Malawi Update Impact team 2007

As we continue to make plans for the upcoming mission back to Malawi, in sub-Saharan Africa, we want to take this opportunity to update everyone on the progress made since we were there in the fall of 2006 and the plans for this fall.
God has put together a team of folks from various backgrounds, interests, passions, skills and gifts. There are 2 “waves” of people going and for 5 days our time there will overlap during which we will all take part in the crusade and feast for which our friends on mission road have asked for assistance.
On the first wave we have from WS Brian Redding, Fran Gray, and formerly from WS now from Haliburton, Gary Trapp. Also with us are 5 from St Thomas/London area, one from BC and several from our partner church in Minnesota, Hosanna!
On the second wave from WS there is Joy and Bruce Magwood, Nancy Walker, Mary Jane Pearson, Cindy Trapp (now in Haliburton), a second timer from Oakville, and several from Hosanna!
Besides visiting the progress on the schools, teacher houses, irrigation and agriculture initiatives we will again be meeting with the village elders and headman to review their priorities and the sustainability factor. We already know their number one priority is to get the medical center open and operational. It was built several years ago as a vote gaining initiative but never opened. We have an agreement with the Malawian Ministry of Health and the Malawian government to make this happen. The center requires clean up and some completion tasks, a security fence, water tower, generators etc. Our plan outlines work to be done by the local folks we hire, and funds will be offered as work is completed in stages. The opening of this clinic means the local people can avoid a 32 Km return trip walk to the present, nearest clinic. Again, we are going to volunteer in this initial clean up, painting, clearing out, as we did with the new school last year.
Also, we will again have the chance to meet with the wonderful volunteer teachers and conduct a workshop using resources we are taking for them. As well, playing and interacting with the children with conversations, games and songs is a rewarding experience we look forward to.
As in everything, this is God’s mission not ours and we look to Him for His leading.
Our brothers and sisters along mission road are the poorest of the poor- no running water or electricity, no material possessions to speak of, many orphaned children, children with no toys, who wear the same clothes every day and eat only mangos and maize BUT they have hope and look to us to bring that to them as we build relationships with them, listen to and interact with them and pray they will have reason to trust us, and show them Jesus’ love for each one of them.
We thank you for your support - your prayers – your interest-for them and for us.
Please see the display case for prayer requests, the blue bin under the table in St Paul’s hall for donations of summer clothes for children of all ages as well as young women and men, school and medical supplies.
For more information about the Garden Wine and Cheese awareness/ fundraising event at the Magwood’s Saturday September 29th please call Joy and Bruce at 905-659-3219
God’s blessings to you all and Zikomo!!!!!!!!
Frannie Gray on behalf of Impact team 2007