“The start of this year has had many challenges, but has been very good.  

"The last few months have been busy….to say the least! There has been hardship both here in Malawi and in Canada, and I made a short trip home due to tragedy. In and through all, the Lord is good, and He is faithful.

"The last few months in Malawi have had their ups and their downs. We have been working hard in order to get the finishing touches done on our new kitchen and hall, and it is now finished!

"The past few months have been a mix with a lot of 'ups' and some 'downs'. I have seen a lot of progress in regards to site development and the care and skill that the builders are putting into their work. In September one of our builders died, and that was very hard for all of us. Jeke had been training here for several years and late last year we had promoted him to full builder. It was of comfort to see his co-workers support Jeke and his family through his time of illness and death.

Life in Bangula never stops! There are several projects that I have been overseeing. We are about to commission the construction of a new water system, which will include a new tower and tank. Praise God for the provision of quality drinking water.

The second stage of our school development is now in its finishing stages. Several other projects (though begun) are currently on hold due to a brick shortage. We rejoice in the Lord's faithfulness, as there have been no work stoppages due to the lack of some supplies.

"God has been teaching me so much since I returned to Malawi in April/07. During my first year here, I thought I had learned all that I could about patience....and I was wrong! The pace is so very different here. As I spend time with the workers, make regular trips to the city, and sort container shipments from North America, I am continuously challenged to rest in peace!

"WOW, what a journey God has taken me on over the last 6 months. When I first moved to Malawi the ‘plan’ was to stay for one year and then return to Canada. The Lord had a different plan!

"The work that that I have been doing is not completely what I expected it to be when I arrived. The main focus has been construction and getting the facility up and operational, but there has been so much more! From spending time with our Iris kids; training workers and other labourers; going into the bush on evangelism trips - life has been full!

Malawi Centre, Bangula, Mozambique

 

Matt's Bio:

Matt comes to Iris from his ‘forever’ home in Markham, Ontario. Being raised in a Christian home, he grew up surrounded by the knowledge of Christ. His own faith walk was heavily influenced and challenged over years of both attending and th