Seth & Emily Phippen's Newsletter (Winter 2021)
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Happy New Year! Praise God for this new year and for carrying us through 2020. We hope that your relationship with Christ has grown since this time last year. We also hope that you have had opportunities to rely upon God to care for and provide for you and your family. We know that we have had many opportunities like that and we hope that that relationship continues to grow and increase our faith in Him in every area of our lives.
Teen Missions Malawi Boot Camp (Youth Camp)
During Christmas and New Year in Malawi, we hosted a youth camp in three different towns in Malawi. There were an average of 16 youth at each camp. Because of Covid-19, we had to keep the numbers smaller this year. In 2019 we had about 300 more youth attend the camps. However, we are thankful for the few that came and we believe what Jonathan said in 1 Samuel 14 that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” During the camp and through the evangelism outreaches, 114 people gave their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ! That means 114 individuals have been welcomed into the family of God. Let’s pray that they will be able to share about Christ with their families too so that more and more people will turn to Christ for forgiveness. These 114 people were able to hear about the Gospel because of your giving and partnership with us through the ministry of Teen Missions. As Paul says in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” We will be running another youth camp over Easter as well.
Bible Missionary and Work Training (BMW) in Malawi
The Teen Missions Bible schools have started their winter semester on January 11th. The number of students is also down for various reasons but we hope next semester there will be many more. Many of the new students were also part of the youth camps over Christmas. Don was accepted to join the Bible school this semester. When he arrived on the campus for camp, the staff could tell he was a heavy drinker and smoker. His face plainly told his story. After settling in, he was put on one of the teams, but we did not delay in talking to him about his character. One of the staff, Jahswel Mpagaja, sat and talked with him. Don did not deny the fact that he is addicted to alcohol and smoking. Even his parents abandoned him and didn’t want anything to do with him. During the evening rally, he went forward as the pastor invited those who would like to accept Jesus Christ. He gave his life to Christ that night! Now he is growing in the Lord. As a Bible school student, he will learn more about God and the Bible so that he will continue to grow. Even his family was very happy to hear that he is a Christian. They have started helping him with some personal needs while he is at Bible school.
Phippen News
Seth’s days are filled with office work and overseeing the ministry here. He travels often to our Sunday schools, Rescue Units, and Bible schools bringing them supplies and encouragement. There is always more to do than hours in the day, but he is faithful to do what he can with the time God has given him. He has enjoyed playing football (soccer) with the BMW students and they love seeing the “boss” out in the field getting dirty right alongside them.
I spend my days homeschooling the kids, cleaning, and cooking as well as helping Seth in the office and managing the ministry finances. I have been enjoying my weekly Bible study with the staff ladies where they are discussing the book of John chapter by chapter.
James rides his bike everywhere now and spends hours outside riding around the property. He enjoys playing with his friends. He has started wanting jobs to earn some money to buy notebooks and pens. He has earned a few dollars by picking up trash around the property here.
Lauren is our social butterfly. She always wants to be at her friend’s house or chatting with the students. She loves to play princess and dress up. She loves memorizing scripture and can quote almost all of Psalm 23.
Emma is our sweet little troublemaker and keeps us all on our toes. She loves to play in mud puddles so it’s a good thing she loves baths. She loves watching the monkeys as long as they don’t get too close. She spends her day snacking and singing.
We tried fried termites which is a delicacy that is eaten only during the rainy season. The girls were not interested in trying them, but James said he liked them. They are not something we want to eat every day but it’s worth a try if you get the chance.
If you would like to keep up with us on a monthly basis, please send us an email or message and let us know you would like to receive our monthly update.
We are so thankful that you are partnering with us in the mission here in Malawi.
If you have joined us in prayer and or financial giving, thank you! The things that have been shared in this letter have been accomplished because of your partnership in the ministry.
If you would like to contact us please use one of the methods below.
Email: [email protected]
Text message: 321-413-6394
WhatsApp: +265-997-00-48-55
We would love to hear from you!
God bless,
Seth, Emily, James, Lauren & Emma
