With their lives still shaken by the loss of homes, livestock, and crops to severe flooding earlier this year, church members in Malawi's Lower Shire District gathered for a three-day Easter Holiness Conference over the Easter weekend. Hundreds of people attended, and dozens were baptized.

"We are very thankful for the relief items that have been assisting us during the time of floods," said Lower Shire District Superintendent Gershom Kwerakwera. "Thank you also to all people who have been praying for us here in Malawi Lower Shire District and sending their assistance! God bless you!"

The Lower Shire District was one of the areas hit hardest by the flooding, which was caused by heavy rainfall in January and claimed the lives of more than 100 people in Malawi. Some of those who died were members of the Nazarene church. The water forced thousands of people from their homes, some of whom are still living in displacement camps. (Click here to read flood coverage in Out of Africa.)

In spite of the loss and devastation, the district went forward with the three-day Easter conference, inviting guest speaker William Thewethe from the Zomba Church of the Nazarene on the Malawi South District.

During the evening services, the JESUS film was shown, and special prayers were offered for people's marriages, health, and salvation.  

"It was a time of celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ," Kwerakwera said. "Holy Communion was served. The choirs and praise teams for men, women, and youth presented their sweet melodies." 

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries responds to people in need across the globe in areas such as natural disasters, human trafficking, and disease. To support NCM's aid in situations such as the Malawi flooding, click here. 

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa