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.

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