March 2013 trip to Malawi, Africa
We visited rural villages to: Repair water supplies ( bore holes ) and bring the message of hope - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Post-Trip Update (October 18, 2013):
Thank You all for your continued interest in our projects in Malawi. I have a few things to report on.
Village Work
As I have mentioned before, Ruben and Phillip have kept the bore hole repairs / Gospel work going since the American team left mid-March. It is completed for now- not because there is no need, but because Ruben has run out of money for pump parts. God willing we will be able to re-supply in December –more on that later. This year God has used this ministry to restore over 50 bore holes providing clean water for over 100,000 people. The Gospel has been given in every village, thousands have heard the message of the Cross. We have seen Bible studies and churches started and have given out a few hundred Chechewa Bibles. We do have an ever growing list of villages that need bore hole repair, and while this may be somewhat disheartening please remember that each village we go to will hear about Jesus the Christ.
New Projects
The ministry board met in September while Alli and I were in Iowa. We have formally implemented a building program. The land in Malawi has been provided for already—it is just minutes away from the airport. This building will provide:
- living quarters for a Malawian family that will oversee the work there
- lodging for an American family staying for an extended period ( months ) –we have at present two families that have expressed that desire
- dorm type facilities for visiting teams
- storage for tools, well parts, Bibles and other items for village distribution
- and someday God willing a place for a vehicle
Charlie Hale has been drawing up plans and plans to go to Malawi sometime mid-December to get this started. Joining him in January will be ROFC board member LaVern Tueth. These guys will be staying in Malawi until mid –March and will return the same time the 2014 missions team comes home. We still need 12 to 15 thousand dollars.
Urgent
The predicted hunger problem has been realized and will likely get much worse. This is early in the year –usually the reports of hunger come a month or two later than this. But many places in Malawi had poor crops this year. Ruben has told me that he could not wait for money to come and that he has already given maize to some needy families. I assume he gave away some of what he grew for his needs. If God moves your heart with compassion to give toward this, ROFC is prepared to purchase food and provide assistance to suffering individuals and families.
Concert for Chechewa Bibles
For you Maine people, on Saturday October 26 Little River Church in Belfast will be hosting a Fall Fest and a concert by Exit 244. Eating starts at 5:30 p.m. concert at 7 p.m. There will be an offering taken for purchasing Chechewa Bibles for Malawian villages. Please come—I believe chili is on the menu.
Closing Thoughts
I continue to be amazed at how God is using this work and how he has moved in the hearts of several people here in the U.S. to support it. I am grateful to each one of you for - most importantly- praying and then for those who also give in various ways. As I have stated before, this ministry exists primarily to give glory to our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ. So please keep up the praying –for all that I have talked about here, how He wants you to be involved, and please listen as He impresses upon your heart what He wants. May He continue to receive honor and glory through all of this.
Grace & Peace, John Boyington
Please Contact Us if you are interested in joining our mission or if you need more information. This is not a "Men Only" endeavor, Ladies are always a great encouragement to the Mothers and Children.