Welcome
“To him who overcomes, I will give a white stone and … a new name written on it …” Revelation 2:17
2009 was another defining year for the widows in Malawi and for the general ministry of Ruth’s Shawl. The work accomplished by the LORD in 2009 was vast – just one miracle after another. We’re learning that the only constant in this ministry will be the miracles!
When we began the Malawi program in January 2009, we knew that we needed to focus on the literacy program for the nineteen widows in our care. So, as we applied the prayers and direction received to establish the program and to supplement their food with beans and maize, the LORD began multiplying our efforts in other ways.
We were able to provide the widows with Bibles, in their own language, and they began a bible study every two weeks in the book of Ruth. Nora Braselton, our Program Manager, would give them the upcoming scripture that they were going to be covering during the next study and they, in turn, would study the text in class in preparation.
As they began to improve their reading skills – something that happened amazingly fast – they then asked for a daily reading. So we created a daily devotional that they now complete and incorporate into their children’s lives. WOW! What a watershed moment in the lives of these widows and their families! Just a year ago they could not read – and now they can read and discern the will of God, seeking His purpose for theirs and their children’s lives! Hallelujah!
While this was happening, the LORD provided an opportunity for a children’s program by raising up a wonderful man for our ministry – Timothy Kaleidzi. Timothy, an orphan himself, was very concerned that the widows’ children hear the Word of God. When it came time to meet with their children, ALL of the children in the village showed up. So there is now a gathering of well over 100 children – ranging in age from the very young to teenagers – who come every two weeks to hear God’s Word for themselves. We didn’t know how we were to begin a children’s program – but God did, and He had not forgotten about His little ones.
The local school approached Nora and asked her if Ruth’s Shawl would teach God’s word to their nearly 4,000 children each week – something Timothy has taken on. From this school connection, the local community welcomed an outreach to around 5,000-7,000 people. Approximately 1,000 people raised their hands for Christ and of those, approximately 500 filled out cards. The average age on the cards was 9½!
In December 2009, four widows graduated! Three of them have begun their own businesses. The fourth is going on to higher education. More will graduate in 2010 and some of our widows have begun to mentor other widows in the community.
The work God does begins in the heart. It is a work that changes lives and communities – not by programs, but by His Word and His Spirit moving freely in the hearts of all who hear Him. That’s the work we are involved in. God has fashioned our work for us and we continually desire to seek His will. It is He who accomplished the progress this past year. We were His instruments, but only He could make so much happen so easily – and we praise Him and look expectantly to 2010.
God bless you and many thanks for your involvement and commitment to the widows. It is very encouraging to us to have your prayers and support. May God richly bless you.
Robin Hughes, Chairman of the Board