Monday 8 October 2018

A belated update from Malawi!

Hi from the both of us!

We've been very busy since our last update and we'll share some of what we've been up to here. One of the most exciting things is that we had some visitors from Milton Keynes. We initially met Phil and Annette through the amazing Gilgal House ministry. We kept them busy and we also enjoyed receiving a Sozo from them. This is what they had to say about their time with us:

We spent 10 days with Mark and Laura in September; they opened up their home to us and arranged an itinerary that was both thoughtful and challenging.

They are a couple with high expectations of God - and so are happy to throw you in at the deep end! Just as they have been learning to walk in the Spirit, we could see that they are also inviting and encouraging others into that journey.  

We loved having already-arranged 'fixed points' of ministry during our stay - but especially enjoyed the extra connections and encounters that God had planned - and how people, many of whom were weary and in need of encouragement, were blessed. 

Whether it was facilitating workshops with pastors from rural villages or Miqlat staff; whether it was speaking in Living Stones Church or 'joining in' at a house group or Encounter Evening; or meeting individuals who needed God's touch, we were aware that all this was building on what Mark and Laura had already been doing for 2 plus years, laying strong foundations for the future.


If we were asked 'what do they do?" I think we'd say "Mark and Laura's ministry is to support those in ministry"... they are an independent, trusted, loving team who both comfort and stretch people who are in high-intensity work. They are clearly well-loved.   
It's important to say that this is itself, demanding work and Mark and Laura also need your support. It's a hot, often humid and chaotic place to live.

They live in what is called the 'warm heart of Africa' because of the beautiful, friendly nature of the people. Mark and Laura also typify that, because they have wisely chosen to be regularly re-charged and refreshed in the arms of Father God.’


PHIL PREACHING AT OUR CHURCH



PHIL AND ANNETTE DANCING WITH THE KOGOYA HOPE CENTRE PASTORS DURING A DAY OF TRAINING



Since our last update we’ve also been carrying on with Sozo sessions, busy leading / preaching in our church, Laura recently preached on living free from the tactics of the enemy and we believe chains were broken that morning. We’ve continued our pastors training….at Thucila Hope Centre we are in the middle of a series about Christian marriage and recently had a lively discussion on the topic of divorce and polygamy! At the Kogoya Hope Centre we recently awarded Attendance Certificates which are enthusiastically received!

We also had another powerful Encounter Evening. We again had the pleasure of welcoming new people (who we don’t know!) from others churches in town as the news spreads about the evenings. We love the diversity of people coming to these evenings, from different ages, teens up to 70’s, so many different nationalities and churches are represented but there is such unity in the shared aim of being there solely to encounter God personally.


A recent testimony from a beautiful young Malawian lady who had her first ever Sozo:


‘My Sozo experience allowed me to discover the different relationships I have with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I discovered my need for healing through the distorted image I had of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit from past experiences. In the end I was overwhelmed about how I saw myself wrapped in mud, however the Father’s arms were wide open for me. I don’t think I’ve ever embraced God’s intimacy the way I did in my Sozo session. It felt so real, it was real and even though I had so much hurt and pain, going into the Father’s arms and feeling His embrace took me to a place of comfort like never before. Since then, it’s completely changed my perception of who God is, He is such a Good God who wants us to enjoy Him and heal us.’
 

Image result for prayer points
 

1.    We are about to start a series on Cultural Practices / Witchcraft with our Kogoya Hope Centre pastors. As we will be challenging a lot of the cultural norms we’d love you to pray that the pastors receive revelation of the truth.
 
2.    On a personal note, during October fuel prices jumped by 8p per litre, electricity prices by 35% & due to a change in water meters we are anticipating our water bill may double which has been other’s experiences. We’d love you to pray with us with asking Father & thanking Him in advance for releasing His provision to meet these unexpected increase in costs which were of no surprise to Him! 


Thank you for reading and lots of love from Malawi!
 
Financial Support - https://www.give.net/20189271  





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