A VERY short synopsis of the entire trip

From August 1-3, we were flying to Malawi. It takes about 22 hours of flying to get there. We flew from LAX to Dulles, Washington D.C. From there we went to Johannesburg, South Africa, with a fuel stop in Dakar, Senegal, which was a 16 hour flight. After spending the night in a casino (nice missions trip, huh?), we had our last 2 and 1/2 hour flight to Lilongwe, Malawi! From there the Spencers, the missionaries that we went to visit, picked us up.

The Spencer family consists of Steve and Marion, the parents, and 7 1/2 kids(she's pregnant with number 8):
David(19)
JonJon(17)
Nell(14)
Caleb(12)
Sam(9)
Charlotte(4)
Stephen(2)
???(Due in October)

So we kinda just hung out and got used to the campus, unpacked, got ready for everything, and met people until Tuesday, August 5, when we started VBS. We did VBS for the missionary kids instead of the village kids, which ended up being such a great blessing to them, their families, and us. Every other team comes to work with the village kids, and we were the first to ever consider the MKs. We learned that we can't forget that the kids who left their homes to live in Africa need to learn about God too. VBS went from Tuesday until Friday, August 8. We would end VBS, have lunch, and then go work somewhere else every day. The first day we helped an ABC staff member move. The second day the guys helped them paint, then dug a ditch instead while the girls went to a crisis nursery and held babies. The day after that, Thursday, we all went to the crisis nursery because it had been such a good experience. And then on Friday after the last day of VBS we went to a village for a few hours to take a tour of a feeding program and hang out with the African children.

On Saturday, August 9, we left for Dzuwa Village(pronounced without the "D", so like Zoo Wha) where Steve, Nell, and Caleb Spencer came along. We spent the night there. During our short stay there we did a craft with the children, had a soccer match(our guys vs. their guys, guess who won...), went to a long church service, and showed the Jesus Film in Chichewa, the language there. We had some interesting experiences during that village trip. Our bathroom was a hole in the ground, and one of our meals was a goat that we saw being slaughtered, skinned, and have all it's insides pulled out before we ate it. Fun times.

We left again on Monday, August 11, to go to Zomba to visit Dick and Charlotte Day. Zomba was a few hours away, and we were in a big bus and on bumpy dirt roads. But Zomba was gorgeous and very green whereas Lilongwe was mostly dirt. And Dick and Charlotte are such great people to be around. We enjoyed spending time with them just as we did with the Spencer family. We went around to villages where they have the GoGo Grandmothers program which is Charlotte Day's project for orphaned child whose parents have died from like AIDS, and their caretakers. And we also went to a school where they use the Why Wait? curriculum written by Dick Day, which talks about abstinence and God in public schools! They have been blessed to have their curriculum allowed in the public schools there. It was great to visit the Days and see all the things that they have going on.

On Wednesday we left them and arrived at the safari. We went in a car around the park on a land safari from 3:30-7:00. We saw elephants, warthogs, hippos, so many impalas that you kinda just wanted to kill some after awhile so there would be less, and some other stuff. The elephants and hippos would walk around the huts that we slept in at night. The next morning, some of the team woke up for a 5:30 AM safari in the Rhino Enclosure for $5 extra and saw a zebra and it's baby, wildebeests, sable antelopes, and two African buffaloes, but no rhino in the Rhino Enclosure. From 8-10, we had a boat safari, kinda like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. We saw huge crocodiles and hippos, and two elephants fighting on the shore and we got right up beside all of those animals. It was great to witness God's great creation up close and personal.

Right after that ended, we left for Lilongwe again to go to ABC for one last day with the Spencers. The kids had a movie night, boys watched I Am Legend, and girls watched Uptown Girls. Then at 12:30 the next day, Friday, August 15, we left for the airport.

We flew from Lilongwe to Johannesburg. We had a delay in Johannesburg for a few hours, so we got a free dinner from the airport. Then we went from Johannesburg to New York, with a stop in Dakar again. Then from New York to LAX! This time it only took two days instead of three to get to our destination.

Wow, that was alot, and that basically told nothing about the trip. There are so many other things that happened, so many other feelings felt. We all have so much to say, but everything would take days to actually say it! And some things just can't be explained. We would be happy to tell you anything else that you are wondering about. Just come up and ask any one of the team!

:)

May God bless you!

Wow! We're back!!!!!!

Sorry that we could not get any information up as we were in Africa. We were extremely busy, and the internet did not always work in Africa like it does here. So every minute on the computer was precious and spent updating family members at home. Thanks to Shayleen Sanborn for sending out updates on Mike throughout the trip.

Well, we have finally arrived home after a long trip. We were so blessed with the events and experiences that we had in Malawi. Come up to any of us tomorrow or any time and we will be so incredibly happy to tell you about it! Anything from what we did, how we were changed, what our best and worst moments were, and some pretty funny stories and adventures, just ask and we'll tell! But don't be too mad if we fall asleep while you're talking to us tomorrow, we're very tired and used to a nine hour difference in time.
:)
Thank you all for your prayers throughout this trip, it helped so much.
May God bless you!

Pre-trip jitters

We leave in less than 24 hours! Around 15 and a half to be exact!

As we busy ourselves with a few last minute things, please remember to pray for many things surrounding the trip.
Pray:

• That everyone remembers exactly what to pack and doesn't forget anything.
  
• That everyone stays calm during the rushing around.
  
• That everyone gets enough rest for the days to come.
  
• For Danny and Sandi Thompson as they prepare to send off the rest of the team and Danny prepares to return home in the coming days.
  
• That we stay healthy during these last crucial hours and during the trip.
  
• That God opens the hearts of the Malawian people and prepares them to hear His message that we are teaching.
• That God opens our hearts to the people of Malawi.

Thank you all for the great support you have given us throughout our preparations these past months!!!! May God bless you all!

URGENT Prayer Request

The Malawi Team needs to find where we can get our malaria medicine for an inexpensive price. If you know where we can get the medicine for cheap, let us know.

We are leaving in just over two weeks and need to start the meds a couple days before we leave.

PLEASE pray we can find an inexpensive way to get the medicine we need.

Thank you.

Malawi Meditations - Week 4

Malawi Meditations
Malawi 0808
Week 4 (July 21-31)
Meditations Before We Depart

Why are we going to Malawi? 4) To learn from Jesus for future ministry.

Scripture to think about this week:

Philippians 3:7-14
7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Questions to ponder this week:

• Why does God want me to go on this mission trip?

• What do I expect to see when I am in Malawi? Am I open to being surprised by God? Am I open to having my expectations NOT be met?

• How can I be more aware of Christ as my companion now and while I am in Malawi?

• How can I become more aware of His love for me and for others?

Malawi Meditations - Week 3

Malawi Meditations
Malawi 0808
Week 3 (July 14-20)
Meditations Before We Depart

Why are we going to Malawi? 3) To proclaim Christ’s love.

Scripture to think about this week:

Matthew 5:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Questions to ponder this week:

• How might the people in Malawi be able to taste the goodness of Jesus through my attitude while I am with them?

• How can I shine the light of Jesus through the sharing of my testimony? What stories from my life can I share that will show how wonderful Jesus is to others?

• What can I do now to prepare myself to be salt and light while in Malawi? Are there any troublesome attitudes that I have right now that I need to deal with before I go?

Malawi Meditations - Week 2

Malawi Meditations
Malawi 0808
Week 2 (July 7-13)
Meditations Before We Depart

Why are we going to Malawi? 2) To help the poor.

Scripture to think about this week:

Luke 14:12-23
12 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." 15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' 19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' 21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 " 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.

Questions to ponder this week:

• Does God have a special heart for the poor? Do I?

• What other Scriptures do I know about helping the poor? What else did Jesus say about the poor?

• If we are not supposed to give money to the poor in Malawi, what can we do to truly help them on behalf of Jesus?

Malawi Meditations - Week 1

Malawi Meditations
Malawi 0808
Week 1 (June 30-July 6)
Meditations Before We Depart

Why are we going to Malawi? 1) To encourage and support our missionaries.

Scripture to think about this week:

Philippians 4:10-19
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Questions to ponder:

• In what ways am I like the Philippians in this mission trip to Malawi, and in what ways am I like Paul?

• What did Paul think about the Philippians’ generosity toward him? What did God think about it? See v. 10 and v.18. What acts of generosity have happened to me with regards to this mission trip?

• In what specific ways can I be generous to our missionaries in Malawi?

• In what ways can I have the same attitude as Paul in vv. 12-13?

Featured Member-Danny Thompson

Danny Thompson is going to Malawi with his wife, Sandi, and his two kids, Emily and Zac. Here is a little about him.

Basic Information:
What is your name? Danny Thompson

How old are you? 49

Fun questions:
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch

What is your favorite movie or TV show? Movie: Casablanca TV: Dallas

Serious questions:
Why did you choose to go to Africa this summer? Work with and help HIV/AIDS orphans

What is your favorite Bible verse? II Corinthians 4:7-12

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? I want to see my children experience what I experienced when I went to Africa the first time.

Do you have any specific prayer requests? Funding. I need to have a couple real estate transactions in the next month to help pay for the missions trip.

July Hilltopper Article

Malawi 0808

Time to get things packed and head for Malawi, Africa. The Malawi 0808 Team leaves on Friday, August 1, to work with Steve and Marion Spencer at African Bible College in Lilongwe and assist Dick and Charlotte Day and GoGo Grandmothers in Zomba.

Pray for the team each day from now until our return in August. Pray for us as we continue preparations through the month of July.

Here is a list of specific prayer requests the team has as we go to Malawi:

1. Pray for the missionaries we will assist during our time in Africa: Spencer Family, Dick and Charlotte Day and GoGo Grandmothers.
2. Prepare the hearts and minds of the children and families in Malawi for the message of love and the Gospel we bring and share with them.
3. Health and safety of the Malawi Team. Malaria is a concern.
4. Continued spiritual growth on the team.
5. Traveling mercies to and from Malawi.
6. Openness to what God has for us to do and accomplish in His name.

This is our tentative schedule of activities for our time in Malawi. Some of the group may stay in Lilongwe to assist the Spencers while others go to Zomba to help the Days. There is also the possibility of using the Sports Camp to present the Gospel to representatives of the U.S. and Japan Embassies by scheduling a basketball game between the Malawi 0808 Team and the national teams. That would be a fun time.

Fri, Aug 1 Leave from LAX at 6:00AM. Fly to Washington DC
Sat, Aug 2 Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Sun, Aug 3 Fly to Lilongwe, Malawi. African Bible College
Mon, Aug 4 Orientation at African Bible College
Tue, Aug 5 Sports Camp and VBS with local Malawi children
Wed, Aug 6 Sports Camp and VBS with local Malawi children
Thu, Aug 7 Sports Camp and VBS with local Malawi children
Fri, Aug 8 Sports Camp and VBS with local Malawi children
Sat, Aug 9 Travel to village outside of Lilongwe. Jesus Film
Sun, Aug 10 Village outside of Lilongwe. Jesus Film
Mon, Aug 11 Zomba: Days and GoGo Grandmothers
Tue, Aug 12 Zomba: Days and GoGo Grandmothers
Wed, Aug 13 Zomba: Days and GoGo Grandmothers
Thu, Aug 14 Return to Lilongwe and African Bible College
Fri, Aug 15 Fly home: Lilongwe to Johannesburg to New York
Sat, Aug 16 New York to LAX. Arrive LAX around 7:00PM
Sun, Aug 17 Report on trip during morning service at GHFC or sleep all morning and wait until next week?

Below is a list of those going to Malawi. Place a name next to each day on the schedule. Pray for that particular person and the activities taking place on that day. There are 16 of us in the group and we will be gone 16 days:

Kathy Hotz - Home School Mom and VBS Leader
Kyle Hotz - Student at Whittier Christian High
Megan Hotz - Student at Biola University
Mike Sanborn - Adult Pastor at GHFC
Clayton Smith - Student at Whittier Christian High
Grady Smith - Student at Whittier Christian High
Janel Smith - Teacher and VBS Leader
Mike Smith - Coach and Sports Enthusiast
Danny Thompson - Coordinator and College Instructor
Emily Thompson - Student at Whittier Christian ISP
Sandi Thompson - Teacher and VBS Leader and Home School Mom
Zac Thompson - Student at Whittier Christian High
Natalie Wilch - Student at Whittier Christian High
Callie Winters - Teacher
Paul Winters - Student at Sonora High
Will Winters - Student at Sonora High

We cherish the love, support and encouragement we’ve received from Granada Heights Friends. We are excited for what God has planned for us while in Malawi.

We will report on activities through our blog. If you have not seen or read the information on the blog, go to the following web address and bookmark it:

http://malawi0808.blogspot.com/

Keep up with what we are doing and add your comments of support and encouragement. It helps to know you are keeping us in your prayers and is a great source of encouragement to read and hear your comments.

Featured Member-Zac Thompson

The featured member now is Zac Thompson. Zac will be going to Africa with his parents and older sister, Emily. Here is some information on him.

Personal Questions:
Name: Zac Thompson

Age: 15

Fun Questions:
Favorite ice cream: cookies and cream

Favorite movie or TV: Hmmm I am not sure... I like Braveheart

Serious Questions:
Why do you want to go to Africa? Because it is going to be an amazing life-changing experience and I will be able to spread God's love to people in desperate need.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Jer. 33:3

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? Helping the children learn things that will change their lives forever

Do you have any specific prayer requests? Safety for our Malawi Team

Featured Member-Natalie Wilch

Natalie Wilch is our next featured member. Natalie, like Mike Sanborn, will be traveling to Africa without any other family members. Here is a little more about her.

Personal Questions:
Name: Natalie Wilch

Age: 17

Fun Questions:
Favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip

Favorite movie or TV: Anne of Green Gables/The Office

Serious Questions:
Why do you want to go to Africa? To serve God and the needy in Africa

What is your favorite Bible verse? Micah 6:8

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? Working with the children during VBS

Do you have any specific prayer requests? That I raise all of the money I need, that I don't get sick or get a disease when I go over there, and that this experience will change me.

Specific Prayer Request

The Malawi Team needs your prayers! On Tuesday, June 24, 2008, we have to pay for our flight tickets in full. We would like your prayers on this matter.

We have already placed a 25% deposit on the flight costs. Last week, we were informed the prices had increased slightly due to a fuel tax that was added to the cost. It was not a huge increase, but with the flights making up the vast majority of the mission's cost, it still hurts to pay more than expected.

The remainder of the flights costs has to be transferred to Malawi on June 24. Most members of the team are still raising funds. We ARE NOT asking for money. We ARE asking for your prayers that the Lord will provide the necessary funds needed to pay for the flights for each team member.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Featured Member-Mike Sanborn

Again, we have another member to feature. This time Mike Sanborn will be the chosen team member. He is one of two people that will be going to Malawi without any other family members.

Personal Questions:
Name: Mike Sanborn, a.k.a. Michael

Age: 33

Fun Questions:
Favorite ice cream: Extreme Moose Tracks

Favorite movie or TV: Lost, the best television show ever conceived

Serious Questions:
Why do you want to go to Africa? To show the African people that God loves them tremendously.

What is your favorite Bible verse? John 7:37-39

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? Smiles from the kids

Do you have any specific prayer requests? For power from the Spirit when the spontaneous ministries come up.

June 1st Fundraiser

Join us Sunday afternoon, following church, for lunch at the Food Court on Beach and Imperial.

Baja Fresh and Jerry's Dogs have agreed to help the Malawi Team by contributing 15% of proceeds from Sunday afternoon.

Pick up your flyer at church. We will have flyers at the Malawi table before and after both services Sunday morning.

This promises to be a fun time of fellowship and food. We look forward to seeing you there.

Yard Sale

The Malawi Team has a YARD SALE planned for Saturday.

When: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Time: 7:30am-1:00pm
Where: Corner of Starbuck and Colima in Whittier.
(Between Lambert Rd and Whittier Blvd)

If you have donations to contribute to the Yard Sale, you can drop-off items at the Church on Friday, May 30, 2008 from 4:00-6:00.

Stop by to find the treasures you want and support the Malawi Team as we get closer to going to Africa to work with Malawi youth and the African Bible College this summer.

What Is The Team Doing In Malawi This August?

Many have been asking "What Is The Team Doing In Malawi This August?"

Here's some information to help answer this question.

Daytime: Work with Malawi Youth
-Sports Camps: Basketball and Baseball Outreach
-Vacation Bible School: Present Gospel to Youth
-Assist GoGo Grandmothers in Zomba

Evenings: Jesus Film
-Show film in villages near African Bible College

Join us Sunday afternoon, May 18, in the GHFC Courtyard for BBQ Burgers and hear more on our mission to Malawi.

Happy Birthday Paul and Will!

Today is Will and Paul Winters' Birthday. The twins turn fifteen today. When you see them at church, tell them Happy Birthday.

We will be continuously sharing personal information like birthdays and anniversaries on the blog so people can learn about the people of the team. You can also specifically pray for the team members on their specials days.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

Happy Birthday boys!

Featured Member-Sandi Thompson

As mentioned before, a member of the team will be featured every so often on the blog. This is so you will learn more about the individuals on the team. This time the featured person is Sandi Thompson. She will be going to Malawi with her husband and two kids, who we will feature later.

Personal Questions:
Name: Sandi Thompson

Age: You know!

Fun Questions:
Favorite ice cream: peppermint or mint chocolate chip

Favorite movie or TV: old time movies (Casablanca, Roman Holiday, etc..) or any history related movie

Serious Questions:
Why do you want to go to Africa? After I heard Steve Spencer speak I knew I was supposed to go to Africa. I had been praying for almost a year about a mission's trip for my family and nothing that came up seemed right. As soon as I heard about this trip, it seemed perfect. My family has been involved with teaching and working with kids and part of my family is athletic for the sport's camp.

What is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go."

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? I am so excited to go just to help out and to get to know the Spencers and the Days. I know I'll be exhausted and I'm not sure about all I will do, but I'm excited for the chance to just follow what the Lord will have me do, whether it will be moving books, painting, or whatever!! If I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do, I will be blessed beyond anything I can think of.

Do you have any specific prayer requests? Unity in our group, details to be done here; including finances, prayer for those we will be ministering to in Africa

Happy Birthday Callie!

Today is Callie Winters' birthday. When you see Callie, wish her a Happy Birthday.

Consider making a contribution to the Malawi Team in honor of team members with birthdays in April. Donations can be made to GHFC. Include a note indicating your check goes to Malawi0808 summer mission funds.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Happy Birthday Callie.

Chick-fil-A Monday

WOW! Monday night was a blast! Seeing all the people from GHFC, WCHS, Heights Jr. High, and Biola was fantastic. The first hour and a half, the place was packed. The last hour+ had a nice steady stream of people coming in for dinner.

It was truly exciting to see all who showed up last night. Thanks to Janel for bringing a birthday cake to celebrate Mike's birthday. Kevin Johnson stopped by with his family (it was Kevin's birthday yesterday too).

It was great to see several of the elders stop by for dinner before their meeting. We had members of the Liberia team join us also. It was a great time to focus on the needs in Africa.

Thanks to Tom, Christina and Evelyn at Chick-fil-A for their support and encouragement. This was a successful outing for all involved.

Happy Birthday Mike Smith!

Today is Mike Smith's birthday. Join us this evening at Chick-fil-A in La Habra to celebrate Mike's birthday and support the Malawi0808 Team. Janel plans to make a cake to share this evening. When you see Mike, wish him a Happy Birthday.

Again, we are posting information regarding specific members of the Malawi Team from time to time.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Happy Birthday Mike.

Monday Night at Chick-fil-A

Monday evening, April 21, from 5:00 to 8:00, the Malawi Team is having a fundraiser at Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches in La Habra (located at Beach and Imperial).

Since many of our wives spent the weekend at the Women's Retreat, what a wonderful treat it would be to bring her and the family to Chick-fil-A for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner on Monday evening.

15% of the dinner receipts, from orders with a flyer, will be donated to the Malawi Summer Missions Team.

Stop by the Malawi Table Sunday morning and pick up a few flyers. Hand them out to your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Don't forget to bring the flyer with you on Monday evening.

See you Monday evening at Chick-fil-A.

Thank you for your support and enjoy your chicken sandwich meal (the Coffee Caramel Shakes are delicious also).

Happy Birthday Megan!

Today is Megan's birthday! When you see her, wish her a Happy Birthday.

Again, we will be posting information regarding specific members of the Malawi Team from time to time. When there is an event like a birthday or anniversary, you can specifically pray for the team member for the week. We have a list of prayer requests on this blog or you can contact us to see if there is anything specific that needs prayer.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Happy Birthday Megan.

Featured Member - Megan Hotz

Every so often we will feature a team member on the blog. This way you will be able to learn a little bit about the people of the team and get to know them. The first featured member is Megan Hotz. She is going to be traveling to Africa with her mother and brother, who will be featured later on.

Basic Information:
What is your name? Megan Hotz

How old are you? 20

Fun questions:
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Green Tea

What is your favorite movie or TV show? Veronica Mars

Serious questions:
Why did you choose to go to Africa this summer? I think it is a neat
opportunity to serve the Lord, and experience a new culture.

What is your favorite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

What are you looking forward to when you get to Africa? Meeting the
children!

Do you have any specific prayer requests? For strengthening in my faith
and a continual reliance on God for strength physically, mentally, and
spiritually preparing me for what lies ahead.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today is Emily's birthday. When you see her in church this morning, wish her a Happy Birthday!

We will be posting information regarding specific members of the Malawi Team from time to time. When there is an event like a birthday or anniversary, you can specifically pray for the team member for the day or week. We have a list of prayer requests on this blog or you can contact us to see if there is anything specific that needs prayer.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Happy Birthday Emily!!!!

Exciting Spencer News

As most of you know, the team is going over to work with the Spencer family at African Bible College. Recently we have heard some wonderful news from them. Although already consisting of 7 kids, we learned that Marion Spencer is again pregnant! The EIGHTH child is now on the way. WOW! Congratulations to them! No wonder they need us to go over and help out.

Luncheon

Today we had a soup and salad luncheon that went wonderfully. Thanks to all who showed up. Hope you enjoyed it! Next month we will be having a fund raiser at Chick-fil-A on Monday, April 21st (our very own team-member Mike Smith's birthday!). Make sure you pick up a flyer to show them before you go, or else nothing will go to us. We will be handing them out soon, so watch out. Thanks again to all who have supported us.

Malawi Team

Hello supporters of the Malawi 0808 team!
This is our new blog where you can learn about what is going on the Malawi 0808 Team from GHFC. Here you will learn updates about our team and find out about our fundraisers. Right now, our team consists of 9 youth (Jr. High-College) and 7 adults. We will be going to Malawi, Africa for 16 days in August, 2008. If you feel led, we are still welcoming people to join our team.