This year’s Malawi camp meeting took place August 9-16 at Ntema Village, the headquarters campground in Lunzu, Blantyre. The theme was “Watch Therefore,” taken from Matthew 25:13. Among the delegates were John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, and his wife, Rodica, traveling with Onias Gumbo, the District Superintendent for Southern and Eastern Africa (SEAR). The three were able to attend the opening days of the camp meeting, joining a congregation of about 250.

Upon arriving at the headquarters church on Saturday, August 8, for a workers’ meeting, they were greeted warmly by a group of saints singing a welcome song. Inside, they encountered Boniface Banda, the Zambia Country Leader, who became Brother John’s primary interpreter during the visit.

The workers’ meeting started with a greeting from the Malawi Country Leader, Chris Nkhata. It continued with an exhortation on the “The Humble Servant” with opening text from 2 Chronicles 7:14, Micah 6:8, James 4:10, and 1 Peter 5:7. The speaker reminded everyone about how our work grew from humble beginnings to the global work it is today. He also used Biblical accounts to illustrate the importance of a humble attitude when serving God in any capacity. 

On the opening Sunday, the music presented an atmosphere of expectation as the choir sang in Chewa “Lift Up the Trumpet” and a soloist rendered “I Can Almost Hear the Trumpet.” The Scripture reading was taken from 2 Kings 3:4-18 where Elisha delivered God’s instructions to a parched army: “Make this valley full of ditches.” Brother John gave the message on “Diligence in Spiritual Digging,” taking his text from 2 Kings 3:10-18. He said that just as God filled the ditches in the valley with water, He will pour out living water on every thirsty soul who earnestly seeks Him.

In the evening, the music pointed everyone to Jesus. The congregation was led in “Walking with Jesus” and “Only Jesus,” while the choir sang “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” Last Mateyu of Chirimba gave an inspiring message from Jeremiah 33:3 encouraging all to “Call on the Lord and He Will Answer.” He said people can miss a phone call, but God is always listening and able to help. 

Three services on Monday highlighted some of God’s blessings. In the morning, Brother Onias gave the first Bible teaching titled “Eternal Life.” Beginning with Genesis 1:1 and 26-31, he presented the great hope that Christians have of Heaven. In the afternoon, the young people were encouraged from Isaiah 55:6-7 and Matthew 11:28 to “Seek the Lord” while they have the opportunity. In the evening, Mudzimu Mate of Johannesburg, South Africa, spoke on “Divine Healing” from John 5:1-8, emphasizing the power of the Lord stepping onto the scene.

On Tuesday, during the morning service the choir sang “Let the Fire of the Lord Come Down,” and a trio sang “Bring Your Vessels.” This prepared the way for a teaching on “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit” from Acts 1:5-8; 2: 1-4. In the evening, Brother Chris preached from 2 Chronicles 25:1-2 on not allowing the word “but” to impede one’s commitment to serving God.

The Musgraves and Brother Gumbo left Malawi Tuesday afternoon, and Brother John commented that the camp meeting was off to a good start. He said every service included victorious testimonies, and every invitation to pray was met with a great response. Following their departure, the services continued with daily Bible teachings on the subjects of “The Baptism of the Holy Ghost,” “What is a Christ?”, “Occupy Until I Come,” and “Tithes and Offerings.”

Several highlights of the week included a night of music and the observance of the ordinances of The Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing. Also, twenty-nine were baptized in water, including some from two newer groups in the villages of Pasani and Freddie. Prayer for God’s provision is needed for the further establishment of these groups. Currently, teams from the headquarters hold midweek services in both locations, and transportation is hired to bring the congregants to the campground for Sunday services.   

By the close of the camp meeting, the “great response” at every invitation to pray, spoken of by Brother John, had brought many victories. Among these, four were healed, twelve were saved, six received sanctification, and six were filled with the Holy Spirit. One sister from a village in the Eastern province was observed receiving her baptism. While praying, she began praising God in the Shona language, which was native to several around her. When asked if she knew what she was saying, she replied, “Not at all, but I know I’ve been filled with the Holy Ghost.”