If you follow the progress of the ministry in Malawi, you already know about the need we have of a minibus, need that first appeared in 2013 when we started to have teams of guests coming.
These past 3 weeks we have been working on the entire procedure to purchase a minibus from South Africa and some friends of ours travelled there to get it. The initial plan was for me to go also, but some changes in our visa status didn't let that happen anymore.
It tooks us almost 2 weeks to find the "perfect" minibus, that is the vehicle that has the best value for money. We wanted something as new as possible, but that would also be within our price range, and God has given us more than we expected. Those that know me closely, know that "perfect" also doesn't just mean good looking or good money, but God's good!
The vehicle is a Toyota Quantum (known also as Toyota HiAce outside Africa), 2014 model, 14 seats, standard transmission (sorry Daniel), 2,5 liter turbo-diesel engine. These types are made for Africa (thus the name "Quantum") and is adapted for African conditions: different suspension, better cooling and louder horn :)
As of the time of writing this article, the minibus is at the Malawian border, waiting for clearance. We've had our good share of problems while bringing it over, and that just shows how much corruption there is to fight, especially in countries like Zimbabwe, where the bus was actually detained for 12 hours for no good reason. It can be disappointing to run into so many problems even though all the papers are in order, but we serve a great God who still has everything in His control.
The good news is that its journey is almost over. We are waiting for only one signature and then the bus can be released. We will then be able to start using it as planned and as per the vision God gave us.
Of course, I will keep you updated and will post more pictures once the minibus is in our yard. Unti then, enjoy some pictures taken while still in South Africa.
Pray for us!
Pray for Malawi!
Labels: answered prayers, guests, Hope for the Future, Hope for the Future Baptist Mission, minibus, ministry, Pastors Conference, prayer requests, visits, work
