Malawi, Moving, and Missing…
I arrived safely in Mzuzu, Africa about a week ago. It took our P-Squad a total of 84 hours and a full week to finally arrive in Malawi, Africa. And this is not including our travel from Romania to South Africa. The reason why it took so long, was we got delayed at a couple of the borders, but GOD worked everything out. I would also like to share with you that I never want to see or ride another bus again, but I know this will not happen!
After arriving in Malawi, our squad split up and met our ministry contacts that we will be serving with for the month of November. My team and I have the privilege to serve with a married couple, Tony & Charity, who pastor International Pentecostal Holiness Church. They, along with the church have been very gracious and kind to us. We are also staying at the church and have been involved with visiting families in different villages. Along with visiting these families, we have also had the chance to visit local schools and boarding schools to encourage them in the importance of getting a good education and helping them understand that GOD loves them and has a purpose and perfect plan for their lives (John 3:16-17 & Jeremiah 29:11). As a whole, the response of all those that we have been sharing with has been very receptive…many have confessed and made personal decisions to accept and to follow JESUS CHRIST as the their personal LORD and SAVIOR. “For the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). I am very humbled to be used to share GOD’s love with so many, but thankful to be part of GOD’s redeeming plan for all men. Not only am humbled and thankful to represent GOD’s truth and love, but I am encouraged that HE is building my courage and boldness in sharing about HIM with others. Glory be to our living and loving GOD who desires to have a personal and rich relationship with each and every one of us (John 17:3 & Colossians 1:16). GOD is Moving here in Africa, which is exciting that I can have a small part in it because of GOD’s calling, your support and prayers!
On the other hand, I have been discouraged this month as well because I am home sick and am Missing all of you…my family, my friends and girlfriend. GOD is teaching me to persevere and rely in HIM and only in HIM. Being away from all of you has definitely forced me to “draw close/near to GOD so that GOD will draw close/near to me” (James 4:8). I am being reminded daily that only my relationship with GOD through JESUS CHRIST satisfies and fulfills my every yearning, desire and need within the deepest part of my soul and being.
In closing, know that miss & love all you dearly, but it’s for a season of my life that GOD has called me to and is teaching me so much and allowing me to touch so many people’s hearts and lives with HIS truth and rich love. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support through your encouraging comments on my blogs, e-mail and Facebook…they mean more than you know!
PS…During the next month or so (December & January), internet access my be very limited due to the locations we may be in and the poor quality of internet connections, etc. Please continue to write comments, etc. but know that I will respond back when I have internet access/quality connection.
Derek
