Newsletter

Dear friends and family

" I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely... You will make known to me the path of life;

In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:7-11

"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.." (Phil. 3:7)

I am finding Christ and His Spirit to be so enjoyable, and the pursuit of His happiness in me is all- consuming, and my heart testifies to the truth of Psalm 16:11 above that, 'In His right hand are pleasures indeed, forever more, and who does not know that these pleasures with him begin now, while we are still on earth!

I want to extend heartfelt thanks to all those who support me in His cause up here in Malawi (and even if you just know me, I am thankful for you as I have been enriched by your life too, in one way or another).

I truly believe I have been strongly upheld by His grace through the prayers of many, faithful friends, my thank you's fall insignificantly to the ground in light of the blessings I have received by my Awesome King of Love! I pray that you may feel encouraged by testimony of answered prayer, and His amazing grace to me.

I have been studying language three hours a day; two hours a day with a 'Language Nurturer' R, and one hour rehearsing on my own with a video recording. The program seems very effective- it basically teaches one as you would teach a child. So I am enjoying all my baby steps. It is hard work, I feel tired after a two hour session. I can sense the pleasure of my native associates around me who see that I am learning, and trying to speak now, having got off to a slow start since arriving in Malawi nearly 10 Months ago. I am constantly energised and motivated by the thought that each day I get closer to my goal of being able to communicate to the locals and share the wonderful truths that I have been entrusted with, and sent to share. 

I currently work a fortnightly cycle between practical tasks and Theological studies, which is more or less flexible depending on needs of the team such as Short Term Visits etc. All the while my language continues regardless of which cycle I am in.

My Theological studies have gone well despite some disruptions. I passed my first subject, "Learning How to Learn" with distinction, of which I am very grateful for. My second subject, "The life of Christ" was nearly completed before the cut-off by the 6th July, but although I missed that, it is only a very small re-registration fee to carry that over to the next year, which I will do. It has been such a rewarding study. I am learning how to listen better read critically and judge objectively what I read. My appetite for learning the truth of God's word so that by that knowledge I can serve God better by reaching man more extensively with the glories of the wonderful Saviour and His kindness to man, and of course my knowledge and appreciation for Christ, the God- Man is growing all the more.

My practical work at the moment includes making some window frames for an extension on the village cottage and preparing a room in the house by hanging all the doors for further team accommodation and generally to alleviate congestion in the living space- a much needed commodity for a growing family! 

Some up-coming developments;

A very exciting thing is that we have found a vehicle which we are in the throes of purchasing. Praise God for answered prayer and keep praying that all will go smoothly.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of many, I also am able to start building the accommodation project which will be a great blessing and significant step in the development of my integration into the field. Thank you all very much! 

Something that is difficult for me is not to be in a position to 'give out' in a gospel capacity- for there is when I really feel alive!

I decided to simply turn my face like flint towards God in earnest prayer and this has been the source of His wellspring to my soul, again...

The last time I felt this way was last year around the time of Hillcrest's mission conference. I constantly see answers to my prayers, each day I rise with eager anticipation to see how He has answered me another time, while at the same time being impressed with the solemn need to pray much for new needs of new souls I meet all around...I feel I need a much bigger heart, and more time to use it:)

I am not always sure how and where God will lead my life, but one thing that is crystal clear is the way He has called me to be devoted to prayer, pray that I will be found faithful.

Another thing I am sure of is that wherever God leads, I am wholly convinced that there is nothing more beautiful, nothing more worth-while, nothing more important, nothing more rewarding and nothing in the entire universe more satisfying than to walk closely with your God and to do all that He wants us to. This is my earnest intention, and expectation, by His grace and through His faithfulness to walk closely with Him all my days.

To Him belongs all glory and honour and power forever more, Amen.

In His undeserving grace

Dave.