Hanging on God’s Word

We thank God for helping people to listen attentively to the Word of God! Three hitch-hikers from Villages 4 & 5 admitted their sin. One plans to join the Village 4 group. A religious leader from our group in Village 5 did a great job of helping us to teach them!

We have an average attendance of over 20 in Village 3 and one young lady re-told almost the whole story of Joseph! Two counselors to the chief at Village 2 and others have started attending. We have had deep discussions with a secret believer friend in Village 1.

All the people hung on [Jesus’] words. (Luke 19:48b, NIV)

Please ask God to help people of Village 1 to be especially attentive as we conclude our presentation of the Gospel there soon.

Other Ministry Highlights

We have resumed teaching in two villages where we had experienced disruptions. In August we made two exploratory visits to a village along the western shore of Lake Malawi.

Please pray for God to confirm to us His direction concerning new villages where He wants us to teach.

Firm Foundation Question

Give careful thought to the following question and try to answer it on your own before reading the answer below.

When God had promised Abram many descendants and that the Savior would come through him (Gen 12:1-3), barren Sarai told Abram to sleep with her servant Hagar (Gen 16:1-2). Was Sarai’s idea God’s will? Why or why not?

TIMO Report

By Claire Weddell
I am currently working with Africa Inland Mission as a member of the Ndau TIMO team in Manica Province, Mozambique. TIMO (Training In Ministry Outreach) is a two year project where team members live with an unreached people group, learn their language and culture, and build relationships, all with the primary aim of sharing the Gospel.

Part of the TIMO programme involves each team member observing another outreach ministry and so I have come to Malawi to observe BIC ministry among the Yao.  It has proved to be a very challenging and rewarding experience. My time here has helped me to see greater potential in chronological Bible teaching as an evangelistic/discipleship tool, to understand and experience effective relationship-based ministry, and to grow/be encouraged in my relationship with God and in communicating that relationship effectively in a cross-cultural setting.

I praise God for all He is doing among the Yao through His servants here on the field, and pray that He will be glorified and His kingdom extended as they continue to seek and serve Him. To God be all the glory!

Please pray for God to give Claire direction concerning future service among the unreached.

BICC General Conference

There was a joyful spirit at the BICC General Conference August 2-5 with messages on the theme of “Choosing What is Best” (Luke 10:42). The Executive Committee announced the selection of a Building Committee that will oversee the construction of a Conference Hall. There were nine marriages and ordinations.

Please pray for God’s guidance with the building program and upcoming leadership transitions.

Character Corner: Attentiveness

Attentiveness vs. Unconcern

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Heb 2:1, NIV)

Attentiveness begins with hearing God through His Word, in prayer and through our authorities, mature counselors and others. A cross cultural situation presents special challenges to understanding verbal and non-verbal communication, and especially worldview. We commend Claire Weddell for her keen observations and wise questions.

Please pray for our children to seek to hear from God and to gain wise insights by listening to others this next school year.

FFQ Answer

Answer: Sarai’s idea was not God’s will because: 1) She did not seek His will before offering Abram her counsel (Gen 16:2b); 2) Her decision resulted in hatred between her and Hagar (Gen 16:4); and 3) God’s intent was to build a nation and send the Savior through Sarai (Gen 17:15-16). Like Adam’s fig leaves, her idea represents our futile attempts to save ourselves through our efforts.

Upcoming Events:

Sept 12—22: Lloyds host Work Team
Sept 17—Oct 13: Mozambique Core Course Seminars with Steve Ginder, Ray Hock, John Arthur Brubaker and Jonathan Lloyd
Sept 24: Susanna’s 16th Birthday
Sept 26—Oct 2: Jonathan & Doug attend London Summit
Oct 1: Barb’s Birthday
Oct 16—18: Reg. Admin. Jake & Nancy Shenk visit Malawi
Oct 17: Sharon’s 14th Birthday
Oct 28—Jan 7: Steve & Reenie Ginder in the US

Links:
View this newsletter online - http://www.malawi-mission.org/millers/news/sep2007.htm
Download Miller's Messenger — www.malawi-mission.org/millers/news/sep2007.pdf
Pictures — http://www.malawi-mission.org/millers/photos/
Yao Prayer Brochure — http://community.webshots.com/album/64807040OCvgnR
Evangelical Bible College of Malawi — www.ebcom-malawi.org