We're Here

We arrived in Malawi yesterday and all went very well.  The flights were long and we were tired yesterday but we all had a good night's sleep.  Our guest house does have internet but the laptop has screen problems so it jumps all over as I type so forgive the typos :)
We were able to call Augustine last night and our car is supposed to arrive from Mzuzu today but the country is having serious fuel shortages and it is very difficult to find fuel.  At every gas station we passed, there was no fuel and many trucks just waiting.  The young man who runs the guest house was able to pick us up but was phoning all over last night to find more fuel as he needed to go to his village to help harvest.  He finally received a call that there was a station with fuel so left quickly to get it.  His truck is still here so we are not sure if he got any.  We will trust the Lord that when we need fuel we can find it.  We will be walking a lot to save fuel.  It is also very expensive as Fred told us it was about $9-10/gallon.  I guess that makes our gas prices look pretty good!  Just come to a 3rd world country and you'll appreciate what you have!
There have also been a lot of power outages too.  Last night the power went off and came back on during the night.  When we got up it was off again.  It came back on a short time later and we could have our coffee.  It was delicious!
The kids got a ride homje from the airport in the back of a lorie (truck).  Fred pick us up but the cab only seats 3 so he put rattan chairs in the back and thekids climbed in with the luggage and off we went.  They didn't seem to mind and got a good view of Lilongwe.
Plese continue to keep us in your prayers and that we will have discernment and wisdom in the direction God wants us to go each day.

We're Off

Today’s the big day.  Our flight leaves from SeaTac tonight at 6:45 pm.  We are driving to my sister’s in Tacoma this morning and we’ll have lunch with my family before we leave for the airport.  Everyone is very excited but amazingly calm this morning.  That’s why I have time to post this last blog J

We fly from Seattle to London (9 hrs.) with a 7 hour layover in London.  Then we fly to Johannesburg (10 hrs.) with a 3 hour layover there.  Our last flight is only 3 hrs. to Lilongwe which is the capital of Malawi.  We arrive in Malawi on June 14.  It will be a long 2 days but we are looking forward to the divine appointments God has for us along the way.  Much to my children’s dismay, we are not taking any electronic devices nor using the in-flight entertainment.  We want our eyes and ears to be open to God’s leading and tuning out does little for the Lord.  In addition, we don’t need any images that don’t glorify God in our minds as we embark on this ministry.  Actually, they have gotten use to the idea and we’re prepared with a lot of books and games.

We have been so blessed by God’s word these past few weeks.  It has been our anchor during times of doubt and fear as we’ve been preparing to leave.  God has given us a peace and confidence in HIS power that we see over and over in His word.  These verses have been so encouraging the last few days:

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”  2 Cor. 2:3-5

FYI, Andy’s eye infection is still hanging on but getting better.  This morning it appears worse but we are trusting the Lord for his healing.  My infection is totally gone so we are praising the Lord for his goodness. 

Please continue to keep our family in your prayers.  With your prayers God can work mightily through us.  Please pray for calm and patience as we fly and that we will pray when frustrated, pray when discouraged and pray without ceasing.  Flying with 6 kids can sometimes cause our patience to wear thin and we don't want to dishonor the Lord with our impatience.  We will update the blog as often as we can so you can share in God’s work in Malawi.

A Prayer

Friends of ours sent us an email this morning to say they had been praying for us and what they had been praying specifically for us and it summarized all that our family has been praying for concerning this trip. It was such an awesome prayer that I would like to share it with you and hope that it gives you specifics to pray for us. It was such an encouragement and a blessing to know that fellow saints are praying for us. It reminds me of this verse in Ephesians 6—"Praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

"We pray specifically for Andy, as the spiritual leader of your family, to have God's wisdom and discernment as you prepare to serve Him in Malawi. We pray also for Lisa and Andy, as one in Christ, to have a united vision and focus on God's will for your family ministries in Malawi. We are calling on the Lord to give you all clarity in the final preparations for your mission trip: Who to be praying for, alertness to the enemies lies and schemes, protection from the enemy, what to take, what not to take, and peace in the process.

Ultimately, that you will completely rely on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to come.

We will pray for quick and complete healing for Andy and Lisa.

We trust the Lord will provide everything you need to do His work in Washington before you leave and in Malawi when you arrive. It is exciting to know that this trip to Malawi will be unique, different from the last, for God has brought you all to a new place in your walk with Him. We envision the people in Malawi, taking in God's word of Truth as you perform with puppets and speak forth the Word of God. We envision transformation by the renewing of minds. Hallelujah! We are praying for a harvest which glorifies the Lord.

We love you all and expect the Lord to do a mighty work in you and through you.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me,

and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:10-11"

 

Our Skits

We have 7 skits that we have written and will perform in Malawi. Our focus was to encourage and equip Christians in Malawi but we still wanted to have the gospel message for whoever might be listening. We wanted the messages to be what God wanted us to say so we spent much time in prayer regarding what to write.

Our first skit is on creation and Satan's fall from heaven and how he is a created being and doesn't have powers greater than God. The 2^nd skit is the story of Peter & John going to the temple and they end up healing a lame man who is asking for money. Since begging is non-stop in Malawi we thought the theme was appropriate. The message we wanted to present was that the lame man was asking for money which is temporal while God gave him something more—healing his body and eternal life. In Skit 3 we tell the story of when the Israelites are surrounded by the Assyrian army and King Hezekiah prays to God after being threatened by Sennacherib. The King says these great words from 2 Chronicles 32, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles." God then wipes out the entire Assyrian army. Skit 4 is the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. We wanted to present salvation as a life-changing occurrence where you turn from your old ways and are a new creature in Christ.

The remaining 3 skits revolve around Malawian culture and their beliefs. In Skit 5 we show a young man who is recently saved but is being asked to steal by a friend. He is then reminded by another friend of how as a Christian he shouldn't be stealing using Ephesians 4:27 which says, "Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that has need." The message in Skit 6 is for fathers to teach their children the truths from the Bible. A father is telling his child tales that are based on ancestral worship even though they are Christians. A friend reminds him that the Bible is our source for truth. The last skit is a true story that actually happened in Malawi. A Christian man was asked to sprinkle magic powder around his house because the village leaders thought that witchcraft was in the village and they needed the powder to keep them safe. The man refused because he believed that God would protect him. Two days later his young son woke up screaming and running around the house as if he could see something. When they went to investigate the Holy Spirit told the man that the demons were tormenting him because they had refused the powder. He prayed for protection in the name of Jesus and the tormenting stopped and they had peace after that.

Our prayer is that God will use these messages to remind the Malawians that "greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world" and that they can have victory in Jesus. It's a message that we all need to remember too.

Prayer Request

As we've approached our time to leave for Malawi both Andy and I have been hit with infections. I have a bladder infection that doesn't want to go away. Andy has had an infection in his eye for some time that just hangs on but doesn't cause too much trouble. We've tried everything but to no avail. It started bothering him again this past week and by Saturday it looked like he had been in a fight. His eye was swollen and is very irritated. We believe that this is the beginning of our spiritual battles and would appreciate your prayers for healing.

These trials will not stop us from leaving and we've commented to each other that it just confirms that we are doing exactly what God wants by going to Malawi. What these trials cause us to do is turn to God even more. Our prayers become more fervent and our thoughts are continually on the Lord. This is exactly where we need to be as we get ready to so we are thankful for the trials as they show our weakness and God's power. In all things God will be glorified!

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1Pe 4:12-13 AV)

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (Jas 1:2-4 AV)

Spiritual Warfare

As we prepared to return to Malawi, we watched a DVD series called "Spiritual Warfare for Every Christian" by Dean Sherman and read his book by the same name. It is an awesome series and book and we highly recommend it. He has worked with YWAM for many years and the book and DVD can be purchased through YWAM's website.

One of the reasons we are returning to Malawi is to try and teach on how much power God has compared to Satan. Malawians understand the spiritual realm as they have seen and heard demonic activity all their lives—it is very real to them. Most of us, on the other hand, don't seem to understand or even believe that we are in a war every day. Dean Sherman says that we are involved in warfare all the time. It isn't an event but a life. He says, "Spiritual warfare is learning to recognize the strategies of the enemy, refusing to cooperate with the strategies, and aggressively cutting them off in Jesus' name." He doesn't see demons in every situation but points out how our Christian walk can either open the gate or close the gate to Satan's strategies. The bottom line is that we are to be aware of the enemy's schemes but be impressed with God and then we won't have any fear.

I have to admit that when I first started reading his book I was very afraid and wondered why in the world we would want to go to Malawi and teach this. As I continued reading I became more and more confident of God's power and that I didn't need to fear as "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." When I realize who I am in Christ, what power has been given to me through Jesus Christ, and then I can have peace. I'm not foolish enough to believe that we won't face trials because we will but that's the exciting part. If we never face trials then we can never see the power of God.

Another great book we've been reading is"Smoking the Mango Tree." When we told a friend about our plans in Malawi they told us to read this book. It describes the ministry of a missionary family from Scotland who goes to a tribe in the Philippines and experience many spiritual battles but also many victories as they and the tribe see God's power in action. The book reinforced the principles that we learned from the "Spiritual Warfare" series.

Since we experienced many trials when we lived in Malawi we know that we won't be immune from trials this time either. Our prayer is that through it all God will be glorified.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Eph 6:10-18)

A House

It looks as if we have a house in Mzuzu. Praise the Lord! It is the home of Jodi McGill, our dear friend who has helped us time and time again in Mzuzu. Her family is going on a 1 year furlough to the states and their house will be vacant the middle of June. The landlord has agreed to rent it to us for 2 months.

Augustine worked tirelessly to find us a house and the McGill's house was the only one available. Jodi originally mentioned it to me but said that it wasn't as secure as we may like due to our previous experiences with being robbed. I immediately said no thanks which was a decision based on fear. The Lord obviously wants us to stay there and my fears are irrelevant. He alone knows what we need.

The McGill's are letting us have the basics in the house during our stay so we won't need to pack (or buy when we get there) linens, dishes, etc. What a huge blessing. It is also on the same road as the nursery and about 7 houses down from it. The Lord must want us close to the nursery as the other house was on the other end of town. We are very excited that God continues to work on our behalf.

"In all thy ways acknowledge HIM and He shall direct thy paths"

No House

When we decided to return to Malawi, we bought our tickets believing that the Lord would order our steps as it says in Proverbs, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" and "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." We believe that when God calls, He will also provide.

We contacted our dear friend Jodi McGill who was a huge help in getting settled in Mzuzu when we moved there in 2006. She was in the middle of getting her family ready for a yearlong furlough in the states but still agreed to help us find a house to stay in for 2 months. Since there are 8 of us going, we can't just stay in an extra bedroom. As a minimum, we needed a house with enough beds for us to sleep in or at least share. After much searching, Jodi found a Malawian woman who would move out of her house and let us rent her house for our time there. It was small but we should be able to all squeeze in. Before Jodi left Malawi, she confirmed that all was settled. I also emailed the woman and was assured that all was in order for us.

In addition to a house, we wanted to rent a car which Jodi also was able to find for us. We had been unable to communicate via email with the man who was going to rent us his car so we asked Augustine, who helps run the nursery, to contact him for us. He found that the car deal as in order and just as we had agreed. Augustine then asked if he could look into our rental house for us. We thought it would be nice to know if we would have enough beds, blankets, etc. so we told him to go ahead and contact the woman. The next day he told us that there was no house. They had been told that Jodi had found another house and we didn't need theirs. There was much confusion about what had really transpired. Regardless of what was communicated or not, we have no house to stay in at this time. Andy jokes that we should just throw in a tent and some sleeping bags and we'll be set. The rest of us don't see the humor in it.

Thankfully, dear Augustine is now looking into finding something for us. Mzuzu has a housing shortage as it is the fastest growing city in Malawi so finding a house is no easy task. Since God is on our side we are confident that we will find a place to stay. We still have 2 ½ weeks until we leave and then another week until we will be in Mzuzu so this is far from a crisis even though some days it feels like it. God has proven himself faithful time and time again and He alone is trustworthy.

As we were talking over our predicament, we were reminded of how the Lord provided a place for us to stay after our two robberies. Our house was being fixed after being broken into and in both situations he provided for our needs. This is another opportunity to see God work miraculously in our lives and how good is that?

Please keep Augustine and his house search in your prayers as God works mightily when we pray.

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

Sarah’s Thoughts on Returning

I have had a few people ask me, Sarah, how it feels to finally return to Africa after 4 years of absence. To tell the truth I am quite, well…… I don't exactly know how to say it. It is a very mixed emotion, one part of my body says, this is crazy, think about this! You are going back to a place where you got very sick! The other part of my body is jumping for joy with anticipation, excitement, and the thought that I will be able to see the nursery staff and the friends I made in school.

Malawi is basically a second home to me. I can remember driving away with my parents and siblings and asking God, why are we going away? I was just getting settled into the normal way of living in Mzuzu! But after we returned to the States, I realized why. We needed to rest (even if it meant for 4 years), see the need for us to minister to people here, and also to come back together as a family.

And now as we pack, practice our puppet skits, do spring cleaning and regular house and farm chores, I know that we are actually ready to return, and Mom doesn't even get that frustrated with us kids. Maybe it is because we have finally learned to cooperate with each otherJ. But we are slowly getting ready! This Psalm is a good one to meditate on:    

Why
leap ye, ye high hills? This is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. Psalm 68:16

 

How God Lead Us

We were given a book titled, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" about a young man from Malawi who built a windmill that generated enough electricity to power his home. He didn't have enough money to attend school so instead went to a library and checked out books on electricity and used odds and ends to build his windmill. Although the book portrays a great accomplishment against incredible odds, it still discussed many stories about witchcraft that still permeate Malawian culture. His father was saved from a rough life years before and was a practicing Christian but still recounted stories about "ghost trucks" and "witch planes" to his children. Even though they professed Christianity, they were still afraid of the demonic forces that exist in Malawi.

A lot of the Malawian Christians have one foot in Christianity and one foot in the occult. It's as if they want to make sure they have all their bases covered. Demonic activity is real to them as they have witnessed curses placed on people and seen the forces of darkness in action. This book put a desire in our hearts to return to Malawi and somehow encourage them that they don't need to fear the enemy when God is on their side. This will not be an easy task and only through the power of God and the Holy Spirit can we hope to make a difference.

Now that the seed was planted to return, how could we turn this into a family ministry? My children came up with the idea of using puppets. We could have the kids perform a skit based on a biblical principal and Andy could follow with more detailed teaching. We developed 7 skits that attempt to portray the contrast between the infinite power of the Almighty God against the power of Satan. They begin with the creation of the world and all that we know and work through biblical truths about conversion, angels working on our behalf, and culminate with a real life story of a Malawian Christian family who refused to use witchcraft to keep away evil, but instead relied on God.

So, we have been busy writing and rewriting scripts, making costumes & backgrounds and practicing. We are very excited about what God has in store for us and yet understand that we are going into the enemy's territory.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1Jo 4:4

Why So Long To Return?

Our return to Malawi has been a long time coming. It hasn't been due to an unwillingness to return. The biggest hurdle has been Bridget's citizenship. She was officially adopted in Malawi but not a US citizen. We started the paperwork before we left in Aug. 2007 and it took over a year to be approved. Normally, it takes 3-4 months for approval.

You have to return to the originating country to finalize the process for an I-600. We tried to return two different times but were stopped due to complications. Since it took over a year to be approved her visitor's visa had expired. When we tried to board our plane in Seattle they told us that London would not allow her to even change planes since she had an expired visa. They took our luggage off the plane and we had to go home and regroup. Two months later we tried again but this time we would avoid London and fly through Johannesburg. Two days before we were to leave, the US Embassy in Malawi told us that our fingerprints had expired. FYI, fingerprints are only good for 15 months as you may have committed a crime and they need to check again. After some scrambling, we decided to not go.

There is another process for citizenship with an adopted child and that is to wait for two years so you can prove that you really are their parent and that is what we opted to do. She was still here on an expired visa but that didn't seem to be a problem. Her citizenship was approved in January of this year so that gave us the ability to travel out of the country.

Even though we can travel out of the country, Andy wasn't convinced that we needed to return. Taking a family this size to Africa is not a cheap prospect. He didn't want to return just to say hello to the nursery but wanted it to have a purpose and include our whole family. It was time to pray for God to guide us and show us His will in this endeavor. Obviously, He did.

We're Back

This blog was used previously by our children while we were in Malawi. All the old posts were written by the kids during 2006 and 2007 and view Malawi through their eyes. We are returning to Malawi in June and will use this blog as a vehicle for our family to communicate our ministry activities. We will do our best to update it when we can.

The nursery in Mzuzu is running well and we aren't returning to direct it but encourage and reconnect with the staff and old friends in Malawi. Our primary purpose in returning is to teach the Gospel and encourage the Malawian Christians to grow in their walk with the Lord. My children will perform puppet skits that have a particular message and Andy will follow with teaching after.

Our first performance is in Lilongwe, the capital city, for all the children in the church of a friend. After we happily agreed, he told us that there will be 300 children watching. That made the kids a little anxious but also excited.

Plese pray for God's blessing and that many would hear His truth and be changed.