Urgent: Prayer Needed 

As some of you may know, Malawi is going through some seriously rough times and today the people decided that enough is enough. So....riots broke out in the capital city of Lilongwe. From there, the chaos spread throughout the entire country. We will learn specifics soon but several are dead and thousands continue to mob, loot, and flip the cities upside down. Malawi needs prayer. The scene is not quite as bad or dangerous in Blantyre (where we live) but there were thousands of demonstrators filling the streets today and violence broke out later in the day. To learn more about the situation go to BBC and type in "Malawi" or go to Google and search it. 
We never imagined that we'd be so close to something like this so soon after getting here. God is in control....we have no doubts about that but just pray that people won't lose their lives as things escalate. We have no clue as to how this situation will resolve....both sides need to have humility and the Lord can easily accomplish that. 
As I type this, I heard machine-gun fire. This is probably the clearest reminder that we’ve ever had that this world is not our home. We have a citizenship in heaven with the King of the universe and we can take deep comfort and joy in that! As Paul said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” So, as our hearts grieve those who have died today and as we seek His face on behalf of this country let us be reminded that our peace is not in our governments, money, cars, or comfort zones. I can say this because I have spoken with Malawian believers today who greeted me with a smile and said, “The Lord Jesus sees it all and will accomplish good through it all.” Eternity is real and so let our comfort be in Christ alone because this world is a uncertain place.
Love you all,
Luke, Becca, and Lyzee

As some of you may know, Malawi is in a turbulent time politically. There have been riots the last few days and we are uncertain what will unfold in the days ahead of us.  

As we  reflect on what is happening around us we think of 1 Kings 12. Solomon has just died and his son Rehoboam is now king of Israel. The people ask Rehoboam to lighten their workload so he seeks counsel before answering them. He receives wise counsel and foolish counsel. But Rehoboam chooses to listen to the foolish counsel and as a result the people rebel. Verse 15 says, “So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam…”.  Kings, leaders, presidents, parties, or groups may think they have control but it is always the Lord who “turns event” for His purposes. 

Let us pray for the Leaders here and for  the President and those who are counseling him.  Pray that he will listen to wise council.  Pray for the people here who are angry and want to see change. Pray that they will see the evil that comes from violence (some have died in the riots). Pray for the believers here that they would take every opportunity to share the HOPE within them. Pray for all the missionaries here (many are in very intense and dangerous situations) that the Lord would give us all wisdom. Pray for the SIM Malawi country director as he must make difficult decisions in the days ahead. Pray for the ministries here that they can continue.  Pray for our Malawian friends that they would be safe. Thank you for your concern and care for us. We’ll keep you updated if we can.

Luke and Becca

"For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:13-14)