In what was a hugely inspiring evening, the congregation was brought right up to date with the progress of our work in Malawi. Thanks to Sheila, Fraser and Naomi for the excellent presentations. And yet the night began with the starkest description of the plight of rural Malawians. Things are as bad as we’ve ever witnessed them; people are living in collapsed houses, protected with no more than plastic sheets; many are going hungry, with maize running out; infants are dying for lack of basic amenities and health provision.. It’s almost too much to hear and the danger is that we can find ourselves wondering – ‘Is there any point? Can we really do anything to help?’

The answer to those questions is – ‘Yes, there is a point and, yes, we can do something to help.’ And in that is our encouragement. We heard stories of houses being rebuilt, following the floods earlier in the year. We heard of young people going into further education, from areas where such a possibility would earlier have been unthinkable. We heard of orphaned infants being saved and fed and taken into care. We heard – and saw pictures of – the medical clinic that we’re building at Kambolonjo nearing completion. We heard of families being supported with maize, their own supplies having ran out.

Of course, the problems are huge – but not insurmountable. Let’s continue to give sacrificially. let’s take our responsibility seriously. God expects nothing less.

Pictured here is Chifundo – the first ever of those we care for to get to medical school. What an achievement! Keep him in your prayers.

Beginning on Sunday 13th September, we launch out on our new programme, E100. E100 is produced by Scripture Union and is a programme which brings together the ‘Essential’ 100 passages from both the Old and New Testaments. We’ll be working our way through the set readings on Sunday mornings – all the way through till next Easter – and individuals will have the opportunity to follow the whole 100 readings as part of their personal devotions. On top of that, our network of small groups will study the readings as part of their weekly meetings.

We’re really excited about this new programme – to see how God will speak to us as we immerse ourselves in this study of his Word. Copies of the E100 guide book can be ordered through the Church Office, priced £5, or participants who prefer digital versions can download those directly from Scripture Union’s website – ISBN: 9781844275885

On Sunday 23rd August, we were delighted to celebrate the baptism of Fraser Simpson! What a cause for celebration!! Fraser has come to us through our Havilah Project – not always a straightforward journey but one that has brought him to the point of wanting a new life. He is now heading down to Yorkshire where he will be supported to take the next important steps on his journey. We wish Fraser well and look forward to hearing about his progress and, when the time is right, to welcoming back to Church!