October 14-16, 2021 – Full Gospel Assemblies’ congregants from different areas throughout Malawi (Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Luchenza, Nkula Falls) and from the country of Mozambique, gathered together at the FGA Matindi – Blantyre Center for the 2021 FGA Malawi Conference.  The theme for this leadership conference  was aptly titled “Transformational Leadership”.  In keeping with this theme, the goal was to present a biblical and practical view of leadership that will lead the  transformation of individuals, families, and communities into God’s kingdom purposes. 

Chairman Bishop Thomas Mapira reported with joy – “The conference was very well attended and the center was packed with participants. It became necessary to hire a tent so that other participants could be accommodated outside the center.  All praise to God for the growth of the FG churches in Malawi! In expectation of further growth, the leaders of FGA-Malawi recommend expansion of the center to accommodate more people that the Lord will bring into His flock”.  

Joining the conference by Zoom, Bishop Simeon Strauser encouraged the leaders and the participants to seek God’s wisdom and power.  He also reminded them that God has charged them with the responsibility to give, to preach, and to be a testimony of His word.  Moreover, Bishop Simeon exhorted them that by the power of the Holy Spirit, they will have the wisdom God and they will have the words to preach, and every fear will be dispelled, of which the participants replied in agreement with a resounding “Amen!”   

FGA Vice Chair Pastor Edward Popovich also joined in (by Zoom) with the local leadership of Blantyre for the offering of teachings to all in attendance.  Truly, the pastors and church leadership were challenged by the Word to stand firm in faith, believing for the transforming power of God within their lives and ministries. 

On the final day of the conference, there was a huge celebration for the 2021 graduates of the Phrear School of Theology – International Maranatha Institute with the holding of the second Malawian PST graduation.  With this graduation, Full Gospel Assemblies-Malawi now sends forth another 40 men and women into the full work of the Lord!  These pastors, evangelists and church workers are ready to ‘go where He leads’.  To our Lord be all the glory.  Take a look at this video of the students in their gowns, singing and marching into the venue!

The graduates expressed an abundance of joy in their presentation speech. They made Psalm 118:24 as their scripture of the day, and declared that “This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”.  Here is an excerpt of the presentation speech:

“It has been a long journey since we started our studies in April 2020 up to today the 9th of October 2021.  May the Lord be glorified for this. We thank God for being with us in all the circumstances we faced, both good and bad, as we have seen His encouragement and his help so that we could triumph. It is therefore not surprising that we are witnessing this colorful event today. Today we are all here as graduating students.  We thank the founders of this school from America for opening this institution here in Malawi with the aim of training God’s servants. In addition, may they receive our heartfelt appreciation for we were offered free training. For this reason, let us clap our hands for the founders from America for their great work and generosity they have shown to us.  May God bless you abundantly. For this we will be forever grateful.  May the Lord bless the entire leadership for this missionary work so that Phrear School of Theology could continue training more of God’s servants in Malawi.” 

The conference was a true mixture of empowerment and celebration. All were amazed of the Lord’s goodness and were grateful that they were able to participate.  Some even traveled for more than 90 kilometers just to grace this annual event.

Bishop Mapira writes, “On behalf of FGA-Malawi, thank you for your generous support, through prayers and giving (for this event). The Lord has heard your prayers and has used your gifts for His glory, so that the people in Malawi will come to know Jesus Christ.  These saints, in turn, dedicated their lives to serve the Lord.  Let us continue with our partnership for the gospel. Kindly remember Malawi in your prayers”.