Malawi. The Warm Heart of Africa. Green. Lush. Picturesque. Rural. Hard-working. Mountainous. This place is stunning. The people so generous and friendly. We arrived right at the tail end of the heat and the start of rainy season the end of the month. Sweet relief. Most of Malawi was hot and sweaty, but rich in love and growth.
*Beautiful Malawi*
Our home has been in the central district of Malawi in the small town of Nkhotakota, surrounded by villages along the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi. Our ministry partner this month was Harvesters Ministries. They are a church planting organization that aims to reach the most rural and under-served communities of Africa with the gospel, discipleship, and Bible school training, raising up local pastors and leaders. Since their start, over 18,000 churches have been planted in rural, under-served Africa. They also have Harvesters Bible School that trains up the pastors selected from villages to lead the church plants.
*Typical village church. Simple. Full. The power of His word is enough.*
Our daily ministry this month was door to door, or really hut to hut, evangelism in a few key point villages Harvesters is growing relationships with. We spent hours walking between homes, making friends, talking about Jesus, sharing the gospel with non-believers, encouraging believers by sharing the Word with them, and praying for healing. We saw many adults and children accept Christ. The first day we went out house to house a group of about 20 children followed us to every house we went to. Curious to learn. At one point we were waiting to meet the chief and I felt led to share a Bible story and gospel with just them. All 20 accepted Christ! It was really beautiful. The Kingdom belongs to such as these! We saw several people healed of pain, illness, a women who could not see, receive sight back, many adults and children tormented by dark spirits set free! The Holy Spirit is at work in this country. 20% of Malawi is Muslim as well, so we shared many conversations with local families that follow Islam. We saw many eyes opened to who Jesus is, what He has done for them, and several Muslims accepted Christ!
*Typical primitive brick home in Malawian village*
*Village outreach dance party with the kids…very common, so fun!*
*Bible stories with the village kids*
One village specifically was our focus area for a church plant this month. We spent a few afternoons building relationships with the chief of Mbewe village and his family. He has recently accepted Christ and left Islam. He was so excited to partner with us and have a church planted in His village of about 1,500 people! We spent a few days doing community outreach there in Mbewe, getting to know local families, and sharing the gospel and about the planting of the church. Our 3rd weekend here in Malawi we had the first official service! There were 8 adults and 6 kids present at the service. We were so thankful and look forward to hearing updates as it grows. A local pastor, Albert Mhone, will continue to shepherd the church and train up self-sustaining leaders in the months and years to come. The model that Harvesters uses is really sustainable and continues the church planting vision in each village.
*Team sharing testimonies of community outreach at first church service*
*Chief Mbewe and his wife and grandchild*
In addition to ministry, we had the chance to take a few days upon arrival here in Malawi to have what the World Race terms a “Married Weekend”. After a whole month apart, with no communication, it was much needed. We went to Zomba, Malawi and were able to rest, catch up, and do some beautiful hikes on both Zomba Mountain and Mount Mulanje, the tallest mountain in Southern Africa. They were stunning and the time was so refreshing for us. As the only married couple on the squad, our journey is unique. I am super thankful that Adventures in Missions values marriage highly and knows that first and foremost our ministry is to one another has husband and wife and maintaining a healthy marriage out on the field is very important.
*On top of the Mulanje Plateau*
As we transition to Asia for the next four months, we are so thankful for the time we have spent in South-Central Africa. The Lord has moved so evidently. Powerfully. We are leaving the continent so full. Thankful to have been His vessels. Exhausted. 35lbs lighter between the two of us. (Yes. Austin has lost 20 lbs. and Ally 15lbs). And arriving to Asia ready. Expectant. Excited. The Lord is at work all around us. Every day. How is He moving in your life? We would love to hear how He is awakening you and your family! How had He been using you to bring His Kingdom to your community? Missions is life. Life is missions. Every day. No matter where you are. Please share stories below!
Also, how can we be praying for you? As you pray for us, we would love to be doing the same.
Thank you again for pouring into our team and the ministry we are doing. We serve a powerful God. Daily drawing nations to Himself. You are in important piece of that story.
Love to you all,
Austin and Ally
*On the shores of Vung Tau, Vietnam*
