Winnipeg Training

Well, the verdict is in! 5 tutors trained at the Lighthouse Mission training course. We had 10 hours together. Trainees ranged from JJ who teaches language courses with the government to Davin, an intern with Teen Challenge, who says he's always struggled with reading well. Yet, each will make a wonderful tutor.

Each training situation is unique and requires some adaptation. The Lighthouse Mission building offered some unique challenges for presenting information and practice teaching. However, I've trained people underneath trees, so a turn of the century building was just another opportunity!

I checked in with Davin today. He begins to tutor at TeenChallenge next week. Teen Challenge has a strong discipleship based ministry to people coming off drug and alcohol addictions. Much reading and study goes into the program. If someone enters the program with low reading skills, then he often drops out because he can't keep up. Sean Goulet, the director of Lighthouse Mission and a graduate of Teen Challenge, understands this need.

Sean already has two clients at the mission who desire to learn to read and write. They attended the training and added a first-hand testimony to the reason literacy is needed in North America.

58 year old GD was not allowed to return to school after grade 3 because of discipline problems. He wants to learn to read so he can read his Bible. He doesn't attend any church because he can't read his Bible when the others do.

P is from Guyana. He left school when he was in grade 2. He immigrated to Canada and now struggles because of his low literacy skills.

Publish Post

Winnipeg Arrival

Hello from Winnipeg,

I arrived safely this afternoon. Sean and Jennifer Goulet have given me a warm welcome. I am staying at their home. I had a brief tour of the Lighthouse Mission facilities this afternoon. The mission feeds about 80-100 people each day, plus has some clothing to give away in a building pretty much original to downtown Winnipeg. Many of the clients are homeless or close to it. I will see more of the operations of the mission tomorrow.

The literacy training will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday. Please be praying for those who are taking the training. Pray also for those who will be learning to read. I've heard a couple of stories this evening about the lives of those who struggle with not being able to read. I'll share more about those in another e-mail. Sean already has a couple of clients who want to learn to read. Many of them need to learn, but they have to want to learn as well. I'll try to post some photos later in the week.

Keep praying! A very needed ministry, and one our group is God-created to assist with.

Heading to Winnipeg

It has been a busy fall. God continues to broaden the ministry opportunities here in Canada. I head for Winnipeg this Monday for a basic literacy tutor training workshop. The Lighthouse Mission director, Sean Goulet, has a vision for providing literacy classes for the clients of the mission. He has about 8 tutors coming for the training and several clients already waiting to begin tutoring.

While in Winnipeg I hope to visit with several churches in the area to let them know about our ministry. Please pray for all that God is doing.

Lambya Literacy Primer

We arrived in Chitipa in Northern Malawi to assist with the development of the Chi Lambya Bible-content litercy primers (a 2 book series comprised of 72 lessons).

Before we work with a group to help them develop literacy materials, first there must be some Bible in print. The Chi Lambya Bible translation team (pictured left) affiliated withWord for the World has made great progress in translating the Bible into the Chi Lambya language.



We worked on the campus of the Presbyterian Church in Chitipa. Their facilities worked well for our team of 12 people. We had 6 team members who speak Lambya, plus 4 LEI consultants to assist them in with writing their literacy books.







To write the books, the LEI consultants guide the Lambya speaking team members in putting together the lessons. Each lesson the team chooses letters to be introduced, two picture words using those letters, and a story for the lesson. It is definitely a team effort.

We spent 8 days working with the team. We had representatives from 5 different churches in Chitipa. Each team member worked diligently during the 8 days, essentially volunteering their time to see this work come to fruition.

As the Lambya speakers worked on writing the lessons, our consultants assisted as required. We also put the lessons on the computer. The first book is ready for proofing, and book 2 is almost ready. Please pray that the checking phase of the Lambya literacy primer construction will proceed smoothly and we will catch any mistakes.

Emmanuel Kasisi (right), one of the Lambya team members will be training with Maxwell Mpitanyanga (left) as the literacy coordinator for the Lambya literacy program. Our hope and prayer is that the churches will continue to cooperate together to develop a thriving literacy minisitry in the area.

Travel in Malawi

April 25 we left Blantyre in the south enroute to Chitipa in the North. We took the "long way" around and a variety of vehicles to arrive in Chitipa (Blantyre-Lilongwe-Mzuzu-Karonga-Chitipa rather than the direct route Blantyre-Karonga-Chitipa)...
1. Maxwell's Minibus from Blantyre to Lilongwe (he uses this minibus for ministry and as a taxi in Blantyre to help fund the ministry and provide for his family).

2. Regular Bus from Lilongwe to Mzuzu (7 hours), then by another minibus crammed full of people to Karonga (5 hours). We were the first people to enter the mini-bus, but after 20 minutes or so, others joined us we had 13-15 people, plus all their baggage. It was a tight squeeze for sure.

3. Pick-up Truck from Karonga to Chitipa. Nancy Sue and I rode in the cab of the truck. Patrick Malasi, John Kadalinga and Maxwell Mpitinyanga rode in the back. We had 100 km of dirt road to travel - taking us 5 hours.
As the pick-up made its way to Chitipa we stopped and picked up more passengers and bags until the back was crammed full.

4. After 10 days in Chitipa, we had a pleasant surprise on our return to Karonga - they now had regular bus service from Chitipa to Karonga! As always Nancy Sue and I watch in amazement as people bring all kinds of things onto the bus, including their live chickens!

From Karonga to Mzuzu and Mzuzu to Lilongwe we had regular buses on our return trip. We give thanks for God's protection as we traveled. Also, Nancy Sue and I are thankful for Maxwell who had to take care of these two white women along the way!

Sena Literacy Classes

Since his training in 2005 in Tulsa, Maxwell has been serving as a National Missionary associated with LEI-USA. After helping to develop the Sena literacy primers (2 books with 72 lessons), Maxwell has trained 4 coordinators who in turn train volunteer literacy teachers. Currently, they have 54 literacy classes happening in churches across Sena areas of Malawi and Mozambique. Around 900 adult learners make up those classes. (Pictured above, 2 literacy teachers trained by Fred John, one of the Sena literacy coordinators. Fred John is wearing a tie).

April 23rd, Nancy Sue and I traveled with Maxwell down from Blantyre to Bangula area in the valley. As we descended from the heights of Blantyre, the temperatures increased and the sun came out.

We visited two villages where literacy classes are in progress. Maxwell begins in a village with the church. If the church is willing to host a literacy class, then Maxwell (or the literacy coordinator) will work with them to have a volunteer teacher trained.

Nancy Sue and I had the privilege of greeting the classes and giving them encouragement. We listened as several people (men and women) read from their literacy books and from the Bible. Each visit began with greetings and singing. The joy of the Lord is in the place! Hearing adult learners reading always gives me a special joy. Seeing how Maxwell has utilized the training he received in Tulsa also gave me special joy. Maxwell (and other LEI national missionaries), serve in this position without a set salary. They receive donations from individuals and churches just as all LEI missionaries do for the support of their families and ministries. Below are some photos of our time with the literacy classes.














Sena literacy class held in the church (Bangula area, Malawi). Most of the class is women, many with babies with them.

Presbyterian Connections in Malawi -

Finally I'm back on-line. I arrived back in Bobcaygeon on Thursday May 14th after 3 weeks away. After leaving Johannesburg, internet access was minimal to non-existent (or convenient if available). So, the updates have been few. However, over the next few days, I will be posting updates related to my time in Malawi and Ivory Coast.

On April 22nd Nancy Sue and I left Johannesburg for Blantyre, Malawi. In the Johannesburg airport I saw Dr. Ron Wallace, the Secretary for International Ministries of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. I knew he was headed to Blantyre also, but didn't realize we would see him on the plane! That was my one brief encounter with him on the trip. But praise God for another connection.

Maxwell met Nancy Sue and I at the Blantyre airport. We settled into our room at the Presbyterian Church guest house visited Maxwell's home for lunch. We met some of Maxwell's family, his wife, 4 of his 5 children, 2 of his brothers and a few other relatives that are living with him.

I was able to present Maxwell with his new computer. This will assist him in his literacy work and communications.

That evening, Nancy Sue and I had dinner with Rev. Ed and Jackie Hoekstra and 2 of their 5 children. Ed, Jackie, Jacob and Nico arrived in Blantyre in August 2008. Rev. Hoekstra serves as associate minister with St. Columba Presbyterian Church in Blantyre as a mission partner from Canada. We had a lovely meal and visit with them. We shared with them about the literacy work and how St. Columba church could be involved. Maxwell has met them now, so the network has begun.

I trust that God will be developing more connections with Maxwell, the Hoekstras and the Presbyterian Church in Malawi.

Next posting... Sena Literacy Classes

Connections

Made it to Johannesburg! In fact the plane even arrived early. I had four seats to myself on the 14 1/2 hour flight. Nancy Sue arrived early as well. One of my bags arrived and the other is "coming". Thankfully the bag with my clothes arrived.

Leah and David Preston came to pick us up. Roy and Rose Tibbitt came for supper. (They have both been with Wycliff Bible Translators and help run this stopover on the way to... Leah and DAvid are beginning a 4 year term here in Johannesburg. They have been working in Mozambique prior to this.

Connection one...
Roy and Rose are wondering where to next, which might be Peterborough ON (just down the road from me!). Rose is very interested in literacy and ESL and she might help set-up some training. God must have a good sense of humour. Bringing me to Johannesburg to meet Roy and Rose.

Connection two...
Leah is the daughter of Ted Pollock, a missionary to Africa, who I knew of from my Pittsburgh days. In fact she knows Tod Custer from Ellwood City, the area where Paul and I ministered in Pennsylvania. We have others in common as well. We sang several times "It's a small world after all."

We also are getting names of connections for Maxwell for Sena work in Mozambique.

And this is just the first day!

First Leg Complete

Well, I've made it the first step - to Washington Dulles airport. A puddle-jumper airline on a rainy day from Toronto to Washington. I've spent the time catching up on e-mails, cleaning up inboxes and other administrative tasks. Wi-fi in the airport is great! Not too long now before my flight boards to Johannesburg - next leg (14 1/2 hours) coming up. Keep up the prayers!

Just about 24 hours from now I'll be on the plane ready for take off! The final preparations are coming together. This is always the most frantic part of the trip. Once I'm away, then it is what it is. So, thanks for your prayers especially in this preparation time.

(Pictured is Maxwell Mpitinyanga with his wife and 5 children. )

Maxwell in Malawi has things well in hand. But as always, I expect that there will be many things that aren't as I expect! Just the nature of travel in general and travel in particular in Africa. Hopefully I will be meeting with Presbyterian Church of Canada partners in mission who minister in Malawi. We've made e-mail contact, so now we just have to get together in the short time I'll be in Blantyre.

Basic itinerary:
Apr 20 - 21 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa
Apr 22 - Fly to Blantyre (spend 3 days)
Apr 24 - Travel to Lilongwe (ground)
Apr 25 - Travel to Chitapa (Northern Malawi), here we will work on the Lambya primer.

Please be praying for myself, Patrick Malasy and Nancy Sue Laminack who will join me in Malawi
* safe travel
* good contacts
* safety of family and churches while away
* protection over the Lambya primer team and their families
* God would be glorified

Carey Jo Spring Trip

I'm preparing for a trip to Malawi and Ivory Coast this Spring. Leaving Toronto on April 20 arriving in Malawi April 22nd. I'll be working with Maxwell Mpitanyango and others on the Lambya primer in northern Malawi.

Then May 8th - 13th I'll be in Ivory Coast visiting the International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI), being hosted by our West Africa regional team (director Gregory Bangura).

Besides being two things I love doing (developing primers and training others), it is a special privilege in that I'll be working with colleagues trained at LEI training institutes in previous years.

Canadian Charitable Status

I give thanks to God! After arriving in Canada 4 1/2 years ago, Literacy & Evangelism International has reached the next major milestone (or kilometer stone) in God's developing this ministry in Canada. In December 2008, we received our registered charity status! This status opens up many opportunities for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through literacy & English language ministries within Canada and internationally. This also brings many opportunities for completing government paperwork!

We say thank you to Dr. John McDonald with Vanguard Ministries, a ministry that helps Christian organizations incorporate and register as charitable organizations in Canada. He greatly assisted us in this process.

The effect of this registration (besides more paperwork)...
+ donors can be assured that we are a legitimate organization whose purpose is charitable
+ our activities and use of donations is monitored by the Charities Directorate
+ we can now issue Canadian tax receipts for donations
We also have on-line giving capabilities, visit www.canadahelps.org (CND$) or www.literacyevangelism.org (US$)