Coffee Klatch for Malawi Update: December 2007

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who contributed to this coffee klatch for Malawi initiative. Your participation is most appreciated. Thank you for helping to make a difference!
I would like to share with you some of my reflections of this past trip. For me, going back to Malawi was like going home to see friends you couldn’t wait to see, apprehension about surprises/changes, an excitement and a gift. It’s along way to go and a lot of work over many months leading up to the mission trip. You hit the ground running when you get there and there’s always a sense there’s so much to do in such a short time- and it’s not always little things but some are big, important, life altering stuff too. And you know what!! It’s all worth it!
The people are amazing, resilient, beautiful, and hopeful yet there’s an undercurrent of desperation. They want for their children what we want- good health, education, food, opportunity but their chances for this are not what our chances are. Many strive to be independent and good providers but their reality is they are 1 or 2 droughts away from famine, malaria and other illnesses are an ever present threat and in spite of their perseverance and dedication the situation is very difficult.
For us, all of it is in God’s hands. We are well aware while there that nothing good happens with our efforts- it’s God at work and He blesses us by often being right in our faces. He did that last year and He did it again this year. For one thing, He put people in front of us who might be able to help us help our friends. It’s an ongoing, pleasant surprise to see who He has lined up next to meet us. We are constantly on guard for these opportunities.
The 2 schools we had connected with last year met different fates over the past year. For the one, Nanthomba, where we moved bricks and helped get a foundation up for one block of 2 classrooms, this year there were 4 blocks, 8 classrooms in total, an increase in enrolment form 350 to 625 and an additional teacher. At Nanthomba School we worked with the children and teachers on several occasions introducing them to resources and activities. It’s important to remember these 6 teachers are volunteers who all have children to raise and training they want to receive. Of those 625 children, 395 of them are orphans- double and single. The Kafulafula School is a government school. Last year we attended the term end celebration as honoured but humbled guests. Village elders, board of education members, parents, and grandparents were in attendance, and it was a great day of celebration for the 1000 students and 7 teachers. This year, there are 600 students in attendance and only 2 teachers are left. Other teachers are promised for January. Meanwhile some of our team whitewashed walls, drove the bats out and shared resources with the headmaster and his one staff member and worked with the children.
As far as the medical clinics go, the existing one at Ulongue has had its small maternity hospital opened for 6 months. 120 babies are born monthly and their mothers receive the necessary HIV/AIDS medication to stop transference of the disease to the baby. Also HIV/AIDS testing can now be down there. These are good steps forward but the clinic does all it did last year plus these new initiatives with the same staff as last year- 2 wonderful but very tired nurses, an administrator, a few volunteers and a monthly visit by a Doctor.
At the other yet to be opened clinic in Nandomba, the money has been raised for the necessary work to get it open and now we wait and pray for the right contractor-an honest one, to present him/herself.
Something new this year that is a huge blessing to us was our time walking in their communities, extending the invitation to come to the feast and offering prayer. Almost all folks asked for healing prayer for a variety of aliments such as headaches, backaches, problems with chests, legs, and with some, difficulty walking and sight problems. There was a window open to heaven and God’s healing power was reigning down on these beautiful people. And we never doubted that God did not want to heal. We were extremely humbled to be used by Him. To Him be the glory and honour!!!
We visited the Njoho day orphanage where 200 orphans are cared for and provided with a meal and learning and playing activities.
At the feast/revival this year we were praying for months for 5000 to come-you may recall we had 2000 in attendance last year. In the days leading up to the feast we were out walking in the communities inviting all to come and bring their bowl, sing, dance, hear words from God. Over 8000 people came and we fed over 10,000 mouths as many came for more rice, goat and chicken. Choirs sang and we had another opportunity to pray for people. God used us in amazing and powerful ways that day and in the week prior to bring His healing. Our Malawian friends have no hesitation or doubt that when they ask God for healing they will receive it and they did/do. Praise God!!! God is healing there, in Africa in a mighty way!
There is much to do in Malawi. The needs are endless- clean water, sanitation, education, opportunity, improved health, food- the basic necessities of life!! These people lack all of this and we are blessed to have the opportunity to be used in a variety of ways, here in North America with all the resources we have available to be His hands and feet for our brothers and sisters. It’s a huge challenge but together, under God’s direction, we can make a difference! And everyone can play a role. Thank you again for being one of those people. Maybe you’d like to join us next year!

Fran Gray