January 2024 – Sovereign Grace Baptist Mission International

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Seven in series.

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa

P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi / P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Missionary / Evangelist:  Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite042gmail.com
Website:  sgbm-malawi-africa.com
Date:   27^th January 2024

Dear Pastor, Church & All Supporters,

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

The previous reports on the Mission work, the pastors, churches, Malawians, their lives, (Eri & Edwin) whom some support, I have given you enough information to make sound decisions morally and biblically, the H.S. will guide you and lead you further.

The first church service I had after arriving, was here at the property where Bro. Eric is Pastor, the building I constructed serves as a meeting house for the church, besides a Bible School building and now my residence whilst here for the short term I am.

Big difference between the PNG people and here, I will not get into all the customary differences, however I will say, tribal people all over the world have many things in common. The PNG people will make sure they get their money’s worth out of the preacher, here in Malawi, they are more prone to singing and shorter preaching.

There was a decent crowd, but later Eric informed me that several who came had not been attending for many years, rather came to see if I was going to employ them or give them something! They got something; indeed, they got two hours of preaching the Word!

There was a young man who said he wanted to join the church, after I had him come forward and I questioned him, why did he want to join this church…. An opportunity for him to share his testimony, when he seemed confused, I asked “Did Jesus do anything for you”? his reply, nothing, so I thanked him for coming to church and that was the end of that story. We are to examine people, they are to give their testimonies if none, then it stops there!

Another young man who had been a member s few years ago, the church had excluded him (the churches in Malawi and PNG) practice exclusion much like many of our churches in the USA used to many years ago, what happened? The church reinstated his membership.

The next week, I adapted to the timeline, and most of the week became acquainted with some of the problems, both in the mission work and on the property. I have already shared some of those problems. There has been an issue with locals (villagers) who would cut through the property with illegal firewood they had cut out of the National park, which is protected (or I should say in theory) as no government official will do anything about it. The trees are cut, and they make charcoal from the trees. This has been going on since I first came to Malawi back in 1994. The roadblocks which, are manned by regular Police constables, traffic Police, Para-Military units, many times, Customs & Immigration officers.

How do these common people get through the roadblocks with illegal charcoal on their bicycles?

I have been teaching Bible lessons every day that I have been here, I extended a call to five pastors who have been with the work since day one, and advised them to come for conferencing about the mission work as well as to discuss problems that have generated since I have been absent.

Someone must be in charge or at least (lead) in any type of work, on every sector of life, the LORD’S work is no exception. All Baptist churches (our kind) do not have Popes, dictators, etc… (amongst some Baptist) there seems to be that in practice, rather than theory!

However, though we believe in total autonomy and independence of each Bap church, there is such a thing as (fellowship amongst brethren, it is (good) the Bible says for brethren to dwell together! However, do not take this as a (mandate), many times the fellowship is nothing more than competition, jockeying for position and proud displays of (titles, well dressed etc.).

Two men (Elder Jackson Kopolo, & Elder Dinala Chipala) I gave advice they should accompany Eric and Edwin when going on mission journeys, to establish every word by the mouth of (two or three)., Eric & Edwin I gave order to teach, and continue operations of the Bible school, with lessons that I would send them.

Fast forward, over the past eight years, these positions to these men have caused issues, jealously, conflicts, and almost a division in the work. I have held meetings with these men and have worked out the problems, given exhortation, they have agreed to submit to God’s Word and set things right again. It is not N.T. mission work to continue to wet nurse and hold the hands of a mission work (churches & pastors, teachers etc.) that is now (twenty-eight years) old.

The second Sunday I have been here, I went to visit the church building where Bro. Edwin is a member, his father is the pastor, (Bro. Dinala Chipala), that church has lost many members over the years I have been gone, for one reason or another, mainly has to do with (money, food, social programs). Part of the problems I have discovered is that that pastors have not been trying to (build up) the local church, those reading this, what did Missionary Paul mean when he instructed Timothy (a young pastor (2 Timothy 4:5) “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

If the Pastor does not labour to build up the church – physically – Evangelism, then who is?

I had agreed with the Bro. Chipala that I would be there to start by 09:30 am Sunday morning. I walked the two miles to the main road to catch transport, Edwin, myself and then down the road collected Pastor Jackson Kopolo. We arrived at LMBC of Luchenza in time, and at 09:30 am I stood up to start the services, there were just a handful of people, Pastor Chipala apologized for the few people, I replied, (no you don’t apologize to me) rather to the LORD. He wanted me to wait, rather I said no, in twenty years I taught you people to be attentive to the LORD’S house and meet in time, on time, no matter how long the services go, but be attentive.

I taught Sunday School for two hours, then preached for two hours, we were served a meal by the pastor and his wife afterwards (a Malawian custom) then we headed home. The day had been a good day, I taught S.S. on (What things are Holy unto the LORD) one of those being His Tithe. You the reader, ask yourself the question, are you also stealing from the LORD? Do not cheat yourself in thinking (tithing) was a O.T. practice only. Read the Bible and you will know!

The mission property sits at the foot of Mulanje mountain, 2700 ft. not that high compared to PNG, my point is, I am 37 miles from Blantyre city one way. It is a 1 mile to the main road walk, then either waiting for public transport to come along (you may choose to wait) or as I do set off walking to save distance and time. Eventually a vehicle will come by, sometimes privately owned, or government (the drivers don’t care) they will seize upon the opportunity to make pocket money etc. and or a minibus, or even a lorry.

I have made three trips to Blantyre to date, as I have no electric in the building, only two small solar lights, and a system to charge my phone, and laptop. Groceries are bought for a few days, with non-perishables lasting until used up. It usually takes all day, that is not the (American all day), no, no, no, rather ten to twelve hours of time to complete a turnaround back to the property. I still must cook dinner over the open fires and heat up my bath water. There are a few workers here, that assist me in these domestic jobs, however the cooking of my food is performed by myself.

The third week being here, I had the five pastors here at the mission property who sat for Bible lessons, and discussions for the problems in the work. We managed to work through each and the ending result was positive and corrective. Sunday the 21^st of January, I had a church service scheduled with the church where Pastor Jackson is. On Sunday morning, the pastors and I set off walking to the church building, no transport came along, we walked the six and half miles to the building. We were caught in a slow steady drizzle, our clothes were quite wet, but why complain? Is not the LORD, over the weather too?

The church services were conducted much the same as the previous Sunday, and a long service, with Sunday school and the main service. We were fed a meal, and afterwards walked the distance back. It was a long day for me, and quite tiring physically as I had just recovered from my bout of Malaria, of which, I will now explain.

Counting back from the Sunday before the 14^th, when I arrived home that afternoon, it was that night I started feeling the malaria attack coming on. I have had malaria for many years, I know the symptoms, Monday, I took some painkillers as my body was already under attack. I went for testing to a local health clinic, the results came negative (due to the painkiller) however, I knew I had Malaria, I bought the medications, came home, after taking the dosage went to bed, every eight hours I would take the medication for the next three days, every eight hours. I had a fever quite high, chills, though skin was hot, terrible headaches, joints aching, loss of appetite, coming out both ends it’s unlike anything you have ever had unless you have experienced it, further there are many strains of malaria, I have had cerebral malaria clinically know as (Plasmodium falciparum) for many years.

After five days of being down, the LORD gave me healing, if you think this is no more then a cold or flu, I invite you to Africa and PNG and live with me under the conditions I live under.

To Be Continued…. End of Part Seven.

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Six in series.

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Tanggi Mission Station – North Koroba, Hela Province, PNG
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite042gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com

Date: 25^th January 2024

SGBM – Mission Report Part Six

Eric has bought (in the past) a small motorbike with the money he received from me several years ago. He has been diligent and responsible. The motorbike is wearing out and needs to be replaced. A new one (that size or a bit bigger would cost about $700.00 USD.

Edwin has not bought any motorbike, not sure why, haven’t learned yet but will find out why. A small vehicle such as a small pickup 4X2) would be very helpful in the work here so that Eric who has a driver’s license, could use to collect pastors for the school (whilst in session), bring his own family to church, pick up work to help support the mission work. This is being discussed and considered as I am here.

I do not feel led or at liberty to return as a permanent resident to further the Malawi/ Mozambique work, after twenty years of establishing, there are men here who can and should carry on. I take the position in N.T. mission work, that no such thing as an indefinite missionary in the same field, (same location) same people, why? No indication in N.T. to support this. Even if a man labours in a field (same field) for forty years, there should be (new areas) new pastors, new preaching points etc… I think you get my point.

Where are the supporting scriptures that GOD’S people and churches are to support a ‘Foreign Pastor’?

Another (fact) the Africans (Malawians) will NOT walk, hike like the PNG people, no matter how hard you preach, or lead. The three ways of travel, bicycle, motorbike, or vehicle. For many years I bought bicycles to assist pastors to help their own lives, families, and to cut (mission costs) in transportation when they would travel to the Bible school, mission station, conferences etc. The practice of upkeep or replacing themselves, has been minimal, thus (customs & habits) must be changed by the LORD, not men.

Again, I want you the reader to know first-hand the difficulty of life here in Malawi/Mozambique Africa.

The health issues are subjected to (all) natural environments and weather, it is life to walk, work and live in the heat, no aircon, no fans, no hiding place from the heat. Their homes made of (man-made) brick kiln burned, mud mortar. I have tried to sleep in their village homes during the hot dry season and its near impossible with the heat. Many will place their mats on the outside near the house to get some fresh air. The working of the gardens is with hand tools (not horses, or mules) as our parents did or grandparents. No machinery, but manpower, all must participate, only small children and older people will not be allowed to work in this heat.

Africa is renowned for its venomous snakes, many people are bitten annually from many, some die and some live to tell the story, its real! Scorpions, many poisonous insects, the list goes on. Primary eye issues, the strength of the sun (UV) ratings are high. No cold water for drinking except what is bought from shops (I speak about village people and their lives).

The bathing in the hot season, one gets dressed again only to feel hot and wet from sweat again. Most villagers do not have comfortable chairs to sit and rest from the day’s work.

Many village Malawians do not even have a mosquito net, therefore their children, families suffer from malaria frequently. After the sun sets, there is nothing to stop the mosquitos from biting one, where shall you go? In what room shall you sit, or what house is mosquito proof?

Many cannot afford to buy bleach, disinfectants, sprays, cleaners, do not have home medical packs, even the simple things as pain killers, they just deal with life in its raw state.

Would you agree to live like that?

They don’t have entertainment in their houses; therefore, the evenings are restricted to verbal socialization, (which is biblical) nothing wrong with having T.V. or entertainment (IF) its controlled and modified!! Is yours?

To Be Continued…. ending of Part Six

By His Grace,

Missionary Peter Halliman

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Five in series.

Date: 25^th January 2024

I will explain to you the reader the challenges both Eric and Edwin face and eliminate the guess work.

Both men have been endorsed by me in this mission work, as they were tutored by me for many years. They both laboured for many years with me going on mission trips, preaching publicly, privately, teaching in the Bible school, organising churches, in the baptisms, physical work with the mission labours. They worked hand in hand with me over the years tirelessly.

As I endorsed both, it was time for them to pick up the mantle and get on with the mission work as they were taught, not to reinvent or change, add to, or delete from what they had been taught.

What they do not have expenses for:

Rent – No

Property tax – No

Water & Elect bill – No

Rubbish pickup bill – No

Landline bill – No

Home Ins – No

Health Ins – No

Dental Ins – No

Auto Ins No

Vehicle upkeep – No

Employees for the mission work – No

Construction Hardware for building church buildings – No

To Construct a Bible School building – No

To purchase land for a mission station – No

To shop for groceries like a (Whiteman) No

Home repairs such as city-life – No

I can go on, but I think you get the picture, now that I have said that I do want to explain what they do face.

As you read this report, it is straight up, no crutches are used for sympathy, (I also have lived a hard life) my Lord lived a hard life on earth and so on! I will not boast on anything here to make it appear more, nor subtract from the severity of life here… I have seen how “Americans” live, how the Papua New Guineans live, and how the African’s live. As God’s people we need to stop the complaining, or (feeling sorry), nor do we need to try and change the lepers’ spots, that is GOD’S business. If the LORD does not send the wind from the West to drive out the Locusts, then what can we do?

Food is their most expensive bill, the mainstay of their diet is maize flour, this is going for ($35.00) 100 lb bag, that will last Eric and his family of (six) or Edwin with his family (six also) for a month and sometimes a little less.

Seeing they have no electric, the market shopping is almost every two or three days, life in Malawi is like that. Food is bought for a couple days or three the most, that is fresh veggies, etc… the flour is either redeemed from maize crops planted, harvested, ground as needed into flour, kept, and stowed in sacks for the long months ahead until next harvest. This is (all) ‘Conditional’ – meaning, if the LORD blesses the land with the proper, adequate rains for the crops, they will redeem the harvest, if the rains are too much, the crops get washed away, if too little, no growth. Therefore, maize flour must be bought. They don’t have concrete floors, or wooden, rather dirt, no airtight storage for the flour, thus being in bags, suspected to insects, (mice, cockroaches) I can go on… Africa is hard on life, end of story!

With the houses they have in the villages, many issues with health from Malaria, bacteria, cockroaches, flies, scorpions etc…. No person from a developed country would live like they do; however, they were born this way, will live and die this way. We are not called to preach customs, change customs, or try to build our own kingdoms. With this said, small children often fall sick with malaria, dysentery, pneumonia, typhoid, and the list goes on. As I deliberate, if you the reader disagree with any of this, perhaps you can come here to Malawi or any country in Africa and work as a (social worker) or for (Habitat for Humanity), UNICEF, Save the children, Red Cross, and so on, BUT Christ did NOT command HIS church to be engaged in (social programs), be careful that you don’t confuse these ministries.

The Malawians have a hard life, it is not easy unless you are rich, and live in the cities taking advantage of the city life, and labours of the village Malawians.

Often the American mind must undergo a total transformation to understand and accept the way of life for those people living under a different economy, standards, and lifestyle.

Without a proper vehicle, (though the big expenses) are eliminated, so too the convenience. The transport I have first-hand knowledge, for me to travel from the mission property here in Mulanje District to Blantyre city 35 miles one way, costs me ($2.00) USD, it is important you remember the transport costs, as you think over the cost of living for these two men here. Though the time is consumed (much) in public transport, and it is very inconvenient (for me) this does not have the same meaning for Edwin and Eric, they were born Malawians, they will live and die as Malawians.

I hired a small vehicle on Sunday (privately owned vehicle) to take us to church about 16 miles, the vehicle was on hire going, waiting, and bringing us home, the whole day ($15.00) USD, I think you are getting the picture.

To Be Continued, ending of Part Five

Peter Halliman

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Four in series.

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite04@gmail.com / Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com

Date: 25^th January 2024

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Mt 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

(Part Four)

Several days have now passed since my arrival and stay here in Malawi, this is the 19^th, which means I have been here for seventeen days. This time around for me is very different, as I do not have a vehicle, and though taking public transport is not new to me in these third-world countries, none the less (new or not) doesn’t make it any easier.

I will explain many things to you about the mission work here in Malawi, when I return to the USA, if anyone wants a (in person) further update, or questions that may not be answered, you can notify me and we can organise a date to discuss in person, however, time, distance, money, and energy is all relevant.

Notations on the actual mission work here in Malawi/ Mozambique – Firstly, the economics and devaluation of the currency. Malawi has remained a donor country for many years, why? Much they choose to simply because of a corrupt government, the donors themselves facilitating this habit, by not requiring any accountability or audits, looks like to me if the US government demands tax returns from its citizens, then why are other countries (non-citizens) given money without audits?? I think we know the answer!

Right now, the devaluation is (2000. Malawi Kwacha to (1.00) USD. Meaning, if ($100.00) USD is sent to Edwin or Eric, that gives them (MK-200,000.00).

With a devaluation in currency, it also raises the cost of living this goes hand in hand, when there is a depression or oppression, or inflation (we all went to school) I think we all studied (Social studies) etc… I don’t need to chop your time with schooling, rather to Bro. Edwin and Bro. Eric you may know first-hand what the situation is like here as I see it.

I will state very quickly, that I am NOT the Holy Spirit, I am not the one to convict you either way in giving to further the Kingdom of Christ, however, I do want to say this, I have learned over the years, in my observation from churches, people, other missionaries etc… there seems to be a habit that some think as long as they (give) to someone who in the name of a (missionary) under the auspices of doing N.T. mission work, that somehow they have done their Christian duty (church duty) that it ends there.

Ac 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
Ac 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Ac 14:28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Maybe some missionaries don’t return to the US where they are from, is because they have nothing to report, or give answer to. It’s easy to hide behind a mission letter or email, isn’t it?

The numbers belong to our LORD, but the labouring does belong to (us), with labouring there is energy, time, and expense, the accounting should be proper.

The minimum wage here in Malawi set by the Malawian government is at ($50.00)/ a month, I did not make the rules, I am not saying it is fair or proper, I am giving facts.

If your pastor, or if you are a pastor reading this, how would it work out for you, if you asked the church to support you (10 times) the average salary of any one church member? Do you think this would work out?

Would you the reader agree with me in the fact that a pastor of a N.T. (type) Baptist church should live about the same level as the (sheep) he shepherds? Especially if the church members are supporting him full time, however, if a pastor must work to makeends meet, (his personal income) is none of your busi ness, or anyone else’ for that matter, but hold on, what is the difference in the (Ordained ministers) of the church – meaning (pastor and or missionary)? Muse on these things.

The Apostle Paul was a tent maker – I am a professional welder by trade, I have worked many times to help with the expenses in the mission work, my personal needs, and to assist others when I was called upon. There is nothing wrong with this if called upon to do so.

There are many verses and narratives that come to mind for accounting, responsibility, and being a good steward of GOD’S Work, His money, and sharing with His people.

To Be Continued…. Part Four ended

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Three in series.

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite042gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com

Date: 10^th January 2024

Dear Pastor, Church & All Supporters,

Mt 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Mt 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Please read the rest of the accounting down to Vs. 35.

I arrived on the Second of Jan 2024, the first day into the night, I have given you an accounting. The next couple days I was here at the property, I would like to share with you (the reader) my conditions I live under and some of the issues I have faced already. Mind you, I had lived here for twenty years, and to reiterate I had purchased this property to build my home and live here the remainder of my life (I thought so). The bible school building was constructed, with bathing stalls, outside toilets etc… for the pastors or students who would be attending the bible school. Whilst I was in the process of constructing my home, I would live within the building for the bible school.

That said, I had left some things, some mechanic tools, hand tools to work the land, carpentry tools etc. on the property I had constructed two water tanks securing clean, water from the mountain. This water was filtered through my own design. I had left the x-military truck we purchased in the early years of the work, a second-hand Range Rover which, had seen the best of its life. Whilst in PNG, I sold the truck had the funds put into an account and advised Eric & Edwin to use those to pay workers and maintain the property, run, and operate the Bible School.

The Range Rover was sold, and the little money I redeemed from it I gave to Eric to be used in the mission work. I took nothing back to myself or redeemed anything for my personal usage. I had my personal welding machine I had shipped years ago, a portable machine, meaning it had its own generator and could produce power, in which I used as a generator at the property.

After two days of conferencing with the workers, Eric, & Edwin, I discovered that one of the workers here, his name is Oliver, he had sold my welding machine and chopped the funds, nothing was said to me until I found out just a few days ago.

Note the parable Jesus told his disciples… where is the story now? What would you have done? Called the police, have him arrested? To have him pay back, he cannot, to chase him or dismiss from here, yes, I can, to what end? The offense was great, the value was more than he would ever be able to pay back, he made a big big mistake to me both lied and stole. What now? The flesh was very quick to make judgment, however, the parable Jesus taught on forgiveness, came to mind, what can I do? What should I do? As you muse on these thoughts, it’s only a story to you, and many Christians around the world, will say they forgive someone and then spend the rest of their lives ‘chewing’ on the very thing they said they forgave so and so.

What good is (faith) if it’s not used, when its needed? And what good is forgiveness, unless you’re willing to stop the lip service and let your life experience this doctrine!

It is one thing to say you believe it, another thing to live it, The LORD gave and has taken away, I cannot claim to believe as His child, and then not forgive others as He has already forgiven me.

There are other things that have gone wrong but that is the big one, I did not come here to set up my tent again and try to live out my life again here, twenty years I invested, and for the moment I am still very much involved in the work of PNG.

God knows the directions, He ordains our lives, and orders the steps of a good man, it is not we who sets the compass of our lives, we get lost so easily, and the LORD must turn us around in our navigation.

May the Lord bless the work of your hands, smile upon your lives as you labour for him. I want to thank each of you for your support in prayers and finances.

I could not do the work that I do without your assistance.

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

Malawi Mission Trip Report Continued – Part Two in series.

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite042gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com

Date: 9^th January 2024

Dear Pastor, Church & All Supporters,

Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

As I came out from the Terminal, I was greeted by Bro. Edwin whom some of you have met, others have not, and Bro. Eric whom some of you know by name only and receive his mission reports. It was a good reunion, again it was like yesterday that we had parted, one thing about black people they do not show age quickly as the Caucasian race does (at least some), however, when they do start aging, they usually go quickly.

We set off on foot walking to catch public transport, as I have stated I do not any longer have any vehicle here in Malawi. Soon a minibus came along we boarded and set off for Blantyre where I would need to take come of some business (exchange currency). If anyone reading this has ever been to a third-world country and travelled via public transport, you will understand my words, if you have not, there is no way I can translate the (realness), of this concept to you. There are stages that the vehicles stop at, letting off people, waiting to board again, it’s a long process to even travel a short distance, the heat can be realised, every space is utilized and where seating capacity for fifteen passengers in a minibus it is common to have twenty or twenty-five. Not everyone in these countries knows what a bar of soap and a bucket of water will do! If you get the front seat, good for you, if it’s the rear seat, you need to have a good window open.

Midway to town (about ten miles) to town I discovered that I did not have my carry bag which I have all my documents, (passport), driving Lic, many other important documents, and government issued I.D.’ besides the cash money I was able to bring for exchanging once I had arrived. My mind raced to where it could be, after two days of sleep deprivation it is not hard to forget something. The problem was, when I had passed through Immigration, I was to clear Customs, in which, they have a scanning machine that all bags are passed through, on the other side, I had someone a (customs) officer who assisted me and as the bags came out, he took the two check in, and I took my laptop case with my coat, the small bag had not yet cleared and by the time I was outside the Terminal my mind was not on what I had left behind.

I left Eric with the baggage, Edwin and I returned to the airport again, getting clearance with the airport security and a customs officer, I was escorted back into the customs area where I found my handbag placed within the holding office. I identified the bag, and it was released to me, a big, big sigh of relief and a prayer of thankfulness to the LORD, was given.

Edwin and I set off again, soon we were joined up with Eric, where we took a public vehicle to town and made an agreement (this vehicle was not a minibus) but more like a private taxicab though it’s not registered as such. In town I met up with some money changers… for those who are sending support to Malawi to Edwin and Eric, may know first-hand from me the challenges they face or not, the currency exchange and other details which, have been obscured for some years. The going exchange rate is (One USD to Two Thousand MK – Malawi Kwacha).

I exchanged five hundred USD which, gives me (1 million) Malawi Kwacha, the notes are now in denominations of (5,000.) I learned also that the (older US 100.00 notes) are not accepted within Malawi by Immigration, no foreign exchange bureau, or bank or even the black market will accept these older bills. I said to the exchange bureau, looks like to me if the money is good enough for the most developed country in the world, should be for a ‘donor country’! Malawi contributes nothing to the international community; they are takers not givers.

None the less, I have some 100.00 notes that are not good here, but that is ok, they are good in many countries and most importantly the US banks.

We proceeded to the ‘only’ Big Grocery shop which, was built new whilst I was still there back in 2004. I didn’t have much time in the day, as most of the day was far spent, I bought a few groceries, (non- perishables) that could last me a few days, as I don’t have electricity or a fridge here. I had packed light so some things I would need to secure, such as a bathing towel, soap, detergent for clothes etc…

I called a Malawi friend of mine, he is self-employed now, as a generator mechanic, I had given him some work in past years as he helped me with one of my generators. His name Charles, he wanted to meet me, and came to the car park of the grocery shop. I had finished my shopping, long story short, he agreed to help me with transport out to my property, which is about thirty-two miles from the property I have. This was a big, big blessing to me, being late in the day, it would have been very late in the evening had we taken a minibus making different transitions between stages. GOD’s grace and mercies are innumerable.

We arrived where the vehicle had to halt, the hike up the washed-out road (handmade) eight years ago, was washed out, and non-negotiable with a vehicle. Some of the workers, that have lived on the property all these years to help preserve and offer security (there are) three, they met us where the vehicle dropped us off. Charles started his drive back to Blantyre, as we walked by headlamp and torch light to the property.

It was late, it had been a very long day for me, however, as it is many times in my life, living under these conditions, water had to be heated for bathing, food had to be cooked, and therefore no matter how tired you may be, certain chores must be performed.

I had left a foam pad (mattress 6”) with a mosquito net, the mattress was cleaned laid on the cement floor of the building, mosquito net suspended and set in place, and by eleven pm I was in bed.

A long journey indeed, many obstacles to negotiate and some challenges to face to what end? For whom and for what? Would you do this?

For the LORD, for His glory, and for the good of His people! I don’t understand when GOD’S people will tell me that it’s so difficult for them to get to church, or do the LORD’S Work, when most things they have work, and function nicely and they are for the most part not put out in any awkward way.

May the LORD give you understanding as you consider His blessings upon your life where you live and worship.

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

End of Part Two

Malawi Mission Trip Report – Part One in series.

Dear Pastor, Church, and All Supporters,

Ro 15:22 ¶ For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Ro 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Ro 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

As I write this report, I am in Mulanje District, Malawi where I had purchased some property and built a Bible school building some ten years ago, I last had been here in 2016 and since that time, I have made several attempts to return to visit the mission work, brethren, and churches that were established. Through the twenty years I laboured here.

I will begin this report as the journey began, for nearly four weeks I continuously worked on securing an air ticket for Malawi Africa, everything was out of reach for me and off the rails, from four to eight thousand USD, not sure how other missionaries travel or maybe they don’t’ (?).

I committed this to the LORD’S will and as I laboured to find a proper ticket, on the appointed time, a return ticket was available to me for just over two thousand USD. I secured this and at the same time began to file for my paperwork to enter the country again. For those of you who have not travelled Internationally, you MUST comply and satisfy those governments where you are in transit and final destination. Governments do not care what denomination, nor what you say you believe biblically, rather what they do care about is the revenue they will receive from you.

For most of my twenty years living in Malawi Africa, I had obtained a (Permanent Resident Visa) same as a Citizen status. Being out of country for now eight years, that has expired, therefore, I had to apply for a simple visitor’s visa (doesn’t’ seem fair) does it after one has poured twenty years of their life into a country and thousands of USD into developing people’s lives!

The safe way is usually via ‘official websites’ that will facilitate this procedure of visa application, processing and return documentation. I have used these services before so it’s not new to me. The application was filled, documents uploaded, fee paid (173.00 USD), that was on the 6^th of Dec 2023. Being the timeline it was, I requested a visa to be expedited.

Remember in all this that GOD is Sovereign and yet allows the devil to work as he does, again all this is for HIS glory. All was in order, email confirmation etc… I was told a response would not be returned unto the 28^th of Dec 2023. I wrote two letters to the contacts I had again explaining my past experience in Malawi, the delays of the holidays etc. and the urgency of this action. No reply, nothing, I called the website number no response, therefore I felt I was either being duped or would lose my ticket in as much as my ticket was non-refundable and if no visa for entry than how do you travel?

Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

I wrote another letter to the E-Visa website with attention to the management explaining that they were already late in assisting me, and that I needed my money refunded, if this was not corrected, I would open a case with the Int. Fraud-department in D.C.

I contacted the Malawi government Immigration, and they assured me that I would be granted a ‘visitor’s visa’ upon arrival as long as I was a US Citizen and had a passport valid for one year.

Because we are GOD’S servants and people does not mean we are to be the doormats of the world.

That answer came to me on the 29^{th of} Dec 2023, I put my things in order, packed lightly and on the 1^st of Jan 2024 departed out of Atlanta, GA for Malawi Africa. The flight pattern took me through Ethiopia, I was reminded of Acts 8 and that long journey the Ethiopian Eunuch would have taken to Jerusalem, how wonderful God’s grace is in finding HIS people and bringing them unto salvation!

Just over twenty-four hours (counting layby) in Ethiopia I arrived in Blantyre Malawi, the weather was quite warm from what I departed out of, I didn’t need my jacket anymore, the memories began to flood my mind, the noise, smell, landscape, heat, almost a careless way of approach to legal business, (TIA) this is Africa!

I cleared Immigration with no issues, it only cost me ($50.00) USD, not 173.00 there was an Immigration officer, Customs Officer, and Police Officer all who recognized me and addressed me by name, as though it had been yesterday that I had departed. As in PNG, Africa too, time means nothing, to them it really was only yesterday.

To be continued…

By His Grace,

Missionary Peter Halliman