Gary Fallesen / Sunday, March 20, 2011 / Categories: Tanzania, Mission: Kilimanjaro 2011, Dispatches Sunday, March 20 We are exhausted with joy after an incredible day of worship and then giving to the orphans we are visiting in Malawi. Our desire at the start of the day was to encourage the church at Migowi and God blessed us in our time with nearly 200 worshipers. We had two church “meetings” (what they call a service) — one for 2½ hours in the morning and another, after a lunch break, for two hours in the afternoon. I introduced each member of the team and they spoke briefly, sharing how they were blessed to be here. Before preaching, I asked worship leader Damson to sing my favorite song: “Up, up with Jesus; down, down with Satan.” The congregation rocked the house of worship with this upbeat song. I then spoke about hurting and healing, using Isaiah 61:1-3 and Psalm 6:2 and 55:22, and closed by praying for the people here. By the time we were done we were bathed in sweat from the African heat and energy. Mike preached in the afternoon about the sovereignty of God and the gospel of grace. He used Daniel 4:35, Proverbs 16:33, and Matthew 28:19 and 13:44. “God is in control,” Mike told the people. “If God is in control, who should we fear? No one, amen.” After Mike's message, Pastor Duncan made an alter call and four people came forward to accept Christ. Bob and Shelly prayed with them while Duncan and church leader Philip translated. It made the praise music being sung throughout the day even sweeter. Orphans (left to right) Kondwani, Zinenani, Mphatso, Ephraim. Jacquiline, Dafter and Phiri receiving gifts from sponsors. Our blessed day was not finished after these amazing worship services. We returned to the orphans' compound to hand out gifts packed by Elaine and Shelly for the 15 children from the Far & Wide home, which is supported by Climbing For Christ. We also delivered presents, cards and letters from those in North America who are sponsoring eight of the orphans. I promised that by the next visit all of the orphans will be sponsored and we will be adding to their number. (There are an additional 25 orphans awaiting support to be housed at Far & Wide.) The children were thrilled to receive so much and it was our privilege to be the bearers of this love as well as the Good News that God allowed us to share with the church. It was one of those special days in the mission field. Thank You, Father! “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.” — Matthew 14:44(a) Saturday, March 19 Monday, March 21 Print 4143 Gary FallesenGary Fallesen Other posts by Gary Fallesen Contact author