Nov. 14 was indeed a great day for people in the town of Dedza in southeast Malawi, Africa. Rev. Elliam K.J. Mazengera, manager of Lutheran Hour Ministries—Malawi (known locally as Kuunika Media Ministry), dedicated a new Lutheran congregation of more than 40 souls to the care of Rev. D. Chimwaya, the local parish pastor. To celebrate the occasion, the Kuunika (which means “light” in the local Chichewa language) band and drama group performed, as did the Katewe Lutheran Church Choir and other musical groups.

During the first service held at Dedza’s only Lutheran congregation, several people were baptized and received Holy Communion. One woman who attended said, “Now my eyes have opened; I can see the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ through the play performed by the LHM drama group.” Since Dedza is located along the border between Malawi and Mozambique, numerous guests from the latter country also attended the service.

Kuunika Media Ministry sponsors not only the music and drama group, but also has a thriving Bible correspondence course (BCC). They have more than 2,000 people registered for BCC. Since the ministry’s beginning in 2002, they have served some 20,000 people through BCC and other LHM outreach and volunteer training activities.

One place where the BCC program is appreciated is in the Maula Prison, as illustrated by the following letter received by Kuunika staff:

“Thank you for introducing your ministry here at the prison of Maula. Father in heaven, thank you for giving this Bible course, which is encouraging me to know more about the Gospel and the love of God for me. Here in prison, I suffer day and night, but now I have hope that one day I will be a free man through your teachings. I will evangelize to people of His love. This place is called a reformatory centre, but without the love of God and without prayer, it can reform you into someone very notorious and dangerous. I need to be encouraged in my new commitment … I have no intention of going backwards. I request prayers and a Holy Bible. Keep visiting us. God’s blessings upon your ministry.”

Kuunika Media Ministry asks for your prayers and support in their efforts of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church in Malawi. For more information about LHM’s ministry center in Malawi, visit the International Ministries Web site at www.lhmint.org, send an e-mail to cheerful@lhmint.org, or call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4163.