I heart Malawi

Greetings! fellow readers! As many of you may already know, God has given me the opportunity to go to Malawi in southeastern Africa, July 11-24, to join Him in His work there. 

My church, The People's Church, has established a partnership with the Capital City Baptist Church in Lilongwe, Malawi to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical ways. The primary purpose of this partnership is to resource the Kauma Orphan Support Initiative, also known as "Adziwa." There are over 12 million children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa, and this project will help children orphaned by AIDS and their adoptive families by providing them with decent housing and agricultural projects that will provide steady income. Another aspect of this project is the construction of a school, as over half the children of Malawi receive no formal education. I am honored to have the opportunity to help build the bricks and help erect a house for one of these deserving families.

I will be traveling with 9 amazing men and women. Our trip will be our church's fifth trip this year. A few months ago, I was able to attend a meeting where I heard some amazing stories and saw some beautiful pictures that spoke volumes. My heart yearned for these people, and I knew, without a doubt, that God was calling me to go.

Recently, I posted a blog about my upcoming journey and asked if my readers would begin praying for me and the team. In addition, our church has asked us to pray about asking friends and family for financial support as a love offering to the church, as each person will be responsible for their expenses which will be around $4000. I was really convicted as I wondered if I should even ask anyone to contribute to help fund my journey. After speaking with our team leaders and praying, I realized that many people want to help as they may never have the opportunity to go on a mission trip, so here I am, laying my heart out before you and what God is doing through me. The smallest donations can make the biggest impact for His Kingdom. Are you willing to give up a starbucks coffee, a value meal or a movie ticket for the cause?

I know we are living in a time of uncertainty, but one thing is certain, that God is faithful. He knows all our desires and our needs, and He will meet us there. If you are unable to provide financial support, please consider praying for me and the team. If you are able to provide financial support, donations can be made out to The People’s Church and mailed to Ken Morris, The People's Church, 828 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064. Please note on the reference line, Stephanie Weaver - Malawi. Like all contributions to our church, your gift is tax deductible and you will get a receipt from the church.  Also, I am planning on having a yard sale in April, so if you are a local reader and have some stuff laying around that you have been meaning to get rid of, would you consider donating it to our yard sale?  

After my return, I will share all that God has done in my life through this journey. Leading up to the trip, I will post anything that God lays on my heart regarding my journey and any anxiety that I may be having so that you know what you can pray for me and the team specifically. Your prayers mean everything to us. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." - Isaiah 61:3