David Morrison, seen with local friend Mpotso, is serving in Bangula, Malawi with his wife Joanna and three kids. Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, the Morrisons are working with Iris Ministries Canada. They have established four homes for orphans, and oversee a Bible school.

The brick wall around the property is in place, but we need to have a metal gate made.

Why bother with a wall and a gate? We are a target, because we live in a region so desperate and hungry.

It is obvious that we have resources, as we pass out many food items on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, feeding 3,000 families every month.

In addition to thieves, the wall also keeps out cows and goats, which destroy crops. And - in theory - it keeps out snakes.

I say 'in theory' because we have seen many in the past few months - as we have been destroying termite mounds where they live.

We have had several black mambas and puff adders, both of which are very dangerous. This is a matter for prayer.

What's next in the short term? Construction . . .

When the children's homes are finished, we will be building a dormitory for female pastors and leaders.

We are so grateful for funding for this much- needed facility.

Until it is ready, our female pastors will stay in a rented house in the nearby village.

This means night-time study is difficult, as they have no power - and they are somewhat removed from the Bible school site and activity.

As our churches are composed of mostly women, it is so important that we develop these leaders.

Mission Fields Spring 2007