“Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.”
Zechariah 9:12 (ESV)
We often think of imprisonment as something we desperately want to escape. Yet Zechariah speaks of being prisoners of hope. What an interesting place to find ourselves!
As believers, we have chosen to place our hope in God. When circumstances seem impossible, when answers are slow in coming, and when we cannot see the way forward, where else can we turn? When many of Jesus’ followers walked away, He asked His disciples if they would leave too. Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
Peter understood something important. There was nowhere else to go.
We are prisoners of hope, held not by circumstances but by our confidence in the One who is faithful. Whatever lies ahead, our hope remains in Him.
Church planting in Malawi
As we mentioned in October, our church planting work in Malawi continues to expand into new areas. Until now, most of our work has been concentrated in the central and southern regions.
We planted a new church in the Kasungu area, north of Lilongwe, where our main church is located. The people there are drinking in the Gospel like cold water! Reaching this rural community is challenging, particularly with Malawi’s ongoing fuel crisis. Despite delays, Pastor Wilson and his team visited the church last week. We rejoice that several people in the village received Christ and were baptized! God is at work, even in difficult circumstances.
Anna’s House Update
Anna’s House has been serving 50 elderly and disabled from our Hope Center in Gatumba, Burundi, since April of this year. It is a beautiful expression of mercy ministry. Those we
serve have no means of giving anything in return, nor do we expect or desire it. We thank God for the privilege of caring for them.
The center provides prayer, fellowship, an additional meal, bathing, laundry services, and a place to rest during the day. As needed and as resources allow, we also coordinate medical care with a local clinic. Please pray with us for God’s continued provision to sustain and expand this work.
Vision/Training Center Update
God has blessed us abundantly! We now have two-thirds of the funds needed to purchase the property for our Vision/Training Center in South Africa. God has been so faithful!
We have agreed with the owners to sign the purchase contract in February 2027, giving us additional time for the remaining funds to come in. This is one of the largest projects we have ever undertaken, but God is able! Please keep us in prayer as we continue to hold on in faith and hope, believing this vision will become a reality.
Other news & prayer requests
1. Malawi: We plan to travel to Malawi in April 2027 to dedicate the church’s main facility, as we did in Zambia last year. Much goes into preparing for a dedication like this. Please pray that everything comes together as it should.
2. Andreya’s Study Permit: We have submitted our appeal and are awaiting the outcome. We cannot help but hope that the God who called us here will work out all the necessary details!
3. Pretoria Church: We have been searching for a new meeting place for our church in South Africa. We have a very promising lead but have not yet finalized arrangements. Please pray with us as we believe and hope that all will be well!
Like Peter, we have nowhere else to go. We live in hope because our hope is in God, and we gladly remain prisoners of hope. Thank you for hoping with us.
We appreciate each of you! Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
We have prepared a video update with more news, click on the link here or below to view: