All are welcome

Today we celebrated communion. It’s what we do every first Sunday of the month here at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. But this Sunday I wasn’t at one of our three sites. Instead I, along with a team of seven other individuals, was at the Mzuzu United Methodist Church in Mzuzu, Malawi, Africa. We are here as your representatives in our Partnership of Hope with the United Methodist Church Malawi. We have seen a lot of different things in our first week of experiences in Malawi- many of which are hard to describe- the depth of poverty, the hardship, the unbelievable challenges they face each and everyday of their lives- and the surprising enthusiasm and hope and depth of faith in God they so freely and joyously share in all aspects of their lives, but most especially in their worship. How I wish you could experience the rhythmic vibrato of their songs and energetic excitement of their dance as they proclaim God is alive and active in their lives. God is so real to them and there is no question in their minds as they worship that God has indeed shown up in the midst of their living- and here in this moment of worship. I felt that too as we celebrated communion, and I was fortunate enough to serve the bread, “The body of Christ broken for you." Jesus Christ the bread of heaven- American/African, black/white kneeling together side by side claiming one and the same thing; that we all belong to a most loving and gracious God. And so we broke the bread and shared the cup claiming Jesus’ own words upon ourselves, free for all of us; “By this all people will know you are my disciples by how you love one another”(John 13:38). There are many different ways people live their lives today- African/American, black/white, rich/poor, fearful/hope filled, you name it. But here as we celebrated communion we were saying as one that we were choosing this one way to live together- as his disciples- that we all belong to Jesus and in an African church in Mzuzu, Malawi as well as an American church called First United Methodist church in Ankeny, Iowa- that makes all the difference for us, together, in Jesus. See you in church next Sunday! Pastor Scott

Sunday in Malawi means Bible study in Mzuzu, church complete with dancing--literally--to the offering plate, and of course a potluck with our brothers and sisters in Malawi.

I have no silver and gold…

All I can say is Wow!

We may not have started the day with much electricity, like none, but it didn’t take long to get the juice flowing. It was another beautiful day and we experienced a full range of emotions as we visited Dzaleka Camp and enjoyed a second stop at St. John’s church in the Bethel Circuir. At Dzaleka, we were welcomed with open arms and they were happy to show us around their church, which is just a couple years old. Their new “pastor” and other church leaders told us about their future plans to expand the building and get a nursery school started. They shared some of their excellent musical talent with us as we worshiped together. The leader of the church also expressed some of their higher priority needs for our prayers and consideration. We presented gifts to the pastor and lay leader and left a couple new soccer balls for the kids. Only wish we could have left them 200 soccer balls. The people of the camp were very friendly and showed us great respect. The joy of their smiles, their song, and their dance will forever be etched into my memory.

Our afternoon agenda took us to St. John’s for a second visit. Once again, they welcomed us and openly expressed their love. We had a wonderful worship time with them and really experienced passion and enthusiasm. They even had me dancing. They are so fun to be around and they are so appreciative that many people back in Ankeny are praying for them. The St. John’s church is not just going through the motions. They are alive and hungry for Gods spiritual food. They were also able to share with us some of their specific needs in and around the church. As with other requests, much prayerful consideration will occur. This was another great adventure day and we were all so blessed to be a part of it.

Pastor Scott shared with us at devotion time from Acts 3:6, when Peter said “I have no silver and gold, but what what I do have I give to you”. This illustrates that we are all fortunate to have more than just silver and gold, we have the love of Jesus Christ. And that is much more important than silver and gold. our big challenge is to share that with others.

Wow! For a day that began with no power, we felt the intense power of God throughout this day.

Cary Halfpop

Tuesday, June 28 2016 brought the Malawi Partnership of Hope Ministry Team an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of a borehole at Chimanazo Village and the close availability of fresh water for a village on fire for God.  Again we were welcomed with beautiful song, smiles and much hospitality.

Introductions, prayers and a brief message were shared in their current place of worship which is a 3-sided construction with a half-thatched roof and stick walls.  The small space was filled with well-mannered children and joyful brothers and sisters in Christ.

The festivities then  moved a short distance to the unveiling of the borehole.  As the ribbons were cut and the pump was primed, the group belted out an awesome African song, “Thank You God, Our King of Kings” as water clear water flowed.

Several of the village dignitaries and church leaders offered moving messages.  One of the Chieftans in particular shared that she had been frustrated with God as He had to know that her village needed clean water.  She thought the pastor was lying when he kept saying that if they kept faithful their prayers would be answered.  And of course today, we joined her in dancing and praising God for doing just that.

The Church Circuit leader asked us to continue to pray for them, specifically for improved transportation throughout the circuit, the building of the permanent church structure & nursery school, and that God continues to visit them often.

We are thankful for the leadership of Len and Angie who have traveled here before as well as for Noel who continues to do a great job of translating and explaining some of what we see around us.  Our chauffeur, Chifundo is the best!

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Julie Halfpop

You are most welcome

Today we left Johannesberg at 11:40 a.m. for Malawi.  As soon as we made it through Customs and I found our 15 suitcases, we were met by Chifundo, Noel, Copeland and Daniel and several others who came to help us get loaded onto the bus.  They greeted us very exuberantly and excitedly and it was particularly fun to observe the joy and laughter  from Pastor Angie and Len as they have both been to Malawi.  

For our evening meal we travelled by bus to Bethel St John’s UMC.  The “road “leading to the church was very very bumpy with deep ruts and many turns.  As soon as we arrived we could hear people singing their hearts out to welcome us.  We were greeted with great excitement and joy as we entered the church.  The worship space was simply a sparse room with plastic lawn chairs, a concrete floor and the ceiling was covered with sheets of plywood.   After introductions, we sang more praise songs all led by the congregation and listened to Pastor Kao preach via Noel who interpreted.  

The potluck meal was brought forward to the altar while singing continued.  Many pots all covered were brought forth by the women and placed on the altar with great ceremony and celebration.  Len led us in blessing the food and  we as the honored guests, were the first to fill our plates followed by the congregation. The covered dishes contained beef, rice, sima, peas, beans, cabbage salad, pumpkin leaves, chicken, fish and a few things we didn’t recognize. Scones and coffee and coco cola in bottles were served for dessert.   It was all delicious.  We were later told that the meal we had together was like a “Thanksgiving” meal we would have. 

We mingled with the  congregation as we ate and enjoyed our  time together.  Len then presented the gifts to the pastors and tribal chief. They were overjoyed with thankfulness.  The gifts included Bibles, crosses, flashlights and soccer balls

After about 4 hours we headed back to the hotel.  We were able to give a ride to 2 people from the congregation. Most of the people who attended had walked to the church some as far as 20 km (12 miles.) Even though it was dark the area looked extremely impoverished.  There was very little light along the very bumpy road!  We are all very thankful for Chifundo’s excellent driving skills!!! 

As I reflected on the genuine love and generous welcome we had received, I was reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians 1: 3- 6:    I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.  I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 

Bess Hibben

Safe in Johannesburg

The team touched down safely in Johannesburg Sunday evening. They have a night to recouperate before arriving in Malawi Monday. The first stop will be Bethel Circuit in Lilongwe with a welcome dinner at St Johns.

Here's a picture of the team in the Johannesburg airport. Please say a prayer of thanksgiving for their safe travels!

We made it to Atlanta and will now patiently wait until we can board our next flight to Johannesburg! I hadn't been too worried about the length of this next flight, but now I am a bit nervous to find out what 16 hours on a plane actually feels like. Either way I am excited to have the time to get to know more about my fellow team members and I may also have a few adult coloring books to occupy my time. They are supposed to be "relaxing" you know.

As we were getting ready to depart from Des Moines this morning, Kathy gave us a few tips and last words before she and others sent us on our way. One thing stuck with me in particular. She talked about how she prefers to think about the things we have in common with people rather than then getting hung up on the things that are so different between cultures.

Throughout the duration of my trip I will try to keep this in mind.

In other news, we are definitely not the only mission team present in the Atlanta airport. It has been fun to see other various groups of people wearing matching shirts with different countries on them preparing to travel halfway across the world to spread the good word of God!

I think I will start to high-five them as we pass.

Pretty soon it will be Sunday, and not long after that Monday.

Kelby Halfpop

We are sitting at the airport in Des Moines waiting for our flight to Atlanta. I'm wondering what I forgot to pack. I'm wondering who we will meet on the way. I already met a woman from Ottumwa who saw our shirts and wanted to know about our trip. She is a Christian and promised to pray for us. Already I am seeing God at work. Whatever happens and whatever I have forgotten, one thing I can count on is that God is with us. 

Blessings,
Pastor Angie 

Less than a week!

- Julie & Kelby Halfpop

In a little over a week we will be on our way to Malawi having some idea, but truthfully, no idea really what to expect. What will be the setting, who will be the people, what will be expected of me, what will I be able to offer, how this will affect me--my life and my faith? These, and other questions, persist. But one thing I do expect (and know) will happen is that there I will encounter God--in people, through people, within this journey of faith. And I find that inviting, and even exciting.

THANK YOU for your prayers in this journey, as my prayers continue with you, in the "partnership in the gospel" that we share here together.

In Christ, 

Scott

Anticipation, excitement and anxiety

I am full of anticipation and excitement for our trip to Malawi! It has always been a dream of mine to be able to go on a mission trip such as this one. For the past 6 months our 2016 Malawi team has been meeting to finalize plans. Len has been our team leader. He has spent a great deal of time taking care of all the details and offering guidance and prayers along the way.

We met last Sunday for the final time before we depart on June 25th. As we closed our meeting with prayer, Scott asked each of us to share something we are anxious about as we prepare to leave. Some of the anxieties shared included: our safety, concerns for our families while we are gone, good health, surviving the 17 hr. plane ride, bugs (that was one of mine) and who would mow our lawns and keep our plants watered.

Len gently reminded us that many of our concerns were “1st world” concerns. When it came time for Kelby to share she said that she didn’t feel anxious because she doesn’t know what to expect. Her statement helped me realize that I want to be in mission with Christ waiting expectantly for the unexpected. I pray that my heart will be open to all God has planned and that I can reach out with the love of Jesus. Exactly how this will happen I do not know. God is far bigger than anything I can dream up to worry about!

I am reminded of the comforting scripture in Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving , let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Bess Hibben

God Is Good

Two weeks from now the team will be over the Atlantic on their way to Johannesburg for the 2016 Partnership of Hope Mission trip. The team is made up of Pastor Scott, and wife Bess, Pastor Angie, Kay Oliver, and the Halfpop family, Cary, Julie, Kelby and myself.

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since we returned from our 2015 trip. The 2016 itinerary will take the team from Lilongwe to Mzuzu. We will visit and dedicate at least 2 of the 4 boreholes,(wells) that the AFUMC funded in 2016. A new venture on the itinerary for 2016 is to visit the Dzaleka Camp for Refugees. It is very difficult to imagine living conditions worst than the Malawi folks have in the Villages.  In the camp, there are 18,000 refugees that have located in Malawi. Lord, please guide us.

2016 the Tailoring School will graduate 11 ladies, bring the total to 70 ladies that graduated since AFUMC took over the sponsorship of the School in 2009.  Praise the Lord.

The Itinerary includes 2 day at the Farm, which each year we see miracles taking place. We will see the process made with raising pigs, expanded irrigation, solar lighting and bees to name a few.

Each year it is exciting to see the team bond together, with lifelong experiences.  It is 2 weeks of being removed from our comfortable surrounding and see how people without the comforts of life that we take for granted, have a much greater Love for our Lord. We do not experience the life of the villagers, per say, as we stay in lodges that have heat, cooling and running water. (Sometimes even hot) and plenty of food to eat.

Many times, I am asked, why go? I can’t answerer that clearly, other than saying “I must” My first time in Malawi, I asked, “Lord, what am I doing here, what can I do? I am not an evangelist, a preacher, what can I do.” It seems the response I got was to “come back”. Now after 6 times, I still ask the same question, but also knowing that I am a part of a great ministry, that is following the Great Commission “Go and Make disciples of all nations”. We are saving lives with clean water for the body, Teaching 70 ladies a skill, which they can use to support their families, as well as teach their children the same skill. The farm is producing crops to feed people, but also teach others the Permaculture way, (Permanent Agriculture) which utilizes all of the resources that are available there. All these things lead people to the kingdom of God.  Churches and schools spring up at the borehole sites. There is a church at the farm which is expanding. In 2014 a nursery school was built at the farm.  The ladies at the tailoring school also are exposed to the Methodist beliefs.

It is an experience that I recommend to anyone, as it will show you how blessed we are.

God Bless

Len

 

 

Anticipation

Just under a month before we leave for Malawi and reality is starting to set in.  I am actually going to Africa.  I am especially excited to be able to make this trip with Julie and Kelby as I am sure it will be an amazing family experience.  Although I don’t know exactly what each day in Malawi will bring, I am open to whatever God has planned for us.  I am thankful for the opportunity to represent Ankeny First on this special trip.  

Cary Halfpop