Country Facts
Mission History Culture Gospel Work
Scenery
|
|
|
Sallee Mission
Trip Report |
|
(Faith & Victory :
September
1997) |
|
|
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too
hard for me?" Jer. 32:27. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not
dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help
thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my
righteousness. For the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying
unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isa. 41:10,13. These
scriptures as well as many others were given to me during my
daughter's recent battle with malaria.
On July 3rd, of this year, the Lord helped my daughter, Karen, whom
He had burdened along with myself, to make a return missionary trip
to the country of Malawi, Africa, where Bro. Michael Smith and I had
visited last summer. It was such a thrill to drive down those now
familiar roads and into the village again where we were so
enthusiastically received by the people I had come to love so much.
It was like coming back home, yet we were in a strange land. Even
the native truck driver we had hired to take us to the village was
deeply moved by the love he saw the people had for us. There is
nothing like the love of God.
We found that the work has grown considerably since we were there
last year. The number of congregations Bro. Failos is now working
with in Malawi has doubled from eleven to twenty-two. There are also
many congregations in the neighboring country of Mozambique that he
is trying to help.
This year, due to the increase in transportation cost and an
impending food shortage in the country, we were not able to travel
around from congregation to congregation and have services. Instead
we had a meeting at Msikita Village where we were staying. It was
attended by all who could come from the various congregations we had
visited last year, as well as the new congregations, and many from
Mozambique. The people either walked or came by bicycle, some a very
long distance, sleeping out in the bush at night. Their attention
and response to the Word was very good. One day we had a baptismal
service in which fifty people were baptized. We had visitors to the
village daily, bringing offerings of rice, eggs, chickens or garden
produce.
We took 150 Bibles with us to distribute but there is still a great
need for more. Another serious and growing need is food. The maize
crop which is their main food source failed this year. It will be
the spring of next year before another crop will come off, so
starvation may become a reality to many people. Maize is available
in the neighboring country of Mozambique, but the price is going up.
The people are very poor and will not be able to buy an adequate
amount. We are considering ways to help those that we can with this
problem. It is very difficult to know how to deal with it. Please
help us pray for guidance in this matter.
On July 22nd, our work with the people was cut short when Karen came
down with malaria. The natives say that when you get malaria you
either take medicine to live or you die, unless God heals you. There
are over a million deaths a year in Africa from malaria. We knew we
were dealing with life and death. I told those we were staying with
that in the States we always pray and trust God to heal, and that
God would do the same for us in Africa. I began to fast and pray,
and sent word of our predicament to our family who was attending the
National Camp Meeting at Monark Spring, MO.
Although we were allowed to stare death in the face a number of
times, God was faithful to His Word and was with us every step of
the way, performing miracle after miracle. Each time we made a move
by faith, God worked another miracle. Space does not permit us to
enumerate each step of our journey and every special visitation and
answer to prayer. We were not alone in the battle. As the word got
out, prayer chains were started all over the United States with
people praying around the clock. When we got back to the States the
Lord burdened ministers to come and stay with us and help "...tum
the battle to the gate." Isa. 28:6. All glory goes to God who has
given us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. He broke the
power of this affliction and gave Karen life and not death. Glory to
His holy name. Though still weak in body, she is gaining in
strength. Please continue to pray for her and praise God for what He
has done.
Words cannot adequately express our appreciation to all who labored
in prayer, losing sleep and laying aside food to help bear our
burden. By the gracious giving of many people, all our expenses have
been met during this time. God bless you each one. Thank the Lord
for victory. No, there is not any thing too hard for God.
Please continue to pray for the saints in Malawi. They are dear
people, worthy of our love and care.
-Bro. Bob Sallee |
|
|
|
Index │
Next Article |
|
|
|
