SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST
MISSION OF MALAWI
PO BOX 60150 BT. 6 BLANTYRE MALAWI AFRICA
TEL. 265-999-741-007 or 265-888-751140 (mobile)
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite04@gmail.com / or panagioite04@gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com
S.G.M.M. – 2010 Annual Report Continued…
End of the Third week of February I departed Malawi for the US, it had been some time since I had been back and there was a lot to try and accomplish in the short time which I anticipated being in the US. I had worked out a schedule and program to be in the US for Three months, which to some that may seem like a short time after being away for such a long time, however, its not a short time when you have to pack up your house and secure it with locks, chains, welding and whatever else it takes to deter the Thieves. I have learned one thing here in Africa, and that is no matter what you do to secure your house and or what you have to safe guard, if the Thieves really want to get in, they will. All these things which I do to secure the house is not a bullet proof method, it is simply to slow them down or cause them to make enough noise to raise others living around the house.
Me Mum’s birthday was to be on the 28th of February and I wanted to surprise her with my coming, prior to this I had spoken to my younger sister and had her try to organize for as many as my siblings to make it before or on the day I was to arrive. I have learned from older people when they have a birthday, they are not so impressed with (physical gifts, or money, or things) many times they just want to have a (good day).
I made the long journey across the big pond and bye and bye arrived at her house, it was a good surprise and reunion was made again with sweet embracing and tears of joy. Those of you whom have never had to leave your folks behind may not fully understand the emotions, which are shared and exchanged at times like these.
I spent the next two days with my family (mum, and siblings) only one Sister was not able to make it but the four of us were there. They all went back to their lives and for the next few days I had some quality time with me mum. Afterward I would start the long process of travelling across the US visiting supporting churches, my home church etc…
March was upon me and it was time to fly out to Sacramento to visit with me home church (LMBC) –Roseville, CA. I made the flight and spent some quality time with me church and pastor. I was to fly back to Columbus, Ohio in order to attend a Bible Conference in South Shore, KY where Elder James Hobbs Sr. is pastor and has been for about 200 years… (Not really but since I was quite young to now he has been pastor of K.A.B.C.) I have some history with that church and Bro. James Hobbs Sr. as I was endorsed as a Missionary to PNG back in the early 80’s to 1990. I was invited to be one of the speakers, of which I accepted, thus the trip.
There were other preachers who were scheduled to preach whom I had known for a long time, but had been several years since we had fellowshipped in person. Any person who may be reading this report with any age on them will know exactly what I mean when I say “time has a way of slipping past us whilst we are unawares” as though it were!
My former pastor, Elder Rick Perdue was there whom I have respected over the years, he taught me much, not as “doctrine” but really helped me “fine tune” what the LORD had
Already began in my life whilst labouring here on the African field. Bro. Gordon Wiegold who is one of me best “Mates” ever! We clicked the day we met, and God has given us a (kindred Spirit). For many American’s this may sound unusual and or odd, however in a far away land called (down-under) and within the surrounding areas of the South Pacific there is a phrase we use to describe two people (male to male, or female to female or male to female) who are more then just “friends” and that is a “mate” –this would be equal to what the Bible says about (Pr 18:24) He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (The Hebrew would declare – to have affection for)
Bear with me a moment as I write my report, from time to time I reflect on (things, places, and (certain people), who have been instrumental and influential in my life as a Christian, and preacher simply because it helps to solidify the history of my character and the mission work which I am engaged. All the positive fruits of my life, come only from my LORD and those people HE used to mold my character, such as my father Elder John Gilpin, Elder James Hobbs Sr., Elder Joseph Wilson, and in later years Elder Paul Tiber, these are the men whom the LORD chose to be instrumental in my life both as a man, preacher, and Missionary.
The hosting pastor, Elder James Hobbs Sr. who has remained a “Real” friend indeed to the “Halliman” family as well as personally to myself over the years, for whatever reasons over the years of our kind of Baptist Mission works, some people were “friends when all things were well, others remained when it was “convenient”, and still others claimed friendship when things went (bad); This is really the acid test to any person as to whom their (Real) friends were, are, and will be, and this is indeed the character of [Elder James Hobbs Sr.] pastor of K.A.B.C. and friend of Missionary Peter A. Halliman. I have to publicly say “Thank You” to Bro. James Hobbs Sr. for being an encouragement to me as a young man, someone who stepped into the lives of my siblings and I, when we were going down a wrong road in life. From the early years of the Seventies after we had departed Papua New Guinea on the long journey to America to further our education, which had resulted from a decision that my father, Fred T. Halliman had come to after counseling with many Baptist Preachers who were pastors of supporting churches of the then “New Guinea Mission work”. Those preachers agreed with my father that the “work” should continue if at all possible and that the family should be sent back to the USA to provide schooling for the children. This was a great plan, and supported by pastors, churches etc… The problem was then, as it is still now, everyone seems to know best for the Missionary and his family. Out of over fifty preachers around America few ever came to visit our family (personally), even less came as (men) to offer any assistance with me and my brothers who like any young men in America are subject to many (wrong) things. I have for years wondered why these same preachers who encouraged my father to send the family back for schooling, why they also didn’t stand in the (gap) and offer some kind of strong, manly leadership from time to time. It is what it is, time passed, we grew up and found out that many of those same Baptist preachers hid behind a cloud of doctrine which they preached but lacked the compassion to fulfill it.
However, as I have shared with you part of the history of which shaped Missionary Peter Halliman, it is where I state again, Elder James Hobbs Sr. became pricked in his heart for the three sons of Fred T. Halliman going astray and he stepped in to do what any good man would, and should do for his (Friend, brother and fellow labourer in Christ) –Elder Fred T. Halliman). Through the years which followed, Bro. James Hobbs Sr. stood in the gap and helped to turn me from going down a bad road. I have a special place in my heart for Bro James Hobbs Sr. and know that the LORD too will reward him greatly for those years of standing in the gap! Thank you Bro Hobbs.
The Bible Conference which I attended there at K.A.B.C. for the next two and a half days was one of encouragement, challenging and great time of fellowship. There were some great messages preached and good singing. Like all things, bye and bye they come to an end and so to the Bible Conference.
During the month of April, I was to spend some time with me son in Cleveland, Ohio therefore after the Conference I drove onto Cleveland and spent the next two weeks in Cleveland. I was able to spend some time with me son and then it was time to move on.
I spent the biggest part of April visiting several supporting churches around Ohio, and Kentucky.
May – June: For the next two months I would travel to different churches when there would be a opening in my schedule as well as spending time with me son as per the court appointed dates and times. I spent a lot of time on the road and in between points during these two months, due to the fact that I was pressed for meetings with the lawyer trying to get an agreeable timetable between the mother of my son and myself. There can be a lot said here but I simply will surrender this to the LORD and one day in Heaven we will know the real story.
I was able to get some two weeks with my son and in so doing I also was invited to a Bible Summer Camp in Boone County, N.C. Located in the mountains, of which I accepted to attend with what little time, I was able. I departed Cleveland, Ohio in the late afternoon and drove through the evening to Winfield, Alabama reaching me Mum’s place around 0400 hrs the next morning, the nine hundred miles passed by rather quickly, simply because I had my son with me and had been a long time since I had spent quality time with him. That morning being Saturday, and since I was due to be in Damascus, N.C. for Sunday services tomorrow, I felt it best to stay at me mum’s and get some rest. The next morning being Sunday, I was up at 0200 hrs and had the vehicle loaded for the trip, along with my son we set off at 0300 hrs for Damascus, N.C.
As the morning hours passed by I passed a sign post which stated (Eastern Standard Time Zone), I had not realized that there was a hour difference between Alabama and N.C. and I had just lost a hour. With church services starting at 10:00 hrs I knew it would be close, I continued to drive until I had arrived at the church where Bro. Dale Wallace is pastor. I was scheduled to speak at the morning hour and had just enough time to put me coat on. After driving five hundred miles, I was ready to worship the LORD, and worship we did, I am not one of these preachers which feels that I must preach in order to enjoy the worship services, in fact there are many preachers who are much more talented then I and I love to hear other men preach God’s Word (as long as they are sound in the Faith). For the preachers who may read this report will identify with this statement, there are messages which I have prepared to preach and I felt everything was right about it, however God was not pleased to impress upon His people that message simply because there was too much of (Peter Halliman) in it, and then there are messages which I have wrestled with like Jacob did with the Angle of the LORD and only when I surrendered then the LORD would preach HIS message through me simply as a vessel (fitted for that purpose). This was one of those Sunday’s, and this was one of those messages, I had prepared a message, however for five hundred miles the LORD purged me of that message and gave me simply a text with a thought that would give ground for the message.
After services, I would then follow Bro. Dale Wallace to Boone County Bible Camp, which is located in the mountains of Boon County, N.C. and every year becomes home to many young folks who are given a chance to learn more about our Saviour.
For the next three days I would spend quality time with Bro. Dale Wallace and the folks of Damascus Baptist Church, many of them making great sacrifices to make this camp work and be what it is. I want to encourage each of them who are involved, and ask them to (NOT SURRENDER) that post which God has carefully placed into their hands. I had the privilege of listening to other preachers who were being used to speak to the young people during Chapel hour. I spent those three days there with my son at the Bible Camp and thanked the LORD for this special time I had with him, and what better place could a father spend with his son, then at a Summer Bible Camp to learn more about our LORD JESUS CHRIST. The beauty of this camp, is there are no cell phones, no T.V., no video’s, radio’s etc… just pure life, simple and straight forward. If I were to live in the USA this is what I would want to do, entertain God’s people with God’s Word in an unadulterated environment. Thank you – Damascus Bap Church, and Thank you to Pastor Dale Wallace.
Time passed and it was time to depart, I left with my son and would soon meet up with me mum who had driven from her home in Winfield, Alabama to meet up with me and we would drive on from there to Capron, VA to visit with my elder sister, as it had been several years since I had opportunity to visit with her. As we met up and drove onward it was mid afternoon when we arrived at the residence of my elder Sister.
It is here that I shall insert a (thread) of the history of (2010) and events which touched different peoples lives as well as what I believe God allowed me to be a part of.
Before I begin, I shall make the following statement – I take the position that God moves people into our lives, and takes them out of our lives for very (specific) reasons. I (DO NOT) believe things happened by chance, or as many people say (by luck) – what ever that is supposed to mean. I believe that there is sufficient evidence in God’s Word (The Bible) – to support the doctrine of [God’s Absolute Predestination) and I believe in this doctrine without apologies. I also believe that God allows opportunities for each of us to act upon for the good of HIS people and for our own good. I believe that (Rom.8: 28) was “True” when it was written, and I believe it is “True” in our day, and will be True in the future and forevermore.
I said all that to say this, sometime back there was a an opportunity for my elder sister’s son to come spend some time with me here in Africa, however at the time it did not work out. This time around, it looked as though it would work out.
We spent the next four days with my sister as she had taken off of work so we could visit. Like most folks who have to work, there is little time now a days to just (sit) and visit, even at best we usually get a few hours during the day and evening to actually spend quality time visiting. With the normal interruptions of life, family, friends, commitments etc… The time passed as always does and it was time to pack up and move on, we said our “good-byes” and I drove off headed for Glenville Georgia as I was to be with Pastor Dwight Brooks and Ella Gove Baptist Church over the weekend.
For the next five hundred miles the hours passed until once again I reached my destination. I was directed to where I would stay for the next two days. We had a wonderful evening with Pastor Brooks and his wife. On Sunday I was scheduled to preach for the church and did so, we shared some great fellowship and I was also encouraged by the fellowship of the folks at Ella Grove Bap Church. They looked after us very well and then on Monday morning we were ready to depart at 0400 hrs to start our journey back to Winfield, Alabama where me mum resides.
The day passed and we arrived without any problems, and for the next few days I would spend at me mums and start the preparation for my return back to Malawi Africa. This time I would be returning to Malawi with two of my nephews, the time for departure came as it always does and saying our good byes do not get easier with time, nor any less real. Some may think that because I have done this most of my life that the reunions are somewhat less jubilant then perhaps some others, or that the departures are less painful, but the truth is, each time it gets harder and more painful as we all know we all are getting older and none of us know if indeed we will see each other again this side of heaven.
The day of departure was filled with emotions and like all the rest of the times was difficult to walk away, however I know that the LORD’S work requires men (real men) those who are willing to go off to war, those who are willing to stand on the front line in the face of all opposition. Men who will lead others, and set a standard which must be followed, men who are not influenced by every wind of doctrine, or emotion that they are subjected to. I fear that in the days we are living that many (men) are more concerned by the emotions of the home, or relatives then they are about standing to the post and doing what God said to do. No real man enjoys going away, or leaving “loved ones”, no real man is encouraged in the sacrifices it takes to preach the Gospel in the regions beyond, however if we indeed (believe) as we say we do, the Sovereignty of God, and if we say that we believe the God has an Elect and they must hear the Gospel in order to be saved, then it becomes incumbent upon us to stand to the post, and like Nehemiah said… “I am doing a great work, and cannot come down to you”.
For the next two days I travelled with my nephews to Africa, reaching my home at the appointed time God had before determined, 22nd July 2010. Upon arrival, much the same as in past years that I have come and went from Africa to the US, or PNG, the return home is one that I embrace, however much labour and work is involved in setting things in order. The unpacking again, the cleaning of the house, not only normal dirt etc… but here in Africa the rats and ants will take over a house when unoccupied for any length of time. This requires careful cleaning, the vehicles had to be set in order, both mechanically as well as legally. Some of them from time to time have the road traffic documentation about to expire and when I am planning a trip out of the country I do not renew these, knowing the vehicle will only sit in storage until I return. This was true when I returned and needed to be attended to. In so doing, it takes (DAYS) to perform this. At another time whilst I was in Sacramento, California I needed to attend to the same issue with a vehicle that I had previously owned there. Several informed me that I needed to go early as the queues were long and would take awhile to complete the process.
I have learned in life, “different things, mean different things to different people” meaning, the Californians have their own meaning as to “long, lengthy, or slow” Africans – also have their own meaning, and I have been used to Africa for all these years, so when someone tells me that it will take long to do something, I understand it the “African way”. I found it quite comfortable, there were chairs to sit on, the inside air was climate controlled and there were toilets available in case one had to relieve oneself. I didn’t mind at all, and besides I was home by lunch. This may be slow for “fast paced America” but here in Africa, most things do not get done in a day or several days, but usually weeks. I said all that to say this, it would take me nearly eight weeks to get two vehicles in order with the documentation.
In previous reports since my return in July I have explained in detail the problems and difficulties I have encountered with the duce and a half truck. I will not go into detail regarding that, however will only recap on the main points.
The radiator had been damaged by one of the workers prior to my departure in Feb 2010 and I had parked it in that condition. Therefore I needed to have this repaired; in so doing again it turns into a major operation even the simple things. Within two weeks I had the radiator repaired and reinstalled, then I discovered wheel cylinder leaks in two of the rear wheels, I had to remove these and search around town for the correct rubber cups that would fit this truck, I did so and had the wheel cylinders repaired and brakes bled. I thought things were in order and tried to start the truck but ran into some more problems, to cut a long story short this is where it is today… the entire fuel system I diagnosed, removed the fuel tank flushed and cleaned, filled with new fuel, new filters, fuel lines removed and cleaned out with air pressure, all systems were checked for fuel leaks, found one and repaired that but still would not start. The fuel injectors were removed and taken to a machine shop to be pressure checked and recalibrated, refitted, the engine started but would not run properly. The fuel injection pump was suspected and after removing this to have recalibrated at the same machine shop, I was told that they did not have the proper equipment to set the calibration on that particular pump. I would have to go to South Africa. This is where the story stops, I have not been able to fly down to South Africa as this costs over five hundred dollars for a return flight, to drive down and back would be near that much with border fees, visas, fuel, road tax etc… therefore I have been trying to time a trip where I can drive down and hopefully purchase some other items that are in need for the mission as well as our personal lives. It’s not like living in the US where I could simply drop it off at a shop and collect it next week. It is what it is, and it goes with the territory.
After I determined the mechanical problem with the truck that was and still is put on hold, however the work still goes on, and the demands still have to be met. I turned my attention on the plumbing and water situation in the house. Again after many reports and countless hours of man-hours working to put in the septic tank, soak away with five leaches of which I will not go into detail at this time, one can go back and dig up the older reports and reread these to get the details. I simply will say that everything was ready for me to seal the top of the septic tank. This in itself was a task, the frame of the top was made out of 2x2 inch angle iron, mesh wire was attached, and with a bottom of plywood the concrete was poured. Two manholes were set in place for future maintenance and then the top was domed with cement to facilitate water run off in the rainy season.
The house which I am residing in, never had any plumbing from the original construction which was back in the late 1800’s therefore any (new) work would have to be carried out with the mind that the house was not bricked together with cement and care would need to be taken. As I began to dig for the septic piping near the house, which would tie into the bathrooms and lead out to the septic tank had to be sloped as septic piping is when laid. I encountered a real problem with the digging, as we hit pure granite about a foot deep, the only way to get the slope right was to drill into the rock with concrete bits, (no) I don’t have any jackhammers, and (yes) it was all manual so the work was carried out very tedious and labourious. Ten to twelve hours a day I was working on this job with the men whom I have employed as well as my two nephews.
I will once again digress a bit from the main report to make a point for my readers… this part would mostly target the men, husbands, fathers, and leaders. I have lived most of my life around men, (real men) the kind of men who set things in order, the kind of men who will accept the responsibility of their post and not surrender it to anyone. I was left with a legacy from my father that if you put your hand to the plow then don’t look back, and don’t look to the right or left hand. I was taught, so to I believe, and now practice in my life this precept… a home has one head, each family has one leader both physically as well as Spiritually, God holds responsible the man, for the problems which enter the home as well as what goes on inside the home, and what exits that home. I do not take this position lightly. I said all that to say this, when my nephews arrived here in Africa I sat down with them to go over the rulings, some who may read this may already judge in their heart that I am too hard, too harsh, and go beyond… however as you read this I would like (if you disagree) to get your Bible and run through it examining the character of those men in the O.T. and again the character of those men who are described in the N.T. as you read, I would like for you to remember that the Bible was not a book written for 21st century America, the likes, dislikes, nor the fashions, customs or acceptances. The Bible is a book written with an oriental influence and flavours, there are many customs, habits, ways that many nations believe, teach, and follow which are very close to near like those in Biblical times. Many “American’s” who may travel abroad and visit some of these countries may (tolerate) for a short time these differences, knowing that they are going (home) in a short time, however when one goes to [live] with a people who live so very different then what they are accustomed to, that is when feelings are hurt, offenses are created, words are exchanged and often tempers are flared to a point that (Amos 3:3) becomes true.
I made it very clear that my home was run and operated with Biblical precepts, and principles. That there was only one head of this home and that did not include them, I also made it clear that when it was time for me to make a decision for the interest of the home, family, that this was not a democracy where we all took a vote and the majority ruled, I would consider their opinion and we could talk about things but the final decision was mine, and mine alone. I laid out the schedule that would be followed, since they came here on my ticket and for the purpose of working through legal as well as Spiritual problems that I would expect certain things out and from them.
I rise at 0400 hrs and had breakfast on the table by 0600 hrs, they were called no more then twice, if they came we ate together, following we engaged in a Bible study. If they did not make it to the table then breakfast was removed and the next meal was not until lunch. From 0700 hrs to 0800 hrs was Bible class with the workers, the two translators, and one pastor who helps me here with the mission work. Its interactive and all are required to participate. At 0900 hrs we start the days duties and the schedule will continue till 1700 hrs. We knock off, water is heated for bathing and at 1800 hrs we have our dinner at which time we also end the day with a Bible study, baths are taken, and then there is a short time for leisure before the lights are switched off at 2200 hrs. The process is started all over the next day and so on. I believe that discipline is to be enforced, it is not something that is optional if we want to “train up a child in the way that he shall not depart from it when he grows old”. I understand that different children respond differently to different kinds of discipline, however I also know what I read in God’s Word about children…. No matter what the (world) thinks (Pr 13:24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
(Pr 22:15) Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
(Pr 23:13) Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
(Pr 23:14) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
No one knows people better then Jehovah, as HE is the one who created us, and HE is the one who put us together…