Furlough 2007/08

We are so happy to be back in the USA. Although we miss our work and friends in Malawi, we are looking forward to sharing what God has been doing there with many of you. Please pray for safety in travel and for God's wonderful and faithful provision for needed funding for projects. He has given us many wonderful visions for the people. Please pray for the explosion of the Gospel message throughout all of Malawi and for the faith of Christians there to grow deep. We plan to return to Malawi in April 2008.

Big Disappointment

We were saddened by an email we received three days after we landed in the US. The email was from our Board chairman who informed us that our trusted worker (good Christian man to whom we entrusted all of our belongings in Malawi), took our vehicle for a drive (without permission) and wrecked it. We are unsure what the insurance will cover at this point, but we are trusting God for His provision and know He will do more than we can imagine. As for our worker, he has been fired. Please pray that Satan will not be able to attack any other part of our ministry while we are gone. We need to continue to lift up the ministry in prayer as Satan is standing ready to launch attacks on unprotected areas - areas that are not covered with the power of prayer.

We were so blessed by the group of chiefs in our villages recently. They honored Larry by making him an honorary "group village headman" and gave him the name of "Cheukani" which means "look back." As we were returning to the US for furlough they wanted to make sure we remembered where we'd been and to look back and see how much they need us to return to Malawi. We assured them that we would be back and work with them again. They gave Mandy the name of "Nachisali" which is a name of respect for a woman. She is also called, "Mama" because she cares for their needs. The picture shows Larry receiving the special scepter that they gave him to show he is really a group village headman. This is the highest honor they could bestow on someone. We were both humbled by their love and gifts.

This picture was taken the last Sunday we were in Malawi to worship with Mphanda Christian Church. The church leaders have begun the temporary church building. It will have grass/straw walls and a thatch roof. This will allow them to gather for worship during the rainy season. When we return to Malawi in April, they will begin the process of building a more permanent structure made of bricks. Please pray that the church will remain strong and the Lord will bless them as they grow in their faith.