Dear Brethren, June 2009
Greetings in the most precious name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May you all be found content
and happy being in the family of God. We hear troubles in America and abroad due to the
current financial crisis brought from greed to posses more and secure our futures. We must
learn to trust in Jesus, he will guide, protect and provide for our families.
Here in Africa, we have also suffered health problems and faced financial crisis. In recent
months, we have encountered mechanical, fuel, and electrical repairs to our vehicles that
required immediate attention in order to function and provide transportation. Thanks to a
generous donation by a loving sister church in America we were able to complete repairs to
our engine in the Toyota Land cruiser pick-up. Some of the costs were more than expected,
however, thanks to God, only small items remain and we are now able to use the truck. The
supply and cost of parts makes repairs difficult. Poor road conditions and vehicle repairs will
always be part of missionary work in. We have also had numerous computer problems
caused mostly due to the electrical blackouts and surges coming daily through an unstable
power grid. Laptop components are expensive, so we sought an alternative to replace the
capacitor only. This is a lengthy process to find the right one and replace it, however, it is
less expensive. We thank the local churches in America for donations for computer
equipment. Email is an essential form of communication.
In April we visited six locations in the Liwonde district and two Churches in Pahlombe District.
Most of the new Churches or gatherings of people are asking for frequent visits by the
missionary. Unfortunately this is necessitated due to local pastors have little experience and
lack formal training in the Bible and Baptist doctrines. There is a great need of training and
teaching, however it is hindered by a lack of education, poverty and ignorance. Pastors lack
training and skills necessary to teach Bible lessons and preach meaningful sermons.
In May, I became very ill. After a week of this condition, my wife took me to a clinic in Zomba,
and learned that malaria was the cause of the illness. During the treatment, or approximately
ten days after taking the recommended medicines, I traveled to Liwonde area and Balaka
area and visited several pastors and preached on the perseverance and security of the
saints. After my return, I had a relapse and believed Malaria was still in my system. I visited
our family clinic in Limbe and found the symptoms were more from a flu going around Malawi.
This later turned into pneumonia and stopped my travels to the villages and newly
established churches. I am still mending, and praying for a healthy recovery. The doctors
have told me have told me to take a holiday and visit a warm place (it is winter in Malawi), it
just makes me smile. Since I was unable to travel in May, due to my illness, we gathered with
a local Church under the leadership of Brother Phiri, one of the pastors who attended our last
conference and has traveled and visited several new Churches in Liwonde and Balaka. We
study and answer questions regarding several beliefs brought from other denominations.
We received a great number of requests for visitation, however, their request is always for
Sunday mornings limiting our ability to visit them all in a short period of time. When we can
meet with them, we share basic Bible teachings: the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Perseverance
and Security of the Saints, Unity of the Believers, Love of the Brethren, and the Sovereignty
of God. We are constantly challenged with the Gospel of Salvation, and the five points in the
doctrines of Grace. Christians in Africa, cannot understand salvation being a gift. They
always see themselves as being capable of choosing to be saved from their depravity or
doings good deeds and being rewarded with grace and salvation. I thank Him daily for
choosing me, because there was nothing good in me when He touched my heart.
We have successfully translated lessons from Lawrence Crawford,” Walking with Jesus
through the Gospels” and Brother Harris’ four lessons on the Gospel. We are praying to find
a person that can type and arrange the lessons in pamphlet form that can be published for a
minimal cost. Currently we are in the process of doing a second printing of the Old Baptist
Hymns and songs completed in 2008.
When we are in a crisis in life, faith in God is the source of our strength. When all else has
failed, we move forward to do God’s will, and He brings peace in moments when it felt like the
end of the road. We draw comfort from songs with Biblical implications like: “I shall not be
moved…” Bible verses such as Romans 8:1 that promises us that “The spirit itself beareth
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”. You cannot imagine how many times
I have used that verse to comfort others in trials. When it became my turn to think, in my sick
bed with feelings that I was not going to make it, I too leaned on that verse knowing that Jesus
was the only rock to cling to. As I sat the other day listening to the barking of my dogs and
chirping of the morning birds…the thought entered my head that these creatures have so
much faith that the Sun is going to rise and suddenly I smile and peace enters my heart to
know that I am a child of God.
May God continue to bless and guide you all through difficult times in your lives.
Your brother in Christ and His servant,
Bro Joe Padilla
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