IMPACT AFRICA

IMPACT AFRICA 2010 VIDEO

2010-09-07T14:50:00.001-04:00

To God Be The Glory

2010-07-27T16:12:00.005-04:00

(Photograph by Ben Davis)

Today we wrapped up our final day in the Warm Heart of Africa with a ministry trip to the district of Nchalo. Once again, the Lord blessed our efforts as men and women gave their lives to Jesus Christ as a result of our marketplace evangelism and rural church outreach service.

All told, we have had the privilege of ministering to more than 1,500 people in 8 different villages (including our Orphanage & Day School and Pastors' Bible School). In addition, we had the privilege of seeing nearly 250 of these same men and women give their lives to Jesus Christ during our ministry to them.

We are so thankful to all of you who offered your prayer and financial support for this missions endeavor. You played a significant role in every aspect of our ministry here in Malawi. Please know that the body of Christ was encouraged, orphans were cared for, pastoral students were trained, and souls were saved because of your sacrifices. To God be the Glory!

We depart for home tomorrow. Continue to pray for safe travel. See you soon.

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

Mighty To Save

2010-07-26T16:15:00.003-04:00

The Lord continues to pour out His blessing on our efforts in Malawi. From door to door evangelism to outreach services in the rural villages, more than 50 people prayed to receive Jesus Christ in the past two days. Our God is mighty to save.

As we near the end of our journey (just one day left), it has become evident that the Lord has used this team to make a great impact on our churches in Malawi… Equally evident, our churches in Malawi have had a great impact on our team.

Thank you for your prayers.

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

The Journey Continues

2010-07-24T16:09:00.006-04:00

For the past two days our team has trekked through intense mountain terrain and humid river valley flatlands in an effort to take the Gospel to the people of Malawi. In doing so, we have logged more miles than we can count and endured more rutted dirt roads than we care to remember.

As a result, FLM Africa churches have been encouraged and nearly 90 people have prayed to receive Christ in the last two days (we held outreach services in three churches and ministered to just over 500 people). Needless to say, we are encouraged at all that God has accomplished and we look forward to more of the same in the next three days.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Next Update: 7/26/10

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

Thundu Village Outreach

2010-07-22T16:30:00.004-04:00

God worked powerfully in Thundu village today.

Jared Keiffer continued his diligent work with our Pastors’ Bible School students. Jared reports that the young men are of the highest quality and possess a great passion for knowing God’s Word. Tomorrow they will conclude their study of I Timothy and II Timothy.

The rest of the team made their way to the village of Thundu for an entire day of ministry that centered on the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Finish Line church in Thundu made arrangements for our team to go door to door throughout the village and share Christ with those who would listen. God moved in the hearts of more than 30 people through this effort. It was amazing to hear the team share the stories of lives that were changed. One individual and his wife were both moved to tears at the response they received from who prayed to receive Christ with them.

This afternoon we held an open air outreach service in the same village. Sponsored by our Finish Line church, more than 300 people attended this special event. The team shared in song and testimony, while Craig Peters and I tag teamed the Gospel presentation. At the conclusion of the service, more than 40 came forward to accept Jesus Christ. Our team members met with each person who responded to counsel them and lead them in a prayer of repentance. It was a truly humbling experience for all of us.

Next blog update: 7/24/10

Thank You For Your Prayers,

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

Ministry Launch

2010-07-21T17:14:00.004-04:00

We were awakened this morning by a cool breeze, misty clouds, and the unmistakable sound of a rooster’s crow. There is nothing quite like an early morning in Malawi.

Today we launched our ministry efforts by diving headlong into our Kids Kamp. This year’s Kids Kamp was designed to be a one day Vacation Bible School for the 250 children of our orphanage and day school. Working alongside our Malawian orphanage and day school staff, our team provided the games, music, crafts, and Bible lesson for the day. In addition, we had the joy of serving each child a hearty lunch of rice, beans, and chicken. Working alongside the orphanage and day school staff also proved to be a great delight. We thank God for the opportunity to minister to these children today.

Jared Keiffer began his work with our Pastors’ Bible School students today. The students are comprised of young men who have been called by God to be great preachers of His Word, good shepherds of His people, and bold messengers of the Gospel. In short, they have been called to be pastors. Jared spent today and will spend the next two days training our students for their future ministry with FLM Africa churches. The students were thrilled with Jared’s teaching today and are looking forward to great things in the days ahead.

We concluded our day by holding a church service in the FLM Africa church in Nkolokoti village. This is the first and largest of our FLM Africa churches. The service launched with exuberant worship from our Malawian brothers and sisters. From there the team shared in song, drama, and testimony. Craig Peters closed the service with a powerful message that challenged and encouraged the heart of the people.

Tomorrow we travel to Zomba to share the Gospel in the rural villages and hold an outreach service alongside one of our FLM Africa churches. Pray that many will come to Christ.

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

The Warm Heart of Africa

2010-07-20T17:32:00.002-04:00

We arrived late this afternoon in Blantyre, Malawi. On time and with all our luggage, we made our way to the Finish Line Ministries Africa Mission Headquarters in Nkolokoti Village. The Kaphesi Family welcomed us with a warm greeting and a hearty meal.

After dinner we met with the Pastors Bible School students and the Orphanage and Day School staff for a time of introductions, prayer, and worship. The passion they have for the Gospel is unparalleled. It was an inspiration to be with them this evening and it will be a privilege to serve with them all week.

Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow we host a Kids Kamp with 250 of our orphans... I'm certain it will prove to be a wonderful time of teaching and encouragement.

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

Safe Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa

2010-07-19T16:32:00.003-04:00

Earlier today our team arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa after a grueling 17 hour flight from Washington, DC. Needless to say, it was good to have our feet on the ground again. We checked into a hotel for the night and will make our way to Malawi tomorrow. Thank you for praying for smooth logistics and travel safety. All is well on both fronts.

We're all looking forward to our arrival in Malawi tomorrow. Join us in praying that our team will be used to make a great impact for the cause of Jesus Christ. Below are prayer requests and a brief itinerary. I trust you can use them to help guide your prayer time.

Pray For:
-Travel Safety For The Team
-On Time Travel Connections
-Arrival Of All Luggage
-Good Health For All Team Members
-Good Weather
-Effective Training Of Pastors’ Bible School Students
-Challenge / Encouragement Among Believers In Africa
-Encouraging Ministry To Children
-Effective Outreach Services And Times Of Personal Evangelism
-The Salvation Of Hundreds Of Men And Women In The Rural Villages

Trip Itinerary
7/18 Depart USA
7/20 Arrive Malawi
7/21 Kids Kamp w/ Orphanage & Day School
7/22 Personal Evangelism & Outreach Service in the Rural Villages
7/23 Rural Church Outreach Service (1)
7/24 Rural Church Outreach Services (2)
7/25 Rural Church Outreach Services (2)
7/26 Rural Church Outreach Service (1)
7/27 Personal Evangelism in the Rural Villages
7/28 Depart Malawi
7/29 Arrive USA

*Pastors’ Bible School Training taking place daily.

Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Sean Patrick
Team Leader

Ready To Roll

2010-07-18T07:05:00.004-04:00

Later today our July 2010 Impact Africa team will depart for Malawi. Pray for safe travel and fruitful ministry as we share the Gospel in the rural villages. Pray that the FLM Africa churches will be encouraged and pray that many will come to know Jesus Christ.

Sean Patrick

Team Leader

Grateful Hearts and The Gospel

2010-05-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

On Saturday and Sunday we traveled a combined 6 hours to the villages of Matoponi and Ngomo. Matoponi is located in a flatland region with very thick jungle. There were times our 4x4 had to blaze a trail because the road became as narrow as a footpath. Conversely, the village of Ngomo is located high on a dense forest mountain range. Regardless of the location, our rural church outreach efforts always prove to be an adventure.

Both of the churches were selected as outreach locations because we recently finished construction on their new buildings. In both cases, the church leadership and the people expressed their deepest thanks to their American brothers and sisters for providing church buildings for them. To receive their deepest gratitude on your behalf is an overwhelming experience. In addition to receiving their wonderful expression of thanks, we also shared Bible teachings and Gospel presentations. Dozens of men and women responded to the Gospel and publicly prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord!

We have had an amazing 10 days of ministry here in Malawi. More than 300 pastors have been trained and more than 200 people have prayed to receive Christ. As friends of this ministry, you have played a significant role in every life that has been changed. On behalf of our brothers and sisters who make up Finish Line Ministries Africa, allow me to say thank you for your friendship, prayer, and financial support of this good work. Because of your efforts, the church has been encouraged and the family of God has increased. To Him be the glory.

On Monday we begin our long journey home. At this time our flight to London is in limbo due to the impending volcanic ash cloud that has once again hit Great Britain. Pray for safe and timely travel.

–Sean Patrick

Our God Saves

2010-05-14T22:49:00.003-04:00

Far from the city and deep into the bush country lie tens of thousands of rural villages. Some are located in river valley flatlands complete with Baobab trees and sugar cane while other are situated on rugged jungle mountainsides. Millions of people live in these mud hut villages throughout Malawi. Acts 1:8 refers to the location of these villages as the “ends of the earth.”

Today (Friday) we traveled to such a village to preach the Gospel at an outreach service hosted by our FLM Africa church. The village of Nkotamu is a border town located at the southern most point of Malawi. Mozambique is literally a stone’s throw away. After 4 hours of travel through precipitous mountain ranges and deeply rutted dirt roads, we were welcomed to the church by the unmistakable sound of goatskin drums and traditional Malawian music.

After a wonderful display music and worship, Dave spoke a message that centered on the story of Jesus and the women at the well. Eyes were focused and hearts were open during the entire message. God’s Word penetrated the hearts of the people. When the invitation was given, nearly 40 men and women prayed to receive Jesus Christ. The pastor and church leaders were thrilled at the response of those who needed Jesus. In addition, the pastor felt like the meeting was a great encouragement to his church. After the service ended we had the opportunity to spend more than an hour talking and meeting the people. We had an amazing day in Nkotamu.

On Thursday, we ministered in the village of Jeliati (Malawi). The church in Jeliati was planted just 6 years ago and has more than 300 people attending today. For more than 5 ½ years the church held their worship services under 3 large shade trees because they did not have enough money to build a church building. Because of the generosity of God’s people in the USA, on Thursday we held our outreach service in their brand new church building. Throughout the service and throughout the day the people expressed their thankfulness for their new building. We praise God for the fact that during the outreach service, between 40 and 50 people responded to the message and said yes to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We are trusting God for the salvation of many and the encouragement of each of church we minister to during this time of outreach.

–Sean Patrick

Blankets, Bicycles, and Bible Training

2010-05-12T23:49:00.000-04:00

After 5 days of training in Bible doctrine and church leadership, the FLM Africa Pastors’ Conference came to a close today. Throughout the entire week our pastors proved to be enthusiastic and teachable. They were truly a delight to serve.

If you were to spend a few days with our pastors you would immediately recognize their passion to know God’s Word and build His church. It’s not lip service. It’s the real McCoy. They have very limited resources and live in the most difficult of circumstances. Yet, they continue to prove themselves as exceptional shepherds of God’s people, maturing teachers of His Word, and bold messengers of the Gospel. They are remarkable men doing an extraordinary work.

At the conclusion of the conference’s final session, we distributed 250 blankets to the children of our orphanage and day school ministry. For most of these children, this blanket will serve as their only possession. They will use it throughout the year as a bed, cushion, coat, or outer wrap. It is a simple gift that means everything to these children. Our hope is that in some small way it demonstrates the love of Jesus. I wish you could have seen their faces as they went forward to receive their blanket. Priceless.

In addition, we distributed bicycles to 10 of our pastors who oversee multiple congregations. These men have worked tirelessly (no pun intended) to shepherd their churches. They are church planters and pioneers of the Gospel. The Lord has used them over the years to accomplish great things for His sake. Today, their load got a little lighter. Instead of walking from village to village, they can now ride.

We concluded our day with a meal at the home of Pastor Kaphesi (FLM Africa Director) and his wife Elizabeth. Joining us was Yohane Kaphesi and his wife Weze. This proved to be a great time of debrief and relaxation after what I believe was a very successful conference. We are so thankful for the hospitality of the Kaphesi family over the years.

Tomorrow we embark upon the second phase of our ministry here: Rural Church Outreach. This is a four day stretch of preaching the Gospel in rural villages throughout central and southern Malawi. Pray for safe travel as we make our way to very remote regions. Pray also for the salvation of hundreds who will hear the story of Jesus.

-Sean Patrick

An Exciting Monday!

2010-05-10T23:07:00.000-04:00

As we entered our ministry headquarters this morning, we were greeted by a beautifully choreographed music and dance program performed by the 250 children of the FLM Africa Orphanage & Day School (ODS). Visiting with the children, attending their classes, and praying with the staff completed an excellent morning of ministry. God continues to use the ODS ministry to care for, educate, and evangelize the orphans of Nkolokoti village. Needless to say, we were once again moved by all that the Lord is doing through this ministry.

Throughout the day various meetings kept us on our toes. Dave and I both sat down with our FLM Africa Board of Directors to hear the miraculous reports of souls saved and new churches planted. We praise God for their faithfulness and vision. In turn, they expressed great thanks for all the prayer and financial support they receive from their brothers and sisters in the USA. Earlier, I met with our Impact Africa coordinator to go over the final details of our short term ministry trip with Maranatha Bible Church this July. After sitting through the meeting, I am convinced that God will use the team to do great things for the sake of the Gospel this summer.

In addition, Dave and I continued the process of training our pastors in areas of Bible doctrine and church leadership. Today we held 3 training sessions with more than 300 of our FLM Africa pastors. The Lord continues to work in the hearts and lives of our pastors. It is amazing to see them grow in their understanding of God’s Word over the years.

We are looking forward to a great day tomorrow. Thanks for praying.

-Sean Patrick

Standing Room Only

2010-05-09T22:14:00.000-04:00

A standing room only crowd greeted us this morning at the Nkolokoti church located at our ministry headquarters near Blantyre, Malawi. Today was special because our FLM Africa leadership team held a dedication service for the new church building in Nkolokoti village. This entire ministry started at this church with 7 people and Pastor Kaphesi nearly 20 years ago. It is hard to believe that there are now more than 80,000 people attending 565 FLM Africa churches. Nearly 2 hours of ceremony and music preceeded Dave's dedication message. Needless to say, this was a day of great celebration for our African leadership team and the congregation of this local church.

This afternoon we held an additional training session for our FLM Africa pastors. Their passion to understand the Bible is far more than just admirable. It is inspiring. They soak up the teaching. It is amazing. I am thankful that we can play a role in their personal growth and in the maturation of their churches. I am looking forward to continuing the training process over the course of the next few days.

A word about tomorrow... In addition to our training time with the pastors, we will also have a special time of ministry with our orphans. Seeing their faces and being a part of their program tomorrow will no doubt be a highligth of this trip. Also on the agenda tomorrow is a FLM Africa Board of Directors meeting and a meeting with our Impact Africa leadership team to finalize our missions team daily schedule for this July. It should be a great day!

Thanks for praying. -Sean

P.S. The internet is giving me fits today... sorry for the inability to post pictures. Hopefully we will have better connection tomorrow so that I can send pictures of our time with our orphans.

The Warm Heart Of Africa

2010-05-08T23:05:00.002-04:00

Dave Bogue and I arrived in Blantyre, Malawi yesterday afternoon (4:30 pm). It was nice to exit the plane and see Pastor Love Kaphesi and Yohane waving from the viewing deck of the airport terminal. Both men are good friends and faithful leaders of God’s people in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It was good to be in their presence and it is good to be back in the warm heart of Africa.

After making our way from the airport to the hotel, the four of us sat down for a pastors’ conference update, ministry debrief, and prayer. From all that was shared, it was evident to me that God has continued to bless the work of FLM Africa.

This morning we made our way to the FLM Africa headquarters in Nkolokoti for Day 1 of the pastors’ conference. The bone jarring drive up the mountain to our HQ is something I wish everyone could experience at least once. It will test your faith and the quality of your shocks and struts. :)

This year the conference is being held in FLM Africa’s brand new Nkolokoti church building. I can tell that this new structure will serve the local congregation of believers well. In addition, it serves as a wonderful conference location.

The pastors were already gathered inside the church when we arrived. Corporate prayer was in progress as we made our way to our seats. These are men who know how to pray. Just when you think they are done praying… they continue to pray… and then when you think they are done… you guessed it… they continue to pray. Because they possess very little, I believe they see God as their provider in a much more profound way then we do back home. It is a humbling experience.

Throughout the day, Dave held two Bible doctrine training sessions and I held one. One thing you can count on is this: Our FLM Africa pastors delight at hearing the teaching of God’s Word. Very few of them have any formal Bible training. They are self-taught men from the bush regions of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Our goal is to provide Bible doctrine and church leadership training through this conference each year in hopes of building a strong Bible foundation for their churches. Today was another great step in the process. What a privilege!

Thanks for praying. -Sean Patrick

Travel and Prayer

2010-05-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

Dave and I arrived in London, England this morning after a very smooth flight from New York. I know... it seems crazy to have to have go through London, England in order to get to Malawi, Africa. It's just that from time to time the flight availability and connection service requires that we go to Africa via Great Britain. We have grown to love London Heathrow Airport. :)

Later this afternoon we will make our way to Johannesburg, South Africa and then on to Malawi. We are looking forward to our arrival on Friday. Thank you for praying for safe travel.

In the previous post, I offered a few prayer requests for this trip. Consider praying daily for these requests. We recognize that we serve a God who answers prayer... and we feel blessed knowing that there are hundreds of people back home praying for the effectiveness of our pastoral traning and outreach ministry over the next 10 days. In addition to the requests offered in my last post, my hope is that the brief ministry itinerary listed below will help guide you as you pray:

5/6 Travel to Africa

5/7 Arrive & Debrief with African Executive Leadership

5/8 Pastors' Conference Day #1

5/9 Pastors' Conference Day #2

5/10 Pastors' Conference Day #3 and FLM Africa Board
of Directors Meeting

5/11 Pastors' Conference Day #4 and Special Ministry with
Orphanage & Day School Students

5/12 Pastors' Conference Day # 5

5/13 Rural Church Outreach #1

5/14 Rural Church Outreach #2

5/15 Rural Church Outreach #3

5/16 Rural Church Outreach #4

5/17 Depart for USA

5/18 Arrive Home

I'll plan to write again on Saturday!

-Sean Patrick

Off to Malawi

2010-05-05T08:48:00.000-04:00

Later this morning Dave Bogue and I will depart for Malawi to host the Finish Line Ministries Africa Pastors' Conference & Rural Church Outreach. We are scheduled to arrive in Blantyre, Malawi on Friday.

Pastors and church leaders from all 565 of our FLM Africa churches are scheduled to attend this year's conference. In addtion, we will spend 4 days holding outreach services in the rural villages. Dave and I are both looking forward to a great time of training pastors and sharing the Gospel.

I'll plan to post updates throughout the trip... as internet connectivity allows.

Please pray for:

The safety of our African pastors as they travel to the conference.

Our team as we minister at the conference and outreach services.
-Safe travel
-Good health
-Effective training for pastors and church leaders
-Salvation for hundreds who will hear the Gospel

-Sean Patrick

2009-09-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

Zomba West

2009-07-15T19:42:00.000-04:00

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

Area 6

2009-07-14T17:28:00.000-04:00

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.

Mission Malawi

2009-07-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

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

Rural Church Outreach Success

2009-07-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

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 Is The Day Of Salvation

2009-07-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

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

Kids Kamp

2009-07-10T17:48:00.000-04:00

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

Safe Arrival In Malawi... Minus Luggage

2009-07-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

We arrived in Malawi in the early evening. It was a great thrill for all of us to see Pastor Kaphesi and Yohane Kaphesi again. These two men and the hundreds of pastors who work with them are true heroes of the faith.

Upon arrival we made the trek to the Finish Line Ministries Africa Headquarters outside of Blantyre. Once there, we received a great tour of the new facilities. The new missionary housing is beautiful and very accomodating.

Tonight we had our first meal with our hosts and a wonderful time of prayer.

Tomorrow we launch our Kids Kamp ministry. We look forward to ministering to the 250 orphans who will be a part of this great day.

Pray that the Lord will work in the lives of the children tomorrow.

In addition, pray that our luggage will arrive tomorrow.

-Sean Patrick

Planes Trains and Automobiles

2009-07-08T11:25:00.001-04:00

We finally left Columbus last night at 9:00 pm (4 hour delay). Upon landing we had 45 minutes to change terminals and get to our gate at JFK. Nothing beats the sight of 10 adults running through an international terminal trying to make a flight. The Lord was definitely testing our stamina. Special thanks to the ticketing and gate agents at British Airways for holding the flight for us.

From JFK we made our way to London Heathrow. This evening we will make our way to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, we fly to Malawi.

Continue to pray for safety, good connections, and luggage delivery.

There is no doubt in our minds that the Lord paved the way last night for us to make our flight to London. That was a direct answer to your prayers. Thank you.

We look forward to seeing our friends in Malawi on Thursday.

Flight Delay In Columbus

2009-07-07T17:45:00.000-04:00

Our flight has been delayed out of Columbus until 6:45 pm. This puts us a little behind the 8 ball for making our connection to London at 10:30 pm. Pray that we will indeed depart at 6:45 pm tonight.

On Our Way

2009-07-07T16:03:00.000-04:00

We have all arrived at Port Columbus Airport... ready to start our journey to Malawi. Be in prayer for safe travel and on time connections. We should arrive in Malawi on Thursday!

Sean