The Lord Adds to the Church
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve watched it happen, there is still nothing better than seeing someone put on Christ in baptism. We can’t help but rejoice because baptism means that one more soul can go to heaven one day if that person will stay faithful until death or until Jesus returns.
In Acts 2:38-47, we learn that when a person is baptized, they are added by the Lord to the church. In the past month, two more souls have been added… Fani and Chisoni. Both are serious about their walk with Christ, and we are checking in with them each week to see how they are growing.
We have enjoyed using the river near the church building for baptisms during the rainy season. We all walked together, singing as we went. Everyone witnessed the baptisms: the way to get “in Christ”. Those walking along the road stopped to watch. Then we sang more on the way back to the church building where often more instructions were offered for how to walk with Jesus.
Bonds Grow Stronger
The last time the students came back from a break the children were still a little shy but not this time! There were hugs in abundance, sharing stories, and kids went right to the places they love the most… like the jungle gym.
Students Come Back
As we stay synched with the calendar for the Malawian government schools, the students went home for a two-week break in April.
Although a short break, here are some of the things they were able to do…
Rest
Enjoy their extended families
Maintain their houses
Bible studies
Handed out tracts
Preach
Teach Bible class
Give the Lord’s Supper lesson (here it is like another sermon)
Encourage others to attend this Bear Valley Extension School and give applications
Some had family issues to sort out, work to do, and are looking forward to the 3-month break in July when they can serve more.
Meet The Isaac Nguluwe Family
Isaac was born in the Mzimba region of Malawi on June 6th, 1988. Later, he moved with his wife to the lakeshore area called Nkhata Bay. He stopped his education after he finished 7th grade. Before coming to school, Isaac was a vegetable farmer as well as a chicken and pig farmer.
Isaac married Lancaster 10 years ago, and they have 4 children: Ryota is 9, Elick is 6, Desire is 3, and Melvice is 1. Isaac is one of the most engaged fathers we have. He fully supports his wife in parenting and is not afraid to address a child’s needs rather than sending them to their mother for assistance. Isaac feels it is important to study his Bible with his family daily. They both are amazing parents.
After school, they would like to return to the Nkhata Bay area and continue farming. However, Isaac is a devout evangelist. He wants to spend his spare time sharing what he has learned as well as teaching children and young adults.
As a director, I can say without a doubt Isaac is one of the hardest working students we have. Although his education is the lowest, he turns in some of the best work. English is his fourth language. He had a bit of a slow start, but he is off to the races now. By far, he has improved the most of any student we have. He is also the most passionate about evangelism. If there is one who wants to study at church, he is the first one to volunteer to mentor. All of this is not to mention his children are the most well-behaved children on campus. Isaac is living proof a person does not need a high education to be a great worker for the Kingdom.