Mission Malawi Pictures

Boards for cornices are being laid out. They will be installed betwee the ceiling and the walls to prevent dust from falling into the rooms.

Celebrating Mark's birthday

More and more printing

February 21, 2006: Children lined up today to receive porridge flour.

February 21, 2006: Deep in the forest district of Chikwawa Thiesen takes a break after a long and tiresome drive over a rough road on an unsuccessful hunger relief trip. In this case the people had not received word that we were coming.

February 21, 2006: Mark Thiesen arriving at Namasalima on the border with Mozambique with hunger area with hunger help. He enter brother Spoon's house followed by Jekete.

We charge our students a fee of about $4.00 per month to study at our Bible school. It helps some on the expense of caring for them while they are here, but its main benefit is that it helps them to receive a sense of responsibility in paying at least a small part for what they are receiving. We believe that it makes them appreciate this opportunity and apply themselves more. How do they pay? Some are sponsored by churches or individual Christians. Others pay on their own. For those who don't have enough to cover the cost, we provide work on campus to help them make some money during their stay here. One task is to clear brush.

We are excited about the future of the Ntonda School work. We have placed Rodrick Maluwa, a former teacher who still has a passion for making sure kids get a decent education, as our main representative to work with the school staff to improve the school. Rodrick has also been consicentious that money donated for the school actually goes into the school. Month by month we have begun renovating some of the old teacher's houses along with their outdoor kitchens and toilets. This has necessitated the moulding of thousands of bricks, which are being made on site.

Since we have left Rodrick Maluwa in charge of our relations with Ntonda School, we have developed a much better relationship with the school administration. Rodrick's commitment to improving the school facilities with our limited funds has inspired the school administration to take some initiative of its own, such as building this kitchen on their own.

What remains to be done on the house is painting inside and out. Wiring also needs to be completed as much of the old wiring presented a fire hazard and had to be replaced.

Outside new facia board trims along the edge of the roof.

We are so grateful for the folks back home who have made this project possible through their contributions. Renovating a house may not be as glamorous as going out to preach and teach or doing the other things that we prefer to do, but it is absolutely essential that we keep the mission property in good condition for the safety of people who live here and to prevent much greater expense later should the buildings reach a state where they cannot be repaired and must be entirely replaced. This project, which really began last year with the replacement of the first section of the roof, is providing a safer environment for my family and the other employees of Namikango who are in the houses every single day. Having a well-kept safe base of operations from which to work from will only enhance our total ministry efforts

Brother Bisani Mphongolo, who has a lot of experience in building projects, has worked closely with the contractor to ensure that we get a good job for an acceptable price. Here he discusses the project with our maintenance man brother Singani.

Greetings from the Namikango Bible School office staff! With me from left to right is Symon Katete, Maternity Clinic Administrator, Rodrick Maluwa, Stores and Media Coordinator, Bisani Mphongolo, Assistant Director, P.F. Nsalira, Office Administrator, and Rodgers Chitsulo, Sales and Ministry Coordinator.

As a team we are grateful to all of our ministry and prayer partners around the world. May the Lord bless each of you richly.

Recently we have had cause to worry about John Katete, Symon's father. He injured his leg while riding a big and this resulted in infection and a two-week stay in the hospital, which included minor surgery. Last week John was released but has been going for regular treatment for his wound. He is staying at Symon's home here on the mission. Slowly he is recovering, though still in pain and dependent on crutches to get around.