Day 34 Sunday April 20th.
I have so much I want to share about my experience attending a village church service today. It was so amazing. I really can't do it justice without attaching the videos and pictures, which I probably wont be able to add until I get home. I will say though that it was something I will never forget. There were 500 people in attendance. Brother Gentry preached a message for Sunday School about loving your neighbor as thy self. The Church hour he preached a message called "poison in the pot" from II Kings 4:38-41. It was a powerful and 241came forward for salvation! We were so warmly welcomed by the village members. The Malawian people are so hungry for the Gospel. Brother Gentry asked the people to raise their hands if they didn't own a bible. 475 people raised their hands. Then he told them that I would be sending them bibles (news to me). They shouted and cheered. Oh no! Looks like I have yet another fundraising project on my hands. It costs $100 for 20 bibles. I wonder how much I could get for one of my kidneys on eBay?
Sunday night we went to the evening church service at Good Samaritan Children's Home. Brother Gentry preached on obeying authority and submission. It was a very powerful message. Out of the orphans there are about 85 teenagers. Some of them are starting to come into their own a bit and are beginning to show signs of rebellion. The children seemed to be really affected by the preaching and seemed to "get it". I sure hope so, because there is nobody that can show them the love of God and prepare them for adulthood and truly love them like the staff at Good Samaritan does.
Day 35 Monday April 21st.
Today we finalized the packing and headed off to Lillonge. We made it safely, Praise the Lord. We are staying at the same place as last time and have been looking forward to a nice shower and hi-speed internet. Our Embassy appointment is tomorrow at 8am (2am EST). Please pray that the process goes smoothly and without any unforeseen fees. There are no earlier flights available so it looks like if all goes well we will land in TN on Saturday 4/26 at 1pm. I can't wait to see everybody!
Here are some random pictures that I sent before to Chrissie.
Savannah-Hope modeling the dress I made for her. Her two sisters have matching ones. I can't wait to see them wearing them together.
Here is a picture of me with my driver Lloyd. You can see Savannah-Hope peering around from behind my back.
20 comments:
hey sis i love you and miss you i want you to know how proud i am of you and i am praying for you but seriously who would have ever thought that shy little wickle so sheltered the one who could not take a joke or the teasing from all of us would be in a third world country alone and stuck for this many days i guess that you can do all things through Christ who strenthens you. God bless you baby sister, and we'll see you soon.
Love Yon
Crystal,
If you get home on Sat, it will be the 40th day. God has worked mightly in that 40 days on your family. We did a lesson last year titled "The Power of the Desert" and how Just spend 40 days in the desert before being baptized and then tempted by the devil. It was a test for Jesus and it is a test for us. God used that time to streghten his son before the job that laid ahead of him. I dare say he has done the same in your life and your families life.
Sometimes we need to be in the deseart because that is often the time we are closest to God. It is in the desert that come to rely on him for all our needs and to find out that he has a plan and purpose for our lives. We get so busy with family, church, work and other things, we forget to be quiet and just listen to God. Most of us go thru life telling God what we need and how we want him to do it.
You will forever be different because of this event. I know Shane and the kids will also. God is so good to us and we need to spend more time in the desert and less time telling God how to do his job.
I love you and am waiting in God time to get you home. All of this is an answer to many prayers over many years. Let's not forget to thank God for all the answered prayer.
Love you
Poppy
What an awesome fundraiser that will be.......... count me in!
God's Speed home.
you are on the home stretch friend. keep the faith. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
we will be at the half marathon on the 26th, which means we'll have to have a special day to get together and welcome you home.
see you soon - love alison & norah
I will help you raise Bibles. I don't know how we'll get 400, or better yet how we'll ship them there, but I've seen amazing things happen.
What size does Savannah Hope wear?
I am so happy for you that the end is near!! I know you are so ready to be home.
The bibles can be purchased in the Malawian native language of Chichewa right there in Malawi. The cost is $100 for 20 bibles, may be less for a bulk order. I am looking in to it. But at least we don't have to worry about shipping.
Savannah-Hope is currently wearing 6-9 months but will probably be a size 12 months in summer clothes. She has really gotten the hang of eating...and seems to be growing bigger each day :)
PRAISE HIM!!!!
Almost there, girls...almost home!!
Diane
WOW, Crystal...only 7 1/2 hours left until you meeting; oh, I hope you get good news; I'll definitely be praying tonight at 11:00 (8am in Malawi; don't know if where the meeting is is a different time zone)
I will be praying for you & Savannah-Hope tomorrow (tonight) as you go to your Embassy appointment, that God will give you favor in the eyes of the Embassy staff and that they will grant & issue Savannah-Hope's visa the same day!! You are a woman of amazing faith and your children are truly blessed to have you as their mother!! Blessings, Keely
Hey Baby Girl,
I think the fund raiser for Bibles is going to be fun. So it will be $500.00 for 100 Bibles. That is $5.00 a Bible. Maybe a challege would be fun also. may be we could challege each person we know to buy a Bible in honor of each person in living in their home. Also in honor or memory of love ones who have made a impact on their lives. Well we will tink of some ways to get these Bible to the people who really want them.
Well got to feed your boys.
Love Mom
PS got your email will be praying for you all day and night,
Wow, almost home...so close. Hoping all goes well with the appointment. Enjoy that shower:)
I am sooo glad you are almost on your way home....
You know you can count on all of us from bloggerville..
LOVE the cute little monogrammed dress...
Can't wait to see all the girls in them...
HUGS..
Be safe..
i will be praying for smooth paperwork at the consulate ... you are on the home stretch ... you are almost home and as we have all learned from you ... HOME WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ... you have taught many people many things and we are so proud of you and the journey you allowed God to lead ... i love ya !!!
Amen Crystal! You are almost home!!! I can't wait to see you with your family. I bet your friends in Malawi are really going to miss you. I have complete faith that the money will come for the bibles. Thank you for taking me on such a heartwarming journey! God bless you and keep you safe as you make your way HOME!!!!!!
It's half an hour now since the meeting began and I'm just waiting by the computer, anxious to hear some great news that God has blessed you guys with the visa (and on the same day)...
Thinking of you...hope things go well today!
Praying for you Crystal. Anxiously awaiting the good news :o)
I am a friend of Gwen's and have been following your journey. I would be happy to help with the Bible project!! Let me know what we can do:)
Praying for a favorable visa appt. and safe travels home to your family.
We cannot wait to hear your news, Crystal. We have been praying for this day. Can't wait to see/hear all the other ways God has used you while you have been away. You are a blessing and an amazing Christian example. Anxiously awaiting your arrival on TN soil...I am wondering if the airport is big enough to hold all the folks that are coming when you guys get home! The security folks better bolster up cuz here we come!! Love you, The Nicholson crew
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