A letter from Luta and Jeremy Garbat-Welch prior to service in Malawi
Winter 2014
Greetings, Friends and Family,
Both of us grew up as missionary children in different parts of Africa. And we have both felt the call to be mission co-workers ourselves and have spent the past few years preparing for this call. Recently we have been given the opportunity to do just that! We are happy to announce our appointment as mission co-workers to Malawi and other African countries through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Our first day as a family.
Luta was called from a young age to share Christ's love through mission partnership. As she was exposed to new experiences through the graciousness of other mission co-workers, this call clarified into bringing healing and wholeness to communities by engaging members in public health efforts. Her work as Presbyterian World Mission's Africa Community Health Facilitator is a natural extension of her heart and training—providing support and encouragement to partner churches as they engage the communities they serve through Community Health Evangelism (CHE).* Jeremy's call began in Cameroon, where he served as a mission co-worker with another denomination. It was there that he saw the need for pastoral care and chaplaincy training. In addition to supporting Luta as Africa Community Health Facilitator and taking care of their son, Jeremy will explore the needs and possibilities around training chaplains in Malawi. This new work for us is a natural step as we work with partner churches in Malawi and other African countries to address sickness as a root cause of poverty and to support ministers as they share the love of Jesus Christ to those suffering from illness. We are excited to share this call with our own son, Jathniel Andre Garbat-Welch, as our parents shared their call with us.
As we begin orientation in Louisville, Kentucky, we invite you to join our call by supporting us through your prayers, correspondence and financial gifts. From February through April 2014 we will visit churches, presbyteries, and other groups to share the stories of our call and the work of the African partners we’ll be joining. We would like to schedule a time to visit with you before we leave the U.S. This could be speaking during a worship service or to a Sunday school group, or any other setting that would serve you best. Please send us your contact information including mailing address and preferred email address to garbatwelch@gmail.com.
Please note that we will receive a salary during this time of itineration and interpretation, so an honorarium is not necessary. However, the hosting congregation generally covers travel and is asked to provide meals and lodging; home stays work well. Travel expenses can often be shared between two or more congregations in the same general area, and World Mission is able to help in some cases.
We have already been blessed by your support and encouragement in our lives and look forward to your continued support in this new endeavor. Together we will all work to fulfill God's mission for health and wholeness in Africa. We will be in touch through letters and email. If you would like to be included in our regular newsletters, please send us your e-mail and/or mailing address. We would love to hear from you as well.
With God's Grace,
Luta, Jeremy, and Jathniel Garbat-Welch
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
* Editor's note: Community Health Evangelism is a Christ-centered program that combines community development principles, evangelism and discipleship. CHE equips citizens to identify community issues and mobilize resources to achieve positive, sustainable change. It seeks to transform lives as people work together to address local needs such as clean water projects, preventive health measures and literacy classes.
Read more about Luta and Jeremy Garbat-Welch's ministry
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Malawi, pp. 143, 145
Write to Luta Garbat-Welch
Write to Jeremy Garbat-Welch
Individuals: Give to E200515 for Luta and Jeremy Garbat-Welch's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507577 for Luta and Jeremy Garbat-Welch’s sending and support
