Pastors’ Conference in Malawi
MALAWI – International Missions Director Jeff Walsh and Area Director Bryce Whiting recently travelled to Malawi to assist in leading a three-day pastors conference for the pastors of the New Hope Conference (Malawi) and the pastors of the Maranatha Conference (Mozambique). Approximately 60 pastors and leaders attended the conference.
Jeff and Bryce rejoiced in the opportunity to spend several days with the pastors and leaders from these conferences, and here is a short summary of what they did and what they saw. More details to come in future articles.
Jeff and Bryce arrived in Nsanje, Malawi, where the conference would be held. They were greeted with joy and thankfulness from the pastors, who were all very glad to see them. Here they are pictured with New Hope Conference (Malawi) president Cliff Maclean, and Maranatha Conference (Mozambique) president Samuel Kasakatira.
Day one of the conference began as it should – with joyful praise and worship! Pictured here are the 60 or so pastors dancing and singing as they join together in praising God Almighty.
On the first day of the conference, Tuesday, Bryce Whiting led the group of pastors with some teaching. He was assisted in translation by Lyson George, who is a school teacher and New Hope Conference (Malawi) board member.
The pastors took time to gather in groups and study the Word of God together.
During meal time, all 60+ pastors and leaders gathered together to fellowship and eat together outside.
The pastors greatly enjoyed the discussion times that were built into the conference schedule. It was a wonderful time for these leaders to gather and discuss the things of God with like-minded friends.
On the second day of the conference, the pastors took the time to pray with one another as they were together for several days. Many of these pastors do not regularly see one another, and it was a special time of fellowship and sharing burdens through prayer.
On Wednesday afternoon, there was a time of open air evangelism near the market in Nsanje. Samuel Kasakatira preached an evangelistic message. It is reported that three people came forward to be prayed over.
Director Jeff Walsh led the pastors in small groups through an exercise in studying Old Testament stories of the Bible.
Pictured here are the 19 pastors from Malawi, the 39 pastors from Mozambique, along with several other ministry leaders; all who took part in this three-day pastor’s conference. The church building that they are gathered outside of is not an Advent Christian church, but the pastor of the church is a dear friend of our AC leaders, and graciously allowed the use of his facility.
In the afternoon of day three of the conference, there was a soccer match between the pastors of Malawi and Mozambique.
Mozambique won the match! They were given the game ball as the prize.
On Friday, Jeff and Bryce traveled to Marka with Samuel Kasakatira to his church. They were met by church members on the road with a grand and joyous welcome! Church members even made signs to welcome them.
The women of the Marka AC church presented a special time of music and dancing as part of the grand welcome to Jeff and Bryce.
Bryce preached at the Marka AC church, as pictured here.
A wonderful trip to visit friends in Malawi, and teach the Word of God to pastors of two conferences. Lots of laughter, smiles, singing, and dancing took place; along with a clear and evident love of the Word of God. Praise the Lord for our faithful brothers and sisters across the globe.