We hope you are all well and rejoicing in the Lord. Time for a little update from us here as we await the coming of the rains.

Family news :- We are both fairly well and enjoying some 'mod.cons' in this house e.g fairly constant water, good security and other 'blessings' like lovely bird life in the garden that our heavenly father has seen fit to provide for us at this time.

We were very pleased to be able to drive to Zimbabwe staying at Nyanga for one night early in September en route to Grace Valentine's wedding to Bruce Campbell. Great to see old friends John and Celia, and several others who remembered us from our time in Zim 15 years ago. Sad to see the effects of the traumas farmers and others had passed through including physical attacks and murder of loved ones. All trading done now in US dollars and plenty in the shops if you have the money!! How the village people survive we cannot imagine!!

Church news:- We have just had a short visit from Dr Miles Thomas, Chairman of Chisomo Trust, UK and Martin Simpson. culminating in a 4 day conference for Rock Springs Baptist Mission. About 200 were present with the visitors and myself sharing the preaching ministry. We felt the Lord was glorified, some good work done in hearts and that the whole thing was well put together considering the almost total lack of space and facilities,(e.g. all water had to be fetched, and cooking was on the traditional fire of three stones in the open air.)

About four weeks before the above, the roof timber work on the church/orphan shelter at Pastor Chambo's was in process, and in addition ,office shelves, and toilet doors .at the New Life H/Q Very pleased to say the roof is now on that building and the 40-60 orphans who meet daily for porridge and some schooling, mentioned in our last letter, are now sheltered from the sun, wind, dust and,( soon to come) heavy rain. Thanks Peter Leloup for giving up your time, energy and finance to this - wish there were more like you!

District pastors meetings:- Since Phill Harvey is no longer with us I(Martin), am doing all the teaching in these. We are happy that the Lord has continued to provide the finance for this as we feel they are very important. As well as ministry there is opportunity for the brothers,(and occasional sister or two),to get into each others hearts. Just a day before the next meeting, we are hosting a special day with a film, the evening before and 'practical' demonstrations on a minimum tillage system of farming called ,'Farming God's Way'. This system seeks among other things to do away with much of the making of ridges - on which Malawians traditionally plant and to minimise the use of chemical fertiliser which is so expensive now in Malawi.

The fortnightly meetings with the local widows continue with about 60 attending every week. It is a great opportunity for the gospel especially as their time comes to pass from this earth- we trust to something far better!!

Marian has started a tambourine band with her ladies meeting. First public performance was at the above mentioned RSBM conference, where she also took the 'ladies circle' ministry meeting.

Lots more to say as usual but time to sign off we send our love in Jesus to all who receive this-thank you for your support.

Martin and Marian