Achimwene wanga!

I want to introduce you all to Bentry Chimdimwa Mhango. Bentry is a graduate of African Bible College who recently completed his Master of Divinity - Missions degree at RTS. He excelled academically and socially. In fact, the admissions director of RTS whispered to me at graduation regarding Bentry and students of ABC: "Send us more just like him, please." I told him there are a thousand more like Bentry, academically. But there is only one Bentry. Bentry and I did not meet in Malawi. He was planting churches in rural Mozambique when LeAnne and I were in Malawi. But I heard much about him. I met Bentry in the Admissions Office at Reformed Theological Seminary. He had no idea who I was, so I surprised him with "Madzuka bwanji?" or "How are you this morning?" We have been friends ever since. In many ways, though, we have become more like brothers. You see, like me, Bentry has lost one of his brothers. In fact, this loss happened while Bentry was here, far from his family where proper grieving ought to be. Thus, we have become brothers beyond our common brotherhood in Christ. It was a privilege for me when Bentry asked me to perform his wedding sermon in June. This is a great honor for anyone here, but to be asked by an African brother is humbling and joyous. Thus, Bentry is the reason we are leaving for Africa so soon. We are excited that he will be working with us. He and I have many projects to undertake together, including partnering on several courses and preaching and serving in the Malawian Church. We are also excited about meeting Hluphe (pronounced Shupay), Bentry's soon-to-be wife. She is a gifted computer programmer in Lilongwe and travels the entire nation setting up computer networks for various enterprises. This man of God is one of the reasons we are so excited to be returning to Malawi. Bentry is a kind, gifted man of great vision and I will be excited to learn from him as he forges forward in gospel ministry. Feel free, if you so desire to do so, to help Bentry in his work. You can contact me regarding the best avenues to do that.