Many questions have been asked about what we will be doing in Malawi. While we can not begin to imagine the answers to these questions, I do know that the Lord is calling us to ABC and He has a plan for us. One of my responsibilities will be teaching at the ABC Christian Academy. The Academy is for children ages preschool-high school. It is one of the premier academies in Malawi and offers an excellent Christian education to all who attend. There are somewhere around 29 different nationalities represented among the students and not all of the children are from a Christian background. Because it is one of the best schools in the country, business men, politicians, diplomats, etc. who are in country will send their children to this school to get the best education. There, we will be able to teach the children about our Savior. We pray that we can reach the parents and the rest of the family through their children. What an amazing missions opportunity. Here is a video which will help to explain a little more (the video is about 3 years old but you will get the idea).
If you or someone you know is looking to impact the world for Christ in a wonderful Christian environment then please pray about African Bible Colleges and the ABC Christian Academy. We can't wait to join the ABC family and begin serving our Lord this next Summer. There are still many needs that need to be met so please pray about how you might help spread the Word to the "Warm Heart of Africa"!
Jill
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Our work...in the meantime
When we first found out that we were staying here longer than we'd first expected I must admit that we were a little bummed. Our hearts are already in Africa. But very quickly the Lord was gracious to show us some of the many reasons He has for our delay.
First, we have much more time to pack and get organized. I'm able to slow down a little and not be so worried. We have been collecting boxes from Wal-Mart or from gracious friends who are saving them for us. As we get boxes we are filling them. I alread have 5 boxes sitting in the warehouse at ABC waiting to go on the container (which doesn't leave until April!). So I feel I'm doing pretty well. How blessed are we that the container is being packed and loaded about 5 miles from our house. As I pack a box I just take it on over. That is a true blessing!
We also have time with our precious college students this school year. Many of them are just now finding out about our big news. We did not go public with our calling until Memorial Day weekend when we announced it to the church. The college students were gone by then and are just now returning. So we get to have a wonderful year teaching and mentoring them as well as answering all of their questions. I feel like we'll have more of our students over at ABC in the future. Already we have sent Melissa Morgan who is now in charge of the Pharmacy at the ABC Clinic. We are SOOO proud of her! She's going to be amazing!
Also, we get time to say our goodbyes and have our "lasts". We'll be here for our last Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter for a few years. Our family will have time to prepare their hearts. That is such a blessing from the Lord. We know that a lot of people don't exactly understand why we're doing this "insane" thing. Hopefully with a little time the Spirit will be able to help them see. A lot of times we're not called to "understand". We are simply called to "go" and that's what we're doing. Jonah had NO idea why in the world the Lord was calling him to Ninevah. He didn't fully understand it and therefore he decided he wasn't going to do it. Well, we all know how that turned out. Thankfully, the Lord has not called us to anywhere like Ninevah, but we are still going to go out of obedience to Him. We consider it a blessing beyond words or explanation. We are thrilled and honored to be obedient.
One of the amazing results of us staying a little longer is that Jeremy has now started online seminary classes at Southwestern. We've known for many years that the Lord would call Him into seminary and missions. WE just had no idea that He'd call us to both at the same time. He's a little concerned about what he's gotten himself into...haha...but I"m so proud of him and I know he's going to do great!
Lastly, we have more time to raise up our precious financial and prayer support. Many people have been beyond amazing in how they've chosen to support us. We can see many of the sacrifices that our partners have made to be able to follow the Lord's proding on their hearts to partner with us. We are blessed and honored beyond measure to have such faithful supporters. We are now at around 30% for our monthly gifts. The Lord is so very faithful! That's my favorite name for Him right now. Every time I turn around I see His faithfulness and am simply amazed at Him.
If you have anywhere that you'd like for us to speak please send us an email at Kysersinmalawi@gmail.com We'd be honored to speak to any Sunday School class, church pastor, group of friends, or just individuals. It doesn't have to be in the Clinton area. We are more than willing to travel. We know we have friends all over the Southeast and we'd love to get to see some of you. We are here this year to help tell the Lord's people about His work in Malawi, Africa. There are some amazing things going on over there and He is truly at work. We'd love to share with whomever would like to hear.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about this ministry. We'd love to speak with you. We are excited about what He's doing in our lives and can't wait to see what He's going to do next. He is so faithful!
God bless!
Jill
First, we have much more time to pack and get organized. I'm able to slow down a little and not be so worried. We have been collecting boxes from Wal-Mart or from gracious friends who are saving them for us. As we get boxes we are filling them. I alread have 5 boxes sitting in the warehouse at ABC waiting to go on the container (which doesn't leave until April!). So I feel I'm doing pretty well. How blessed are we that the container is being packed and loaded about 5 miles from our house. As I pack a box I just take it on over. That is a true blessing!
We also have time with our precious college students this school year. Many of them are just now finding out about our big news. We did not go public with our calling until Memorial Day weekend when we announced it to the church. The college students were gone by then and are just now returning. So we get to have a wonderful year teaching and mentoring them as well as answering all of their questions. I feel like we'll have more of our students over at ABC in the future. Already we have sent Melissa Morgan who is now in charge of the Pharmacy at the ABC Clinic. We are SOOO proud of her! She's going to be amazing!
Also, we get time to say our goodbyes and have our "lasts". We'll be here for our last Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter for a few years. Our family will have time to prepare their hearts. That is such a blessing from the Lord. We know that a lot of people don't exactly understand why we're doing this "insane" thing. Hopefully with a little time the Spirit will be able to help them see. A lot of times we're not called to "understand". We are simply called to "go" and that's what we're doing. Jonah had NO idea why in the world the Lord was calling him to Ninevah. He didn't fully understand it and therefore he decided he wasn't going to do it. Well, we all know how that turned out. Thankfully, the Lord has not called us to anywhere like Ninevah, but we are still going to go out of obedience to Him. We consider it a blessing beyond words or explanation. We are thrilled and honored to be obedient.
One of the amazing results of us staying a little longer is that Jeremy has now started online seminary classes at Southwestern. We've known for many years that the Lord would call Him into seminary and missions. WE just had no idea that He'd call us to both at the same time. He's a little concerned about what he's gotten himself into...haha...but I"m so proud of him and I know he's going to do great!
Lastly, we have more time to raise up our precious financial and prayer support. Many people have been beyond amazing in how they've chosen to support us. We can see many of the sacrifices that our partners have made to be able to follow the Lord's proding on their hearts to partner with us. We are blessed and honored beyond measure to have such faithful supporters. We are now at around 30% for our monthly gifts. The Lord is so very faithful! That's my favorite name for Him right now. Every time I turn around I see His faithfulness and am simply amazed at Him.
If you have anywhere that you'd like for us to speak please send us an email at Kysersinmalawi@gmail.com We'd be honored to speak to any Sunday School class, church pastor, group of friends, or just individuals. It doesn't have to be in the Clinton area. We are more than willing to travel. We know we have friends all over the Southeast and we'd love to get to see some of you. We are here this year to help tell the Lord's people about His work in Malawi, Africa. There are some amazing things going on over there and He is truly at work. We'd love to share with whomever would like to hear.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about this ministry. We'd love to speak with you. We are excited about what He's doing in our lives and can't wait to see what He's going to do next. He is so faithful!
God bless!
Jill
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Meeting more ABC Family
This past Thursday night we were able to go out to eat with another family that we'll be living with in Malawi. The McDonalds have been a part of our journey from the very beginning (whether they know it or not). As soon as we began feeling the call to ABC I befriended two wonderful ladies on Facebook and immediately started bombarding them with questions. One of these ladies was Leanne McDonald (Amy Stauffacher was the other). They have been so very patient with all of my crazy and silly questions. I'm so blessed to be able to bounce ideas off of these sweet ladies. What a joy it was to learn that the McDonalds were coming home on furlough for a year beginning this summer AND that they live less than an hour away! It's such a small world.
On Thursday night we met at Cock-of-the-Walk with Jan and Thad Harper and Josh and Rebecca Harper. The 3 McDonald girls and the 3 Kyser kids hit it off! By the end of the night they were outside feeding the ducks, putting on skits, and Molly Grace even came home with us to spend a couple of days! My kids are so excited to actually know some of the friends who'll we be serving with on the other side of the world! And Jeremy and I are excited as well. This is such an amazing family and we can't wait to meet the other families we're getting to know through the internet!
On Thursday night we met at Cock-of-the-Walk with Jan and Thad Harper and Josh and Rebecca Harper. The 3 McDonald girls and the 3 Kyser kids hit it off! By the end of the night they were outside feeding the ducks, putting on skits, and Molly Grace even came home with us to spend a couple of days! My kids are so excited to actually know some of the friends who'll we be serving with on the other side of the world! And Jeremy and I are excited as well. This is such an amazing family and we can't wait to meet the other families we're getting to know through the internet!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A Timeline!
Jeremy and I were able to meet with Paul Chinchen this past Sunday evening. Paul is the President of African Bible Colleges and was in town for a meeting. We are blessed to be so close to the stateside offices (literally 4 miles from our house). We've been able to meet so many of the people we'll be serving with in Malawi. Our meeting with Paul helped to answer many questions about what we'll be doing, what we can expect, and when we should try to be there. We questioned him for over 2 hours (I'm sure he was exhausted) but learned so much in the process. During this meeting we concluded that we'll shoot for leaving the States next Summer. This will give us time to fully prepare for the huge move and be able to secure our financial funding and prayer support before we leave.
Between now and then I'll continue homeschooling my beautiful children (grades 3, 1, and preschool this year!) which is such a blessing! We'll also be speaking to churches, SS classes, Bible studies, or anyone that will listen! haha! So if you have an idea of where we can speak please let us know. The Lord is so very faithful and He's already filling up our calendar. Praise God.
We'll also be able to send all of our things on the April container leaving from here. What a blessing that we don't have to send our household good all the way across the country to get them onto this container. I'm sure the Lord placed the stateside offices in Clinton just for us! haha!
So for now, we continue doing what we're doing...but on a less hectic pace. While it's bittersweet (we'd be there tomorrow if we could) we know that the Lord's timing is always perfect. Next on the to-do list: get house ready to sell. Ugh! That's just not fun! I'll update more later. God bless.
Jill
P.S. If you'd like to be added to our prayer list please email us at kysersinmalawi@gmail.com
Between now and then I'll continue homeschooling my beautiful children (grades 3, 1, and preschool this year!) which is such a blessing! We'll also be speaking to churches, SS classes, Bible studies, or anyone that will listen! haha! So if you have an idea of where we can speak please let us know. The Lord is so very faithful and He's already filling up our calendar. Praise God.
We'll also be able to send all of our things on the April container leaving from here. What a blessing that we don't have to send our household good all the way across the country to get them onto this container. I'm sure the Lord placed the stateside offices in Clinton just for us! haha!
So for now, we continue doing what we're doing...but on a less hectic pace. While it's bittersweet (we'd be there tomorrow if we could) we know that the Lord's timing is always perfect. Next on the to-do list: get house ready to sell. Ugh! That's just not fun! I'll update more later. God bless.
Jill
P.S. If you'd like to be added to our prayer list please email us at kysersinmalawi@gmail.com
Monday, July 26, 2010
ABC Family
Our life has been taken over by the Lord! Literally! We find ourselves, for the first time, totally and completely dependent on Him and His people. This is so very humbling and exciting. We are learning so much and growing daily in our faith. Yet we know that we will never be fully prepared for what the Lord has in store for us. We keep plugging along, praying that we are doing everything that we should be doing to get us to the mission field. However, we know that most of the work will be done by the Lord.
Jeremy is becoming a proficient speaker. Anyone who knows my husband knows that he'd much rather be behind the scenes. He's very happy sitting in the sound booth at church every Sunday rather than being the one at the podium. However, the Lord is growing him. He's been asked to step out of his comfort zone and it's wonderful to see the change in Him. We've (ok...Jeremy) spoken 6 times in the past 14 days and have four more speaking times lined up for the next 7 days. One of our pastors asked that we go around and share what the Lord is doing in our lives with all of our church Sunday School classes and we're trying to make the rounds. It's so wonderful to speak in these classes. Some of these people we know well. Some, we just kind of know but have never been able to really talk much. And still others ask if we're new to the church or the communtiy when we enter the door of their SS class. It's funny because we're there every time the church doors open, yet our church is bigger than we thought. It seems so small and intimate, yet with two services it's hard for everyone to know everyone. This is one of the many blessings the Lord has already shown us through this process. We're building relationships, we're making new friends, we're connecting with our Body of believers. The results have been astonishing! All classes are different. Some make us laugh, others make us cry. Some want us to take 5 minutes (and they really means it! ;)) Other classes would probably have us speak through lunch if they could. Each class has its own personality and each class is wonderful in its own way. We are so very blessed and can't wait to see what else the Lord will show us through the classes!
We do have three churches that have asked us to speak so we're very excited about that. We're praying that the Lord uses us to spread His word and His mission to as many people as are willing to hear. This is His ministry and His work. We are so privileged to share what He's doing in our lives and others' lives on the mission field.
Speaking of others' lives, we were blessed beyond measure last night to be able to meet with Dr. Jack Chinchen and his lovely wife, Nell. We also met their daughter, Marion, and her sweet family. The Spencer's are home for a year on furlough and Jack and Nell are home for just a couple of months. The Chinchen's were "bush" missionaries in Liberia for seven years before they started African Bible Colleges in 1978. They now have three campuses in Liberia, Uganda, and of course, Malawi! This family is so very special and I can't wait to get to know them more.
Jan and Thad Harper (missionaries for 11 years in Africa and the Middle East and wonderful friends of ours who first introduced us to ABC) hosted these two families. Their son, Josh Harper, and his sweet wife Rebecca were also there. Josh and Rebecca just came back from Malawi after serving for a year as teachers at the ABC Academy. Melissa Morgan, who leaves for a year in Malawi on Aug. 10th, was also able to meet the family and introduce herself. It was so wonderful to count the number of missionaries all under this one roof! 16! All connected to ABC. All servants of the Lord! The Lord is so gracious in allowing us to meet these fellow missionaries before we even arrive. It just makes us so much more excited! Can we go tomorrow??
Jeremy is becoming a proficient speaker. Anyone who knows my husband knows that he'd much rather be behind the scenes. He's very happy sitting in the sound booth at church every Sunday rather than being the one at the podium. However, the Lord is growing him. He's been asked to step out of his comfort zone and it's wonderful to see the change in Him. We've (ok...Jeremy) spoken 6 times in the past 14 days and have four more speaking times lined up for the next 7 days. One of our pastors asked that we go around and share what the Lord is doing in our lives with all of our church Sunday School classes and we're trying to make the rounds. It's so wonderful to speak in these classes. Some of these people we know well. Some, we just kind of know but have never been able to really talk much. And still others ask if we're new to the church or the communtiy when we enter the door of their SS class. It's funny because we're there every time the church doors open, yet our church is bigger than we thought. It seems so small and intimate, yet with two services it's hard for everyone to know everyone. This is one of the many blessings the Lord has already shown us through this process. We're building relationships, we're making new friends, we're connecting with our Body of believers. The results have been astonishing! All classes are different. Some make us laugh, others make us cry. Some want us to take 5 minutes (and they really means it! ;)) Other classes would probably have us speak through lunch if they could. Each class has its own personality and each class is wonderful in its own way. We are so very blessed and can't wait to see what else the Lord will show us through the classes!
We do have three churches that have asked us to speak so we're very excited about that. We're praying that the Lord uses us to spread His word and His mission to as many people as are willing to hear. This is His ministry and His work. We are so privileged to share what He's doing in our lives and others' lives on the mission field.
Speaking of others' lives, we were blessed beyond measure last night to be able to meet with Dr. Jack Chinchen and his lovely wife, Nell. We also met their daughter, Marion, and her sweet family. The Spencer's are home for a year on furlough and Jack and Nell are home for just a couple of months. The Chinchen's were "bush" missionaries in Liberia for seven years before they started African Bible Colleges in 1978. They now have three campuses in Liberia, Uganda, and of course, Malawi! This family is so very special and I can't wait to get to know them more.
Jan and Thad Harper (missionaries for 11 years in Africa and the Middle East and wonderful friends of ours who first introduced us to ABC) hosted these two families. Their son, Josh Harper, and his sweet wife Rebecca were also there. Josh and Rebecca just came back from Malawi after serving for a year as teachers at the ABC Academy. Melissa Morgan, who leaves for a year in Malawi on Aug. 10th, was also able to meet the family and introduce herself. It was so wonderful to count the number of missionaries all under this one roof! 16! All connected to ABC. All servants of the Lord! The Lord is so gracious in allowing us to meet these fellow missionaries before we even arrive. It just makes us so much more excited! Can we go tomorrow??
Jeremy and I are off for a few days on the beautiful Florida beach. His parents are spoiling the kids for the week and giving us a much needed break. We realize it'll probably be the last for a very long time. We'll keep you updated. Please remember to keep our family in your prayers. We are totally reliant on the Lord and you, His faithful servants, to be our Prayer Warriors during this exciting and trying time in our lives. Thank you for your support! We love you all!
Jill
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Mother/Daughter day!
I spent most of today having a "girls day" with Tink. We haven't been able to have much Mother/Daughter alone time recently so I asked if she wanted to go shopping with me this morning. Oh, she's getting so big and we had a wonderful time. Our first stop was at Seattle Drip for a coffee drink and muffin! Yay! We love coffee drinks and this was extra special for us because we never afford them! The next stop was the school supply store where I wanted to look at bulletin board items for my school room at ABCCA. I'll be teaching 3rd grade so I needed to come up with a theme for the classroom and something for the door and the AR board. We decided to do monkeys (it fits, don't you think!?) and there are tons of items for monkyes around the store. Who knew monkey's were so popular! I'm getting so excited about getting into the classroom and meeting the kids.
After School Aides we went to the mall (which is right across the street). It's funny because Tink didn't even remember that mall. We just never really go shopping and I had to tell her it's the place where we get your photo made with Santa. She finally recognized it once we got there but that just shows you how much we shop. If I need something I go to the one store that I need that item from and that's it. But since this was a girls day we went to the mall. We found some great clearance items at Belk and were able to pretty much complete Tink and Prince's clothing needs for the next year or two (and all at 75% off!). We're trying to stock up to be prepared for the kids growing, etc. Princess already had a good bit and we still need a couple of things for them all but we're slowly building everything up. I never knew how hard it would be to get prepared for a move like this. It's one thing to think of the things you need for your house but it's another to plan for the things that your kids will need. Plus, we're trying to plan for birthdays and Christmas time while we're there because the items that will be available to purchase there seem to be very expensive... if they are available.
After a fun lunch in the food court, and a stop in the photo booth for those silly instant photos, we were off to both of our favorite store, Barnes and Noble! Tink had some birthday money to spend and that's where she wanted to spend it. She bought the original "Wizard of Oz", "National Velvet", and a book of Shakespeare stories. She's always loved Shakespeare and is constantly asking me to read her one of the story books that we have of his stories. She made me track her down another book full of his stories and it's beautiful! How many 8 year olds have even heard of Shakespeare?? She's a pretty amazing girl.
Jeremy and the other two stayed home and worked on the house. We're getting ready to put a sign in the yard and praying that the Lord will bring the people that He's chosen to buy our house soon. We know that the Lord has called us to Africa and raising support and selling a house is no problem for him! I can't wait to see Him work.
We'll be speaking in two different Sunday School classes in the morning so please pray that goes well. I'll keep you posted! Three churches have approached us about speaking so things are moving steadily alone. The Lord is Faithful! I am simply in AWE of Him!
After School Aides we went to the mall (which is right across the street). It's funny because Tink didn't even remember that mall. We just never really go shopping and I had to tell her it's the place where we get your photo made with Santa. She finally recognized it once we got there but that just shows you how much we shop. If I need something I go to the one store that I need that item from and that's it. But since this was a girls day we went to the mall. We found some great clearance items at Belk and were able to pretty much complete Tink and Prince's clothing needs for the next year or two (and all at 75% off!). We're trying to stock up to be prepared for the kids growing, etc. Princess already had a good bit and we still need a couple of things for them all but we're slowly building everything up. I never knew how hard it would be to get prepared for a move like this. It's one thing to think of the things you need for your house but it's another to plan for the things that your kids will need. Plus, we're trying to plan for birthdays and Christmas time while we're there because the items that will be available to purchase there seem to be very expensive... if they are available.
After a fun lunch in the food court, and a stop in the photo booth for those silly instant photos, we were off to both of our favorite store, Barnes and Noble! Tink had some birthday money to spend and that's where she wanted to spend it. She bought the original "Wizard of Oz", "National Velvet", and a book of Shakespeare stories. She's always loved Shakespeare and is constantly asking me to read her one of the story books that we have of his stories. She made me track her down another book full of his stories and it's beautiful! How many 8 year olds have even heard of Shakespeare?? She's a pretty amazing girl.
Jeremy and the other two stayed home and worked on the house. We're getting ready to put a sign in the yard and praying that the Lord will bring the people that He's chosen to buy our house soon. We know that the Lord has called us to Africa and raising support and selling a house is no problem for him! I can't wait to see Him work.
We'll be speaking in two different Sunday School classes in the morning so please pray that goes well. I'll keep you posted! Three churches have approached us about speaking so things are moving steadily alone. The Lord is Faithful! I am simply in AWE of Him!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Teachers Needed
We are so ready to be at ABC! I know the Lord will provide in His own timing. He is teaching us so very much through this fundraising process and we're learning to rely totally and completely on Him. It's so very humbling. At the same time our human emotions get in the way and we'd just jump on a plane tomorrow if we could.
I received an email from ABC the other day stating that they are still very much in need of teachers for this upcoming school year. They were hoping that our family would be there by August so that we could help fill that need. I have been assigned to a third grade class and I'd really love to be able to take those children. Oh, it's so hard. I know the Lord will provide!
Here is a little about the Academy: We are a small school (K-4 through 9th grade). We have about 300 students and growing. Our main objective is to offer a quality Christian education with good materials and resources from the United States. We keep tuition at a minimum by using volunteer teachers. We try to keep all our class sizes at 20. Our classes are 50% expatriot (any nationality other than Malawi) and 50% Malawian. We have Christian and non-Christians at our school. ABC Christian Academy is owned and governed by the AFrican Bible College Mission. We are always looking for Christian volunteer teachers to spend 1-2 years in Malawi and teach.
We are still looking for several teachers at the ABC Christian Academy for the upcoming academic year 2010-2011. We need one K-4 teacher, one Third grade teacher, a Sixth grade teacher, a P.E. teacher, and a middle school English teacher (grade 6th-9th).
If anyone feels led to serve the Lord in Malawi this upcoming school year (or anytime at all) please let us know and we'd be happy to put you in touch with someone who can answer any and all questions.
Please pray for us as we desire to follow the Lord in His calling. Pray that our support will arrive and that the Lord's people and His churches will see to it that His work is done in Malawi, Africa! God bless!
I received an email from ABC the other day stating that they are still very much in need of teachers for this upcoming school year. They were hoping that our family would be there by August so that we could help fill that need. I have been assigned to a third grade class and I'd really love to be able to take those children. Oh, it's so hard. I know the Lord will provide!
Here is a little about the Academy: We are a small school (K-4 through 9th grade). We have about 300 students and growing. Our main objective is to offer a quality Christian education with good materials and resources from the United States. We keep tuition at a minimum by using volunteer teachers. We try to keep all our class sizes at 20. Our classes are 50% expatriot (any nationality other than Malawi) and 50% Malawian. We have Christian and non-Christians at our school. ABC Christian Academy is owned and governed by the AFrican Bible College Mission. We are always looking for Christian volunteer teachers to spend 1-2 years in Malawi and teach.
We are still looking for several teachers at the ABC Christian Academy for the upcoming academic year 2010-2011. We need one K-4 teacher, one Third grade teacher, a Sixth grade teacher, a P.E. teacher, and a middle school English teacher (grade 6th-9th).
If anyone feels led to serve the Lord in Malawi this upcoming school year (or anytime at all) please let us know and we'd be happy to put you in touch with someone who can answer any and all questions.
Please pray for us as we desire to follow the Lord in His calling. Pray that our support will arrive and that the Lord's people and His churches will see to it that His work is done in Malawi, Africa! God bless!
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