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Refresher Conferences for pastors and leaders were held
in two locations during October. Once again Rev Tim Alford (from Stowmarket, UK) was able to attend
as the main speaker. He and his wife Pansy were warmly welcomed back to Malawi and their ministry, both
public and personal, was deeply appreciated.
Tim comments, "The Lord enabled me to present overviews of the Pastoral Epistles, and studies
in the life of David, - backsliding, betrayed, battling, and broken. It wasn't hard for the men to identify
with this outstanding leader and the challenges he faced. Other studies in repentance, faith, justification
and sanctification brought to light quite a bit of confusion over these fundamental truths.
You would have been very pleased to see and hear those who attended the conferences. Their thirst
for the Word of God, fervency of worship, and love for each other is in marked contrast to so much of
church life in the UK. Despite their material poverty and limited grasp of Biblical theology, most of
them have a heart-felt devotion to Christ and to His church. Of the 100 or so pastors present, most
were aged between 25 and 40, so teaching them is a strategic opportunity to impact the future of churches
in Malawi."
Tim & Pansy Alford
ZM's Rev Abraham Folayan shared the teaching. Again, Tim Alford writes, "Abraham took as his
theme, 'Reaching the Roots', and courageously insisted that cultural beliefs and practices must be controlled
by the demands of Scripture. The follow-through of this teaching will fundamentally affect church members
who remain in bondage to spiritism in one form or another, and to degrading immoral practices accepted
as normal in the community".
Rev Abraham Folayan during the 2005 conferences
Abraham has set out points for praise and prayer as follows ~
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Thank God for ~
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the Alfords especially that Pansy kept well throughout the 2 weeks of long travels and hot weather.
(Pansy had very serious heart surgery earlier in the year). The weather during the first week was
quite friendly and not as hot as was expected
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Sam Ngomwa (EBCoM lecturer) who worked very hard in the organization of the conferences and in liaison
with the Evangelical Ass of Malawi and for Ruth (Folayan) who was able to travel to be with Pansy
and to give other logistic support at the conferences.
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safety in travel.
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the 78 Pastors who were able to attend the conferences.
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all those who prayed - there were several evidences of answered prayers.
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those who gave the money that facilitated various aspects of the conferences including the purchase
of Book sets which were presented as gifts to the Pastors many of whom serve in the rural areas
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Please pray for ~
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lasting fruit from the talks and discussions.
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courage and wisdom for the Pastors as they seek to implement what they have learnt.
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the Pastors that they will give themselves to the diligent study and faithful observance of God's
Word.
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those Pastors facing particular challenges in their personal lives and ministries.
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plans for the 2007 conferences- speakers, funding, timing, venues, etc. The Alfords are not free.
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all that is involved in the selection of relevant and appropriate books for the Book sets.
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success in the plans to translate one or two particular books into Chichewa for the wider use of
Pastors.
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the suggestion to organise reunion conference for Pastors who have attended the Bookset conferences
over the past 4-5 years.
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