We met Snoden in May of last year when we came to visit Malawi. He was the gardener for Wellspring Ministries. John said at the time that he felt good about him and wanted to keep him on staff. They’ve been studying the Bible each week since shortly after we arrived, and I have been working with Snoden in the yard to plant an heirloom garden. Both endeavors have gone well and now Snoden is not only an employee but also a friend and brother.
Recently, while they were reading Scripture, Snoden asked John about baptism. He felt like the sprinkling he received when he was a baby was not what he was reading in the Bible. John gave him some more Scriptures on the subject to read at home, and he came back with the conviction that he needed to make a decision to follow Jesus and to be baptized on his own volition. We met him at the swimming pool where the boys go to school. His wife and son accompanied him.
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| Snoden with Susan and Arthur |
Since Snoden’s baptism, Susan has been sharing the Gospel with their neighbors. She was baptized when she was a young girl but has a newfound passion since Snoden obeyed the Gospel. They go to church in their neighborhood but are learning new truths about God through Scripture reading and are eager to teach what they’re discovering. They’ve even asked us to come talk to some of their neighbors who want to know more. We’ve only just started Chichewa lessons, so Snoden will have to translate, but he doesn’t think that will be a problem. We asked if their church leaders would be threatened by our being there, but he assures us they will not and may even join the discussion.
We have been praying about what specific ministry we should be involved in here. In the meantime we always seem to default to personal Bible study and discipleship. So, maybe it’s not going to be about what we do in Malawi but about what Malawians are going to do in Malawi after they’ve been introduced to the Gospel. We’re very excited to see how God will use Snoden and Susan in the coming months. Thank you for your prayers and support. We hope to have news of our visit to their town very soon.
