When I first arrived in Africa I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be beautiful and the people would be friendly and direct. I knew a pastor would ask me or one of my teammates to preach. All predictions were spot on.
I arrived in Africa with a nervous excitement ready to begin ministry. After landing in Lilongwe and heading to our host’s home I was enthralled by the African countryside. It was beautiful and endless; everything that I expected. Once we arrived at our hosts home I was curious how we would fit 15 people inside, but impressively we did. It was a very quant home. Pastor Blessings was very gracious and very patient while having 11 women and 4 men added to his family.
We were involved in various ministries in Malawi. The primary ministry was going to schools, giving our testimonies and sharing a lesson. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone as I am terrified of public speaking. The Lord was my strength and it was through his grace I was able to overcome that fear. Not only did we speak at schools but at churches as well.
There was one particular Sunday that presented a slight challenge. Normally within an hour we’d share our testimonies with a small word of encouragement and someone would preach. However, one Sunday Pastor Fiscan (our primary host) told us we had to speak for 2 HOURS and teammate, Isaac, was sick! After the pastor ninja’d us with this information we came together and made a game plan. By the grace of God we were able to fill the time.
In both Pastor Fiscan and Pastor Blessings churches I had the privilege of praising and worshiping the Lord with widows. These widows would meet at church every day to worship and encourage each other to push through the difficult times. We danced and sang to our Father with hearts of joy. Their stories were inspirational and their faith in God is humbling. When one of them was losing faith the others would be their to pick them back up. Only in a community with a foundation rooted in the Lord could these women persevere.
Another uncomfortable ministry that I had to participate in was door to door ministry. Most of the people we ministered to were Muslim. Despite the different beliefs and tension between Christians and Muslims they were very hospitable. They would patiently hear us out and even allowed us to pray for them. Miraculously several expressed interest in attending church. I can’t say if they will confess Christ as their saviour or not but that is in God’s hands and we can only pray.
Perhaps my favourite and most enjoyable ministry was working with street kids at Chisomo. The people at Chisomo run an incredible operation. They provide the street kids with a place to stay and receive a top notch education. However, it is not a permanent resident for the children. One of the primary responsibilities of the people at Chisomo is to figure out the street kids’ home life. At Chisomo we played football (real football not U.S. football), volleyball, gave our testimonies and listened to theirs. Their stories were heart wrenching and provided me with a new perspective on the difficulties of street life.
I will never forget my time in Malawi and the friends that I made. Pastor Blessings and his Wife Grace were incredibly hospitable and kind. I will forever keep them in my thoughts and prayers.I hope everyone is well and keeping me in their prayers.
