Halliwells in Malawi June 2011

“Not Enough”

 Dear Friends,

Thank you for your continued prayers and communication with us.  It has been a very difficult time in Malawi .  We are calling it a time of “not enough”.  In Malawi we are dealing with constant shortages.  The most debilitating shortage is fuel.  Malawi is a land-locked country and relies on fuel coming in from other countries and currently it is not supplying what is needed.  Queues begin forming at petrol stations even if there is only a rumour that a tanker is coming in.  Roads are blocked and violence is more common as people become desperate.  People trying to travel to work on local mini-buses can only watch as the few that have fuel pass them by completely full.  A friend recently queued for 7 hours only to find that the fuel had run out 3 cars ahead of her!  

Life is not easy in Malawi .  Along with fuel shortages, we still have constant electricity and water rationing.  Our telephone stopped working last month and there is no sign that it will return any time soon.  Due to a lack of foreign exchange, food products that normally stock the shelves of our grocery stores are missing.  We can not get butter and many other dairy products.  

We were in a village area this week and wondered how all this “shortage” was affecting the average Malawian in the rural areas.  We concluded that in many ways, life in the village has not changed.  When you live in a house without electricity, running water or a telephone, how would you know of these problems?  If you walk everywhere you go, how would you know that petrol and diesel are not available?  If you have never tasted butter…what would you be missing?   

Life is different in the village.  People who have so little still find it in their hearts to praise God and thank Him for what He has given them: health, a roof over their head, food in their stomach and life…this is praiseworthy.  It made us stop grumbling and start praising!  We no longer complain about what we don’t have but look at all the wonderful things we DO have.  

We will be heading back to Canada for a few weeks this summer to have some necessary medical check ups and to sort through life after being absent for three years.  Our boys are counting sleeps now!  We hope to see some of you while we are home but if we do not, please remember to pray for us.    

Today we found out that our eldest son, Keagan (16), will need surgery very soon.  He has some complications due to having Perthes disease as a child.  The surgery will likely take place in September at the CURE hospital here in Blantyre , Malawi .  The initial surgery will determine whether a second operation is needed.  Please pray with us for Keagan’s complete healing.    

We also need prayer for our budget deficit again this year.  As the world tries to recover from the economic crisis, the needs are felt everywhere.  Missionaries all over the world are struggling to continue in ministry and we are no different.  We know that God has a plan and we are trusting that the shortfall will balance by the end of the year.  We don’t need a surplus…we just need “enough”.  

Finally, thank you for remembering us.  Recently, we have received some very encouraging messages and letters from Canada .  One package was sent in January but arrived in June…just when we needed the most encouragement.  You can still find the latest updates about what is happening at City Pentecostal Church and our ministries at www.cpcmw.org  

 Sincerely,  

Glen and Kerry Halliwell

PAOC Malawi