An October Update: Arwen and Fundraising

It's been three months since baby Kalmar was born, and the family is finding a routine again as we head into the new (home)school year. Kalmar has been a happy baby and a blessing to the family. Because his arrival was in July, many summer activities were delayed due to pregnancy, expectation for delivery, and recovery. Our family did find time to enjoy some of the lingering summer days in Michigan with a mini vacation on Mackinac Island and then a brief camping trip in Northern Michigan.

As we have returned to some normal routine, we are focusing more closely on our fundraising efforts for our eventual return to Togo. Currently, our monthly support income is at 17% of our goal, and we are seeking brothers and sisters in Christ who would partner with us by giving monthly on a long-term basis. We invite you to consider joining our ministry in this way!

Click Here To Give

Touring the colorful interior of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

As you may know, Arwen was on an experimental treatment for several months to see if that might have any effect on her cancer. Ultimately, it proved ineffective and Arwen was switched to another study. However, the new study program did not turn out to be taking new patients, so Arwen was left without any treatment. She has been on a "maintenance" medication while her doctors look for another experimental treatment that she might try.

Overall, Arwen has been fairly well, though tired often and prone to joint and body pain due to the maintenance medication. She, like the rest of the family, has continued to grow in her walk with the Lord. In fact, Arwen, Caspian, and Elora were all baptized in early September! We were able to celebrate that with our church family in Hillsdale, Michigan.

In mid-September we had the opportunity to share our testimony in a breakout session at Prescription for Renewal in Orlando. We thank all those who ministered to us there and those who expressed interest in possibly supporting our ministry. Later in September, we were able to share again at Grace Covenant Church in Cincinnati. We are thankful to the church for the chance to fellowship and for their tender encouragement and support for our family. If you wish to see that sermon, you can watch it here.

We hope to share our testimony and plans for ministry with more churches or groups. If you would like us to speak at your church, feel free to introduce us to your pastor! We're also happy to attend small groups or mission conferences.

Another request that we have is for some of you to consider joining our prayer support team. All of your prayers are welcome and appreciated! Yet, we plan to have a core group of believers who are dedicated to praying for our family and ministry on a daily basis. This group would receive more specific prayer requests more often. If you are interested in supporting us in this way, or if you want more information about having us come to speak at a church or group, simply email us at mallaysonamission@gmail.com.

Baptism of Arwen, Caspian, and Elora

And let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9