My time in Africa has come to an end. These three months have been the most influential, stretching, and fruitful months I have ever experienced. To define my time here with words (or even pictures) would not do it justice. But, I will do my best to explain to you what has happened to me, and through me, in this season.
To begin, Malawi is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The landscape, the people, the culture, is vastly different than what I am used to. When I thought of Malawi, before coming, I imagined very dry and empty land and suffering people. Please do not misunderstand me, I do not mean to say people here are not suffering, but in my imagination before living here, I assumed that the people would have a sort of depression about them because of their current situation. To elaborate, I did not think of Malawi as being a pleasant place to live. And boy was I wrong. My “idea” of this place was completely wrong (except for maybe the mud huts). Life in Malawi is BEAUTIFUL. The mountains, the farmlands, the lake that is bigger than the country, everything about the landscape is gorgeous. But that is only a fraction of the beauty that radiates from this place.
The people and their culture are what make this country and everything in it so enjoyable. The joy that you can find on the faces of people who own almost nothing. People who live in a village miles and miles away from the city, who only know farming and the people that live with them, contain so much happiness. It blew my preconceived notions away. The LIFE that I saw in men, women, and children’s faces was unbelievable. Also their culture of friendliness, singing, and hospitality made my heart glad beyond measure. AND I must not forget to mention the church. The body of Christ in Malawi is living and active and MOVING in the Spirit. The people are thirsting for the Word and striving to live like Jesus. It has been honor serving alongside so many powerful warriors for the Kingdom.
As many of you know, I have been living here for three months. My first and third month were spent in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. And my second month I was in Blantyre, which is about 4 hours south of Lilongwe. In Lilongwe I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful man named Harvey Chabinga. He is a pastor, a missionary, and the father of three children. He works with an organization called Harvesters International. With Harvey, I spend most of my time in completely rural villages preaching the Gospel of Christ to those who have not heard, and encouraging fellow Christians that I met. This ministry was probably my favorite and was very fruitful. I saw God’s power in a brand new way. Many, many people came to know the Lord and through His help we planted four churches. Through this ministry the Lord taught me so much about my identity in Him and a whole new way of living for His Kingdom.
In January, I lived with a man named Jarvis Msonda. He is a young pastor who has a big heart for children’s ministry. Several years ago, he started a free, Christian, preschool program called Life Child. The kids of Malawi do not attend preschool, they begin their studies in what is called “primary school,” which is basically first grade. Partnering with him, I was able to help teach children basic English and numbers. Working with them was a blast, we played a lot of games and sang songs together. Jarvis builds relationships with the children, then has a beautiful opportunity to share the Gospel with their families as well as plant seeds in the lives of the children. The month of January taught me that ministry is not about just winning souls and planting churches, but how we present ourselves in humble submission before the Lord. He doesn’t need me to make His name known, He CHOOSES me and allows me to help.
These months in Africa, as great as they have been, have not always been easy. It is not a natural human desire to sleep on the floor at night and work all day without a paycheck. It’s difficult not to wish you were home while throwing up in a bucket. Or only eating a few small meals. You do not always have an amazing time. Being honest, there are many moments of doubt and frustration. You find yourself wishing the day would just end. You have to walk miles in the heat just to come home to more heat and no relief from it. I’ve had many nights trying to fall asleep while sweating.
No, it has not always been pleasant here.
But please understand this, it is in those very moments, in the darkness, the pain, and the longing to just be finished, when Jesus shines so brightly into my life. I have never felt Jesus as present as when I was doubled over a bucket in the middle of the night. His presence is SO sweet. I cannot describe the comfort and stability that he has brought me. The PEACE he has showered over me.
Living here and being on this trip has changed my life indefinitely. I have learned to be joyful and rejoice in all situations, for it is no longer me who lives, but Christ.
Without you none of this would be possible. Because you answered the call and helped make this trip possible, I can testify about all the things that HE is doing. I am immensely grateful for each of you and proud to report that the harvest has been plentiful thus far. Continue praying for me and with me as I finish out the last leg of this journey, that the fire of the Gospel would spread with ferocity.
