MUA, Malawi (BNC) by Bob Mathews — A team of four left Austin, Tex., for Malawi on Sept. 1. Christians from the Southern Hills congregation in Buda, Tex., established goals to teach the gospel of Jesus to the deaf in Malawi, and to establish a congregation of the Lord’s church specifically for deaf Christians.
Shown in the photo are David and Jana Suddath, Cathy Williams, and Bob Mathews.
With advance assistance of Malawian friends, there were 28 deaf adults identified who were interested in studying the Bible. David Suddath, who is deaf himself, conducted the studies, using American Sign Language, which was translated into Malawian Sign Language (MSL) by Lucy Siwinda.
After teaching Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, the group joined the worship at the Gospel Chariot the afternoon of Sept. 8. David preached a lesson at the Chariot on the plan of salvation. Responding to the gospel were 21 deaf individuals and 1 hearing, who were baptized that day.
David Suddath (L) explains what it means to obey the gospel. Lucy Siwinda (R) translated into MSL.
David Suddath preaching at the Gospel Chariot, with Cathy Williams translating into English, Aubrey Malire translating into Chichewa and Lucy Siwinda translating into MSL.
We can say God definitely put in place a congregation for the deaf in Malawi. Since none existed prior to these being added to the church, this is the first congregation of the Lord’s body for the deaf in Malawi.
We have purchased land near Mtakataka. The church has already begun meeting there, and construction will begin soon on a meeting house and support structure.
Aubrey Malire, a gospel minister from Salima, 50km to the north, is traveling to the deaf congregation to preach and nurture their faith.
Please pray for this group of deaf Christians as they continue to grow in faith and in number.
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