We are able to give this brief report courtesy of Timothy and Pansy Alford. Tim has spoken at the conferences each year since their launch five years ago. Last month he was joined by Rev Richard Underwood, General Secretary of F.I.E.C. and ZM's Rev Abraham Folayan.

’Beyond our utmost wants, His love and power can bless;
To praying souls He always grants more than they can express’

These words by John Newton perfectly express our feelings having safely arrived home after our fifth visit to Malawi. Knowing that you have been praying for us, we now want you to feel the same!

Over eighty pastors attended the ‘Refresher Course’ at the SU Camp, Kande,
in the northern region of Malawi. They came from churches of various denominations,
for in-depth Bible ministry for four days.

Approximately 20,000 miles without mishap, except for a log-jam on the M25 which almost prevented us checking-in at Heathrow on the outward journey. African roads were sublime after this! Long-haul night-flights are a different story.

Pansy kept very well, and came home feeling refreshed and energised. Her heart rhythm is now being monitored in case changes of medication are needed. Timothy was really grotty during the first week, due to a chest infection and a five-day non-stop headache. This did not curtail his teaching programme.

Richard Underwood was visiting Africa for the first time, but you would not have guessed it! He was well received by our African friends who warmed to his interactive style of expository preaching. Being in daily fellowship with him was a real joy, and the same applies to Abraham Folayon and his wife Ruth who are such treasures. Our oneness in the Lord, and commitment to each other, enabled us all to work together with singleness of purpose.

Over eighty attended the first one at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi, Blantyre. This venue provided good facilities for sleeping, eating, and teaching. The second main conference involved a two-day journey to a SU Camp-site in the northern region, at Kande Bay. This idyllic venue on the beach of Lake Malawi is in the early stages of development, so bell-tent sleeping accommodation was included for some! Electricity was connected the day before our arrival, -interrupted by only occasional power cuts. Both of these conferences started ‘slowly’, but increased in responsiveness and deepening fellowship. The studies in the life of David, the pastoral epistle of Titus, and the application of Biblical principles to aspects of African culture, were received thoughtfully and appreciatively. The praise and prayer times were intensely real, and often brought heaven close.

A few African ladies with a ministry to women attended the Conferences.
Ruth Folayon (2nd on right) and Pansy enjoyed good fellowship with them.

The closing ceremonies included the presentation of carefully selected books to assist the continued studies and work of each person attending the conferences. (Workbooks are in included, and when completed may be posted to the UK for mentoring by correspondence). The farewell was a highlight for everyone concerned, not least for ourselves to hear how much our visit meant to those who then returned to their churches refreshed and envisioned. During the second conference held in the north of Malawi the ceremony was held on the lakeside beach!

The closing ceremony is always a special occasion, but seldom takes place in such an idyllic
location as Kande Beach. Receiving gifts of books from the UK is a memorable finale
to the conference. The gratitude of our African brothers andsisters in Christ is boundless.

Richard and Timothy preached at Sunday services in Zambesi Evangelical Churches to village congregations where we were touched by their generous hospitality. Out of their poverty they received us with loving liberality. Rice and nsima (maize porridge) never tasted so good.

We were also invited to address a meeting of ZEC youth leaders looking for Biblical principles for conflict resolution. Even in Africa there is sometimes major tension between the legitimate expectation of young Christians and the hard-line traditions of the church elders.

Importunate requests for return visits make no allowance for our seniority! So more ‘Richards’ and books are needed if we are to respond to people on the spot who are in the best position to evaluate the need. In fact, we have come to a stage in Malawi where a new phase of training is called for; following up at a deeper level what has already been achieved. This must not eliminate the kind of conferences held during the past five years, for these bring encouragement to pastors with little or no previous training, and with few resources. But we do need to equip more Africans to engage in the kind of leadership training at which Abraham Folayon excels. So we need to keep aiming at working ourselves as ex-patriots out of a job!

We really are most grateful for your prayers and support, and hope this brief report will give you satisfaction and joy. By your involvement you have become a vital part of the work which is blessed by the Lord beyond our expectations. John Newton was right, but so was Paul centuries before him: (Eph.3:20-21)

‘Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Tim and Pansy A.