Category: Outreach 2016

From Grace Smith: “As soon as you arrive in Malawi, the assault on your senses begins. The bright colours of waxed African fabrics, the clinging orange dust, the throb of loud music and the baking heat can be overwhelming. But none of this prepares you for the feeling of overwhelm you experience when you look out over a busy market place where hundreds of people stand and listen eagerly to the Gospel and jostle around you to ensure that they receive Gospel literature.  Nothing prepares you for the immense sense of privilege you feel when you sit in the dust with children who have nothing but are happy to sing with you about the love of the Lord Jesus, repeatedly. 

“The great sense of joy at being allowed to participate, in some small way, in the work in Malawi is matched only by the great sense of frustration it can bring. Sometimes you might get annoyed at the length of time it takes to complete “ordinary” tasks, like shopping. You might become exasperated on the chaotic roads. However, most frustrating of all, is the plethora of false gospels which are being proclaimed across the country. There are thousands of Malawians ready and willing to hear the true Gospel, yet, so many are being deceived. The opportunities in the “warm heart of Africa” are immense, there is a ready made audience for any Gospel preacher! Participating in a MGO trip is guaranteed to have a life changing effect on any believer who is interested in the spread of the Gospel. The poverty and need you see may threaten to break your heart, but the experience of being allowed to serve God with fellow Christians, among such a loving and warm people will go a long way to mend it.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14”

From Anna Vallance: “Without being dramatic, I would say that Malawi and its people have a way of burrowing into your heart. It’s only now that I’ve been away for a few weeks that I’ve realized how much I came to love the country.

“Never have I seen such openness to spiritual matters. Never have I seen such a hunger for the gospel. The physical need is great, but the spiritual need is greater. It begs the question: why aren’t there more laborers in this most plenteous harvest? What if someone with false doctrine reaches them first? 

“It was a privilege to be a small part of the Lord’s work in this field for a few weeks. Hearing the gospel preached several times each day was an excellent reminder as to what life is really about. It was worth the trip of a few thousand miles simply to see what the Lord is doing in this country and know how to more intelligently pray for the work there. Of course, getting to know Stephen and Gail and the rest of the team was an added benefit! 

“The outreach was a truly life-changing experience – I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go. And if you can’t, pray for Malawi!”

By Rob Gratton:

“Truly amazing opportunity to share in a gospel outreach. Learned so much about how to simply present the gospel as I listened to the messages. The people of Malawi are happy, appreciative people and very open to hearing the Word of God. The group was close and very supportive. Traveled with my daughter – great father – daughter experience. I was nervous going but my fears were ill founded. It is a cliché but none the less true…’life changing”.”

It’s taken me a few days to get around to posting some of the pictures we were permitted to take inside the prison during our visit there last week.

A large crowd of men gathered to hear the Gospel – probably around 500 initially, although this dwindled a little towards the end as it approached 12 o’clock when they receive their single ration for the day.

Brother Jim gave a clear message, as did Isaac, and the entire team sang a few Gospel hymns.

Some of the the prisoners themselves contributed, with one quoting John 1 in its entirety in Chichewa, and another quoting Matthew 7 in English.

As well as over 2000 Seed Sower texts, it was a privilege to able to supply half a tonne of maize as a small contribution for the welfare of the prisoners – the prison chaplain had been lamenting the fact that there is an increasing food shortage which has been causing some unrest.

Please pray for the Lord’s blessing upon His Word.

We were privileged today to join with the believers at Nsanama to remember the Lord and for the Gospel preaching.

Tomorrow we are hoping to visit Zomba prison to preach and distribute literature packs. The prison authorities have told us to expect a large number of prisoners to attend, so please continue to pray that the Lord will bless His word.

Some of the wonderful fare we enjoyed at Goodson’s home. Ndakhuta kwambiri.