Yesterday was our first Sunday in Malawi. My team and team Illumoonations split up into four groups to go to four different churches to teach and minister. After AJ, Leigh, and I were placed in a group together, we set off with Pastor Helix for an exciting day of ministry. We caught a taxi to Pastor Helix’s home village, and there we met our first surprise of the day. In order to get to the church, we had to ride on the back of bicycles. That was definitely a mode of transportation that we had not yet utilized! I can only imagine how silly it looked to see two white girls in skirts riding on the back of bicycles down the main street of the village. At least we were able to provide the locals with some entertainment.
Our second surprise came when we reached the church property. I say property because that is about all that was there. The church building had been blown away by a recent storm, and the congregation was currently in the process of rebuilding. Thus far, the only way to tell that there was supposed to be a church there was by the wooden support frames outlining the building and some brick pews. Thankfully, God is not confined to a church building, and we had a great time of fellowship, worship, teaching, and ministry. God definitely stretched me by putting it on my heart to preach the main message. I think He’s trying to teach me boldness or something.
After the service ended, we began walking to the pastor’s house to visit with him and his family. As we were walking, it began to rain. Then it began to lightning. Pretty soon, the shower was a deluge, and the dirt road on which we were walking became a river. By the time we reached Pastor Helix’s house, we were all soaked to the skin. Because of the rain, we had to cancel the home cell group that was supposed to meet that afternoon. However, God still had some fun in store for us.
While we were visiting with Pastor Helix, AJ happened to look out the open front door and see some kids that were playing in the rain in the street. We all went out to the front porch to see the kids, and soon we had a whole group of children wanting to have their pictures taken. They squealed and giggled every time the camera flashed. We started singing silly songs for the kids, much to their delight. Then I got the idea to play a game called “Ninja” with them. In this game, I make a move and a sound like a ninja, and the kids copy what I do. These children were by far the most enthusiastic group I have played with. We danced around in the rain, making crazy motions and sounds, for about twenty minutes. When the pastor called us back inside the house for lunch, I was about worn out! That was one of the most fun afternoons I have had yet on the race. What struck me the most was how you don’t have to speak the same language in order to be silly and crazy with kids. You can show love by your actions. No words are needed. There is a simplicity of communication with children that is so beautiful. I did not know any of their names, but I felt that I had connected with these beautiful children in a special way. I hope that they will remember the day when the white people came to their village and played Ninja with them in the rain. More importantly, I hope they see Christ’s love shining through us.
Looking back on this fun day, I see God at work in almost every detail. It is amazing how God can move in the strangest of circumstances and settings. There really is never a dull moment when you are living a life of passionate pursuit of God. He makes sure to keep it interesting. He also gives us small glimpses of His love for us and for others throughout each and every day, if only we are looking for it. Maybe God wants to bless you through a rainstorm. Who knows? God works in mysterious ways.
