20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Don Ward here. I’m the team leader for Equipping Leaders International Malawi, and a missionary of Grace Community Church. It’s my privilege to prepare you for the blessing of meeting my friend Bentry Mhango this Sunday at Grace. He is preaching and will also speak in Adult Sunday School
When Caron and I were engaged, I introduced her to one of my very enthusiastic friends at a Bible Study. He said to her, “Do you realize that you are a visible manifestation of the answer to this man’s prayers?” It was amusing in many ways, but it was true then and now, if a bit overstated. I prayed for a godly wife, and God hit a grand slam. She is so much more than I imagined!
There is a recent example of God exceeding my imagination. I met Bentry in 2019 and really enjoyed our fellowship. He was training Malawian college students, and I was training Malawian pastors. His students were, for the most part, better educated than mine. I respected him so much right from the beginning. I’m sure I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a seminary trained teacher like Bentry in our ministry?” I’m not sure I thought to ask God for that, but I imagined it, I’m sure.
Fast forward to last year. Bentry began teaching with us at ELI while teaching college. His teaching and his way with people were so very welcome by our pastor-trainers. He guided us on cultural issues. Sometime last fall he said these amazing words: “Hluphe and I believe God is calling us to ELI full time.” That was an amazing moment in my life - I realized God not only answered my prayers, he answered my dreams!
Bentry has been teaching African College students since 2008 and has been at African Bible College in Malawi since 2015. He is fluent in three languages, as a native-born Malawian, so he is ELI Malawi’s resident language and culture expert. As you will discover, he is a fine preacher and teacher of God’s word. He is such a fine addition to the ELI Malawi leadership team. He will help us equip the 95% of pastors who have no formal training. Many of them never finished high school.
Bentry is here in part to raise his support for 2024. This includes his salary, benefits, and ministry expenses. Committed monthly financial support, and regular prayer for his family and ministry are key needs right now. Do you want to get on Bentry’s prayer list? Email me at dward@equipleaders.org. Want to help with Bentry’s financial needs? See below for the different ways to send funds.
Thank you so much, and I hope to see you Sunday.
Supporting Bentry Mhango:
https://donorbox.org/bentrymhango
OR Text the code 468165 to phone number 801801
OR Write “Mhango” in the memo line and mail all checks to:
Equipping Leaders International,
P.O. Box 5541, Midlothian, VA 23112