Its a real JOY getting to know you :)

We started emailing Joy back in Feb/March to prepare for our school ministries in Blantyre, Malawi. Firstly we were confused of the mystery Joy on the other end of the emails gender, having associated the name Joy with a female because of our cultural upbringing.

Joy was super helpful, he escorted us to all our schools in the first week, making sure we picked up on the right social ques. With all the traveling and waiting we have had lots of opportunities to learn more about Joy... and its been a real JOY (hahaha I think I'm so funny) getting to know him. Joy is just a strong christian guy passionate about youth in Blantyre and their spiritual growth and commitment.

Joy and his wife Grace

Last Sunday it was because of Joys invite that Kylie got the chance to speak at St. Micheals, and it was there that we also got to meet his beautiful wife Grace. In this case its very true that behind this great man is a GREAT women. This is one power house couple committed to Gods service and we just really wanted to share them with you.

Village Visiting

On Thursday I tagged along with Sarah doing village visiting. We visit they the least fortunate which mostly involve injured grandparents looking after orphans and vulnerable children. We got to go inside peoples homes or sit outside with them. We would be introduced by Samson and then find out their story. We gave Bibles if they did not have one and then prayed with the family. We were also able to give small gifts that people had donated from Australia. 

The grandmother is holding up her new bible (left of me), with her 8 grandchildren
and the village chief and committee members

 

One lady stuck out to me, out of the four families we visited. She was a lovely christian lady, who had injured her arm so couldn't work, but had 8 orphans that she was caring for. She was surviving out of the kindness of others. She was so excited to get a bible, even though she couldn't read, she just really wanted the kids she was caring for to read it to her, so that they can fall in love with her Saviour too!!

Amy

New Family!

 Our time here so far we have meet so many amazing and beautiful people.. we would like to share with you some joyous faces who have made our stay here in Malawi one to always remember!

Catherine

Sulitha & Violet

Sulitha

Filed

Harrison

Kenneth

Caroline

Friday

Alex

Angelliana

Angelliana

Francis

Blessings

Jessie

Louis

xx Amy and Kylie

Vandalizing and loving it!

Amy and I decided to have some fun while visiting Joys office today. As girls, a little colour always does wonders to brighten up a dull space!

We went to see Joy at his office so we could say hi, however his office was empty, joyless! We decided to leave a hello note, then another... and well, see for yourselves a pictures can say a thousand words!!!!

It was so much fun, but what was even better, Joy was delighted and saw what crazy young girls we really are.

xx Kylie and Amy

Almost halfway

Well we are just about half way through our trip, 2 weeks and 4 days until we arrive home and to be honest it feels like I have been here forever. Malawi to me is like home, the opportunities that I have experienced in just the last few weeks have been ones I will never forget.

God has opened my eyes to the needs of people and although we think need to give money is greatest need, its not true. The Malawian people seem to be content with what little they have their greatest need is God, is to know and trust Him to be able to hold tightly to His word which they are so desperately wanting but unable to get easy access to it. So many have asked for Bibles, “you give one one” they say. Its so moving when they could ask for anything else food, money, possessions to sell, but no they want Gods Word.

Us with Sam - the school Patron

So much has happened since writing my last post. Amy and I are loving visiting the school and doors are opening. Last Friday we taught the S.O.A.P bible study method to the students and after the session finished Sam the school Patron couldn't express enough how very grateful he was for our visit, and how He can now see how through the study of SOAP he can start applying Gods Word to His life, and start studying it for himself, and aim to start to teach the students using the method. He asked Amy and I, “you have obviously gone to Bible collage or theology school” I had to laugh, but explained that its God working in and through us, and its spending time in His word and prayer that has grown our understanding. So many students here are preparing to study for exams yet they still all came to hear us share what God had given us to teach.

We have also had the opportunity to go to 'Open Arms' its an orphanage for babies-toddlers. I was blown away with just how well the centre was set up, as we spent time with the children all they wanted was to be picked up and held, one little girl who was about 18 months had no one to care for her so she is now in the care of Open Arms she was desperate to be picked up and cuddled, every time you put her down she would cry for more. Its heart breaking to see, yet I was praise God for Open Arms and that they had good care. We went for a walk down to the toddlers area and it was so beautiful, one little girl started crying as she stood near her bed, she couldn't open her draw to get out a jacket. Each child had their own personal bed and own draw for their clothes and bits and pieces. Its all set up so that the child learns to care for themselves, of course with cares to provided assistances yet they will one day leave the centre and need to know how to do things themselves.

Outside there was a hut, we were told that it was used for orientating back into village life, the child stays in the hut for 3 days with their new carer so they can build a new bond with them, the child is known to cry all day and all night for the first time, however they quickly learn to adjust before having to leave Open Arms to their new environment and home.

We then helped with feeding all the children, its a messy time but one of pure delight.

On the wall they had a picture with words that read “We have aides, hug me! you wont get sick” so beautiful and so true.

Me holding Mercy & Amy holding Memory

Amy and I gave cuddles to two twins, Memory and Mercy they had only arrived a weeks before we arrived, and sadly their mother had died and it was to much for the gogo (grandmother) to care for 5 children then the two babies, they were gorgeous and loved snuggling for cuddles.

We are hoping to go back soon, to assist in feeding and more cuddles.

I encourage you to go and read the teams blog site, http://stamp12.blogspot.com/, as I have shared about the awesome opportunity we had at the Youth Service, and how God moved the hearts of the hears.

All in all so much is happening and I am constantly being challenged to step out in faith, to trust God, and I am constantly being changed!

Continue to pray for us here,

Kylie.

Sunday in CHIRADUZULU

Sunday (17^th June) John Wilson, Doug and Diane, Amy and I had the privilege of joining with the beautiful people of Chiradzulu for their Chichewa Service. After some time along the Zomba Rd we travelled for 20mins along a winding dirt track, travelling at not much more than walking pace to avoid the pot hole.

It was an old historical village church, we were warmly greeted, on the team blog a post is written up, please read it.

CHIRADUZULU CHURCH BUILDING

I just want to add the best part we all received a chicken, to them it would have been a costly gift to give however they wanted to give us their greatest appreciation for our visit.

Presented with chickens

You can be called upon at any moment to pray, to do a reading to lead something, its quick liberating. I was called upon twice to say a prayer one before the service with the elders and Abusa the other to pray for the children after the children talk. It was such a lovely sight to see the children come to the front they came from everywhere and stood right up front, when ask if the children could sit down they couldn't because they were all so tightly squished to the front.

Children packed in up the front

I was asked do the bible reading, thankfully not in chichawa, however I had the option given... maybe next time!

We were then invited to join the elders in the manse for a lunch, Amy noted that while we sat inside eating their finest food, the ladies who prepared had only had watered down porridge to eat, we felt bad however again they wanted to bless us and give us thanks for coming.

I would love to keep writing for there is so much to tell and I could go on for hours.. all I can say is in the last 5 days God is changing lives, not only mine or Amy's but everyone we meet. Its such a privilege to serve God, to be used by Him and to see Him work in ways I cant explain.

Your prayers are much appreciated and are bring heard... please continue to pray for myself and Amy this week as we start in the school ministries. We want to glorify God in everything we say and do, giving Him all the glory and praises!

Colossians 3v23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if working for God and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving! AMEN!

Love Kylie and Amy

Beautiful Zomba

Saturday was my first true overwhelming day, God had began to move my heart, humbling me to see needs around, showing me how blessed I am back home and how quick I am to take it for granted, how low I am to meet the needs of those who are struggling just to make ends meet. How quick we are to hold on to the money or material things we have. Here in Malawi if their 'neighbour' is struggling they don't hesitate for a second to give what very little they have to another, even if it means they miss out on a weeks supply such as food for example. Act 20v35 Its is more blessed to give than to receive. Romans 12v8 If it is encouraging, let him encourage, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership let him govern diligently, if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

We travelled into Zomba today to join John Wilson (Team leader) in the Prison Ministry I had wanted to be apart of this well before coming to Malawi and today was my opportunity to do so, on arrival we were welcomed to go inside, at no moment was I at all feeling threatened, scared or overwhelmed by entering, I had the peace of God and felt overwhelmed with compassion, yes they are prisoners, however my heart breaks as one choice they made has place them in prison which would be their home for the most part of their lives, you wouldn't wish that upon anyone.

We had No guards checked us over, just a open door to enter, we walked into the first gate, we stood surrounded my few guards and some prisoners, some of which were woman with children/babies, who yes it breaks my heart to say but the children grow up living that life in prison. It was dark and smelt again like strong BO, not a all a place you would want to spend your days, we were then to walk straight into the court yard were we were surrounded by hundreds of convicted prisoners some who were on death-row.

As we were seated a choir of them started singing praises to God, I was informed I was sitting next to a prisoner, again didn't feel at all unsettled, there were speeches, more singing in Chichawa and plays preformed. The message was given by Abusa David Brown who spoke on Luke 18v9-14 Speaking on being justified before God, we are indeed justified before God when we humble ourselves in forgiveness before a holy God. None of us deserve Gods grace yet He offers us freely His mercy, if only we believe and acknowledge our sinful ways and being truly remorseful to want a changed life, one holy and pleasing to God. 

An invitation was put to the prisoners, if any want to recommit their lives to Christ or to give their life to Christ and have His forgiveness they were to come forward 30-40 came forward. At this point I lost it, tears streamed down my face as I many started walking forward, tears of joy to know that they are wanting to be closer to God, wanting a better life, His peace and assurance, His forgiveness and mercy, His grace and love.

Among them sat 2 of them who were on death-row. They then received bibles and hymn books as a gift from Australia which when received some held back tears others opened it up to the beginning to start reading. It was a joyous moment and so moving to see God work in such a impacting way.

When than handed out babies/children's clothes to the woman along with bibles and hymn books.

It was such a moving experience and as I looked around at the faces of all the inmates, It was a really life changing experience and gave me greater insight of what its like to live a life in prison.

We than went for a lunch at Abusa Colin Manse, Its custom for the woman to wash your hands before eating and enjoying lovely spread of food again more speeches.

We then headed down to CCAP Zomba primary School who received some of our educational boxes we sent over, it was a joy to see their proud face and how grateful they were and how they were putting them to use.

We then went to Zomba Nigoti woman's ministry were they made clothes and putting into use our boxes and sewing machines they received. They than welcomed us to singing and they sang like angels!

On the drive home I sat looking out the window so moved by the day and the sights I saw, such poverty yet such joy with what they have!

Orphans at Orbus

Friday arrived quickly and it was a full on day, as I would like to put all the details I don't think I have time nor have the space. I had the opportunity to go to Orbus Orphanage to see how its run. On arrival the children where in there level 1 & 2 classes, when we walked into the level 1 class they were singing 'rain, rain go away' as the night before they had a bit of rain. The children were so beautiful and so fascinated by our while skin, they just wanted to hold your hand or touch your face or hair.

When walking into the room however it was hard, the smell of urine and BO was obvious however gave me a greater love for the teachers and children and I just want to embrace them all.

We then headed into the level 2 class they were just finishing off some maths, you could really see some children eager to learn, hands down in their bookwork.

The children sang songs to us while we sat with them to join in. Children are the same no matter where you go, I sat next to a group of girls, one wouldn't stop looking at me she would grab my hand and started comparing it to hers, then she played with my hair and wanted to ware my glasses, they just were in need to love and that's what I had for each and everyone of them. God has truly grown Obrus and I see great things to come.

We then had free time of play with the children and they would follow you anywhere, I sat on the grass with 2 children and started singing song the next thing I know I'm surrounded by them, It was so beautiful and a moment I will never forget. 

There was one little girl there who didn't have a name that we know of, She was born with cerebral Malaria she was 4 years old and unable to care for herself, she learnt to walk with assistance just recently thanks to the facility of Obrus, she was in despite need of one of one time, I sat her on a chair and we spent time throwing a ball back and forwards, the smile on her face was priceless. I also had the opportunity to help feed some of the younger children.

Little girl with cerebral Malaria

That afternoon they had a ladies Ministry at Orbus where ladies came to learn how to knit and for the first time we taught them how to coil with paper, they loved it and made amazing creations.

Village ladies learning to knit

In the room next door their was the village chief who brought with him the most needy of the village, there bags of clothes and shoes and items of needs where distributed. We were invited to hand bags of items from Australia to a member of CCAP who then passed it to the village people. It was a beautiful thing to be apart of and to see once again how through the support of those in Australia we could support the most vulnerable and needy.

Kylie teaching the ladies to coil

We head home that day at about 5, then we headed for dinner at 6, best tasting chicken that night better then KFC by far, I also had the opportunity to try nsima (maize flour and water) best way to describe it is freshly made squishy play dough, it didnt taste to bad with the tomato relish, more like weird textured mash potato.

A Changed Life!

Where can I begin, already its the 4 day in and we have experienced more than we could ever imagine.

Life in Africa, Malawi has effected me greatly, never before have I ever been so humbled and moved with compassion.

On arrival to Blantyre Airport after near 30 hours of being awake I was ready to sleep, however God was ready to start changing my life. We were greeted by about 10 Abusa's (pastors) and a group of 30-40 Nvarno Woman who were singing praises to God for our arrival, they were all lining up either side of the entrance of the airport, we were treated like V.I.P's. I was taken back by their warm embracing welcome and their joy for the Lord, they stood and sang for 1 hour ½, they would not stop until we left.

That night we had a huge welcome dinner and LOTS of speeches.

One thing I have learnt is Malawians love to make speeches of appreciation and would go all night if you let them.

Our home is Grace Bandawe and it felt soooo good to put our head down for our first night of rest! Our Accommodation, well let me just say look at the photos.... its not bad at all however compared to what we have at home its very run down, however roof over our heads, bed and running hot water so cant complain.

Thursday came around and Amy and I meet with Abusa Dennis and Abusa Joy who has had a hand in organising the work God has for us to do. Dennis is so full of joy and passion for children and youth Ministry as is Joy who runs the school ministries. We sat and decided on a program to do 4 days of secondary school ministry having Thursdays off as rest day, then doing one Saturday of Sunday School Training and Sunday Youth Bible Study. We then were taken on a tour of CCAP (Central Church of Africa Presbyterian) land which contains offices and surrounding schools and churches.

We had the privilege and blessing to see how God is already putting into use the boxes that were sent over from Australia. Hundreds of boxes have already been sent out to different areas of need while others are still being sorted. Its such a joy to see the faces of those who received their goods, they are so very grateful to God for the support each has given.

The Adventure Starts TODAY!

Today is the day!! We start our adventure at Melbourne Airport then from there we are flying to Perth.... yep that 's right!
You heard me correctly we will be flying in cyclone strength winds tonight!
What a way to start our adventure and our complete trust in God and the pilots!

prayers would be much appreicated for the safe travel!

keep you all posted!
kylie.

Counting Down the Days!!

Yep, that's right... as of now we have 6 days remaining... 6 WOW and it has come so quickly, however as Amy as stated, the excitement is hard to contain!!

I've been really challenged lately by the thought that Jesus didn't stop at anything to give of Himself, He lived a life serving others, meeting the people's needs and even if that meant lack of physical rest... or getting up early (while it was still dark) to spend time with God.

I ask myself....
How much am i willing to give up of my time and energy, in order to serve another?

When i first heard about this Mission trip to Africa Malawi, i began to wonder if this was something God would call me to, sure enough the more i heard about it the more i had a passion to want to be a part of it all! To hear how God had used the team in the past only inspired me more to see how God could use me.

God opened the doors for me to be able to go, although health has always been an issue i have trusted it to God. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, before i knew it it hit me WOW 6 days to go... "am i prepared?" to be honest i don't think i could ever be truly prepared for what God has in store. All i can do is trust He will give each of the team all we need to serve Him with excellence!

To have the privilege to be entrusted to give out God's truth is a huge deal, and even though I may at times feel inadequate, I realise that if God has called me to be His witness to the people in Malawi He will give me the very words to speak, which will impact the hearts of those who hear it!!

Your comments of encouragement will be greatly appreciated as will your prayers for the team.
For four of the team members, it will be their first trip, Amy, myself, Sarah and David!

We will do our best to keep you all posted, can't promise.. i mean we might just be toooo busy haha!! anyone would think its a holiday haha!

so... with flight booked, come Tuesday afternoon we will be off into the air... ON THE ADVENTURE of great opportunities which is going to be life changing...AFRICA HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I would truly value your prayers over this next month –with love Kylie-

·         Lord's love & compassion for the people of Malawi that they will have a desire to know God and live an obedient life, and live out their faith passionately.

·         Opportunities to share the gospel with boldness, conviction and truth

·         Lord's wisdom, discernment and clarity when giving out His Word

·         Lord's grace  & sensitivity to understand cultural differences and wisdom to know how to conduct myself

·         Quick bonding with the teenagers, and eyes to see their greatest needs, struggles and joy

·         Protection of health, and sustained energy for each day

·         Open to what God has for me to learn & joy in doing His service, All glory to His Name

Thanks so much to everyone!

Kylie.

Hey Peeps,

This is my first blog ever!! (I know some of you have been putting the pressure on for awhile now, SO HERE IT IS!). I am so excited to share with you what Kylie and I will be getting up to in Blantyre… Malawi… AFRICA!

Just for starters, how did I get this awesome opportunity? Well, it all started back in November, when the STAMP info sheet got passed around church. I had no real idea what my plans where for 2012, but I was open to the Lords leading. I went along to the first meeting, not wanting to make any commitments, but the Lord had other plans, so now, 8 months later, we are counting down the last few days until we finally embark on our big African adventure!!!

I can’t wait to get there, even though I feel under prepared and out of my depth. But as Kylie put it in one of her emails, we know that God has called us, has equipped us so far... so I have no doubt in my mind He will give us all we need to serve Him with excellence for the glory and praise of His name!! We have an AMAZING team, and our monthly team meetings have been a real highlight! The STAMP team has been going to Blantyre for the past 10 years, and the Youth Ministry is a new area they have just started for us. Our role isn’t fully developed yet. At this stage all we know that we are going to two schools a day and will slot in with the already running CCAPSO branches programs within Blantyre City and HHI. We are slowly learning that we will not really know what to expect until we get there, and we should trust in God, He has everything in His hands.

We are starting this blog, not only to keep you informed, but also… hopefully, so that you can support us, by upholding us in prayer!

Prayer points:

• That the spirit may really go before us preparing the hearts of the children we will be speaking to. (Apparently Christianity in Malawi is a mile wide but an inch deep – so we really just want to teach basic truths, and encourage the teenagers to grow in the relationships with God.)
• For clarity, as I talk, that it will be clear, it would be true to scripture and that the kids will be able to understand it.
•  Pray that what we say and teach will encourage personal growth for the hearers, that it will ignite a flame and that after we leave they will be able to keep spurring one another on.

For me practically:

• For better time management and that I may use my final days wisely.
• For wisdom in final talk writing and prep, that I know what to keep /cut /focus on, so that it will be more effective.
• For packing?? That I don’t do normal Amy things and forget important stuff!

That’s it for now, but we will keep you updated

Peace out.

Amy

Meet the STAMP 2012 Team

 

 

Back row: John Steendam, Sue Steendam, Judy Flett,
Sarah Benfell, Dean Carroll, David Brown, Diane Brownley

Middle row: Steve Harris, Jim Burfoot, Mary Burfoot, 
Melody Telley, Paula Wilson, John Wilson (Coach)

Front row: Amy Bullin, Sandy Carroll, Emily Duke, Kylie O’Donnell, Doug Brownley