Lake dream helps lead sisters to Christ
By Lee Forland | Malawi in Southern Africa
Representative image by Thought Catalog, via Unsplash.
Hawa* and Aisha* never expected to learn anything about Christ beyond what they had heard within their Muslim faith. One day, that all changed.
The two sisters had a dream that they had visited a large lake and had been swallowed up by a wave. Fearful of the dream, they initially decided to avoid Lake Malawi.
At the same time, the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC) National Youth Camp was underway near the lake. Hearing singing, Hawa and Aisha couldn’t help but become curious. When they reached the lake, they were met by pastors who shared the gospel with them and prayed for their safety. The two women then decided to join the rest of the camp to participate in the speaker sessions.
Fun on the beach. Photo by SIM Malawi.
Over four hundred AEC youth came from across Malawi to assemble for the week-long camp, focusing on enriching their relationships with Christ under the theme: “Your identity in Christ.”
With times of devotion and speaker-led sessions – as well as sports and visits to the beach – the event presented numerous opportunities for young people from the AEC to hear the gospel and bring them closer to Christ, while also givingem an opportunity to meet and encourage one another.
Keynote speaker Fostance Mtolo, an AEC pastor and SIM Sports Friends ministry worker, said: “It was a real joy to share with so many young people to help them understand that their true identity is established in Christ, and that what the world says about their status and appearance does not define who they really are. They learned that Christ chose them, loves them and has forgiven them, and that their identity is anchored in Christ.”
One young attendee, Joyce, had been born into a church home, but had felt like she was living a lie. She acted as if she was a believer but, inside, she did not feel that she was truly following Christ. After listening to the speaker sessions, she decided to make a new and true dedication of her life to the Lord.
Amazingly, Hawa and Aisha also learned that Jesus was the true son of God, and that He loved them and had died for their sins so that they could have eternal life. Before they went home, they both made a decision to accept Him into their lives.
One of the camp pastors rejoiced at the opportunity to share the good news with the sisters. He marvelled: “Given their Muslim heritage, I don’t believe they expected to ever learn what Christ had done for them. I am glad that we were able to bring Christ into their community.”
Pray
•That this ministry will continue to be a blessing for Malawian young people.
•That God will continue to provide the funding needed to support youth discipleship activities.
•For the safety and health of AEC pastors and their families.
Give
To give to support youth ministry in Malawi, please click here to find your closest donation office and quote project number #96658.
Photo by SIM Malawi.
*names changed for privacy
Related stories
In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom
When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.
What might God do in 2025?
As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.
How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society
France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.
