New Church testifies to gospel growth among the Yao

The NYEC church dedication included a full morning of joyful worship. The church was filled with the music of lively songs of praise, performed a cappella, by each church group – children, youth, and women – from the surrounding villages. The history of the church was celebrated, and speakers highlighted the goodness and glory of God.  The dedication concluded with an “official” ribbon-cutting ceremony, letting the community know that the church was now open to all. 

The hope is that the newly dedicated church will increase the visibility of the church in the community and that more and more Yao will come to Christ.

A prominent member of the congregation, a former Muslim, explained how the church helped her journey of faith after two SIM mission workers came into her shop.

In speaking with them about Jesus, she said, 

“I came to realise that I did not know Jesus, and that I wanted to know more.”  She began participating in the house church studies, and over time, realised she was in bondage and needed Christ.  She said, “I was living life like a person under house arrest.  Jesus came to set me free.  I accepted the love of Christ, and I am now complete, and Jesus Christ is with me.  In Jesus, I have no fear, only hope.”

The work among Muslim peoples is never easy or straightforward, as the church members know, but they are determined to keep preaching the gospel.

One church member said, “Evangelism among Muslim believers is not easy, but my prayer is that we will reach many.”

Another church member explained the challenges the Yao face when considering the claims of Christ, saying, “The new believers often experience persecution when they accept Christ. I have experienced this myself. Quite often, we are disowned by our birth family, and we lose their support. Sometimes, there is also physical danger. All of this is difficult, but we remind ourselves that we have a new family in Christ.”

“I am a Yao person, and it is very exciting that the Yao can learn about the gospel and the saving grace of Jesus in their own native language! This will help many Yao people come to Christ.”

One SIM worker said: “There is joy when we see a person accept Christ. We walk alongside the local people as they, in turn, reach out to the Yao people. Our vision is to see more and more people put their faith in Jesus. God’s heart has become our heart.

Today, the completed church building stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and the transforming power of the gospel in the area.

One SIM worker said: “If God is calling you to reach out to an unreached people group, you are welcome to join us. Malawi is a beautiful place. The field is ripe for harvest, and we have a good start here with the new church in Namwera.  There are many mission opportunities to explore.  We have a place for you.”