March 30, 2020

March Prayers from Malawi

Dear Family,
     

       Undoubtedly we are in a trying season for all of us; a time of uncertainty world-wide.  But what is sure, is that God will be with us in whatever we come across.  Psalm 23:4- "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me."  I remember that verse bringing me comfort when I went through a surgery as a young kid.
     In Malawi, we are feeling the calm before the storm, as most Africa is. We have no confirmed cases in Malawi along with a few of our neighboring countries.  Little by little we can see the government take more and more precautions, but for the average person, business is as usual.  On the street as people pass, Corona virus is a byword, but hasn't affected anyone in an everyday person's sphere.  We are getting prepared as a Church and Bible College: we have put our classes on a 2 week holiday, postponed our graduation until September, put hand washing stations at church, and began elbow greetings.  This was the first of the awkwardness, for there is much hand shaking in greetings in Malawi.  During a conversation, there can be up to 5 handshakes as a sign of approval or excitement. So far we are still able to meet as a church and there hasn't been a limit to the number of people who can gather together.  We are praying about whether to extend the holiday for the Bible College up to a month.  


     One amazing thing that we have found is the heightened level of openness of people.  We tried to be ahead of the curve with all we are doing.  We have decided to replace tract distribution with open air preaching and sketchboard.  We didn't want the ministry to be blamed for handing out tracts that could have the virus.  Amazingly we have had bigger crowds than ever before ranging from 30-40.  People are worried and we reassure them with the Word of God.  Its amazing how the Bible has a comforting affect when it is spoken out loud.  



    As a church we are praying for all of you, and we ask you would also pray for us.  We are so grateful for you prayers and support, especially in these hours of testing.  We plan to do neighborhood prayer meetings to intercede for all of you around the world, for the slow down of the virus, the recovery of those infected, and for the speedy approval of a vaccine. Our prayer is like that of Jesus for Peter, that our faith fail not, because God will never fail us.


Pr George praying with people for protection for Malawi and healing and protection for the rest of the world.