As I said in my last blog, this month has been amazing. Malawi is amazing and beautiful. But one of my favorite things about this month has been our ministry contact. Pastor Blessings has been such an encouragement and a true example of what living for Jesus should like. The first day that we met Blessings, he walked 3 hours (about 20km) to where we were staying. This man is for real, guys. I was blown away by his testimony & just wanted to share it with you.
When Blessings was about 17, he slapped a true Christian. He and this Christian were outside school during a break. From what I understand, Blessings was looking for a fight when he slapped this young man. He expected a punch in the face next. But what happened next surprised. The man took a step towards Blessings and with a smile on his face, he hugged Blessings. Blessings said that he didn’t understand. This young man then began to tell him about Jesus. He told Blessings about Jesus’ character and the love He has for all of us. He befriended Blessings.
When they returned to class after the break, Blessings made another classmate switch seats with him so that he could sit next to his new friend. He felt something stirring inside of him. Soon after, Blessings accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. And every day, Blessings went to this young man’s house to study the Bible and to learn more about this Jesus. Soon after that, the young man’s relative prayed over Blessings and he was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. As he was telling me this, Blessings began to laugh. He told me that he didn’t begin speaking in tongues right away, but later at home. He said that he didn’t know what was happening. He went back to his friend and his relative. They began to teach Blessings more about the Holy Spirit and the power we have through the Holy Spirit.
Blessings has continued to follow Jesus for 30 years. He’s been through some tough things- he’s had a pastor try to kill him because he stood up for what was right and had integrity; he’s been robbed and beaten; and he’s had to trust God for every meal, piece of clothing, and a place to live for him & his family (his wife & 4 kids). And through all of this, he has so much joy. He is so patient. He shows Jesus’ love to everyone he meets. God has made him strong, gentle, and faithful. It has been such an honor to get to know this man and to serve a long side of him. And I wonder if all this would have been possible if he hadn’t slapped a real Christian, who turned the other cheek. A man who put Blessing’s need for Jesus above His desire for revenge.
Are you living the life of a real Christian? Are you willing to turn the other cheek? Are you willing to put another person’s need for Jesus above your desire for revenge or affirmation or your own glory?
