God’s leading and Cross-cultural fear.

"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet,  and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105

    In the days before Covid even arrived to the land of Malawi, we had been touched by it because of it touching our friends and families all around the world. Malawi was actually one of the last countries to get cases.  Our international school was closed early on even before we had a confirmed case.

There were a few conversations about whether to continue to meet as a church. When the first case arrived we decided (along with a few other international churches) to close our churches. It was such a confusing time as we didn't want to be seen as living in fear. 

  On our way to our "Dapp" outing (secondhand store) with our masks on. (We are not required to wear them and we only do it because we want to (and for the picture ;) 

   A few times we have been stopped by the police, questioning us about why we aren't wearing masks and why we were still in Malawi. It's like they have found another opportunity to stop and fine us for something because we are foreigners. It’s ok though because its never stopped us before. 

Unfortunately, we and some of our national friends had concluded that it might not be a good idea  to go in the local areas for a while because we would be seen as the ones who brought the Covid virus to the place. We haven't even travelled at all this past year outside of Malawi. We had just heard from a few of our friends also being seen as possible targets in this country and from other countries around us.

For many weeks, the US embassy had been sending us emails about health updates, and about if we wanted to leave the country then we would have to leave now. After the Malawian borders and airports closed, they gave us one last emergency evacuation US flight. If we didn't take it  we had to be prepared to stay here indefinitely.  We prayed and decided that we would stay here as Malawi has become our home and we would be safer here. And the spread of the virus has been happening at a very slow pace in the country.

Having lived in southern Africa for many years, we understand the fear that any changes can bring.  The people here already live hand to mouth hoping they will find work or food on a daily basis, and they didn't need to hear they wouldn't even be able to do so because of social distancing.  Fortunately, the Malawian government hasn't given people many restrictions. As most people could never quarantine themselves completely. We understood that most people’s fear was more about not being able to feed their families than the virus itself. 

Church Outside and Social Distance sitting on the school ground

It’s been different and hard for us. To decide what we can or cannot do. Chris' parents who have been serving with us for many years, had also decided to stay. As they are elderly, we have to limit our exposure in order for us to keep helping them with groceries and such.

Our churches have been meeting in smaller groups and some Bible studies have even multiplied during this time. We have divided our one main church in the South of the City into 3 parts which are all getting new people. Its amazing how God can turn a seeming curse into a blessing.

Bible College Students are picking up their Final Exams to take at home.

Some Prayer Requests:

-Pray for relationships, marriages and families in this time

-Pray for our marriage and children. God has brought us closer together as a family and as a team. Pray that God would continue to protect us all.

-Pray for wisdom as we are coming to the end of our 7th year in this country. 

-Pray for us as for the first time in 10 years we will not be going to the States for the summer. We are ok with it but its been a bit hard for our girls who every year look forward to Convention and Camp Life.

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This is our church plot and the church building being built "pangono-pangono"[little by little] by Pastor Malrone and a church crew.

Pastor Malrone digging the well

With Love from Malawi

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.

Year in Review 2019