January 22, 2009...Bethany writing from Malawi reported the missions team did an amazing job with the kiddos at Lake Malawi.  The kids made salvation bracelets and learned about Jesus.  They played kickball, swam until their hearts were content, and had time to  talk with the members of the team as they walked up and down the beach.  They made braided bracelets, played cards, volleyball and had a great time.  They got their gifts of clothes, goodie bags from the Lee Elementary School kids, and the bible bags that the women and children of Columbia made for them.  The added blessing of God is that each child received in their bag a new NIV New Testament bible in Chichewa.  The team spent every waking minute they could with the children and everyone was so tired by the end of each day that they just about fell asleep in their plate of food.  A wonderful tired.

It is Tuesday, January 13, 2009.  The 2009 Malawi Mission Team has loaded and boarded the Woodcrest bus, which had a hard time starting, but thanks to jumper cables and prayer it finally came to life.  So at 8:48 a.m. the team of ten adults and two babies set out for the Kansas City Airport.  Travel time will be long, and they are prepared.  They were divided into teams, checks for passports, luggage, kisses and hugs to family and friends were in order, the babies were strapped into car seats on the bus and their hearts are ready and willing to serve the Lord.  Pastor Piet led them in prayer and asked for the Lord to find favor with this team, that each one would come to know His purpose for going on this trip, and that He would keep them safe from harm as they travel and serve Him.    Nick is ready and waiting in Malawi, and will meet them with the Malawi team when they arrive on Thursday, January 15.  Bethany will be sending pictures and updates every couple of days, so please check back to learn how you can pray for them, see what great things are happening and enjoy the pictures we will be posting to the web page.     May God bless you richly and may you seek the plans God has for you.