I feel sweat drip down my face as I crane my neck to look out the window of our host’s van. Though I have been in Malawi for a little over a month, I still am fascinated by the bustling life taking place just outside our windows. I still love examining the great beauty of this country. I can never quite get over the massive blue sky resting on the Malawian red dirt and lush green vegetation. All of the colors compliment each other in such radiance. The people are just as beautiful, if not more. I watch them going through their daily lives and think about the great differences and great similarities we share.
It is a warm Sunday morning and I am eager and a little bit anxious to reach our destination. We are heading back over the bumpy roads lined with mountains to a village we have been visiting for several days. But, today is a special day because it is the day we officially plant our new church. The days before, we were simply preparing. In this lovely village, we went door to door sharing the gospel, encouraging them with the Word, and inviting them to our new church.
I reflect back on all of the times I stood before the people of this village, sharing the beautiful news of Jesus Christ. I remember their eyes glistening and their ears listening as I spoke the Holy Spirit’s words. But most of all, I remember their sweet voices as they recited in Chichewa, a prayer that would change these Malawians’ live. My heart sang as I heard men and women, young and old, accept Jesus into their hearts to be their Lord and Savior. I am awed and blessed that God chose me to be His vessel, to use me to bring life. To Him be the glory.
The van suddenly jolts, and I return to present day. My thoughts of the past, bring me to hopes of the future. I begin to pray that this church we are planting flourishes and its numbers grow each week. I pray that it blesses the village and its members. I pray it is a beautiful place to worship God and learn more about Him and His great love. I pray they are rooted in Jesus Christ.
Finally, we arrive at 10:00, though church was originally supposed to start at 9:00. But do not worry, we are definitely not the last ones to arrive (good ole Africa time). As we step out of the van, we are greeted by our adorable new friends, my little darling, Trinity, who holds my hand and falls asleep in my lap, among them. They instantly bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Again, I want to wrap them all up in my arms.
Then, we set up for church, six chairs are unfolded and two bamboo mats are spread out underneath the shade of a large tree. This is our new, simple, life-giving church. However, it is significantly past the time we told our new brothers and sisters in Christ that church would start and there are little people in attendance. This discourages me somewhat, but again I bow my head and pray. And as the service goes on, my spirits lift as more and more people start to show up.
By the time it is my turn to speak, around 100 interested people have arrived. My nerves slightly act up and my heart pounds harder than normal (if only I had been able to speak earlier when there was only about 6 people). However, as soon as I stand with my bible in hand, and begin to speak the words of God, my worries cease. I talk about my favorite topic: the love of God. I explain that God made us on purpose, for a purpose. He knows us and loves us and is working everything together for our good. I take my seat again.
Next on the agenda is worship. Worshipping with Africans is like no other experience, even at a day-old church. Their voices rise together, praising the Lord with immense joy and love. They dance and sing and raise their hands to the Father. I soak up all the joy and love I can, happy and content in being exactly where I am. I know God placed me here for a reason. I am completely at peace.
*Later on, we decided to name our new church Rooted Baptist Church. It seemed appropriate, since our first service was under a tree. But, there is much more meaning to this name. We chose it because we pray this church is firmly rooted in Christ so that it may grow strong branches that produce good fruit. Hallelujah.
