December 11, 1997

Dear Friends in Christ:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." John 21:15-16

We bring you greetings from our friends in Malawi. Everywhere we traveled we were met with a joyful noise, warm hospitality, and celebration. The love and enthusiasm of these people raised our spirits and stiffened our resolve. What a joy to be your representatives and work alongside these people.

Each year we go on these mission trips to Africa and come back with amazing stories. It seems each trip is more miraculous than the last. It's difficult to explain. They are each so special. This mission trip was a battle, a real struggle. Yet, it was proof that God is active in this world - in the here and now. It was proof of the power of prayer. People were praying for us everywhere; in churches throughout Southern Illinois and beyond. They were praying for us in Quincy, Peoria, Rock Island, Colorado, New York, California, Alabama, Nebraska; they were praying for us in Africa. In fact, the day after we arrived members of the shallow well team met with Alene Holloway in the Chapel library to let her know that each day since learning of her fractured shoulder they had stopped work at 10:00 AM, wherever they were, and offered prayers for her recovery. The prayers were answered. She was in Malawi and able to carry on.

When the Marion Medical Mission team arrived at the Embangweni Mission Station the cement purchased for shallow well construction had not been delivered to the villages. This meant none of the shallow wells were built. None of the wells were ready for the pumps to be installed which is what we were there to do. Many of the wells hadn't even been dug by the villages. As a result we had to find and buy cement (500 or so 110-pound bags), and get it delivered to each village that had their well dug correctly. We'd only installed one pump by October 25th, 15 days into the mission trip. We had two weeks left to get what pumps we could installed. Fortunately, we had two trucks and a lot of dedicated shallow well team members who set aside the demands of their families and fields to help realize the goals of this mission.

The shallow well team worked all day with minimal food and often without safe drinking water. They started early and walked many kilometers to meet us at the hospital shortly after daybreak. The team worked from early in the morning, through the oppressive heat of the day, passed sunset using the truck headlights so they could see. They even worked right through the rain one day - not missing a beat - never complaining.

When it was time for us to leave - when the dust had settled - 115 wells had been built and installed. In 29 days over 44,800 people had safe drinking water. God's blessing was clear and evident. You can see that blessing in the 115 wells. You can see it in the faces of the shallow well team - it's in their smiles and in the pride they feel - in the pride we feel - at being a part of such an incredible, wonderful struggle. How glorious God's creation is!!!

The new truck and trailer purchased with funds raised by the Westminster Church in Decatur, Illinois, was invaluable to the success of this mission. A special thanks is due them and the many churches, groups and individuals that shared the love of Christ with the least of these in a far off land.

We were blessed with a talented group of individuals with diverse interests on this trip. While some participated in the shallow well project, others worked with the hospital staff, maintenance staff, local churches, and special educational, agricultural, and solar projects.

The Embangweni School for Deaf Children continues to be an amazing project. The children have learned so much this past year. They are reading, speaking and eager to absorb more. These young children are knitting, making tin pots and have established a tree nursery. They're learning self-help by making bricks for the fifth teacher house we will build this year. One of the highlights of our visit this year was the wonderful drama they performed on our behalf

The Chizimya Full Primary School started in 1992 with help from a youth group of 10 children from the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, Illinois. It now has 11 teachers and 600 Students. Thirty-six children come from far enough away that they live on the school grounds during the school week. They built their own mud hut, sleep on the ground, and prepare their own food, all for the chance to get a good education.

On October 21, 1997 our team visited this special school and were treated to a tour and wonderful celebration that started with a prayer given by the village headman Mr. Lutepo. The students had worked hard to prepare for the program. The entertainment included dramas, dances, singing, and speeches by the Village Headman, the school Committee Chairman, the Headmaster, and a visitor. At the end of the ceremony the school children presented us with the gift of a goat that they had purchased by working in gardens. The day ended with a reception in the beautiful new school block built this year.

We are proud of what Chizimya Full Primary School has accomplished. The teacher homes are simple, but neat and obviously cared for with pride. The school grounds are spotless. The villagers and students are making more brick for the construction of a new headmasters office / library, and an additional teacher's home. Plans are being made for an additional school block as well.

A new education theme introduced this year was a two-day seminar coordinated through the offices of the Synod of Livingstonia. The focus of the seminar was on Agriculture, income generating projects and Public Health. The seminar took place in the city of Mzuzu with participation from Church elders, the government, and members of the local community. Lectures and demonstrations were given by our Marion Medical Mission team and Mr. Robert Chilaro, of the Christian Service Committee, on bee keeping, solar cooking, deep tillage fanning, soil analysis, gardening, sunflower oil production, fruit and vegetable canning, soy bean processing, and AIDS prevention. There was much enthusiasm expressed by the participants and they were eager to share what they had learned with others in their community. Based on the success of this project we hope to expand on this educational format.

We delivered a record 64 footlockers full of medical supplies, equipment, and school supplies. Two of our team worked in the Embangweni Hospital pharmacy. All the hospitals medications and supplies have been sorted and inventoried. The pharmacy is organized and the shelves stocked. The hospital now knows what they have, what they need, and therefore, how they can better help people.

What a joy it is that we can all participate in His service and witness. Thank you so much for your support. Keep us in mind if you need a mission program. We have a story to tell. The mission team - Bob Holloway, Alene Holloway, Bill Heath, Joyce Heath, Jerry Miller, Dennis Magee, Jocelyn Logan, Tom Logan - are anxious to share this wonderful experience with you.

We wish you the Joy and Peace of Christ's love.

Glory be to God,

Marion Medical Mission

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