Growing Paton'to Paton'to (little by little)

 God was so faithful to answer our prayers for the 2010 Annual General Meeting for the Nyimba Association. God truly used John McPherson, Yobe Mbewe, and Kendall in mighty ways as they taught God's Word and challenged the churches to grow in their love for the Lord and each other. Many people confessed sins in their lives and asked for prayer. And there was an amazing time of worship on Friday night. Praise the Lord for the 340 people that attended the meeting and the 30+ people that prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior! 

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:14-16

 Do you see the girl on the left side of the picture in the orange chitenge? That is Mercy! The night before this picture was taken someone broke into her house and stole all of her money that she has been working so hard for. But she still chose to praise the Lord the next morning! Continue to pray for Mercy and Princess. She is coming everyday for Bible Study and she is growing so much in Christ!

These are the feet of the youth girls that I sat with at church today. I love going to church and sitting barefooted! Their feet tell so much about their lives and how hard they work.

Mr. Mbewe introduced the Chairpeople for each committee in the association. There is a chairperson for Music, Youth, Men, Women. This is a new element to the association and we are praying that this strengthens those ministries and unifies the association more.

This Sunday was special because we got to sit as a family during church. I love all of the youth and children that surrounded us.

John encouraged the churches to work together and to be unified as we live for Christ.

This picture is a true illustration of forgiveness, reconciliation, and repentance. Several months ago, we shared the story of Mr. L the pastor that was practicing witchcraft and the court case that he brought against Mr. S. To the left is Mr. L and to the right is Mr. S, I loved seeing them converse with love and enjoy each other's company...that is TRULY nothing but the Lord! Mr. L really has come to Christ! Awesome.

Shekson Mwanza, pray for Shekson as he is the leader of the men's committee. Pray for him as he continues his studies in Bible School. Pray for him as he leads his family and pray for the salvation of his wife.

 Of the 340 people at the meeting, the majority were youth! The Lord truly laid it on our hearts this year to focus on the youth. The two teams that worked with us encouraged the youth and we were so excited at their enthusiasm and songs of praise at the meeting! God is so good!