Columns of Concrete November 2012

It is now just on the verge of the rainy season in Malawi. After a delay recently in funding for the project there again has been some action of late. See some of the photos to see the progress and note especially the way they are building the concrete columns at this stage of the building. There is also a great picture of a man sawing a plank - not exactly the way us North Americans envision handling a hand saw. Unfortunately we heard of recent trouble on the construction site - some timbers like those shown in the last photo used in the construction where stolen and this is always a disappointment to the BIC Church and their workers. Please pray for continued protection from thieves. As the building rises there is hope for assistance to come from a USA team to help finish the building roof. Pray for a timely visit to be arranged. Thanks for checking on the project - God bless you.

Progress is coming!

Yes it's been too long since an update but there has been a delay in getting sufficient funds to make building efforts worthwhile. Word has it that there are funds which have recently come and more expected soon. The belief is that these funds will help finalize the sub structure so that the roof can be put on. The picture attached shows a temporary set up during this past August's General Conference for the BICC in Malawi. It would be great to have the same picture next year at Conference with a finished roof. Please continue in prayer for this project and for the right connections and contributions to be made. Let it be said there is still the on-going effort in Malawi by the 45 churches to contribute to this project and take responsibility for a portion of this project.

Super Structure Beams

Work continued recently with a recent donation of funds on the upper superstructure concrete beams. Take a good look at the way in which these beams are constructed. It looks like they are well designed and made and will withstand the winds and storms of Malawi no problem. It is the goal to get ready for the roof as soon as possible but this too will depend on the funding stream. We appreciate your interest and support. As summer arrives in North America - the cooler months are moving into the Blantyre region. This will be good for the labourers as the heat will not be an issue. With the recent change in the country and a new president installed, the economics of the nation have changed too. The Kwacha has been devalued so this affects buying supplies, etc. Keep the project in your prayers. Thanks for looking in again.

Building Photo Update

The project in some April 2012 photos. Enjoy!

Steadfast Progress & Special Thanks!

The above pictures are great - showing the progress on the walls and the proximity of the ministry center to the local community. We are so thankful for the work that is being done and for the support from around the globe.

A special thanks goes out to the Global Sharing Fund team from Mennonite World Conference for recently providing a grant for the project. This Fund is available throughout the world for worthy projects within the Anabaptist community. We are trusting in the Lord Jesus to continue to move people in various places and situations to come along side the project.

Please be aware that during a recent major thunderstorm lighting affected the power transformer that supplies the Maone property. It has been taken in for repairs but no word as yet about how long it will take to get back on line. We appreciate your prayer support for the good folks in Malawi. If you would consider making a contribution it is easy to do by visiting the BIC website at http://www.bic-church.org/wm/give/partnership/malawi/ and scroll down to project 1280.

Thanks kindly for your consideration. Til next time, Blessings.

One Wall Up

Here is a recent picture of one of the center's walls completed up to the lower beam height! This is good progress for sure and thanks to the team on the ground in Malawi for this fine workmanship. Carry on friends, carry on!

2012 - Target Year!

Happy New Year to you! A brand new year has begun and this is the year that the BIC Church in Malawi has targeted to see the Maone Center completed. The hope is to have a grand opening in November of 2012. The above pictures are of the structural columns which are now finished up to the design height for the main walls. Great to see the continued progress including the laying of the brick exterior walls up to the window sill level.

May the Lord bless the work of the hands that are building this ministry center. May many offer their support as funds are needed to buy the balance of the materials. May this be the year to celebrate the opening. All the best to you as you begin this new year too and what might be in store in your lives. Thanks for your continued interest in encouraging the church in Malawi.