abusa

On Sunday, Jonathan and our neighbor Kelly traveled to Abusa Edward Tembo's church. Tembo is an ordained minister in the CCAP(church of central africa presbyterian) and a sophomore at ABC. He oversees over 8000 congregants in about 25 different prayer houses. CCAP pastor's have a main station church and then smaller prayer houses in outlying village areas. They visit the prayer houses as much as possible, but it is quite a challenge to be so many places at once. Sometimes prayer houses only see the abusa(pastor) twice a year.

This past Sunday, Tembo invited Jonathan and Kelly to visit one of his prayer houses. Jonathan preached, did baptisms, as well as a communion service.  They learned the flow of the liturgy because Tembo asked them to return again and serve at his station church or prayer house so he can be more free to visit his other prayer houses. Jonathan is practicing his Chichewa!

Tembo is a gifted pastor. His congregation loves him. He is passionate about the gospel and seeing lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are thankful to be a part of ABC and have the opportunity to see our students grasp and apply the gospel and communicate this message so clearly and immediately to the church in Malawi.

The church is large in number, and is in great need of well trained and gifted pastors. It is a blessing to be involved in the lives of our students, especially the ones who make great sacrifices to serve in the pastorate.

At the end of the day, Tembo's congregation thanked Jonathan and Kelly by giving them the gift of peanuts or "ground nuts" as they are called.

the Lake

Lake Malawi is the 8th largest in the world with around 11, 000 square miles of surface area. On Saturday, we caravanned an hour and a half north with our friends to see it for ourselves.

We are thankful to the Lord for this beautiful country and for the car that was so generously given to us so we can easily travel for ministry and leisure.

The relaxing day at the lake was much needed as Jonathan spent all of Sunday helping a pastor and student at a village CCAP church service.  (more details to come)

mother's day

Today is Mother's Day in Malawi. I love my kids. Here are a few photos of  JJ and Georgia in our yard. The beauty of the campus is something we really appreciate. There is a mango tree in the front yard and papaya trees in the back.

student life and returning graduates

Last friday the junior class sponsored a singing competition. The sophomores took the prize. It was great to hear Malawian popular music as well as some traditional Chichewa songs.

I sat with new professor, Limbikani Kamlongera.  Limbi is an ABC graduate who is finishing her doctorate in Education from a university in the US. She is so helpful to me as I adjust to Malawian culture, and gracious to answer all of my questions.  I'm thankful that God has so quickly brought me a friend.

Please pray for Limbi as she has made incredible sacrifices to return to Malawi and SERVE.  It's not always typical for students who study in the US to return. What a blessing to have her back.

 Limbi and I enjoying the concert

 JJ with the student body

 Freshmen Class

 Joseph -jazz pianist

 Linda conducting the seniors

Reading Day

JJ is in a 4 year old reception class.  This past Friday was "Reading Day." Each child dressed as his favorite storybook character. We brought a Captain Hook costume, but as you will see from the photos, JJ changed his mind. (he found a book about baseball....and dressed accordingly)

 a baseball player

 ABCCA Reading Day Assembly

 little spectator

 JJ's Class

Brian, Luntah, and JJ