Saturday 23 July 2011

Dear Praying Friends

We just want to update you on the present position relating to the new vehicle and other aspects of Agape Outreach Ministry (Malawi) because we greatly value your earnest prayers please at this difficult time.
Since we last wrote to you in June, efforts have been continuing to progress the registration of AOM at a national level in order that we can arrange for the release of our new vehicle. However, there is now an increasingly difficult and volatile political situation in Malawi. Last week the media reported that 18 people were shot dead by police during demonstrations. This political turmoil is adding to the complications of releasing our new vehicle. In addition to this, very sadly the 9 year old son of one of the men responsible for approving our application was killed in a car accident a week ago.

We heard from Syford last night that our current old vehicle now has a problem with the steering rod which means it does not always go in the direction you want it to!! It is clearly becoming
unsafe to drive! Therefore the need for the release of our new vehicle is urgent as there are many sick people needing to be taken to hospital, food supplies to be transported to our pre-schools and also, very importantly, to be able to get around to proclaim God’s Word in the remote community in which we operate. Added to which, there is still the on-going problem of an acute lack of fuel in the country.

A further concern is that our new vehicle is being held in a bonded warehouse owned by a Government official. We understand that Government premises and vehicles are being targeted by rioters and so our vehicle is now potentially at risk.

The physical and spiritual needs remain very great and we pray that through the ministry of AOM both the practical love and compassion of Christ will be shown, as well as bringing hope through the wonderful Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ - without being hindered by the lack of a vehicle or the difficulties of political turmoil. Please pray that we can continue to show love to children such as Cecelia ( left picture), one of the children in our pre-schools, whose mother died of cholera earlier this year, and to a dear friend of ours, Mrs Tambala who is desperately ill, becoming weaker and now unable to walk unaided (pictured on the right with her husband).                 

The problems are very great, but we know that God is all powerful and so much greater!! That’s why we are writing to you to ask that you please earnestly pray with us that God will enable the vehicle to quickly be released to us and that we and Syford and Elizabeth will have God’s wisdom and leading at all times in these difficult days.

Please Pray:
* that our new vehicle will be released to us very soon and will be kept safe in the meantime
* for peace and just solutions in the increasingly difficult and volatile political situation
* that God will give Syford and Elizabeth much wisdom in prioritising as they have to make difficult decisions
* that God will guide us concerning our intended 2 month visit to Malawi, leaving on 12 August, when we hope to be involved in Bible teaching to church leaders, leading Bible studies with  various groups, pastoral care and many other aspects of the ministry.
* for the on-going work of the ministry. The Children’s Club and Church Bible Study Group are continuing to be
well attended. Please pray that these will result in lasting spiritual fruit.

With our love and very grateful thanks for your partnership in prayer
Dennis and Sheila