My interactions with Malawian men have tainted my view of African culture as a whole. I hate the general lack of respect for women and the role they seem to play in society. The prosperity gospel is taught in most churches which highlight education and marriageas the path to happiness. It’s hard for me to sit still as I listen to these wrong teachings. The twisted views make me seethe with anger and sadness.
Almost everywhere I go, men stare and holler at me. I feel like a piece of meat. I hesitate to talk to men. I hesitate to even smile for fear I will just encourage them. I usually walk quickly with my head down to avoid unwanted attention. I’ve walked though some hard things here. My Malawian experiences have left a bitter taste in my mouth.
God knew this.
I asked him to redeem Africa for me and He’s doing just that. Part of ministry here in Nkhata Bay is holding a Bible study in the local prison, an all male prison. The very first time we went, I knew these men were different. They don’t stare at us. They don’t make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. They don’t make me feel like less of a teacher, because I am a woman; we are equals. They listen intently and give input relevant to the message. When they sing, I get chills. Their baritone voices fill the air and you can tell they are singing from the heart. They continue to amaze me with their passion and understanding. In many ways, they’ve shown me what real Christian men look like in Malawi.
I don’t know why they’re there and it doesn’t matter; they are changed by the grace of God. Through Malawian prisoners, God is redeeming this culture for me. I cannot generalize African men based on a few bad seeds. Not everyone I meet wants to marry me or wants my money. This culture IS different, but that doesn’t necessarily make it bad or wrong.
