Jesus Loves Malawi Update December, 2015

Dear Friends,

As you may remember, our last newsletter was sent from a

conference we were asked to attend in Europe. The

conference was very valuable, and afterward we enjoyed

some wonderful family vacation time. Then Dean returned

to Malawi while Steffi and the children continued school at

Steffi's parents, where they were once again impressed with

how easy life is when you have continuous water and non-

stop electricity. Steffi was especially delighted to rediscover

how quickly a load of laundry can be done when you have

both a washer and a dryer, and the power stays on. Elianna

also made many new discoveries, such as shop doors

opening and closing by themselves, driving through a

tunnel, going to a playground for the first time, and seeing

her own breath. The older children worked hard to catch up

on the schoolwork they had missed – especially Christopher,

who had to make up six weeks of school he had missed due

to internet and power problems, followed by travel. We're

very thankful he is such a diligent student.

Meanwhile, Dean was working in Malawi. Awhile back we

were able to buy a small, used generator, which we bought for

showing videos in the village. But now, with greatly increased

power interruptions, Dean managed to find a way to get it hooked up to the house so we can at

least keep lights and computers going. We wish it were powerful enough to run more, but at

least we won't be “in the dark” anymore.

December also marked our 19th

anniversary. It was the first time we were apart. But, while

absence makes the heart grow fonder, our emails to each other were not love letters, but mostly

about planting dates, plant density, and germination rates because rainy season has arrived.

Praise the Lord! Rain is so precious and important to survival in Malawi that even our kids, who

were in the dreary winter rain of Holland, cheered when they heard the news that the rain had

come to Malawi. Rain also marks the end of an oppressively hot, dry, and dusty season. It led us

to reflect on our differing emotional responses to rain in different parts of the world. Please pray

for regular rainfall and a good harvest for Malawi.

We're all together, now. As of yesterday Dean joined the family for Christmas in Holland.

Steffi's brother and his family, missionaries in Argentina, recently arrived, as well, and we're

looking forward to spending the holidays together with Steffi’s whole family for the first time in

20 years.

First time at the pool.

Praises and Prayer Requests:

Thankful for rain, and a new

growing season.

For being reunited as a family.

That God “works all things together

for good,” and that we were given this

opportunity to be with Stephanie's

family for Christmas at little extra cost.

Pray for evenly spaced rains, and for

little damage from the torrents that fall,

often accompanied by strong wind.

Many Malawians had a poor harvest last year,

and hunger season is particularly stark this year.

For God's truth to prevail in Malawi against

the many competing voices – many of them

from wolves in sheep's clothing.

For health, strength, and protection.

For continued guidance in our ministry.

We want to wish you all a very wonderful, merry, and Christ filled Christmas wherever you are,

whether it is raining or snowing, or even sunny. May Emmanuel fill your hearts with His

presence, peace, and joy, and may you find new ways of sharing His love with others around you

in the New Year.

In His Love,

Dean, Steffi, Christopher, Jonathan, Sarah, and Elianna

Merry Christmas! and a Happy New Year!

The Great Wall of Lima (Beans).

One of several new trellises in our

ever expanding garden.