I knew very little about Malawi before arriving here; actually I'm not sure I knew it was a country! This country also wasn't apart of our I knew very little about Malawi before arriving here; actually I'm not sure I knew it was a country! This country also wasn't apart of our original route – we came here instead of Mozambique due to flooding and because there weren't enough ministries available to host us.
When we arrived at our ministry site, Zehandi Ministries in Senga Bay, our contacts shared some interesting facts:
- The president is trying to pass a law that would prohibit girls from marrying until the age of 21 – currently girls marry as young as 12! The problem with girls marrying so young is they don't finish school. Many women are not educated and cannot help provide for their families. This law would encourage girls to finish school – hopefully at the university level – before starting a family.
- AIDS is a big problem – but the bigger problem is that people don't admit they have it. Even if one tests positive and is given medication, the person often throws away the medication immediately out of fear.
- Malaria is a big problem too. Malawi has the largest variety of Mosquitos in the entire Southern Hemisphere! Mosquito nets are often given out for free – but many people use the nets for fishing instead! Malaria meds are also free, but many people don't have the money to pay the consultation fee.
- The country experienced a drought last year, and rainfall this year has been extremely light. It has resulted in high prices – an average monthly salary is between 5,000-8,000 Kwacha while the average price for a 50kg bag of corn is 8,000-10,000 Kwacha! People are so hungry, they have been known to cut down fruit trees (banana or mango) for firewood!
- The same stable is maize while the main crops for export are maize, cotton, coffee and tobacco.
- Many Christians become Muslim out of desperation! You can get a bowl of rice or a job if you renounce your faith in Jesus! People are so destitute, they exchange their faith for a meal! Nearly 70% of the Muslim population are Muslim simply because of their upbringing or for a job not because of belief.
I've been in Malawi for two weeks now and I've learned a thing or two about the country. Once thing that was obvious from the beginning is how hard Malawian people work – the country is built on manpower not machine power. And people are extremely friendly.
We live on a hill overlooking Lake Malawi. There's no water on the hill; we walk 1/2 mile to the well at least once a day to pump water. Then we have to walk the 1/2 mile home with a 20L container of water, which weighs over 40lbs! Most of the return trip is uphill! However, most women carry much larger tubs of water on their heads and make multiple trips each day! The well is often a place for ministry – we help pump water, make conversation with those who speak English or smile at those who don't, and help women put their large jugs on their heads!
We're living rather simply this month – living in our tents, no electricity, or contact with the outside world. It's a chore to do much of anything – it's a 20 minute walk to town through the hills and sand dunes, and we have to haul water from the well for EVERYTHING. But God is everywhere! I can find him easily – in the beautiful morning sunrise or in the setting sun, even in the hurricane-like conditions that tormented us the entire night several nights ago!
I recently watched a sermon entitled, The Global God Who Gives The Great Commission, by Louie Giulio. In his message, he explains that worship happens whenever and wherever God is. He created everything to worship him and glorify him. There's no better place to live this month than here, where I can so clearly see all of God's creations worshiping him in the way he created them to. I have to honor of joining those creations in worship. Each day I hear the roar of the crashing waves against the shore, chirping birds, rustling leaves, shining stars!
Praise The Lord!
Praise The Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to The Lord,
For he issued his command, and they came into being.
He set them in place forever and ever.
His decree will never be revoked.
Praise The Lord from the earth,
You creatures of the ocean depths,
Fire and hail, snow and clouds,
Wind and weather that obey him,
Mountains and all hills,
Fruit trees and all cedars,
Wild animals and all livestock,
Small scurrying animals and birds,
Kings of the earth and all people,
Rulers and judges of the earth,
Young men and young women,
Old men and children.
Let them all praise the name of The Lord.
For his name is very great;
His glory towers over the earth and heavens!
He has made his people strong,
Honoring his faithful ones –
The people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise The Lord!
Psalm 148
