We're back! And what a glorious experience it was. Challenging, exhausting, faith expanding, humbling and exhilarating are words that just begin to describe our adventure. After almost 22 hours of air travel (plus layovers) we arrived in Des Moines just before 2:00 PM Sunday with most of our luggage. As all of you discovered, updating the blog was quite a challenge. Most internet access sites closed by late afternoon and we rarely arrived at the hotels before evening or later. We visited churches in villages and worshiped with their members. We conducted bible studies, taught Sunday school and learned more about joyous singing and prayer than we could ever imagine. We hard a presentation from Daniel Mhone, Mission Superintendent of the Malawi UMC, about his dream for a training center for the future growth and success of the Malawi UMC. We worked on a home/church that was in dire need of repair and visited Mzuzu University to learn more about their education system so we can provide scholarships for those most in need. We helped pour a concrete floor in a church that previously had only a dirt floor. It was noted that the new floor would prevent the members from having to wash their close after each service. Malawi is a great contradiction to say the least. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. Most villages have no electricity or clean water. They have a very poor public transportation system and very few have cars. A bicycle is considered a luxury. Food production depends solely on the amount of rainfall during the rainy season. Having said all that, the people of the Malawi UMC ( and in general, the people of Malawi) are the most amazing, inspiring people you will ever meet. They are hard working, positive, worship with a fervor and joy which is very hard to comprehend. They pray with complete faith and and without hesitation. We will be sharing stories, pictures and videos over the coming months. We will also be offering opportunities for financial support of specific projects. The bottom line, however, is to really understand the country and people of Malawi you must go. I have been there twice now and I continue to be overwhelmed both with joy and sadness. You cannot visit Malawi and not be changed forever. We are so very blessed and we appreciate it so little. We focus on "stuff" and we worship, sing and pray afraid someone might hear us. We confuse heroes with celebrities and "fit in" church activities when we can. Are these exaggerations? Perhaps, but not by much. Can we change to be more like the people of Malawi? Certainly. The task before us is "simple, but hard". Know that your financial support is being spent wisely and as was requested by the Malawi UMC leaders. Your prayer cards were an inspiration to everyone, not just members of the Malawi UMC. Our thank you's will continue but words cannot express our gratitude for your financial support and continuous prayers. The trip was an experience that exceeded expectations by a factor of infinity. The team truly was a team in the largest sense of the word.
Peace to all,
Dennis White
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday update
Monday morning is a trip to Sister Witness' house for repairs and renovations. This home also sevres as a church during bad weather so it is actually more than a home repair. We spend the morning hauling bricks up the "driveway" and buckets of water from the borehole up a very very steep hill. Some did better than others. :) The weather is warmer today so we are burning a few calories. Today is also a time of sharing and learning about cultures. After the hard work of the morning we traveled to Lake Malawi for lunch and a little relaxation. The lake looks like the ocean becasue it is so big and the water so blue. A much needed break from the intense experiences so far. Everyone continues to be overwhelmed by our experiences and cannot wait to return home to share. Get ready for lots of pictures and excited discussions. The day ended with some to dinner down the street and some at the hotel. Tuesday was back to the house renovation to carry more water and general "grunt" work to assist the more skilled workers. :) Dennis participated in a healing service for a very sick young member of the household and others shared in learning about woodworking and food preparation. After a brief break we will have bible study and a meeting with their church council. Dinner is an unknown at this point. We continue to be blessed by God on this journey and are already beginning to discuss how we can continue to move forward with this project after we return home. Peace to all.
Mzuzu Sunday (sorry it's Tuesday)
Day began with usual regiment of egg filled breakfast. The group began customary wait for Copeland. Attended Sunday service at Mzuzu chruch. Once again greeted by warm welcome. It was a service full of surprises as Bible study is more like scripture reading than actual q and a. Beth's sunday school was a hit with the children and Dennis and Kelsey's preaching was astounding. Gifts of bowls and jars were given to the group. Pictures of sewing student and encouraging framed letters given from us to them. Then the group left service and handed out heart stickers that could only be described as pure and utter chaos. Group then went to supermarket to pick up supplies for cooking demonstration that afternoon. From there we headed to Copelands house, to begin preparing lunch/dinner. The women were outside preparing Malawi dishes for us. Youth (from both US and Malawi) played soccer (football) in the front lawn. Malawi dishes are all "squishy" mostly mashed and boiled. We prepared sandwiches (huge hit although the idea of meat, bread and vegetables together was foreign) mac n cheese, tuna caserole (ask Arlyn!) pasta salad, pancakes (Dennis mother's special recipe) and french toast. The women of Malawi STACKED their plates full and seemed to enjoy everything. I can't say the same for us, but I do believe we left with a true appreciation of home cooked meals and the idea of eating for sustenence. The group returned to hotel for rest. Majority ate dinner at nearby Indian restaurant, which was fantastice even by American standards. After that, devotions, debriefing and much needed sleep.
Josiah
Josiah
Mzuzu Team (the A team)
Picking up where Josiah left off.....
Saturday morning we awoke at the Mimosa Lodge to cold water (except Josiah and Sam) and breakfast of eggs, chips (french fries) and sausage. Thankfully for me there was also cereal -room temperature milk :( and fruit. We loaded the bus (left late - we're on Malawi time now) to visit orphanage and meet the scholarship winners. The Hope Home is for orphans and children with only 1 parent. The children sang and rejoiced (in English too!) and even had a little Bible quiz. In typical fashion points were awarded to teams, but as each team got a correct answer Jesus got 2 points first, then 2 for me and 2 for you followed by laughter, claps and cheers. It was such a blessing as we passed out sandwiches and drinks! We met the tailoring class and were able to see the sewing machines we've provided. Jesus says if you teach a man to fish.... We've been blessed repeatedly that day with fellowship. It is amazing how much is the same and yet at the same time so much is different. We lunched at the University provided by catering/food service students. I will be adding cabbage to salads when I return. Several of us got to visit the market (Josiah, Sam and Arlyn will wear their new shirts soon.) Bartering skills need some fine-tuning! Dinner was at a restaurant in town. Chicken and beef are standards (same as home) and Spaghetti was also offered. Eating has certainly NOT been a concern (although I packed as if I would have to grow/kill/prepare my own meals.) We had debriefing every evening complete with devotions, recap of crazy things and plans for next day. Went to bed tired, but full of God's grace and love. Surely the Lord's presence is in this place!!
Sonja
Saturday morning we awoke at the Mimosa Lodge to cold water (except Josiah and Sam) and breakfast of eggs, chips (french fries) and sausage. Thankfully for me there was also cereal -room temperature milk :( and fruit. We loaded the bus (left late - we're on Malawi time now) to visit orphanage and meet the scholarship winners. The Hope Home is for orphans and children with only 1 parent. The children sang and rejoiced (in English too!) and even had a little Bible quiz. In typical fashion points were awarded to teams, but as each team got a correct answer Jesus got 2 points first, then 2 for me and 2 for you followed by laughter, claps and cheers. It was such a blessing as we passed out sandwiches and drinks! We met the tailoring class and were able to see the sewing machines we've provided. Jesus says if you teach a man to fish.... We've been blessed repeatedly that day with fellowship. It is amazing how much is the same and yet at the same time so much is different. We lunched at the University provided by catering/food service students. I will be adding cabbage to salads when I return. Several of us got to visit the market (Josiah, Sam and Arlyn will wear their new shirts soon.) Bartering skills need some fine-tuning! Dinner was at a restaurant in town. Chicken and beef are standards (same as home) and Spaghetti was also offered. Eating has certainly NOT been a concern (although I packed as if I would have to grow/kill/prepare my own meals.) We had debriefing every evening complete with devotions, recap of crazy things and plans for next day. Went to bed tired, but full of God's grace and love. Surely the Lord's presence is in this place!!
Sonja
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lilongwe Team
Sunday (Lilongwe Team)
We left the lodge at 9:00 to travel out into the bush to worship with Trinity UMC. This little church that looks like a mud hut with a grass roof has about 97 members.
We first entered into three groups. Several went with the children (there were probably about 20 kids) and the men went with the men and the women went with the women. We all had incredible discussions as we shared what it means to be a Christian in the different cultures.
The worship service went on for 3 hours and we marveled at every moment. We sang, we danced, we prayed - I mean really prayed, we heard words of witness, we had a joyous offering, and Mike preached. The most amazing part of the service when people were asked to come forward and receive the Holy Spirit as the team laid hands upon them. They were asked for them to pray for the team to receive the Holy Spirit at the same time. People came forward - men and women; and the children also came forward. It was amazing to see the team bend down to lay hands on the little kids. We also had the opportunity to present most of the prayer squares to the women of Trinity UMC. They feel very fortunate that the women of AFUMC will be praying for them as they will be praying for the women of AFUMC.
Trinity UMC is where Ankeny FUMC has sent money to purchase pigs. The church members are starting to make bricks to make the pig pen, then a member of the church will travel to the village to teach them how to raise pigs, and then they will purchase the pigs. The hope is that as the pigs multiply, each of the church members will receive pairs of pigs to raise them for food and maybe even some for sale.
After worshiping at Trinity UMC we traveled to the parsonage of the circuit pastor Steve Mbwe and his wife Rhoda. There Bruce taught them how to use the Chlorine Generator he brought. This will be a critical part of the church program and most of the people do not have access to safe drinking water. To drill a safe water well with a hand pump costs almost $8,000, but the Chlorine Generator only costs about $300.
After the Generator training, we went into Pastor Steve's house for bible study. We enjoyed entering into their discussion on "What is a Christian" were we explored everything from being born again to people acting like fake Christians.
We traveled back to the Kiboko Lodge, at some dinner, rested.
Monday:
This was work day. We traveled back to St. Peter's UMC and began to install the new cement floor. The women of the team were asked to join the women of the church to walk about 1 mile each way to get water for the cement. This meant carrying the water buckets on their heads like the village women. Let's just say that the when they arrived at the church, there was less water in the bucket than when they started. They had to make three round trips to get enough water.
The men of the team joined the men of the church to dig out the old and level to the old floor. It was dusty and hard work and we were amazed at their stamina compared to ours. We were able to lay about half of the floor and will return tomorrow to finish the work.
I just cannot put into words what the team is experienced. They are seeing poverty at unbelievable levels, but they are also experiencing God through the joy of these very special people. We are all being changed, the people we meet and the team. Please continue to pray for us as God is being revealed in very special ways. The team is also making very deep friendships with many of the Malawi UMC members. These relationships will be maintained over the years to come.
Also, you can probably tell we are not able to keep up with the blog on a daily basis. This is because we leave very early and get back late. But please know the team is doing well and we will all be very different Christians when we return. The word Malawi means "fire" and I think we will be bringing back some Malawi fire when we return.
We left the lodge at 9:00 to travel out into the bush to worship with Trinity UMC. This little church that looks like a mud hut with a grass roof has about 97 members.
We first entered into three groups. Several went with the children (there were probably about 20 kids) and the men went with the men and the women went with the women. We all had incredible discussions as we shared what it means to be a Christian in the different cultures.
The worship service went on for 3 hours and we marveled at every moment. We sang, we danced, we prayed - I mean really prayed, we heard words of witness, we had a joyous offering, and Mike preached. The most amazing part of the service when people were asked to come forward and receive the Holy Spirit as the team laid hands upon them. They were asked for them to pray for the team to receive the Holy Spirit at the same time. People came forward - men and women; and the children also came forward. It was amazing to see the team bend down to lay hands on the little kids. We also had the opportunity to present most of the prayer squares to the women of Trinity UMC. They feel very fortunate that the women of AFUMC will be praying for them as they will be praying for the women of AFUMC.
Trinity UMC is where Ankeny FUMC has sent money to purchase pigs. The church members are starting to make bricks to make the pig pen, then a member of the church will travel to the village to teach them how to raise pigs, and then they will purchase the pigs. The hope is that as the pigs multiply, each of the church members will receive pairs of pigs to raise them for food and maybe even some for sale.
After worshiping at Trinity UMC we traveled to the parsonage of the circuit pastor Steve Mbwe and his wife Rhoda. There Bruce taught them how to use the Chlorine Generator he brought. This will be a critical part of the church program and most of the people do not have access to safe drinking water. To drill a safe water well with a hand pump costs almost $8,000, but the Chlorine Generator only costs about $300.
After the Generator training, we went into Pastor Steve's house for bible study. We enjoyed entering into their discussion on "What is a Christian" were we explored everything from being born again to people acting like fake Christians.
We traveled back to the Kiboko Lodge, at some dinner, rested.
Monday:
This was work day. We traveled back to St. Peter's UMC and began to install the new cement floor. The women of the team were asked to join the women of the church to walk about 1 mile each way to get water for the cement. This meant carrying the water buckets on their heads like the village women. Let's just say that the when they arrived at the church, there was less water in the bucket than when they started. They had to make three round trips to get enough water.
The men of the team joined the men of the church to dig out the old and level to the old floor. It was dusty and hard work and we were amazed at their stamina compared to ours. We were able to lay about half of the floor and will return tomorrow to finish the work.
I just cannot put into words what the team is experienced. They are seeing poverty at unbelievable levels, but they are also experiencing God through the joy of these very special people. We are all being changed, the people we meet and the team. Please continue to pray for us as God is being revealed in very special ways. The team is also making very deep friendships with many of the Malawi UMC members. These relationships will be maintained over the years to come.
Also, you can probably tell we are not able to keep up with the blog on a daily basis. This is because we leave very early and get back late. But please know the team is doing well and we will all be very different Christians when we return. The word Malawi means "fire" and I think we will be bringing back some Malawi fire when we return.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19 (Lilongwe) The team travelled north after repeated stops at the produce market and to drop off books and the obligatory Coke & Fanta at Pastor Smart's home. We greeted a church at the Lilongwe South church--our first exposure to a village church. The villages are beyond poor. There was no church building; we worshiped in the open air. Needless to say, they really outsang us!! We were greeted by a female chief, who warmly expressed her excitement about being there. We continue to be blown away by the depth of their faith, love of God, and their willingness to show it. After that church, we went to Pastor Steve's house and met the leadership of the Bethel Circuit. We received a solo from one of our new friends, Kelly, written just for us. We also heard many of them give their testimony about how they came to Christ. After 14 hours, we finally arrived at the Kiboko Hotel. We had a very late dinner. Since it had been 14 hrs since we last ate, we could not even taste it we ate so fast.
Saturday, June 20 (Lilongwe) Woke up to an incredible African sunrise and had breakfast at the hotel: local tropical fruit salad, fried eggs, toast, and coffee to die for. Loaded on the bus, went back to Pastor Steve's house, where we picked up several people, and proceeded to St. Peter's Church, UMC. This church supports over 80 orphans. My Lord, how humbling the experience to give out clothing, food, and blankets that had been purchased by AFUMC to them. Many of these children have absolutely nothing, and it is only the St. Peter's UMC that stands between them and certain death. Yet they smiled, sang songs to Jesus, and were some of the most well-mannered children you can imagine. We also presented some gifts that we brought. We then toured the church where we will help install a cement floor on Monday. We toured the village and were able to enter a hut of an elderly woman, experiencing life from their perspective. We also witnessed 80 orphans as they lined up for porridge. The church is teaching them hygiene, so they huddle in a line to quickly wash their hands and spoons. They huddle in another line to get their cup of porridge. We saw Christ in every face. We stopped to view one of the bore holes (a shallow well operated by a hand pump)donated by the Methodist Church. This is their only source of clean water for miles. Women walk at least 2 miles to obtain water to wash and drink. We then stayed true to African time and arrived at Pastor Steve's house at 3:00 (scheduled for 1:00 pm). We had a tasty lunch of rice, fried chicken, fresh salad, seasoned peas (tomatoes, onions, salt), and the obligatory Fanta & Coke. We then proceeded to Trinity UMC, where we delivered more food and blankets to the orphans. Jim Crabb taught basic skills on raising pigs that will be purchased in the near future with funds from AFUMC. We will return to Trinity UMC for Sunday worship service to teach and worship with our brothers and sisters, who have now become the deep heart of who we are.
Saturday, June 20 (Lilongwe) Woke up to an incredible African sunrise and had breakfast at the hotel: local tropical fruit salad, fried eggs, toast, and coffee to die for. Loaded on the bus, went back to Pastor Steve's house, where we picked up several people, and proceeded to St. Peter's Church, UMC. This church supports over 80 orphans. My Lord, how humbling the experience to give out clothing, food, and blankets that had been purchased by AFUMC to them. Many of these children have absolutely nothing, and it is only the St. Peter's UMC that stands between them and certain death. Yet they smiled, sang songs to Jesus, and were some of the most well-mannered children you can imagine. We also presented some gifts that we brought. We then toured the church where we will help install a cement floor on Monday. We toured the village and were able to enter a hut of an elderly woman, experiencing life from their perspective. We also witnessed 80 orphans as they lined up for porridge. The church is teaching them hygiene, so they huddle in a line to quickly wash their hands and spoons. They huddle in another line to get their cup of porridge. We saw Christ in every face. We stopped to view one of the bore holes (a shallow well operated by a hand pump)donated by the Methodist Church. This is their only source of clean water for miles. Women walk at least 2 miles to obtain water to wash and drink. We then stayed true to African time and arrived at Pastor Steve's house at 3:00 (scheduled for 1:00 pm). We had a tasty lunch of rice, fried chicken, fresh salad, seasoned peas (tomatoes, onions, salt), and the obligatory Fanta & Coke. We then proceeded to Trinity UMC, where we delivered more food and blankets to the orphans. Jim Crabb taught basic skills on raising pigs that will be purchased in the near future with funds from AFUMC. We will return to Trinity UMC for Sunday worship service to teach and worship with our brothers and sisters, who have now become the deep heart of who we are.
Blantyre onward (mzuzu)
arrived at blantyre airport to warm welcome of vibrant singing and dancing. Group met just outside airport on steps and began first of many introductions and services. Women recieved their skirts from the womens methodist group. From there we traveled by bus to the soche tourists lodge. accomidations were satisfactory, though hot water and breakfast aluded the late sleepers.
the first day the whole group traveled to zomba's church for a service. they were instantly greeted by singing women and wide eyed children. the service was spirited and joyous beyond anything i've seen in my life. the offering could easily change the american definition of giving with joyful heart. baskets were exchanged twice before the offering because of there inadequate size. after service the group traveled to a local hospital were the zomba church frequently visited. it was astounding to see the lack of modern technology and medicine, yet to still see such amazing from the nurses. next we went to the local church of blantyre to yet another warm and freindly welcome. a service and exhibition of the womens contributions followed. during the service the lights went out and the true spirit of malawi showed, the service continued as if nothing had changed. after service the group headed back to the lodge for a goods night sleep.
Friday began with a common breakfast of sausage, eggs, toast and chips (french fries)
after breakfast the group split and one headed to lilongwe and one to mzuzu. the mzuzu group began the long 10 hour drive full of beepin goats and people out of the way. the mzuzu group stopped at a church in bwanje to the costumary warm welcome. the group had a short service which was followed by a prayer over the new site being constructed by the bellmound church in america. then after that the roadtrip continued. the group arrived at mzuzu at 9pm having left at 830 am. the group checked into the hotel and quickly fell asleep.
-josiah
the first day the whole group traveled to zomba's church for a service. they were instantly greeted by singing women and wide eyed children. the service was spirited and joyous beyond anything i've seen in my life. the offering could easily change the american definition of giving with joyful heart. baskets were exchanged twice before the offering because of there inadequate size. after service the group traveled to a local hospital were the zomba church frequently visited. it was astounding to see the lack of modern technology and medicine, yet to still see such amazing from the nurses. next we went to the local church of blantyre to yet another warm and freindly welcome. a service and exhibition of the womens contributions followed. during the service the lights went out and the true spirit of malawi showed, the service continued as if nothing had changed. after service the group headed back to the lodge for a goods night sleep.
Friday began with a common breakfast of sausage, eggs, toast and chips (french fries)
after breakfast the group split and one headed to lilongwe and one to mzuzu. the mzuzu group began the long 10 hour drive full of beepin goats and people out of the way. the mzuzu group stopped at a church in bwanje to the costumary warm welcome. the group had a short service which was followed by a prayer over the new site being constructed by the bellmound church in america. then after that the roadtrip continued. the group arrived at mzuzu at 9pm having left at 830 am. the group checked into the hotel and quickly fell asleep.
-josiah
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Travel update
Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa. A great, but long travel day. Everyone is tired but excited and can't wait to finish our travels tomorrow. All three flights went smoothly and all luggage arrived, as well. We will leave tomorrow morning at 10:25 AM (3:45 AM CDST) for Blanytre and the beginning of our adventure in Malawi. The T-shirts and flag pins attract a lot of attention and allows us to share God's word as to what we are doing. Please continue your prayers for us as we get ready to learn how we can serve the people of Malawi and more importantly how we can grow our faith through them.
Peace,
Dennis White
Peace,
Dennis White
Sunday, June 14, 2009
TOMORROW!!!!
Its so hard to believe that tomorrow is the big day weve been waiting for for about a year and a half! Thank everyone who has prayed for us and helped support us. We'll see everyone in two weeks!
Max and Sarah
Max and Sarah
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