Moni nonse m’dzina la Yesu! (Greetings in the name of Jesus) It is so good to be back at African Bible College. When I first arrived I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep even though I was very tired. I later stopped for a while and found myself tired. I then got together with the other singles that are here and we had a New Years party. We didn’t see any ball drop, but it was still fun.

Leaving the States was rather hectic. I to get everything packed and sale my stuff. The Lord is still working on me in my trusting Him for my finances. My truck hasn’t sold yet but I have a brother in Christ working on selling it for me. The revenue it would bring is much needed. Please pray that this truck sells quickly. If you would like more information on this email me at:

Smith_JB@crosswalkmail.com

or check out my website:

www.angelfire.com/ms/JoshuaABC

Things here in Malawi haven’t changed much. It feels almost like I didn’t even leave. There are quite a few different people and some completed buildings, but I still feel at home.

The first week I am here will be spent getting settled. I will need to get accustomed to the time change (I advanced ten hours), get my stuff moved in (most of it is set already), look over the curriculum, and get adjusted to my classroom.

Next week I’ll start teaching and work on getting involved with some outreaches. I pray that I’ll be able to develop relationships with some of the college students as well and work with them on reaching the lost.

I will also be setting up an account with Malawinet for internet services. It looks as though the connection is about 33.3k. This will be a good speed for maintaining the Berean Beacon Web site (www.bereanbeacon.org) as well as my own.

Since this connection is looking good, please check out my website because I plan on adding some video of happenings here in Malawi.

There are many things for which I need prayer. The truck being sold, and peace in knowing that God has all of that under control. My health is still an issue because of my stomach. I’ve taken the medicine to rid myself of the bacteria which causes ulcers and I’m wondering how the food differences here will affect me. I am going to have some time for exercise I am praying that will help my stomach.

Please also pray for my growth in Christ and that I would begin to see what He wants me to do long term. I am praying about the possibility of being in ministry full time, whether in the States or abroad.

I am very thankful of all the things the Lord has sold of mine. With most of the money I was able to purchase things which will be a benefit to my ministry here in Malawi.

I am also thankful for the friends that He gave me my last two months in the States. It is amazing how God will bless you when you are walking in His ways.

I am thankful for Nikki and her family. They took me in for Christmas and allowed me to store some stuff at their house. I am also thankful for Bob Baer and his willingness to attempt to sale my truck, for Pastor Steve Van Horn for his support and encouragement, and for all the people who purchased some of my stuff. The Lord is very good to me.

I am reminded of Habakkuk 3:17-18. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off form the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."

This will be my verse when things are not going well, and I can’t seem to focus on the things that are going well. God is the God of the good days as well as the bad and we should give Him praise in either.

I’ve met almost all of the teachers at the Academy and it looks like it will be a wonderful semester. It should be a joy working with these people. Please continue to pray for the children I’ll be teaching and pray that I’ll be a godly example for them.

In the US:

African Bible Colleges

P.O. Box 103

Clinton, MS 39060

In Malawi:

African Bible College

P.O. Box 1028

Lilongwe, Malawi