In our March 2019 News Update we reported on our recent visit to Malawi, and the progress made in developing the Prison work there. We also mentioned briefly the mechanical issues with Stephen’s truck, and the negotiations to purchase a development site near Thondwe – more later.
Flooding
This month the news is dominated by Cyclone Idai and the floods which have devastated parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Significant areas of the Southern Malawi were affected by high winds and heavy rains immediately prior to the cyclone, resulting in deaths and widespread displacement of many thousands of people from their homes.
The scale of the destruction is such that it is difficult to respond immediately without the equipment and infrastructure that large Non-Governmental Organisations can mobilise in these circumstances, and we are grateful for their well-organised response. Nevertheless, we were able to respond to need on a local basis through brothers we know on the ground. You can read about our response on our website: https://southernafricaliteraturetrust.com/malawi-flood-relief/
We were humbled by the generous response of the Lord’s people. Problems of this nature have a long tail, and this is where we can be of particular assistance. We have not heard of any of our immediate contacts being injured or killed in the floods, although many have suffered loss of their livelihoods, with homes, crops and other possessions washed away. We are presently monitoring the situation and will use first-hand knowledge to identify particularly vulnerable individuals and seek to give them a helping hand as they try to put their homes and lives back together.
Literature
We are working on the next two Emmaus Correspondence Courses for distribution in the prisons. These special editions come complete with all the Bible passages required to complete the course, so the student does not necessarily need access to a Bible, which is often difficult in the prison setting. We hope to get these to print during the course of April, Lord willing.
We are also thrilled to have just gone to print on 20,000 Seed Sower texts for distribution in South Africa. This follows a consignment of 10,000 Gospel Calendars sent there over the past couple of months. There are still good opportunities for the Gospel in that large country, and SALT is glad to be able to give a little help with this.
Vehicle
The news about the truck is that the mechanic says he can repair it, although parts need to be imported from S. Africa. It is a major overhaul, and we are still awaiting his report regarding further maintenance required on the vehicle’s suspension. Please pray about this, as a good vehicle is essential to the work. The present vehicle problems are almost certainly due to poor workmanship by the previous mechanic, in whom we had erroneously placed our trust – a very expensive mistake! We have purchased a used Land Cruiser as a backup. They are rugged vehicles, and although it’s about 20 years old we hope it will warrant its price tag and give good service for years to come. Please pray that the change of ownership will go smoothly – you can’t even take that for granted in Malawi.
Land
As hinted above, nothing is straightforward in Malawi. A survey of the land was required in order to arrange its subdivision, but the seller hadn’t the funds to pay for this. We weren’t too surprised by this, and, although it’s not our responsibility to do so, have made an advance of the survey fee in order to try to clear this obstacle. Again, please pray that all will go smoothly.
Visit
We had planned to visit Malawi for conference meetings in May, however there is to be an election at the end of the month, and as there is the risk of civil unrest, the brothers there feel it would be wise to postpone these plans. We are disappointed, but recognise that this is the sensible thing to do. Please pray that the election will pass off peacefully and that whoever is elected to office will govern in the fear of God, for the good of the people and prosperity of the Gospel.
God willing, our next visit is now likely to be in August, when we expect to lead another Malawi Gospel Outreach team, of which we will write again shortly. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the spread of the Gospel, so please watch out for the information when it comes.
Local Workers
Our local volunteers and co-workers in Malawi need your prayers:
- Brother Emi(lian) lost his father in Romania recently, and his wife, Lore(dana) is not very well at present. Remember their children, Sami & Salomeea
- Ananda & Grace need someone to help with the education of their two children, Anni & Jack.
- Harold and Egly, and their children, Aubrey and Trust
- Goodson and Flora, and six children.
Prison Packs
Finally, we are hoping to send the first consignment of Hygiene Packs (from UK) towards the end of April. There is still opportunity to get involved in this first consignment.
If you have full cartons to return (or would like empty cartons for this or a subsequent shipment) please note that Bro. Jim McMaster will be collecting cartons at Perth on the weekend of 7 April, and Bro. Stephen Harper will be collecting cartons in the West of Scotland & Merseyside week commencing 15 April. If you have/want cartons please get in touch so that we can plan accordingly.
We are working on the logistics of shipping from N.America, and although we still haven’t this sorted yet, we are hopeful of making good progress in the incoming months.
Yours,
SOUTHERN AFRICA LITERATURE TRUST
Previous News Updates: