Wow, I can’t believe it’s already month 4 and my last month in Africa! This nation has been so good to me, and I would love to call this place home someday- we’ll see where the Lord leads me. After one day in Zomba, Malawi, however, I would love for it to be here.
Mt. Zomba can be viewed from our front porch, it’s so beautiful!
We live in what used to be the capital of the country, and it’s a beautiful and vibrant place. We’re surrounded by mountains and it’s actually not scorching hot here! The village we’re in is so welcoming and loving- it’s no wonder Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa. Every where we go we hear “mizungu,” (white people) and it’s actually become a term of endearment I quite like. People are attracted to us, we stand out, and we get to share the love of Jesus with them. It’s beautiful!
Our first full day in Zomba we walked through the town and the markets, and got new chitenges (African wrap skirts all the women wear; “you American women love these chitenges.” Lol)
Since leaving the states, I’ve begun to understand the spiritual gifts that the Lord has given me; one of them is the gift of discernment, and it’s been an interesting gift to grow in and learn more about. One thing I’ve always been able to sense is a lightness or darkness/heaviness about a place, and I never understood exactly what was going on- I just could tell the difference between good and bad situations really well.
Every country we’ve lived in thus far I’ve felt a spiritual lightness, but here it’s different. There’s a heaviness in my heart- it’s hard to fully explain it. Back home I live in a fairly large Muslim community and actually have a few Muslim friends who supported this trip, but I’ve actually never understood much of the religion. Being here has already opened my eyes, however, and has truly given me a heart for the people.
There’s a large mosque downtown, and for the first time in my life I heard the call to prayer. It was eerie and seemed to silence the town. It was dark and heavy. I suddenly felt like I was being pushed down and like I had the weight of a hundred people on top of me. I believe that was my discernment telling me how much this country lacks the knowledge of God, and how they place other gods above the One True God.
Even in the home of our host- a cute little pastor and his wife, surrounded by God’s creation and the mountains, I still feel like a weight is tied to my heart. This country is spiritually heavy and in need of the Father. Please join me in praying for Zomba and it’s people. Pray for the veil to be lifted and for our brothers and sisters to see the truth. Our Father loves His children and wants to welcome them into His arms. Much like the story of the prodigal son, we will rejoice upon the return of His children, and we’re praying for their return.
Thank you for reading my blog, I love all of you and am so thankful for the support I’ve received over the past year since deciding to follow this call. Jesus is real and very much alive! I’m thankful to bring His love and presence to the nations.
With love,
Brandi
