I have just returned from a leadership seminar at Karonga, 600 miles to the north on the Tanzanian border.  Two years ago Andy Masters and Wayne Simpson of Memphis, TN came and taught the same seminar here at Namikango.  They did such an excellent job of explaining and demonstrating the concepts of grace and servant leadership that I asked them to return to Malawi and teach the same lessons, this time in the Northern Region.  We selected the Karonga district because its remote location means that it tends to be neglected when it comes to special visits or seminars.  When Andy and Wayne came to Malawi this time we were delighted to see that Andy's wife Carolyn was able to join them. 

Around 150 leaders from Karonga and the surrounding area attended the seminar.  Over and over they thanked us for considering their community.  Although we managed to provide some assistance to the local church for feeding these leaders, the bulk of the cost was handled by the local Christians themselves. 

For three days Andy and Wayne taught this group of fascinated leaders, using numerous practical illustrations to explain God's grace and how it can be shared among believers.  Andy opened the first session by washing the feet of all the participants over the age of 70, a demonstration of the type love and humility which would make the church prosper.

The local Christians had arranged for us to stay in a nice lodge during the course of our stay.  African cities tend to be noisy and crowded, so we were relieved to find that we would be staying in a secluded spot just a stone's throw from Lake Malawi. 

Throughout our stay there the believers treated as if we were visiting royalty, preparing fabulous meals for us every day.

On our return south we stayed at the home of Moster Kanyinji, an evangelist who works from the city of Mzuzu (translating for Wayne in the photo).  At his home we found a youth group, singing hymns in English to welcome our American visitors.  The next day Andy and Wayne (seen teaching in the photo) were given the opportunity to share the Word with the local congregation.