Mission Work in Malawi: Letters

June 30, 2011
Update on Malawi

To the Brotherhood,

It is with deep regret that Bro. Bright Chitambi and his wife Annie will not be able to come and visit us here in the US. The reason is that the embassy denied their visa's need to come here. In the letter of denial they left the impression that they felt that Bright and Annie might not return to Malawi when they get over here. They have 90 days to reapply. Hopefully they will get to come over in the near future.

Bro. Ronnie Scott and I had planned to visit Malawi the Month of July. This is on hold due to a fuel shortage in Malawi. It would be useless to get there and not be able to travel and visit the congregations in various locations. Also the brethren would not be able to assemble with us due to the mini busses not running. We are keeping a close watch to see when fuel is readily available there. When it is, we plan on re-scheduling a trip. Please keep our brother & sisters in Malawi in your prayers.

Yours in Christ,
Danny

May 2, 2011
Update on Malawi

To the Brotherhood,

I would like to give you an update on upcoming plans to visit Malawi this year. Bro. Ron Scott and I plan on going over to Malawi in the month of July. Bro. Ron is feeling much better than a year ago, thanks to the Good Lord. Hopefully Bro. Bright and his wife Annie will be able to receive the visa's needed to come to America in June. We are waiting on the US embassy in Lilongwe to contact Bro. Bright for an interview. If all goes well they will come over for the whole month of June. Bro. Ron and I will return with them the first of July. If there is any congregations who would like to have Bro. Bright speak, please let me know so we can schedule it. He speaks good English and is an excellent evangelist. If there is anyone or any congregation who would like to help financially to support the work in Malawi, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Bro. Ron Scott or myself. I am attaching some requests (See May 1, 2011 letters) that have been made in the past week so you might know the problems which are going on at present. There is never an end to the request because of the poverty that is in that country. We have it made here in America being blessed by our Heavenly Father.

Yours in Christ

Danny

May 1, 2011
Update from Brother Bright Chatambi

Brethren,

Brethren there in the United States, my visa process is doing good as I have done half part of it. The applications on the website were done so beautifully and were accepted by the US Consular Visa Services at the embassy. The remaining is a call for an interview and payments. My appeal to you all disciples in the US is to join me in prayers about my visit to your lovely and beautiful country. This will be a blessing to all the brethren in both countries Malawi and Mozambique for one of them to visit your country. This important and commendably invitation will answer so many questions asked by the brethren here about your country.

This year 2011, is quite different with the previous years. I have said this because more rain is still coming everyday. So many country roads are washed away with water due to the heavy rainfall. Even though, things are like that; but many parts of the country will harvest abundantly except other areas where the rain did not come at a proper time for plantation. On my behalf, I would like to thank all the dear saints in United States for the relief that was sent through me to help those in need at Bro. Wallace Komwa's area during the hard time of draught. All the brethren in the area where Bro. Wallace lived send their appreciation and love to you all the brethren in the United States for the relief that they have had received. May God bless you all.

Death: Brother Francisco Andrea from Mozambique but he was a member at Nachiwale church of Christ died recently after a long illness with tuberculosis. He died at Mulanje government district hospital on Saturday April 26 and buried on Sunday April 27 after the breaking of bread. The topic for the funeral service was: "Where shall all the people go after this life?" It was a very good sermon that I spoke in detail about 'HADES.'

Sister Chipinda Mphamba, 'the late Grayson's mother' is in a serious condition with stroke similar as her late son Grayson. Even though, that she is serious; but sister Mphamba is very old about sixties or seventies of age. Right now, she is suffering with this terribly stroke at her home at Nous village in Chingale Zomba.

A brother from south east of Mozambique named Reccaldo Naccalla his house was broken by thieves several days ago. And the thieves collected everything in the house remaining only the clothes that he wore on that time. This incident occurred on Sunday when he was at the church. It took quite a very long time for him to find my cell no to phone me to make you aware of this incident. He also reported me that, Bro. Dickson Kokole has helped him with some other things such as: clothes, kitchen utensils and other small things.

The Nachiwale prayer house construction will soon started after the heavy rainfall we are having right now. The place to build this big prayer house is already cleared and flattened so that in the little while the foundation will be started. The plans for members at Nachiwale are to build a prayer house bigger than the precious one which is too small comparing to the attendance of every first day of the week. Over and over again, we thank and commend all the dear saints in the US who have already started assisting this construction such as: Bro. Ron Scott who handed us 50,000Mk for firewood and Bro. Danny who also handed us 114,000Mk for mortar. We continually ask all well wishers in the United States to assist us with this great work of constructing a new big prayer house. May the Lord bless you all benevolent who put much effort in assisting the entire work in both countries Malawi and Mozambique.

Praise the Lord that my eyes can now see properly after the special opticians at the Rotary Eye Unit in Blantyre helped me so much. But even though they helped by selling me the glasses, but Lord willing when I come over to your country I will need to go other special opticians than ours here in Malawi.

Love you all'

Bright

Update from Bro. Vincent

This is to let you know of the development because of our recent trips.Five people were baptised at Fatima,thirty at Nyankhuma in Nsanje and 58 at Malata congregations in Chikwawa.

Replanting is under way.The weather has changed for the past two days .It is cool during the morning since it showered for almost a week.Remember that for brethren to harvest and have enough food it will take almost four months.So food is currently needed.

We thank you very much for the food assistance you gave.

Severals calls are received from Karonga district where heavy rains and floods are afflicting people,crops and houses have been destroyed.

Vincent

Update from Bro. Winston

Dear Brethren,

Brethren Winston Kaulanda Mhango of Humbo congregation and Patrick Gondwe of Thunduti congregation and others fom Karonga have been calling,expressing what had befallen them..Heavy rains and floods are afflicting people,we have also got the information from news papers,radio and tv.Houses ,crops and livestock have been destroyed.They are in dire need of food,seeds and plastic papers.

This is the opposite in Chikwawa and Nsanje where drought is a problem.

5 were baptised at Fatima,20 at Nyankhuma and 58 at Malata in Nsanje and Chikwawa respectively.Next week I am leaving for Nsanje District at the Boma where a new congregation has been established.

We are shortly to finish planting sweet potatoes at Bereu garden.Work is underway at the garden that is close to the river.We have received some rains for almost 5 days ,it now cool during morning and night for almost three days now.Never leave us alone in prayers.

Thank you very much for the support received recently.

Servant of the Lord.

Winston

October 26, 2010
BRETHREN IN THE US

It is my sincere hope and prayer that ye all may have a good health.

It was the later part of the month September and the date was 29, when the two brethren Danny and Keith landed at Chileka airport in the afternoon almost 12:30 pm. The two waited for me to pick them to the house in Mulanje because I was a little bit late and this was so because my truck caught fire on the dashboard. So immediately, I found auto-mechanic through the funds which Bro. Harry Cobb send immediately after I reported this matter to him. And everything went smoothly because of the funds which Bro. Harry sent. May God bless.

Thereafter, we all headed to Mulanje rent house for a few hours rest and check for what should be done first.

Next morning we drove to Blantyre town for the money changer and they changed over 18,000 US dollars for Bibles. Sure enough, the Bibles were purchased and there were over 3,047 copies that have been distributed in so many parts of the country as well as in Mozambique where the two bethren Danny, Keith and I visited. The work of the two brethren was of most encouraging. They have never get a rest even a single day since they arrived here in Malawi. Another beautiful work they have done is of building a windmill down at Chikwawa for the garden use. On behalfof all the brethren here in Malawi, I commended this beautiful work of building a windmill because it will help to plenty water for irrigation.

The work of check in the wells that has been funded by the brethren in the US was also another serious work they have done. In so many of these projects, only one down at Chikwawa where the windmill has built is doing so much better comparing to others and another one is the garden at Nachiwale church of Christ my home congregation which my wife Annie surrendered this piece of land to the church to use it as a church garden.

Another beautiful picture that the two brehren has shown to us all is of helping the poor and needy as well as widows.

The driving here in Malawi is terrible indeed especially at night because many people don't wear white clothes or reflectors that you can see them properly but, the two brethren never quit driving in both paved and dirty roads laboring so hardly in many parts of the country among God's people in Africa.

The two brethren have met with so many requests about the roofs of the prayer houses. In the central part of Malawi the two brethen Danny and Keith have helped four congregations namely; Chipala church of Christ was helped with funds to start with laying bricks the amount was 175,000Mk, Nankhaka church of Christ heiped with funds to burn the bricks the amount was 60,000Mk, Mlooza church of Christhelped with funds to start with laying bricks the amount was 310,000MK and in area 36 the church called Chinangwa they gathered in a poor looking rental building with a fall in roof whereby the owner was planning to sell to anyone who want it in the amount of 450,000Mk. So the two brethren Danny and Keith before they all board the plane they handed me the funds to for this piece of land to be purchased. As of now, I have done all the paper work of the witnesses and put this piece of land in the name of the CHURCH.

In the meantime, the rental house that the two brethren and I have been staying we are no longer having it now because the owner needed it this month end of October for his personal use. Now, there is a very nice house than the one that we are loosing neraby, the owner is a Medical Assistant at Mulanje government hospital. It is not yet finished but, the owner is building this house for rent. We discussed with him and give us a price of 50,000 per month that we found it better comparing Hotel or Motel expenditure for five weeks or so. So please to all beloved brethren take a chance for this house that we all use it for Bible studies and many other meetings. May the Lord bless you all who will put a hand on this issue.

Bright

Work in Malawi

The house we have been renting on Mulanje Mountain in no longer available. It has been a blessing to us and to the work there in Malawi. While we were there we found another house to rent, however the rent is more on the new one. Up until now we have been able to pay the rent without any help. Due to the increase in rent we could use some help. If there is any person or congregation who would like to help, or has questions concerning the work in Malawi, please contact me. May the Lord Bless each and everyone.

Danny

October 25, 2010
Update from Malawi

I am very happy to inform all that Bro. Keith Moore and I are at home safe and sound. Our trip to Malawi, we feel was a great success, thanks to so many of you who were supportive. We were able to purchase over 3,000 Bibles translated in their native language of Chichewa. Also we purchased 100 in Timbuka. This is the language used in the Northern part of Malawi. As we visited many congregations, we carried Bibles to be distributed to the elders and leaders of various congregations. The elders and leaders are giving them out, one per family in their home congregation. They will be able to share God's Word with their family members. I wish that you could have been there and heard the many, many words of thanks and praise. It was made very clear to us that we should let all back home know how much they appreciate the Bibles. Bro. Keith and I were very touched to have been a small part of this wonderful work. It was a joy and honor to work with Bro. Keith Moore on this trip. He is a very humble, kind and knowledgeable.

He literally gave the shirt off his back when he met those in need. Also he took off his shoes and gave them to the needy. Keith has a big, big heart. As we visited the 3 congregations in Mozambique, at night Keith would tell bedtime stories to the children. Many, many children and grownups also. Stories such as Jonah and the whale, Noah and the Ark, David & Goliath plus many more. Everyone enjoyed this so much. He has a great way of telling these stories in the Old Testament. We were able to visit 3 congregations in Mozambique. These are congregations which Bro. Bright works very closely with. Our plans were to take a 2 room tent which we sent over in the container a while back. Bro. Bright, when loading the truck, picked up the wrong bag which he and I thought was the tent. It wasn't the tent. When we opened it to set it up we both looked at one another and grinned. It was an awning, not a tent. The awning had no floor in it. Keith, Bright & I slept or called it sleeping sitting up in the truck. We had two nights of sleeping in the truck but it was worth every minute of it. The great number of brethren we visited seems to be made stronger and I know it made each of us more appreciative of what we have.

The church in Africa seems to be growing more and more each year that we visit. It has its problems there as we do here in America. I am impressed with the overall dedication of the church leaders and evangelist who work hard solving problems that arise in the church. New church congregations have sprung up in many different parts of Malawi and in Mozambique. There is a GREAT need for those who teach here in America, to spend some time teaching the Gospel to these brethren who are thirsty for the truth. We were unable to hold all the meetings that were requested. On Tuesday before we left on Wednesday, we were begged to go and visit 2 congregations for a meeting and teaching that day. It was hard to tell them that we didn't have the time to do so. We had a schedule to keep and things that had to be done before we left on Wednesday. All we could do was promise to visit next year in July when we plan to be back, Lord Willing. We met many of their requests for material things, such as Iron sheets for roofing, buildings repairs, new construction of church buildings, concrete for foundations of church buildings and many more. There were very little request for personal reasons. The biggest requests were for church buildings. Places for them to meet out of the rain. Brothers and Sisters, we need to thank the Good Lord everyday for all the blessings he has seen fit to give to us here in America. Oh! we have so much and others so little. There is so much to tell you about that I will split it up in another report. I am giving a list of money spent while in Malawi. If there are any questions, feel free to ask Bro. Keith or myself. Again, many thanks from your Brothers and Sisters in Africa and also from Keith and I. May the Lord Bless each and every one of you.

danny

October 11, 2010
Update from Malawi #2

We are happy to report all is well here in Malawi. The trip to Mozambique was a great success and we feel that a lot was accomplished. We visited 3 congregations which work together very closely. There were members there that ask about Bro. Harry Cobb & Bro. Bill Yarbrough. They were happy to here that they are doing well. Bro. Harry & Bill visited a congregation several years back not far from where we were and many of the members where present at our meeting. On the second day meeting at the Kwelanyani Church of Christ, we left early in the morning headed to Marondwe Church of Christ to meet with them and partake of the Lord's Supper. The drive was approximately 2 hours or a little over. A brother named Justin Liwonde, a teacher in the church was present at the Kwelanyani meeting. When we left headed to Marondwe, he was still there. When we arrived at Marondwe, there he was. He had rode his bike and arrived before we did. He took a short cut that we could not. The short cut was still many, many miles. He still peddled a long, long, long way! What a dedicated worker for the Lord. We are giving out Bibles and song books as we travel from place to place. They are so eager to let everyone back home know how thankful they are. They send their many thanks. Those of you who gave freely to this cause, you need to know that you have made a difference in many lives by giving the Word of God to them to study. Time is getting away and we will be heading home on the 20th of next week. We have a list of places to go and problems to look into. Close to the end of this week we will try to send out a more detailed update. We hope and pray all is well back home. Continue to pray for us. Lord Bless.

danny

PS. I am having problems sending pictures from over here. Bro. Keith is sending some on facebook. I don't have the software on my computer to down size the pics. When I get back home, I will send out many pictures of the places we have been, Lord willing.

October 5, 2010
Update from Malawi

I am happy to say that everything is going well. We had a wonderful service on Sunday at the Milanbe congregation where Bro. Wallace Komwa worships. There was 245 present. After service was over, we visited three locations where wells have been dug. We have started giving out many bibles to the leaders of congregations to distribute to its members. Close to the end of our trip we will give a update on the wells and gardens. Today we are going to the Mozambique embassy in Blantyre to get a Visa. We plan on going to Mozambique the 8th, 9th, & 10th, This will be a camping trip for the most part due to the fact that there is no rest houses in the area we plan on going. We plan on using a tent which was sent over a while back in a container. It is a large tent that will work fine. Also we will carry a lot of peanut butter. There are three congregations which have requested us come and teach. Today we met a brother from one of the congregations in Mozambique who rode his bicycle some 40 plus miles one way to Bro. Brights home just to find out if we were planning on coming to meet with them. This brother has only one arm. His left arm was blown off by a landmine there in Mozambique. It makes you sick when some of our brothers and sisters at home make excuses for not attending services. If only we all had the desire, determination and dedication that this brother has, wouldn't it be wonderful. These brothers and sisters are out in the deep bush. Lord will, we hope and pray that we can encourage them as they are newly converts due to Bro.Bright. Also this afternoon we were able to demonstrate the brick making machine which Bro. Keith Moore had sent over a while back in the container. He made the first brick and it turned out perfect. The bricks will still need to be burnt but the machine makes them perfectly and uniform. There are many who ask about Bro. Harry and his health. Bro. Harry has made a mark in this country that will never be erased. Bro. Harry is loved by so many here in Africa. Please keep brother Keith and I in your prayers. May the Lord Bless you all.

danny

October 2, 2010
Update from Malawi:

Brother Keith Moore and I arrived in Blantyre Malawi Wednesday a little after 12:00 noon. It was a good 17 1/2 hours of flying. We got settled in on Wednesday evening and Thursday we went to the Malawi Bible store and purchased 3,047 bibles. (Three Thousand and forty seven). We spent $ 18,200.00 US dollars which was donated for this purpose. Bibles cost almost $ 6.00 ea. Keith and I would like to think you all who have given so freely for this cause. Today we have started giving out the bibles as we travel around to various congregations. The bibles are given to the elders or leaders of congregations which give them out one per family. We also purchased 200 song books to be given out where needed most. We will send updates all along. Again, thank you all, keep us in your prayers. (also, see the amazing photo that is attached above).

Danny & Keith

Attached Photo:

Update from Bro. Winston Mhango from Malawi

Bro.Vincent was at Chuluchankango ( East Bank) for the encouragement of a new congregation on 11th July 2010.(in Nsanje )

239 gathered,39 confessed,41 baptised.

We also established Dande and Nyabwemba congregations in Nsanje Bangula.

Garden work

It is our pleasure to report to you that the Lord is listening to our joint prayers with you brethren.Things are now quite good.corn is doing fine.Enclosed are photograghs taken at the garden.Pictures with small corn show church garden project,pictures with big corns and beans show my personal pilot project.

I expect to harvest more than during all the rainy seasons I had in my life.We praise the Lord for this fruitful work.This is indeed teaching people how to catch fish.My garden has been taken as a demonstration site while the church garden is taken as the best idea to reduce food shortage among the Lords people.We appreciate that we have now a woman from Ministry of Agriculture who is giving us technical assistance.

Send our great thanks to those who took part in supporting the church project. May the Lord bless you all.

Christian love and greetings.

Winston Mhango

Attached Pictures

September 25, 2010
Malawi Update:

To the Brotherhood,

Well the time is near to leave headed to Malawi. Today is Saturday the 25th and we plan on leaving the 27th. (Monday). Bro. Keith Moore and I will fly into Johannesburg and spend the night leaving Wednesday for Malawi. There will be a lot of things that need to be done in a short time that we will be there. We plan on leaving October 20th coming home. I want to thank all the congregations and individuals which have dug deep in their pockets and have given close to $ 15,000.00 for bibles and song books. I have checked with the Malawi Bible Society and have confirmed that the bibles at present are in stock. The price has gone up from the last time we purchased them. The retail price in a little over $ 8.00 ea. We hope to get a 15% discount, making us pay a little less that $ 7.00 ea. We hope and pray that we can even get more of a discount. We should be able to purchase close to 2,000 bibles. This will be a tremendous help. We will work hard to distribute them wisely. After we arrive and get settled down, Keith and I will send updates letting you know what is happening in this far away country. Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks again for the support.

Danny

If the Lord be willing, Bro Danny Abercrombie and Bro Keith Moore leave for Malawi on September 27th, arrive in Blantyre on the 29th, and will be there until October 20th. Please remember them and their families in your prayers. I am looking forward to the reports I hope they send us.

Health will not allow me to go this year and Bro Danny has expressed concern about his own ability to go many more years. Now is the time for young folks, especially young men or perhaps married couples, to pray and consider the future of this work, as well as the work which goes on in other parts of the world and here at home.

Young or old, we need to ask ourselves, are we doing all we can do both here and in the whole world? Do we really offer our lives as a living sacrifice? We are in a historically unique time to be able to quickly and easily go to distant destinations and preach the gospel. We can, working together, support trips of weeks or even months. Islam grows stronger everyday. Travel may be restricted some day to preach in many countries the way it already is now in a few. The window to easily spread the gospel and support the church in some places may one day close. Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day." He also said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Brother Kent Dickinson once said, the song says, "Here am I - Lord, send me!" not "Here am I - Lord, send George!"

May the Lord bless you all,
Ron Scott

September 11, 2010
Malawi Update:

To the Brotherhood,

Brother Keith Moore and I are scheduled to leave for Malawi September 27th. and returning October 20th. We have received requests to visit several congregations in Mozambique along with numerous congregations in Malawi. There is a never ending request for teaching. This is our first priority. There are many request for church building construction, and or repairs which must be looked into. Also we plan to visit and check out the progress of gardens and wells which we have funded in the past. We plan on purchasing as many Bibles as we have funding for. Bibles now cost over $ 5.00 each. There is never enough Bibles to go around to all who need one. In many congregations there may be 200 to 300 members yet only 4 or 5 Bibles total among them. It is hard to go into a congregation and teach 2 Timothy 2:15. How can you study if you don't have a Bible? What a blessing it is to have access to the Word Of God here in the USA. Maybe if we didn't have access to it as many in Malawi don't, just maybe we would have a better desire to read and study it. The number one request that I have seen among members of the church is for Bibles and song books. If there is anyone who would like to be a part of helping purchase Bibles and Song Books, you can send the funds to Bro. Keith Moore or to myself, Danny Abercrombie. We will make sure that they are purchased and distributed to as many of those we can that need one.

Below is a update on the work from a faithful Brother in Christ, Bro. Joshua Mhango. Please keep us in your prayers while we are on this trip. We will be sending updates all along while we are there in Malawi.

May the Lord Bless each and everyone,

Danny

Update from Malawi Africa:

Last week we had a four days meeting in Nyasa province in Mozambique at Chipironi Congregation in Mulumba District.

It was a fruitful camp meeting where twenty two congregations met.

• 03/09/2010 Gathered - 250 Confessed - 12 Received - 09
• 04/09/2010 Gathered - 400 Confessed - 17 Received - 25 Baptized - 40
• 05/09/2010 Gathered - 830 Confessed - 38 Received - 44

The meeting was encouraged by some of the following Leaders:

• Bro. Mukona -Mozambique
• Bro. Majawa - Mozambique
• Bro.w. Nambazo -Phaloni Malawi
• Bro. Chitende -Mozambique

Report from Bro.goodson Majawa Nakhungulu Congregation in Mozambique

• 28/08/2010 - Establishment of Nangwirichi congregation Gathered - 190 Baptized - 10 Confessed -18

Report from bro. Watson Nambazo - Lomwani Congregation-Phalombe

• 15/08/2010 - Establishment of Mlomba Congregation in Mozambique Gathered-72 Baptized -10 Confessed -9

Report from Bro.Muluvala of Chiyanjano congregation

• Request for plastic paper and treadal pump.

Sad news from sanjika Congregation in Mozambique

• House of Bro. Nang'ombe (Leader of sanjika Congregation) was set Fire, all the households were burnt as for they were away to the funeral Ceremony. They are now household less.

During this meeting we were able to solve some of the problems encounters in some Congregations as for some leaders were taking themselves as bosses over other s which is contrary to our teachings and the Bible.

Some congregations requested iron sheets, plastic papers, Bibles and hymns.

We are to have a camp meeting from 8-10th October 2010 at Minguni congregation in Mozambique, Zambia Province. The other meeting will be on 29-30th October 2010 at Mwala Congregation in Mozambique.

We appeal to you to attend to one of these congregations.

Lord Bless you and your family. Wishing you a nice and fruitful trip

Brother in Christ.

Joshua Mhango

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