Missions for 2011
Malawi
BY STEVEN & WNESS CHISALE – MALAWI
It was attended by 35 couples
BOLERO HOLY CROSS PASTORS MARRIAGE SEMINAR
The seminar was organised at Bolero in Rumphi district. The purpose was to invite all the pastors in this area with their spouses to 2 days marriage seminar from 23rd to 24th September 2011
Winess and I were invited to speak on any topic that the Lord may put on our hearts regarding the marriage, especially a church leaders’ marriage.
In preparation the Lord urged us to theme the teaching as “Getting the best of our marriages”
Winess and I planned to teach on communication. But before we did that we had to take case studies among the pastors at random. As an outcome of the study we discovered the following crises in ministers’ homes that needs an urgent response:
1. Many pastors’ wives are hurt at the expense of the ministry. Pastors’ values the ministry than their spouses, such that in most cases wives are regarded lukewarm in the things of God. Wives are left behind, many pastors have fallen in the temptation
2. The issue of money was also a great concern among women saying husbands do not show them money.
3. A third issue which was worthy discussing was about sexual satisfaction.
We emphasised the need of discussion whenever there is an issue in the marriage. We gave an example of the desire of God calling His people to discussions Isaiah 1:18. Although He was so angry with the people of Israel, God sought to discuss with His people though they may be wrong. If God is willing to discuss, how about us? When there are differences in the home, we need to create an opportunity to discussion. (We covered all the stuff in the communication manual by Graham and Ruth Swaffield).
TESTIMONIES
1. We have been married for 12 years, but my wife has never seen the real amount of money, I could just lie to her. But to-day I have repented, I will reveal my ATM pin code to my wife. Lameck
2. Thank you for giving us an opportunity of discussing challenging issues in our marriage. May God bless you? Brave
3. We have not had time to pray together, I thought my wife is a stumbling block to my ministry; but today I discovered that she is my partner in the ministry. I cannot do without her. Mr & Mrs Phiri
RWANDA
Report by Rukundo and Ericka Barthelemy
The impact BBM is making on couples is making it appreciated in Rwanda, and big churches are inviting us to give marriage teachings to their congregations. The influence of the ministry is being felt. One example is this Evangelical Restoration Church invitation.
It was their couples' week and we taught there on Tuesday 30th August, then Friday 2nd September and Sunday the 4th, their two services.
The first day, we spoke about marriage as it has been ordained by God (Gen 2:21-24)
The second day we spoke about the history of a relationship plus self image.
The third day we spoke about the challenges faced by African couples which are caused by the shift from traditional to industrial society. As a solution we insisted on basing our marriages on bible principles Jesus being our Master, not just our savior.
Please consider investing in our brothers and sisters lives by donating through Links International via the DONATE button at the top of the page.
Malawi Clinic
The building is now complete. A Doctor has been recruited and is busy getting the necessary medical equipment ready. It is planned to open the Clinic to patients in November. New pictures will follow shortly.
