We’ve been waiting for the right cause that is faithful, merciful, and constructive!
Frank is in his 30’s. His father was a carpenter. As a child and into his teens, Frank carefully watched his father build pieces of furniture; and when his father wasn’t working (or watching), Frank began practicing using his father’s tools. Woodworking became both a gift and calling for Frank; and he has become an accomplished, disciplined, sought-after carpenter.
But one weekend in his 20s, Frank attended a revival and heard with his heart, mind, soul and strength, the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—about Jesus’ loving, sacrificial grace. Frank’s parents were Christians, but he remembers going home and announcing to them that he had committed his life to serving Christ and others Christ would have him serve.
So, about 8 years ago, Frank attended JMTI Seminary (the one I am teaching at this year). At the same time, Frank maintained his carpentry business in the trading center, a 10-minute walk down the hill from the seminary. (The pics are of Frank using a manual planer, his shop & several of his apprentices.)
After graduating from seminary, Frank felt called to serve God in a couple of ways, one of which is teaching young men in the village carpentry skills they can use to climb out of the cycle of unemployment and poverty that are such persistent obstacles for the vast majority of Malawians. Not only is Frank teaching the men carpentry, but he’s sharing the Gospel with them, praying with them, teaching them how to interact with customers and passers-by with the care and compassion Christ, himself, would show people in the village of Nkhoma. Frank has apprenticed more than ten young men with more on a waiting list to become apprentices.
So, friends and followers of our year of volunteer service in Malawi, Frank is attempting to transition from using manual hand-tools (the kinds my father’s father had hanging in his garage in the 40s and 50s), to electric tools such as a circular saw ($250), a planer ($150) and a generator ($1100), due to almost daily power outages that make it nearly impossible to complete orders in a timely fashion).
We are hoping and praying to raise $1500 so that Frank can acquire these significant pieces of equipment that will enhance the quality & productivity of his Cause. Might this be the catalyst for First-Time Donors to donate to the business-ministry of Frank’s Carpentry Shop?
Thank you for your consideration and generosity, Chuck
Please see the Donate page if you would wish to make any size donation by check or credit card. Dollars go so very far in Malawi as we are donating 100% of all donations made from February 1 through October 11th (our new planned departure date for reasons we will explain in an upcoming post).
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