, wells dug, bibles purchased, buildings erected, roofs purchased, clothing sent, medicines purchased, and food shared is very well received and very much appreciated.

The congregation we visited today had a dinner on the grounds after services. They shared 10 gallons of cold porridge made from maize donated by Bro Kulinga. They asked for little more today than for us to be sure and thank their brothers and sisters in America.

On behalf of them, Thank You!!!

Ron and Danny

Attached Pictures

July 21, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Greetings,

Danny and I have been very busy over the last few days. We met Sunday with the congregation at Bereu. There were 385 in attendance as people had come from many congregations within the area. Twelve gentlemen had come which desired the office of a bishop. After reviewing the duties and qualifications of the office, we prayed with the brothers and the evangelists there will ordain them at their home congregations over the next few weeks. It was very exciting to see so much interest in the Lord’s work.

Many of the congregations here have had elders in the past, but they were simply men who had been appointed by the Severe’s and were loyal to them. It seems it had very little, if anything, to do with ability or qualifications. The brothers and sisters in Malawi are thrilled to learn that church leaders should meet certain qualifications and be good and honest men. Jealousy and pride are major problems here and it is surprising to see the caliber of some of the “elders” that had been overseeing the congregations. Some seem unfamiliar with the Bible. Much to my joy, I find that still they have great respect for the Word and many are recognizing the errors of the way the churches and services have been conducted in the past.

On Monday we went to a church called Namboya. After waiting several hours, people began to arrive from all over the area. By the time services began, there were people there from 30 different congregations. Each had come to take back to their congregations the words that we had for them. Danny was ill, so I delivered a lesson on envy and jealousy, divorce and remarriage, and the duties and qualifications of elders and deacons. It was very well received with few questions afterwards, only thanks and comments agreeing and praising the wisdom of the Bible.

Later that evening, we met with some leaders of several congregations in the Blantyre area trying to resolve some issues that have come up concerning leadership. To their dismay, we tended to agree with those whom they wished us to rebuke. We pray that these differences can be worked out according to the Word of God.

We took all in attendance home after the meeting and found ourselves in a very rough part of town on a narrow, dirt, mud road in the pouring rain completely stuck on a hill with a very large ditch on either side in the middle of the night.. After enlisting the help of a few local characters, we made it up the hill after only about 3 hours of work.

Today we spent time cleaning mud, printing articles and dispensing many requests for help. The most heart wrenching of which was 10,000 KW ($64.52) to a widow indeed for food. This will buy about 4 or 5 bags of corn which will sustain her for some time. Natchawale congregation has been assisting her. The brethren have built her a small mud hut to live in. If that were not bad enough, she is helping care for her daughter and grandson which live nearby. The grandson was diagnosed with cancer and spent 18 months in the hospital. He is completely paralyzed from the neck down. Pictures of the widow, her grandson and her home are attached.

The living conditions of many of your brothers and sisters here in Malawi is deplorable, yet they walk miles to here a lesson and tell others what they have heard. They praise God in song with a joy seldom seen in any congregation in our country and praise God and thank him in prayer repeatedly for the smallest of blessings.

May God bless each person who assists in this work.

Ron and Danny

Attached Pictures

July 19, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Hello to each and everyone. Bro. Ron, Sugar, Bright and I have successfully made it back home to Mount Mulunje. We feel that the trip was a great success. The brethren and sisters there at Chitipa were excited to have us visit and teach to them. We met with the Chizimu Church of Christ two days. We spent two whole days with these Brethren, teaching and answering questions. Day two was long and tiring. We started at 8:00am and went to dark. Only taking a break to eat lunch. Most of these brethren and sisters sat on the ground all day and didn't leave. The subjects were Divorce and Remarriage, elders and deacons. Two brethren from the Sunday school church there in Chitipa were present at the meeting. One of them was a leader in the Sunday School congregation and was living in adultery. He tried his best to justify his condition but failed miserably. The brethren there at Chizimu were much stronger and more knowledgeable on the subjects after this study. They were all in agreement that divorce and remarriage was a sin and not according to the Bible. We assisted two congregations there with funds to replace straw roofs with iron sheets. They wanted to thank all of you back home for the support which made this possible. The brethren there wanted us to stay longer but we have a pretty tight schedule and had to head back. Bro. Ronnie, in our last update, explained the driving conditions, which are not good. With the Lord's help we made it without incident. On the way back we met with several Brothers in Lilongwe whom we talked with previously on the way up. We gave aid for one congregation to purchase land to build a church building on. Other congregations are trying to get quotes on building materials to construct church buildings.

The truck which was purchased 2 years ago performed excellent with no problems. Bright has done a fine job of taking care of it. The house we rented about 3 years ago at Mount Mulunji has worked out great. We feel very safe here.

Today we visited with Bro. Grayson Mphamba who had a stroke June 18th and is paralyzed on the left side of his body. He is a teacher among several congregations in North Blantyre. He was given aid to go to the hospital and receive medicine for his sickness. Please keep him in our prayers. Bro. Ronnie and I both have become sick after arriving back from Chitipa. It had to be something we ate or drink while being there in Chitipa. We have both started on antibiotics and hope to be better in a day or two. We don't have time to get sick with our busy schedule. We are including some pictures with this update. Warning! Viewers discretion advised. If you have a weak stomach, don't open the pic's, Upon our return, we will post many pictures of our trip. Wish all of you could be here and witness with your own eyes the poverty which exists among our Brothers and Sisters here, but yet the love for the Lord that exist. Please keep us in your prayers and may the Lord Bless you all.

Danny and Ronnie

Attached Pictures

July 14, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Danny, Bright, and I left Mulanje on Friday morning. We picked up Bro Sugar at the Shire river and he is traveling with us. We then traveled to Lilongwe and met on Saturday with Chasika congregation and then later with the Mlooza congregation. We met Chipala on Sunday where they are renting a room from a school. It was an interesting service as the Pentecostals had rented a room in the other part of the building. The congregation at Chipala has many beautiful singers and one group of boys had learned two songs in English which they sang before services as we waited on the entire congregation to arrive. They also sang as we were driving down the road taking some to the bus stop. They are a wonderful group of people. There were 9 confessions that morning.

Left early Monday morning from Lilongwe and arrived in Chitipa by dark, some 1083 kilometers from Mulunje. The last few miles were an almost impassable road with many large holes almost as large as the truck.

We inspected 3 buildings today and met for a study at Chizimu congregation which had built a brush arbor for the meeting. There are many from surrounding congregations around Chitipa which are gathering tonight and will stay at and around the area. They have planned a large meeting tomorrow around 8AM. It is a slow process as it requires 2 translators. They speak a variety of languages here. You can see the mountains which divide Tanzania and Zambia from Malawi, and you can also see into those countries and glimpse mountains within those countries in places. Here they speak Lambiya, Tumbuka, and Indali, all variations of Swahili. We speak in English, Bright translates into Chichewa, and another brother into Lambiya. They are very patient even though the sermons are quite lengthy.

We ate a traditional lunch at Bro Simswawa’s home. They are a very hospitable people. I witnessed two baptisms this afternoon. The church in this area is growing and they are very interested in knowing what the Bible has to say. They seem to have decent collections on Sunday and have saved money and wish us to take one of them with us the 4 hours (80 kilometers) to Karonga and they can then return on the back of a truck to their home. They have saved a few Kwache and wish to buy a few song books.

We were blessed also to deliver a few cases of Bibles in the Tambuku language which were ordered some two years ago. They arrived after we had left last year. They were ordered the year before. Tambuku Bibles are difficult to obtain.

We plan on leaving Chitipa on Wednesday morning. The roads between Chitipa and Karonga are too dangerous to drive at night. They are working on the road from Karonga and it is much better, but the blacktop (tarmac as they call it) does not go very far.

We are going to stop in Lilongwe and check on some things we had asked the brethren to see to. It will likely take 2 days for the return also.

We have planned to go to Chikwawa on Sunday. Next week we have meetings planned at various places every day. We will try to send photos when we have access to more reliable electricity and are not living in rest houses. They are adequate, but leave much to be desired. I definitely would not stay in such places if I was in the US, but it is very much like the brethren live here, if not better than most. We are spoiled and should thank God every day for the blessings he has given us.

Love to all and thanks again for all the help which makes this work possible. We will supply a complete listing of the help that has been given to the various congregations upon our return.

Ron and Danny

July 9, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Ron and I are both doing well. It has rained on and off every day we have been here. A two day meeting at the rental house was a great success. This is a three bedroom house with one fairly large bedroom and two small bedrooms. The two small bedrooms had six people wrapped in blankets like burrito's sleeping on rugs on the floor. One was in the living room on a bench and one in the floor at the front door. This is the way they sleep here in Malawi, on mats on the floor. It makes my back hurt just thinking about it. We are spoiled! Each and everyone present enjoyed the studies which were given. Bro. Ronnie created a slide show on historic Holy land places mentioned in the Bible. Also pictures showing the temple and tabernacle, how they were built and how they were laid out. Ronnie did a fabulous job and it was a huge success. It created many, many questions which gave them a visual of places in the Bible. Also we put together a PowerPoint study on Elders & Deacons in the Chichewa language, thanks to Bro. Bright Chitambi. Bro Bright has spent 4 nights with us here staying up till midnight or after translating pamphlets which we have printed. At present we have printed approximately 200 pamphlets or booklets on Elders & Deacons, Marriage & Divorce, Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventist. We plan on printing as many as we possibly can before leaving to come home. It is a wonderful blessing to have Bro Ronnie Scott here with his expertise in printing, his knowledge of the scriptures, and his way of handling difficult problems which we sometimes are confronted with in some congregations. Tomorrow we leave for Lilongwe where we will hold an all day meeting with the church there. We will meet with them on Sunday and then leave headed north to Chitipa , some 500 plus miles away. We feel it is needed for us to go there upon their request. It has been 2 years since the last visit. We are also carrying 4 cases of Bibles printed in Tabuka, their language, which is greatly needed there. Upon returning week after next, we have scheduled 12 meetings so far in various congregations. Some of these meetings are out quite a ways in what is called the bush. So far there have been quite a number of requests for financial aid, repairs to church buildings, new church buildings constructed, widows in need, wells to be dug deeper, a new well and other minor requests. We are trying to meet the needs which we feel are of greatest priority. We would like to thank all who have given funds to make the filling of these requests possible. Well there is enough said for now. We will be giving updates all along. There is some pictures attached. Check them out.

Danny & Ronnie

Attached Pictures

July 3, 2009
Update from Malawi:

Bro. Ronnie Scott and I are getting settled in and making progress with the work we have planned to take care of. Today we visited the brethren down at Chickwawa. The garden located there is producing much. They have expanded the size of the garden and are in need of another well. There are many families working together there. Also, we visited another garden which the Makhwata congregation is working and it looked great. There were many vegetables ready for harvest. The well which Bro. Harry and Bro. Wayne had installed last year has worked out with plenty of water to irrigate with. We plan on checking out the installation of several other wells which have been installed recently.

We have a meeting planned here at the rental house next week on Tuesday and Wednesday with many of the brethren here in Malawi. We will have fifteen or so spending the night here with us. Next week we plan on a two day meeting at Lilongwe. After the meeting in Lilongwe we plan on making the long trip to Chitipa. It has been two years since the last visit and it is very needful to meet their request which they made for our presence.

We are busy at present printing booklets which Bro. Bright Chitambi has translated in Chichewa. We hope to print several much need articles in ther native language. Bro. Bright is spending the night with us, staying up late translating some of the articles. It is a blessing to have Bro. Ronnie here with his knowledge of the scriptures and also of printing. We plan to send out an update the first of next week. Please keep us in your prayers.

Danny & Ronnie

May 18, 2009
Malawi Trip, June 29 - August 2

Bro Danny and I are well underway with plans to visit Malawi this summer. Lord willing, we will be leaving Monday, June 29th, and arrive back in Atlanta very early on August 2nd. This year we plan to purchase material and print pamphlets on subjects that are under much discussion in their congregations, Bro Chitambi is currently translating them to Chichewa. There are also plans to hold some 2-3 day meetings with leaders at the rental house, and visit as many congregations as time allows to encourage and preach the Word. There has also been a call to visit some congregations in Lilongwe that are struggling with doctrinal issues roughly 200 miles to the north of Blantyre. Funds are also being sent to purchase Bibles in both Malawi and Mozambique's native languages. We also plan to check progress on well construction.

There is much need in Malawi. Travel in-country can be expensive as well as time-consuming. Any individual or congregation that desires to help support this work or make donations for use in Malawi is asked to contact either myself at ron.scott@lighthouse-christian.com or Bro Danny at adcelectric@mindspring.com. Most importantly, please pray for a safe and productive trip that glorifies God as well as strengthening and enlarging His kingdom.

April 2, 2009
Letter to the brethren:

As most of you know, last year we sent a container from the US to Malawi. It was packed full of items donated by many of you. There were many problems which were unforeseen in the beginning but were over come. The bottom line is that all the items were received and have been a great help to those needy brothers and sister in Malawi. We had anticipated on sending another container this year filled with iron sheets for roofs on church buildings. Due to the economy here in the US, we were unable to receive any donations of roofing panels from companies which had planed on giving before this depression. To ship a container (8' x 8' x 20') cost close to $9,000 dollars. Plans are in the works to ship a container in 2010 with various items of need. In the container last year we shipped a pickup truck which was given to the brethren in the southern end of Malawi, Chickwawa. We have received numerous letters and e-mails stating what a blessing the truck has been to the church members there. A few weeks back Bro. Winston Mhango reported that the truck was being used as an ambulance to transport the sick with malaria and cholera to the hospital. He stated that many lives were saved due to the truck. We are hoping, Lord willing, to purchase a late model truck with low miles and ship in the container in 2010. We will keep everyone posted as to our progress in this endeavor.

At present, Bro. Ron Scott from Indiana, Bro. Ron Slocum from Brownwood Texas and myself are planning to leave for Malawi the first of July. There are several things which need to be attended to there such as printing booklets on various subjects in their language, the appointment of elders in many congregations, checking on the progress of wells, holding meetings with church leaders and many other needs. There has been several request to hold a meeting with the church leaders at the rented house at Mulunje. Keep us in your prayers. If there are any congregations or individuals who would like to help and be a part of this mission work please contact us. There is always more requests for help than we have funds. Please keep us in your prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Danny Abercrombie