October 2013 Southern Malawi Ministry Centre Update
Change is the word that captures this year at Iris Malawi. Over the last 10 years we have brought 72 children home. This year we added 7 new children to our family and opened a third girls' home.
As we searched for a house mum for Girls ', God opened our eyes to see a woman already working within our community. Ruth washed clothes for our younger children. We saw how she loved the kids, and how they responded to her. She became the mother of Girls 3 just in time for a family of five children whose parents died within two months of each other, and another family with two children, whose mother died during the birth of her baby. This new Iris family is beginning to knit together, though the road has not been easy. Ruth had a stroke a few months after she joined our family. She is recovering well and the children are helping her, just as families do.
[Iris children - 'siblings']
In August, we celebrated 10 years in Malawi with a conference of 3,000 people from 400 churches scattered throughout Malawi. It was exciting to see people arrive by bike, truck, minibus, boat, and on their own two feet. We did not pay for transportation, which meant that those who came had a vested interest. They listened and worshipped with intent. They ate and were satisfied. We were encouraged by Rolland Baker and Supresa Sithole, two of our Iris International Directors, and by Mel Tari, a wonderful friend from Indonesia. The conference was held in August to include all our secondary students during their holidays.
September brought more change as 17 of our older children are at secondary school in Blantyre this year. All of our Standard 8 students passed their national exams and were selected to government secondary schools. We are so thankful for Alison Walker and her team of teachers who prepared them so well. To facilitate transport, we have put all 17 at one of three private schools in Blantyre. These students are supported by sponsors to cover their school fees and expenses. We are still in need of one sponsor this year if you would be interested in encouraging one of these young men and women.
Our first student graduated from secondary school this year. This moves us into a new phase of equipping. We have completed the first phase of the Joe Martin Skills Training Centre. As this project is completed, we look forward to hosting skilled workers from all over the world who want to come and train young men and women to be electricians, mechanics, welders, plumbers, and the rest. If you would like to partner with us in this project, please be in touch.
The Bible school has also been experiencing some change as we try and integrate practical and Biblical training. The students have been learning about healthy living, farming God's way, Christian business practices, and the Christian family. As they return to their villages, we trust they will pass on these new skills to others around them.
As our children are growing up and learning to stand alone, we are aware that each day is a gift to be received with open hands. Pray for these young people, as they face various challenges, and pray for us as we let them go, welcome them home for holidays, and then let them go again. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace!
[Iris boy]