Good News - January 2026 (Love in Action)
- Elizabeth's Library
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
January 2026 was a challenging month for our ministries in both Zambia and Malawi!
The country of Malawi had been experiencing torrential rains, and the EL team was unable to travel to the villages until almost the end of the month. In Zambia, the faithful Susu farm truck came to a complete stop and had to undergo a major over-haul. Teachers were unable to travel from their home in Kabwe to Susu until the final days of January, and the team had to hire another truck to haul the tomatoes to market. The Lord is always faithful, and "just in time" we have great pictures and stories to share with you illustrating Love in Action valentines that would bless the children and families served by ELI in Zambia and Malawi.
The children of Susu community were so excited when the Saturday Early Education program was available once again. They missed their teachers, but especially Ms. Natasha, who always prepares a new activity for them to enjoy. They were thrilled to discover all the new treasures that had just arrived in the Boxes of Blessings delivered to Kabwe on January first. What a great way to start a new year of learning!
Building blocks and new puzzles are always welcome, and children who only began building with such toys six months ago, are able to read LEGO construction manuals and confidently create amazing structures! Perhaps architects in the making?
The Boxes of Blessings arrived on Christmas Day and were quickly unpacked with great anticipation and excitement. Soon all the resources were organized and ready to distribute to the village book monitors, but the heavy rains prevented any travel. The EL team was so eager to share the new blessings; especially bringing the children an amazing surprise - something even the team had never seen before! You'll have to watch the video to enjoy the children's total delight and excitement. Mr. Jacob reports that even the village elders came to see this amazing wonder.
The two day village visits brought even more wonders! Thanks to a special Christmas gift, several village pastors received a brand new local language Bible. Mr. Jacob reports that their amazement and gratitude touched his heart and he shared the story of Pastor Gift.
The Story of Pastor Gift of Mphonde VIllage
In Mphonde Village stands a humble pastor and a church known as African Abraham International. The building is simple, with no benches to sit on, but the hearts inside are full of love for God.
Leading this small congregation is Pastor Gift, a faithful servant of the Lord whose passion for the Gospel shines brighter than any hardship he faces. Yet there was one painful challenge that burdened both him and his church, they had only one Bible. Not one Bible per family. Not one Bible per preacher. Only one Bible for the entire church. Members, teachers, and even fellow pastors had to share it. Sometimes the Bible would be taken to another area by a different preacher, leaving Pastor Gift with nothing to study from.
On many occasions, he could not prepare his sermons at home. Instead, he was forced to wait until Sunday morning and study quickly at church before the service began. This made preaching very difficult.
How can a shepherd feed the flock well without time to prepare the message? Pastor Gift never complained, but continued serving faithfully, trusting God to provide. When we visited him and learned about this situation, our hearts were deeply touched. Through Elizabeth Library International, a new Bible was donated for his personal use.
When Pastor Gift received this precious gift, his face lit up with joy and gratitude. He held it carefully, almost reverently, as though holding something made of gold, even more precious than money.
With emotion in his voice, he said, " This Bible will change everything." Now he could study freely at home, prepare his sermons without disturbance, and teach the Word of God more effectively. No more waiting. No more borrowing. No more rushing.” He told us while smiling, “This Sunday, I will announce to the church that I have received a new Bible. The whole church will rejoice when they hear this good news.”
What seemed small to us was life-changing for them. That day reminded us that sometimes the greatest gifts are not the biggest ones, they are the ones that help spread God’s Word.
And through one Bible, many lives in Mphonde Village will continue to be touched by the light of the Gospel.
Jacob
Children's Bibles Distribution
In addition to the gift of a new local language Bible, several pastors also received a new Children's Bible. The pastors were overjoyed with this blessing. Most of them had never seen a Children's Bible with beautifully illustrated pictures that tell Biblical truths in a way that interests children.
Mr. Jacob observed that the children were "joyful” as they turned the pages and looked at all the pictures. A few of the children even volunteered to read to the others and Jacob heard questions being asked. Some did not want to return the Bible to the pastor, they just kept reading.
Mr. Jacob loves reading the Bible and he was delighted when a group of children wanted him to read the stories. He reported that they listened very attentively and asked him great questions. Families are too poor to own personal Bibles, so pastors will now have an incredible resource as they minister to the children in their congregations. Children's Bibles are another first for these villages.
Mr. Kenneth and Mr. Jacob were very busy during January as they carefully administered your gifts - Love in Action. In addition to the stories already shared, the Basic Needs packages blessed many families including Lankhulenji, a widowed mother of three. And Mr. Blessing, a Mphonde village book monitor was blessed with a poultry project. All are amazing miracles for the people we serve in Zambia and Malawi.
Soon we will celebrate Valentine's Day and we bless those we love with cards and special gifts. This year will you please consider participating in our Love in Action campaign to honor your special someone with a gift to ELI? Our Zeffy catalogue highlights important needs, but a gift for any item or program is very welcome.
We are already packing Boxes of Blessings for the April shipment and are hoping to send 100 boxes of incredible donations including a Jack in the Box for the Susu Library. Sponsoring a box is a great way to honor your special someone. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!
Thank you for partnering with ELI to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.
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