Day 16
March 31, 2007
Ngodzi
The day began at the school where Fred and Hank led seminars for the leaders of the surrounding churches. Fred spoke on tithing and Hank on the Four Pillars of Leadership. Both seminars were well received and many questions were asked and answered.
Our afternoon consisted of leisure time in preparation for the evenings festivities. The Jesus Film arrived and Hank spent much time jury rigging a system that would function properly to display the film!!
The heavens opened up and the rain came down at the start of the evening so the sound and film was moved inside the church. Once everything was in place and a few choirs had sung, the moon came out as did a beautiful clear sky. The decision was made to move everything back outside as the church was filled to capacity and many people were outside looking in. There were approximately 2000 people in attendance for the celebration.
Arriving back home we found we were locked out, and Daren squeezed through the bars on our windows, breaking one on the way, so that everyone could fit through. What a sight!
Day 15
March 30, 2007
Ngodzi
Mission accomplished!
We finished up our work on the church today – the ridge cap on the roof, poured the concrete stage, and finished up the front outside. We also installed the plaque we brought with us and installed the wooden cross we had carved and painted. Both of those events were moving moments for the team.
This evening the opening festivities began with an outdoor rally using the flat bed of a truck as a stage set up beside the church. There was lots of music, dancing, and a guest speaker from Lilongwe. We participated with three of the songs we prepared, one we had learned in Chechewa. We were disappointed that the “Jesus Film” that was planned was not available, but they are hoping to have it for tomorrow evening’s rally.
We are all in wind down mode now, but very thankful to have been able to contribute as we have. We look forward to the rest of the weekend festivities, especially the official opening on Sunday. And we are looking forward to be being reunited with family at home and sharing about our incredible time here.
Day 14
March 29, 2007
Ngodzi
Great progress was made on the church today. The steel went on the east roof so all that remains for tomorrow is the ridge cap. Chelsey and Fred took the wooden cross to a painter and it should be ready for installation tomorrow. They also ordered six doors which won’t be ready before we leave. We decided to install the plaque above the front door and that should be done tomorrow. And we have started cleanup of the grounds. So everything is looking good for completion of our mission tomorrow. The finish line is in sight!
The gals spent part of the morning at the orphan daycare. They presented storybooks and soccer balls to the volunteer teachers, and demonstrated the “parachute” with the children. Connie took her Poloroid camera and gave them photos to keep.
Chelsey enjoyed playing soccer with the Malawian kids on the compound this evening. Then we enjoyed a wonderful cool breeze off the lake during supper – a real treat.
Day 13
March 28, 2007
Ngodzi
Today was the big day for naming of the new baby. Proud Garnet along with the ladies of the team went to the home of Moses’ sister Emily. The baby was Christened “Garnet” by his Godfather Garnet Stewart who prayed that the baby would become a strong man in the Lord. Gifts were given to the mother and baby Garnet. All the relatives were in attendance for this special occasion.
Hank attended a meeting of the area village Chiefs along with Lifeline Malawi staff. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Chiefs to express the medical needs for their villages and on how Lifeline Malawi might assist in improving public health. The Chiefs gave Dr. Chris Brooks and Lifeline Malawi a strong vote of confidence.
The steel went up today on the western side of the roof, it of course the hottest day we’ve had since arriving in Malawi. Fred, Kees and Darren got to experience what it was like to be a fried egg on a skillet as they put on the steel roofing. The inner two office walls are completed and the parging (plastering with cement) on the front of the church is complete. The pointing (finishing) of the brick is well under way. The cross for the front of church arrived back from the carvers with the inscription looking wonderful. At the school, one of the latrines is dug and the brick to make the pit safe during the rainy is near completion. The other latrine is being dug.
March 31, 2007
Ngodzi
The day began at the school where Fred and Hank led seminars for the leaders of the surrounding churches. Fred spoke on tithing and Hank on the Four Pillars of Leadership. Both seminars were well received and many questions were asked and answered.
Our afternoon consisted of leisure time in preparation for the evenings festivities. The Jesus Film arrived and Hank spent much time jury rigging a system that would function properly to display the film!!
The heavens opened up and the rain came down at the start of the evening so the sound and film was moved inside the church. Once everything was in place and a few choirs had sung, the moon came out as did a beautiful clear sky. The decision was made to move everything back outside as the church was filled to capacity and many people were outside looking in. There were approximately 2000 people in attendance for the celebration.
Arriving back home we found we were locked out, and Daren squeezed through the bars on our windows, breaking one on the way, so that everyone could fit through. What a sight!
Day 15
March 30, 2007
Ngodzi
Mission accomplished!
We finished up our work on the church today – the ridge cap on the roof, poured the concrete stage, and finished up the front outside. We also installed the plaque we brought with us and installed the wooden cross we had carved and painted. Both of those events were moving moments for the team.
This evening the opening festivities began with an outdoor rally using the flat bed of a truck as a stage set up beside the church. There was lots of music, dancing, and a guest speaker from Lilongwe. We participated with three of the songs we prepared, one we had learned in Chechewa. We were disappointed that the “Jesus Film” that was planned was not available, but they are hoping to have it for tomorrow evening’s rally.
We are all in wind down mode now, but very thankful to have been able to contribute as we have. We look forward to the rest of the weekend festivities, especially the official opening on Sunday. And we are looking forward to be being reunited with family at home and sharing about our incredible time here.
Day 14
March 29, 2007
Ngodzi
Great progress was made on the church today. The steel went on the east roof so all that remains for tomorrow is the ridge cap. Chelsey and Fred took the wooden cross to a painter and it should be ready for installation tomorrow. They also ordered six doors which won’t be ready before we leave. We decided to install the plaque above the front door and that should be done tomorrow. And we have started cleanup of the grounds. So everything is looking good for completion of our mission tomorrow. The finish line is in sight!
The gals spent part of the morning at the orphan daycare. They presented storybooks and soccer balls to the volunteer teachers, and demonstrated the “parachute” with the children. Connie took her Poloroid camera and gave them photos to keep.
Chelsey enjoyed playing soccer with the Malawian kids on the compound this evening. Then we enjoyed a wonderful cool breeze off the lake during supper – a real treat.
Day 13
March 28, 2007
Ngodzi
Today was the big day for naming of the new baby. Proud Garnet along with the ladies of the team went to the home of Moses’ sister Emily. The baby was Christened “Garnet” by his Godfather Garnet Stewart who prayed that the baby would become a strong man in the Lord. Gifts were given to the mother and baby Garnet. All the relatives were in attendance for this special occasion.
Hank attended a meeting of the area village Chiefs along with Lifeline Malawi staff. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Chiefs to express the medical needs for their villages and on how Lifeline Malawi might assist in improving public health. The Chiefs gave Dr. Chris Brooks and Lifeline Malawi a strong vote of confidence.
The steel went up today on the western side of the roof, it of course the hottest day we’ve had since arriving in Malawi. Fred, Kees and Darren got to experience what it was like to be a fried egg on a skillet as they put on the steel roofing. The inner two office walls are completed and the parging (plastering with cement) on the front of the church is complete. The pointing (finishing) of the brick is well under way. The cross for the front of church arrived back from the carvers with the inscription looking wonderful. At the school, one of the latrines is dug and the brick to make the pit safe during the rainy is near completion. The other latrine is being dug.
posted by Dr. Hendrik Visser at 4:37 PM
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