We encountered Stanley during our outreach time with Harvesters Ministry in Nkhotakota, Malawi. Stanley was the eldest of three men in his family. He was referred to as a wayward boy by his father and as someone who had not given much thought to God or to that way of living. He did not say much, just stared at us with a blank stare maybe hoping to return to whatever he was engaged in before we showed up. In spite of the lack of interest in us, the white people sitting across from him, Tara proceeded to tell the story of Jesus and of God’s love for his people. As Tara spoke through our translator the Gospel message of Jesus began to tickle the heart of Stanley. The idea that the God of the universe desired a relationship with him and would sacrifice his son for him began to tug at his soul. To know that your burden and your shortfalls were placed on someone else, and that they paid the penalty for those inequities, this revelation has a profound effect on their heart. And as only Jesus can do he began to draw Stanley near, speaking softly in his ear “you are loved and cherished by my father.” “Stanley, he has made you unique and desires to carry your burdens.”
As Tara brought the story of Jesus to an end Stanley was eager and ready to forfeit everything over to Him. On February 14th Stanley put down his life and picked up The Way of Jesus. Everyone departed that day with smiles on their faces; Stanley’s father because his wayward son had been found, Our outreach team because God moved and allowed us to see some fruits of the labor; Stanley because he had a personal experience with the living God and received life.
We returned a week later to follow up with the people we visited the week before. We encountered Stanley this time without the stares and the awkward silence, but we met with a smile and huge wave hello. He still did not say much but what did come out attested to the living God. Prior to Stanley picking up The Way of Jesus he was repeatedly tormented in the night by “evil things.” In this part of Africa witchcraft is a dominant belief system that oppresses the people and keeps them enslaved to the enemy. While here in Malawi we have encountered numerous stories of people being tormented by witches being sent to them in the night. So for Stanley to share with us that these things no longer torment him attests to the character of God. He also shared that he has stopped drinking and while around his village people have seen a physical difference in his character and actions.
Once again we depart with smiles and encouragement for God has done what he has set out to do. Redeem the hearts of lost and bring all of his children back to him. When Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, my inflection added). This claim Jesus made about himself was true for Stanley and it can be true for you. All Jesus asks is that you receive his grace and give everything to him.
