The ministry of Possibilities Africa expands into

MALAWIThe first major event organized by Possibilities Africa in Malawi brought together over 60 local pastors. Even though we had heavy rains, the pastors came, most walking, some riding their bikes to this center, which was about a mile off the main road. In the extreme heat and humidity, these pastors sat through 8 to 9 hours of teaching a day with a great hunger for the truth and desire to help their communities. These leaders will mobilize and train others and will work together to establish holistic ministry in their communities.

We also organized an event for key church and business leaders in Lilongwe, the capital city of about 1 million people.

We explained the ministry and began nurturing relationships. About 30 leaders attended and all were encouraged about the vision of PA; most are keen to become involved.

We will continue to train leaders, develop our Malawi staff and engage volunteers and locals to support the ministry. Our prayer is that God will provide the resources to grow the ministry across all of Malawi.

“People who are transformed with the holistic gospel of Christ move from degradation to dignity, from poverty to prosperity, from fear to faith, from sin to salvation, from sickness to health, from despair to hope, from oppression to wholeness, from rags to riches, from wickedness to holiness.” -Martin Simiyu

Above: Local Malawi Pastors

By Martin and Pastor Doug Shada

“Pastors, it is your calling to lead the people of Godto make the difference!” - Martin Simiyu

The ministry of Possibilities Africa expands into

MALAWIby Dr. John Fuder, Advisory Board Member of Possibilities Africa,Adjunct Professor at Moody Theological Seminary, and Director of Heart for the City, a ministry of Resource Global.

We passed thatched-roof huts, most with no electricity, red dirt turned to mud from all the rain, and maize (corn) fields all around, the staple and primary food source. We saw precious men, women and children many barefoot, on broken-down bikes, most walking or sitting alongside the road, selling corn and fruit balanced on their heads, heavy tongs of charcoal on their backs and big bundles of sticks balanced precariously on their bicycles. Malawi is a nation with about 2/3 of its people living below the poverty level. Sweat poured down our faces as Lamech (my translator) and I worked so hard

to contextualize the Biblical principles of holistic community transformation into their cultures and language, called Chichewa. Many of those dear brothers could not write, had nothing to write with, and had no pastoral training let alone a Bible. With flies all around us, and over pounding sounds of the pouring rain on the tin roof above us, we pressed on each day.

One morning, upon our arrival about 9 am, we discovered that the pastors had all been up and in prayer together since 4am! We also learned that one zealous

man actually rode his bike 16 hours into Mozambique to preach the Gospel and seeing so much need has started a school for orphans!

These pastors in Malawi are using everything they are given, and doing much with little. Simple obedience! Childlike faith! As we left, one lady told me, “Do not worry! God loves us! He will help us!” The word Malawi means “flame” and they intend to set their nation on fire for our Lord!

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The opportunities for service and giving includeproviding resources that will be used to: • Train over 250 pastors in Kenya and Malawi;

• Undertake vision casting to Liberia in West Africa;

• Sponsor children’s education;

• Provide solar systems for families; and

• Establish table banking to support local income generating activities.

“Only the church of Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel can bring holistic change.”

-Martin Simiyu

“I hate poverty in every form: spiritual, social, mental and physical.” -Martin Simiyu

POSSIBILITIES AFRICA MINISTRY PRINCIPLES

PO Box 6445Lincoln, NE 68506

www.possibilitiesafrica.org