Well, we completed week one at our new ministry site in the Dzoole village of Ntcheu in Malawi. What a beautiful country Malawi is. I’m truly in awe. The vibrant birds and flowers a midst the mountains… The word that kept coming to mind this week was Majesty. What an amazing Creator we have. So creative and detailed!
We arrived in the village Tuesday and were welcomed by so many beautiful faces. Our ministry host introduced us to the village chiefs and the staff of the school where we’ll be working as well. Our first week was pretty low key as we figured out all the dynamics and needs here, but our first day really stood out to me…. I wish I could show you a picture of what took place. (*as a side note, AIM likes us to wait a week or so before taking pictures upon arrival at a new place of ministry, to be present and take things in properly without being behind a lens, so you’ll have to just use your imagination on this one!)
When we first arrived on Tuesday there were a few small children in the yard. (ok maybe 12) They all stood outside peering in the window at us as we put our things inside and chatted a bit with a few people. 6 white girls, hot and sweaty from a long ride, I’m sure we were a site to see!
We had some time before our ministry host was going to arrive to meet with us so we decided that it might be good to take a little walk. As we started our journey through the village small children would join us and grab our hands to walk alongside us. They were so excited.
As we continued to walk, our crowd increased in number, steadily! 50, then 75, then 100, they just kept coming. They were all fighting for one of our hands or reaching out to at least touch our arm. By the time we got back to the house I’m sure there were over 150 children in the front yard with us.
The next day when we finished at the school, all of the same children and possibly more, showed up at the house again. We read them a story and sang songs with them. They are all like the Energizer bunny… they just keep going! 😉 I started thinking, this must be how Jesus felt. Walking through crowds and crowds of people, all reaching and grabbing for Him. All vying for His attention.
At the end of the day however, we were reflecting on the importance of our quiet time and being sure to be filled up so that we could pour out to these children and it was in that moment I had a realization. Jesus went away to pray as well. Jesus stepped away for quiet time. In Matthew 14, starting at verse 22 it says Jesus went up on the mountainside by Himself to pray. In Matthew 26 (starting at verse 36) it also says that Jesus went away to pray. There may be other references as well but those are the two that come to mind first. I think if Jesus spearheaded quiet time, it must mean we should follow suit! We know by reading His word that He wants us to spend time with Him and He wants us to pray and speak with Him. But having time alone, away from others, spent with the Father is so important. I realize I’m over 8,000 miles away doing ministry in elements most never experience, but we all need quiet time. Whether we’re in Africa or not. Whether we’re pouring in to hundreds of kids or just our coworkers. We all need time with the Father.
I challenge you all to take extra time this week sitting at His feet. Listen to what He has to say to you. Separate yourself from your daily activities and get filled up! You’ll be glad you did!
