Saturday Matinee

Today we went to Thonje, a remote village in central Malawi about 45 minutes from Salima. We had a great time with the families from the local church which Petet Maseko helped start many years ago. We were able to use a generator and portable projector to show the children's version of the Jesus film in Chichewa. There were probably 150 children watching their first movie on a big screen (which was actually a bed sheet nailed into the morter of the church wall). It was awesome! The children and adults were rivited to the the story.

After the movie, we split the children into groups of 15 and made gospel bracelets. These are leather strings with 6 colored beads, each one representing a different element of the gospel and Christian life. Nate, Libby, Bree and Kyle did a great job coordinating the event and the children all seemed to enjoy themselves. They wore their bracelets with a smile. Many thanks to Glenn Menke, Children's Ministry Director at Colonial, for the idea. It was a great success.

We also left the children a soccer ball with the same colors as the bracelets. They had been using a ball made out of tape so it was definitely an upgrade!

Another crazy story about baboons. Nate was ambushed by a group of primates down at the beach. They jumped out of the trees all around him. He came running up the steps out of breath convinced that he had been thrown into a sequel of Planet of the Apes! (I will share some great photos once we can upload graphics).

Tomorrow is church in the morning and the dedication of the school in the afternoon/evening. I found out yesterday that Peter wants me to preach at his church. I asked him how long the sermon needs to be. He said, "30 minutes. Or do you need 45?" I said thirty was just fine. I'm think with translation that is really about 15 .. 10 if I talk slowly. I'll let you know how it goes.

Until tomorrow.

Yendani bwino! (Good bye)