I looked back through my posts and realize that while I was in Malawi I didn't have enough time to fully describe the FTS 10th anniversary celebration, which was the initial reason why I went to Malawi. So I will post more photos and try to describe the amazing experience of 5.5 hours of praising God for the work He is doing through some pretty amazing people.

Had to start with a photo of my two favorite women in Malawi -- Louise and Kim.

Before the event, Louise gave us a tour of the half-finished guest house. When our SCPC team visited in 2012, there was just a foundation here. Now, most of the bottom floor has walls up. There is still plenty of work to be done and the first contractor did not do a great job, but FTS is trusting God to provide what they need. They will use this facility to house out-of-town folks who come for FTS training. When their ministry is not using it, they hope to rent it out, in order to bring in a little revenue for FTS.

The morning of the celebration -- me, Louise, Mhpatso (Louise's Malawian daughter), Kim, Amos Chabiso (head of Chiefs Ministry), Heather Colby (Nkhoma Hospital Guest House Manager) -- an amazing group of God's servants.

Louise and I prepare for our talks later during the program. Yes, as an "honored guest" I had this nice cumfy couch to sit on throughout the 5.5 hours, while everyone else had plastic chairs.

The banner says it all!

The FTS Nkhoma Youth Club Choir sang a few songs for us.

Some of the FTS Nkhoma Youth Club members recited Bible verses -- many had memorized long passages. What a testimony to their leaders, who were trained by FTS and serve in their communities.

I already posted one photo of a little boy praying, here is the little girl who said her alphabet. I loved that the teacher was so "hands-on".  :)

 The FTS staff got us all started singing and dancing to Malibongwe, which means "Be Praised" and is my favorite Malawian song. I'll see if I can post a video, so you can hear the music.

 We had two huge tents filled with people. Because it is the dry season, the breeze which cooled us also blew dust all over everyone. But it was a small price to pay for the moving air.

 Here I am giving my speech. I shared a bit about my experience in Malawi and then read from the letter Y-Malawi US President John Gash wrote to FTS. Louise also shared about her years of experiences serving in Malawi. Many other Malawian leaders spoke about the impact that FTS has had in Malawi and the amazing faith of Louise. She has been serving in Malawi for over 20 years -- first as a missionary nurse and now as the founder of FTS. It brought me to tears many times to hear the stories of her amazing faith in God and her commitment to the ministry He has called her to. Her confidence is firmly set on our awesome God who is leading this ministry.

At the end of the ceremony, we planted four trees (2 mango and 2 avocado) to commemorate this occasion.


In appropriate Malawian closing, "Hallelujah!" (and then everyone responds) "Amen!"