Monday, September 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Zomba West
We started our final day of this amazing journey with a two hour drive deep into the bush of Zomba West. Half way into our trip, our 4x4 experienced a flat tire. Not to worry... we had a spare. Making our way through the bush, we found ourselves on one occasion having to stop and uproot a small tree in order to make it thorugh the trail. Needless to say, the trip to Zomba West was an adventure in and of itself.
Greeting us upon our arrival was a magnificent women's choir. They sang as we hiked the last 1/4 mile into the village. The church met inside a large thatch building. Around 200 folks were in attendance for this outreach service (organized by the Zomba West church). The team once again shared in song and testimony. I preached a Gospel message and around 25 people came forward during the invitation. The team once again counseled those who had made decisions and ultimately leading them to Christ. We praise God for those who came to Christ and we praise the Lord for this rural church.
This afternoon Dr. Bill Downey completed his time of training with our Pastors' Bible School students. The men I spoke with used words such as "wonderful", "powerful", and "excellent" to describe their experieince with Bill. Praise the Lord for a great week of ministry training.
This evening we held a farewell service for much of the leadership here in Blantyre. A special prayer time was held for the pastors, elders, and deacon of this local church. It was a very moving night.
Tomorrow we leave for home. It will be sad to leave this place. People are open to the Gospel. I know the entire team is looking forward to another opportunity to minister here . Thank you for praying us through.
-Sean Patrick
Greeting us upon our arrival was a magnificent women's choir. They sang as we hiked the last 1/4 mile into the village. The church met inside a large thatch building. Around 200 folks were in attendance for this outreach service (organized by the Zomba West church). The team once again shared in song and testimony. I preached a Gospel message and around 25 people came forward during the invitation. The team once again counseled those who had made decisions and ultimately leading them to Christ. We praise God for those who came to Christ and we praise the Lord for this rural church.
This afternoon Dr. Bill Downey completed his time of training with our Pastors' Bible School students. The men I spoke with used words such as "wonderful", "powerful", and "excellent" to describe their experieince with Bill. Praise the Lord for a great week of ministry training.
This evening we held a farewell service for much of the leadership here in Blantyre. A special prayer time was held for the pastors, elders, and deacon of this local church. It was a very moving night.
Tomorrow we leave for home. It will be sad to leave this place. People are open to the Gospel. I know the entire team is looking forward to another opportunity to minister here . Thank you for praying us through.
-Sean Patrick
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Area 6
This morning we traveled to a village curiously named Area 6. Splitting into teams of 2 and 3, we walked through the market for the purpose of personal evangelism and inviting people to visit the Finish Line church in Area 6. .
The team I was on had the opportunity to speak with a carpenter in his wood shop. The man had been watching us from afar. When we finally got over to him, he was excited to hear what we had to share. The Gospel was presented and our new found friend prayed to receive Christ.
On another occasion, a man stopped one of our teams as they walked down a dirt path in Area 6. The man stated, "I heard you were sharing good news. I want to hear it." Within minutes he bowed his head and surrendered his life to Christ.
Here are but two examples of what God did today in Area 6. By mid morning dozens of men and women in the village and throughout the market had said yes to Jesus.
In the afternoon our team painted the interior of the Finish Line church in Area 6. It was a great pleasure to serve the local church.
Another great day in the warm heart of Africa.
The team I was on had the opportunity to speak with a carpenter in his wood shop. The man had been watching us from afar. When we finally got over to him, he was excited to hear what we had to share. The Gospel was presented and our new found friend prayed to receive Christ.
On another occasion, a man stopped one of our teams as they walked down a dirt path in Area 6. The man stated, "I heard you were sharing good news. I want to hear it." Within minutes he bowed his head and surrendered his life to Christ.
Here are but two examples of what God did today in Area 6. By mid morning dozens of men and women in the village and throughout the market had said yes to Jesus.
In the afternoon our team painted the interior of the Finish Line church in Area 6. It was a great pleasure to serve the local church.
Another great day in the warm heart of Africa.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mission Malawi
The morning started with prayer and a brief word from I Corinthians 2:1-5. After breakfast we received an orientation from our translation team in preparation for door to door and market evangelism in Nkolokoti Village.
We split into three teams and made our way through the village. When appropriate, we stopped and talked to people about their families, business, and life in general. Our prayer was that these conversations would lead to opportunities to present the Gospel. In short, our prayers were answered as many prayed to receive Jesus.
On one occasion, a man prayed to receive Christ and quickly asked us to visit his ailing father at their home. We made our way to the man's home to discover that his father had recently lost his eyesight and was in overall poor health. We spoke with him for a while and ultimately asked him about his need for Jesus. He agreed that he needed the Lord. On the front porch with his newly born again son at his side, this dear elderly man prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord.
On another occasion, Jenny Reichert used a Gospel bracelet to share Christ with around 40 children. Praise God for the fact that most of them prayed to receive Jesus.
Later in the afternoon our team ministered at an outreach crusade in the Mession Six area of Nkolokoti Village. More than 500 people filled the crusade site. The event was designed to honor the elderly in the village. Again, the team shared testimony, music, and message. Many came to faith in Jesus.
At the conclusion of the crusade, our team distributed blankets to the elderly residents in attendance. It was truly a remarkable experience.
-Sean Patrick
We split into three teams and made our way through the village. When appropriate, we stopped and talked to people about their families, business, and life in general. Our prayer was that these conversations would lead to opportunities to present the Gospel. In short, our prayers were answered as many prayed to receive Jesus.
On one occasion, a man prayed to receive Christ and quickly asked us to visit his ailing father at their home. We made our way to the man's home to discover that his father had recently lost his eyesight and was in overall poor health. We spoke with him for a while and ultimately asked him about his need for Jesus. He agreed that he needed the Lord. On the front porch with his newly born again son at his side, this dear elderly man prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord.
On another occasion, Jenny Reichert used a Gospel bracelet to share Christ with around 40 children. Praise God for the fact that most of them prayed to receive Jesus.
Later in the afternoon our team ministered at an outreach crusade in the Mession Six area of Nkolokoti Village. More than 500 people filled the crusade site. The event was designed to honor the elderly in the village. Again, the team shared testimony, music, and message. Many came to faith in Jesus.
At the conclusion of the crusade, our team distributed blankets to the elderly residents in attendance. It was truly a remarkable experience.
-Sean Patrick
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Rural Church Outreach Success
Sunday is always a good day in Malawi. The men and women in this country worship in the most amazing way. Song, dance, and prayer are all a part of church services that can last for hours. It was good to worship in Malawi today.
Today we ministered in two rural villages in the Chikwawa District. On our way to the first church, the team van got stuck in a dried up river bed about 1 mile from the the village. The sand swallowed up the tires and required both pushing and digging to get the van moving again. Villagers made their way to the van and offered to help. Before long, a group of 5 villagers turned into 15. One of these dear men even had a shovel. After finally getting the van out of the river bed, Andy Schmidt took the occasion to present the Gospel to those who had gathered around. I'm still amazed at the fact that all men involved with helping the team dig out prayed to receive Jesus.
The team arrived in the first village surrounded by nearly 100 children. As team members made their way toward the church, Harry Burnam took the opportunity to gather them around a shade tree and present the Gospel. The children listened intently. Their eyes were glued to him. By the time Harry was finished, the vast majority of the children had given their lives to Christ.
The outreach services in both villages were well attended. The team ministered in song, testimony, and Bible teaching. I presented a Gospel message at both services. At the conclusion of each service, nearly 75 people came forward to accept Christ. Our team, once again, did a wonderful job counseling and leading them to salvation.
It was truly a miraculous day. Thank you for your faithful prayers.
- Sean Patrick
Today we ministered in two rural villages in the Chikwawa District. On our way to the first church, the team van got stuck in a dried up river bed about 1 mile from the the village. The sand swallowed up the tires and required both pushing and digging to get the van moving again. Villagers made their way to the van and offered to help. Before long, a group of 5 villagers turned into 15. One of these dear men even had a shovel. After finally getting the van out of the river bed, Andy Schmidt took the occasion to present the Gospel to those who had gathered around. I'm still amazed at the fact that all men involved with helping the team dig out prayed to receive Jesus.
The team arrived in the first village surrounded by nearly 100 children. As team members made their way toward the church, Harry Burnam took the opportunity to gather them around a shade tree and present the Gospel. The children listened intently. Their eyes were glued to him. By the time Harry was finished, the vast majority of the children had given their lives to Christ.
The outreach services in both villages were well attended. The team ministered in song, testimony, and Bible teaching. I presented a Gospel message at both services. At the conclusion of each service, nearly 75 people came forward to accept Christ. Our team, once again, did a wonderful job counseling and leading them to salvation.
It was truly a miraculous day. Thank you for your faithful prayers.
- Sean Patrick
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today Is The Day Of Salvation
Greetings.
After two hours of transversing mountain ranges and navigating through the dirt roads of the Shire River valley flat lands, we finally arrived in the Nchalo district of Malawi.
We walked the final 1/2 mile to the church. Along the way we stopped at every grass roof home in our path and invited them to come to the church service. Without fail every family we spoke to said they would come to the service. One young man was building bricks out of mud in front of his home. His work had made him truly filthy. He told me, "I will clean up and come."
Close to 300 people filled the temporary shelter as our team shared testimony and sang. I presented a Gospel message and 18 people stood to their feet and made their way to the front of the church to indicate that they needed to be saved. From there, the members of our missions team met with the men and women to pray with them and lead them to Jesus Christ.
Later in the afternoon we found ourselves at another rural church. This service was much smaller... maybe 150-175 people in attendance. Our program for this church mirrored that of the first church. By the conclusion of the service more than 60 people came forward to express their need for Jesus. Once again, our missions team did a wonderful job counseling these individuals and leading them to a personal relationship with Christ.
Today was a truly remarkable day. Thank you for praying!
-Sean Patrick
After two hours of transversing mountain ranges and navigating through the dirt roads of the Shire River valley flat lands, we finally arrived in the Nchalo district of Malawi.
We walked the final 1/2 mile to the church. Along the way we stopped at every grass roof home in our path and invited them to come to the church service. Without fail every family we spoke to said they would come to the service. One young man was building bricks out of mud in front of his home. His work had made him truly filthy. He told me, "I will clean up and come."
Close to 300 people filled the temporary shelter as our team shared testimony and sang. I presented a Gospel message and 18 people stood to their feet and made their way to the front of the church to indicate that they needed to be saved. From there, the members of our missions team met with the men and women to pray with them and lead them to Jesus Christ.
Later in the afternoon we found ourselves at another rural church. This service was much smaller... maybe 150-175 people in attendance. Our program for this church mirrored that of the first church. By the conclusion of the service more than 60 people came forward to express their need for Jesus. Once again, our missions team did a wonderful job counseling these individuals and leading them to a personal relationship with Christ.
Today was a truly remarkable day. Thank you for praying!
-Sean Patrick
Friday, July 10, 2009
Kids Kamp
We had a truly remarkable day ministering to the 250 kids who are a part of our Orphanage & Day School (ODS). From crafts, games, and music to Bible lessons and lunch... the day was a huge success. Working alongside the ODS staff, our team ministered to and loved on each and every child.
The ODS headmaster shared with me that she was overwhelmed and encouraged by the work of our staff with her students. Our hope was to encourage the ODS staff, while introducing them to fresh ideas in the area of childrens ministry. The headmaster's words helped me to know that we accomplished that goal.
Dr. Bill Downey launched his study of the Gospel According to John with our 10 Pastors' Bible School (PBS) students. The PBS is comprised of 10 men who have been called to the ministry. They have spent the last 9 months in a resident study program designed to prepare them for the pastorate. Bill is taking this week to focus their attention on John's Gospel. Pray for Bill as he instructs and interacts with our students this week. Pray for our students as they absorb God's Word.
We closed the day with an exciting worship service filled with song, dance, testimony, and preaching. More than 200 people came out on a cool evening to be a part of this incredible service.
Pray for us tomorrow as we preach the Gospel in two rural churches. Pray that many will come to know and love Christ.
-Sean Patrick
The ODS headmaster shared with me that she was overwhelmed and encouraged by the work of our staff with her students. Our hope was to encourage the ODS staff, while introducing them to fresh ideas in the area of childrens ministry. The headmaster's words helped me to know that we accomplished that goal.
Dr. Bill Downey launched his study of the Gospel According to John with our 10 Pastors' Bible School (PBS) students. The PBS is comprised of 10 men who have been called to the ministry. They have spent the last 9 months in a resident study program designed to prepare them for the pastorate. Bill is taking this week to focus their attention on John's Gospel. Pray for Bill as he instructs and interacts with our students this week. Pray for our students as they absorb God's Word.
We closed the day with an exciting worship service filled with song, dance, testimony, and preaching. More than 200 people came out on a cool evening to be a part of this incredible service.
Pray for us tomorrow as we preach the Gospel in two rural churches. Pray that many will come to know and love Christ.
-Sean Patrick
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