One of my favorite days in Malawi…
They did not come out of obligation. They came simpy because they desired to be there. They were
hungry, so hungry for more of the Lord. I have never met such hungry
people in my entire life! It was our third day in Malawi. We had
plans to go preach in the morning at a church in the middle of
nowhere. Unfortunately some health issues came up and we had to take
Matt to the clinic therefore we arrived to this church 4 HOURS LATE!
With this knowledge I was for sure the church would be empty and the
people who still remained would be tired.
To my surprise, the church exceeded my
expectations! We arrived to at least one hundred people sitting on
the cement floor. Most of them road their bicycles miles and miles to
get there. They welcomed us with huge smiles and beautiful music that
radiated their gratitude. As the service began we did not rush
through any of it. My eyes watered at they told us to tell our
churches back home that the Malawians were praying for them and
singing praises to those who have helped make this trip possible for
us. They were truly touched that we came so far to be with them.
After an hour or so of worship, I
preached a sermon on love, we worshipped some more then Caroline and
Sarah each spoke for at least an hour each, even still the service
continued with singing and dancing. It was beautiful!
The entire time everyone there sat and
soaked up everything we said. It was unbelievable! Imagine waiting
four hours for us to arrive, then we get there and the service lasts
another four hours! Wow! They were so hungry and passionate for the
Word of God!
There
was something different about them (versus our American culture)which can be summed up in a
statement…
We
have to make time to fit God into our schedule,
But
they fit their schedule around God.
How much has our culture distorted
our view of church and God!? We invite Him into our lives then limit
Him by dictating how much of our lives He can actually have. We
spend time with Him only when it is convenient enough for us or when
we feel like it. “Today I have too much going on, ehh I will read
my Bible, pray and sit with the Lord tomorrow…If not tomorrow then
the next day. Well I spent an hour in church, that’s enough for this
week!” Not to sound harsh, but seriously what a joke! Do you really
think this is what God intended when He sent His Son to die on the
cross for us? Do you think He wants it to hassle for us to worship
and honor Him? I don’t think so! He wants ALL of us.
“Lord
I give you my heart
I give you my soul
I live for you alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I’m awake
Lord have your way in me…”
friends! I say this not to condemn, but to encourage. If you’ve lived
your lives this way, it is fine, but it’s not okay anymore…Change
your ways! My prayer for you is that you’ll do as the Malawians…Be
Hungry. Be passionate. Take Him out of the box. Love Him with all you
have and Give Your lives to Him! And that’s the FIRE of Malawi!
