Hello Great Family,

It is good to be home! "Zikomo" is how you say, "Thank you" in Malawi. I have so much "Zikomo" to give to the great family of Oakwood! Here are a few I have been thinking about...

  • Zikomo to the Elders for stepping up while the pastors have been gone. These are capable leaders who shepherd and lead our church. Jeff Moore has done a great job on the weekly emails...I'm thinking about getting him to take this over for me.
  • Zikomo to the Missions Team for sending Pastor Ted, Jen and myself on this mission trip. Being there and seeing this ministry first hand has been life changing!
  • Zikomo Jim Smith for driving our team to the airport very early in the morning for our departure. I loved hearing how God provided a special healing for you specific to that trip.
  • Zikomo Steve Jansen for showing up on that early morning with delicious scones to pray with us and see us off.
  • Zikomo Rod and Darcy McLane for hosting the trip with excellence. Seeing what God has done through your willingness to serve Him was humbling and amazing! Truly some of God's finest servants!
  • Zikomo to the Hope Endeavors team in Malawi. You honored us with sacrificial love and servanthood. In heaven, the first will be last and the last will be first! As Rod says, "If all I get to do in heaven is clean your toilets, I'll be blessed." I agree!
  • Zikomo for those who prayed. God answered your prayers and protected us and even miraculously intervened while we were serving (come Sunday to hear this testimony).
  • Zikomo for those who gave financially. We were able to have an abundant ministry because you gave sacrificially and abundantly.
  • Zikomo to my wife Julie for encouraging me to go and for handling life at home while I was away serving (sorry things always break when I'm gone).
  • Zikomo to the parking lot team for overseeing the project while I was away. You have done an excellent job handling the issues that needed to be addressed.

There is many more Zikomo to be shared but the greatest would be Zikomo to God our Father, Protector, Provider, and Friend. God has blessed His servants abundantly!

We have so much to tell you about the work of God in Malawi. I hope you can be here Sunday to hear some stories and see some pictures. For now I will just say what is overflowing from my heart...Zikomo!!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)