BIO:
Both Steve and Marion were raised in Christian homes, but come from very different customs, cultures and even continents. While Steve grew up in the concrete jungles of Southern California, Marion grew up in the real jungles of West Africa living in a bamboo house with pet chimpanzees. Steve and Marion met at Biola University.

Called to Africa in 1988, Steve and Marion, along with their 4 month old son David, moved to Liberia and later to Malawi. This year marks the Spencer’s 19th year on the mission field in Africa. Why missions and why Africa? Steve says, “I never set out to be a missionary. In fact, when I was growing up, whenever the missionaries came to our church, we snuck out the back door.” For Marion it was much easier. From the time she was eight years old she wanted to be a missionary working with orphans in Bangladesh.” Steve responds, “so we compromised and became missionaries to Africa! Actually, our calling to missions was a total and complete God initiated blessing. We have just gone along for the ride.”

The Spencer’s work for an organization called African Bible Colleges. African Bible College is a four year, liberal arts, degree granting educational institution. The purpose of ABC is to train, nurture and develop Africa’s next generation of Christian leaders. Steve teaches Bible and education courses as well as serving as Academic Dean. Marion serves as hospitality and social coordinator for staff and students. The real success behind African Bible Colleges is the graduates whom God is using to further the Gospel and His Kingdom through avenues of government, radio, education, business, parachurch, missions and church ministries.

Along with the college, ABC Malawi offers other ministry opportunities. The ABC Christian Academy enrolls over 250 students from 28 nationalities. The school presently operates from Pre-K to 10th grade. The organization also includes one of the nicest medical clinics in the country specializing in HIV treatment and education, and a crisis nursery center. In addition, the mission hosts several short term teams throughout the year.

You can specifically pray for the Spencer’s and ABC in the following ways:

• The health and safety of the Spencer family (David 18, Jonathan 16, Nell 13, Caleb 11, Samuel 8, Charlotte 5 and Stephen 1 ½ years).

• David will be staying in the States for college (and playing golf!). This is a unique situation for our family and we would appreciate your prayers.

• The ABC Academy is looking for teachers for Fall 2007and a second full time doctor is needed for the clinic as it will be expanding it’s crisis nursery ward.

• Please pray for the effectiveness of our ministry and for strength as we battle spiritual warfare.

We would love to share with you more about ABC and Malawi. Here is our contact information. Please feel free to communicate with us, or better yet, come and see us in Malawi!



Anniversary – August 8, 1987

Favorite Scripture –
Steve, Romans 8 (the whole chapter)
Marion, Proverbs 3:5-6

FYI
Steve – played baseball at Biola (MVP 1984), enjoys the outdoors, wildlife, hunting (bow) and fishing. His grandfather, Tim Spencer, sang with Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers. He has been charged by an angry elephant (once was enough). Is passionate about studying and teaching the Bible.

Marion – played basketball in high school (voted most spastic….not kidding). Loves animals and children. Was bit on the stomach by an angry chimp and has a scar to prove it (really not kidding). She is the seventh born child of Jack and Nell Chinchen, who have been missionaries in Africa for almost 40 years, and now has seven children of her own, (and would love to have seven more….still not kidding).

"Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem..."
~ Matthew Parris in As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God