A letter from Luta and Jeremy Garbat-Welch in Malawi
July 2014
Dear Friends,
Our time of itineration and interpretation has been a whirlwind! Starting at orientation, it seems we have been dashing from one speaking engagement or event to another, with plenty of packing, doctor appointments, and shopping mixed in between. We have been strengthened by reminders of God’s presence and guidance through the craziness of the process. We have been blessed by new relationships, by the hospitality and generosity of new friends, and by the rekindling of old relationships.
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Jathniel steals the show at Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California
As missionary kids we have made many relationships over the years that we have lost track of across many moves. During our itineration we have been reminded of how small the world is as those relationships have been renewed. First, Luta was surprised while in conversation with a mission committee member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Indiana, to learn that their pastor, Rev. Scott Hill, was Luta’s pastor during a year of home assignment with her family in Ithaca, New York. Twenty years and so many miles, and God brought Luta’s pastor back into her life. Then, Jeremy was surprised by an email out of the blue from Rev. Jane Esterline at Park Presbyterian Church in Streator, Illinois, who had seen his name in the Mission Crossroads magazine, announcing us as new mission co-workers. She had been a PC(USA) mission co-worker in Cameroon and wondered if this was the same Jeremy who was a child of Baptist missionaries while she was there. What a blessing to rediscover friends as we have embarked on this journey. It is a true reminder of the gift of relationship.
As we have connected with old friends, we have also been making new friends and building new connections and relationships, starting in orientation and continuing at every place we have visited. We have been so blessed by the graciousness of the many host families and churches that have welcomed us during this time of travel. At each visit we have met new people who seem like lifelong friends! The support and encouragement we have received has been a humbling reminder of God's presence with us. We have also been humbled by each person who has welcomed us into their home and made us feel like part of their family.
We have been spiritually challenged and rejuvenated at each church as we have listened to the various ministries being done and the passion of each congregation. Second Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, facilitates exchange visits between Kentucky and Malawi, thus building up mutual partnerships within our partner churches. First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Indiana, created the Granny Connection to raise money to support grandmothers in Zambia who are raising their grandchildren who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. First Presbyterian Church in Glasgow, Kentucky, is involved with Living Waters for the World through the Synod of Living Waters. And Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles incorporates the countries served by their mission co-workers in their worship service, through songs, symbols and prayer. These are just a sample of the ministries and passions we encountered during itineration. What a testimony to the presence of God's spirit throughout the world.
These reminders of God’s ever-present spirit have supported us through the process of getting ready to go to Malawi. As we have just arrived in Malawi, we ask that you would continue to keep us and our church partners in Malawi, Zambia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in your prayers.
Please pray for us as we begin the process of settling in. There is a lot of transition ahead of us! We are particularly concerned with finding housing and learning Chichewa.
Please pray for the people of Malawi as they have just elected a new president. Pray that the transition would continue to go smoothly and peacefully.
Please pray for South Sudan as they continue to experience a time of conflict.
The process of visiting churches could not happen if the congregations did not support us: providing a home, paying for our expenses, and praying for us. In the same way, our ministry cannot happen without ongoing prayer, emotional, and financial support. We thank you for your support and hope you will continue to keep in touch!
In Christ’s Service,
Luta, Jeremy, and Jathniel
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Malawi, p. 143, 145
Read more about Jeremy and Luta Garbat-Welch's ministry
Contact: Jeremy Garbat-Welch
Contact: Luta Garbat-Welch
Individuals: Give online to E200515 for Jeremy and Luta Garbat-Welch's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507577 for Jeremy and Luta Garbat-Welch's sending and support
Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).
