Renfro Update November 2008

It is with great thanksgiving in our hearts that we pass this gratitude from the people to you, our supporters and prayer partners. What a blessing it was to see our village friends who, without intervention may have died long ago. They struggle sometimes with their health and when they do get sick, it takes longer to recover. Many of them are still very thin and frail, but on October 17 they received enough food for themselves and their families to last about one month. This food, along with the medicines they receive (free from the government) will hopefully make them strong enough to work in their fields and plant food for their families for next year.

Working together with God’s wonderful provision and intervention, three Bible study groups were started in 2007. From those groups come emotional support, prayer support and Bible teaching to strengthen their hearts and minds. We have taught them that when one has a need, the group should come together to meet that need. The fellowship and moral support has encouraged many of them to stay on their medications, eat healthy, care properly for their children, and stay on the path that leads to life in God’s Spirit.

It’s a beautiful ministry for which we can now pray and watch. There is really not much else we can do for them as a group other than to intervene when there is a famine. We do provide food for their groups when they don’t have enough to share, but after the harvest they will each bring food to share. Recently one of our supporters donated money for bicycle ambulances so we gave those out also this month. People will be able to get to the hospital or clinic when they are too weak themselves to go.

There are so many reasons why it is important for the church in America to reach out to these people. The main reason is because Jesus asks us to do it. Because He has so graciously and compassionately given to us so abundantly, we should also share with the “least of these.” When we give to them, we give to Him. Out of our gratitude, an outpouring of love should be shown. The number of AIDS orphans continues to grow and that is probably the second most important reason to help these people. If we can prolong their lives for as much as up to 15-20 years, they can raise their children and then their children will be old enough to care for them when they can no longer care for themselves. If we can prolong and strengthen their lives, they can be strong and productive citizens and witnesses for Christ in their communities and help end the stigma that comes with HIV/AIDS. So many wonderful things are coming out of this HIV ministry. We are so thankful to be able to see God working in this way and allow us to be a part of it.

Read more about our famine distribution on October 17, and see pictures on our blog at www.proclaiminghislove.blogspot.com.

Here is a list of prayer requests:

       For the 114 families we are helping with food during the famine months.

      Mphanda Christian Church as Larry has continued to teach the leaders about essential doctrine and church leadership.

Thank you!

Thank you for your prayers for us these past few months. We have felt your prayers and love and we are so grateful. Please enjoy your holidays and remember to thank God with us for what He is doing in Malawi.

For His Glory,

Larry and Mandy Renfro

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