Today is our last full day here in Zomba, Malawi. Sad day.
This has been one of the most blessed months of my life, and I am so sad to say
goodbye, or rather, see you later I pray.
The language here is Chichewa, and in Chichewa joy is Chimwewe, and that is the best word to
describe what this place both produces and emulates.
So, last week, while the other team was off doing ministry
at Monkey Bay, my team did some amazing door to door ministry in the
neighboring communities. One of the days there were only 5 of us went, and
Colby and I were together with our friend and translator Mbengo and 2 other
local pastors. After speaking with a 2 homes, praying and fellowshipping in
them, one of the pastors was called over by a woman with her family on her
porch, and she invited us to visit with them.
While there we got to share in the love of the Lord, share
personal testimony and hear testimonies from Gertrude, the mother of the
family, who told us of three times that the Lord miraculously saved her. We
then got to pray for one of her sons to be accepted into college, one of her
daughters to be provided funding to return to night school, another daughter
who was being tormented by a spirit of tiredness and distraction in the night
while she tried to study, and a son who was at school and struggled with
chronic illness. We stayed there at their home for a while, talking, laughing,
and marveling at God, truly enjoying each other’s company. I fell in love with
the most beautiful little baby I have ever held, my little Belinda, and left
there absolutely elated.
Then a few days later, Mbengo, who we see often, came over
and told us that Gertrude asked if we could come back over and her more
testimony of how God had answered prayer, so we decided to come over the next
day, Sunday, after lunch after church.
Alicia joined us when we went back on Sunday per the request
of Gertrude, and some of the children met us at our home here and escorted the
four of us (Mbengo was once again with us).
We got there, and first Gertrude shared the testimonies she already
shared with us with Alicia, but with far more detail, and then we told her all
of the prayers we lifted up.
Then she told us first that her son was healthy and healed.
Praise the Lord! Then she told us that Gibson, her oldest son…. Was accepted to college. Praaaasie the
Lord! Then we found out that her oldest daughter had not been returned to night
school…. However they had found a day
school for her instead. Praaaaaaise Jesus! And lastly Rebekah has not felt
tormented once since that day. Praise the LORD!!
One victory after another after another. We were all so
blown away and blessed by God’s faithfulness and so excited to hear the way
that the Lord showed up, and in such a small amount of time. Seriously, we were
blown away and so excited. I was excited to encourage them, and remind them of
what I had told them before praying over them a few days before… That nothing
would happen through us, or who we
are, or the fact that we are Americans, or missionaries. I told them them, and
was happy to reiterate the fact that it required full faith on our part and
there’s, and told them that their prayers were just as powerful and answerable
as ours. It was just awesome.
AND THEEEEEN, Gertrude informed us that as invited guests
she had prepared a meal for us and gotten us gifts. We were absolutely blown
away and humbled beyond expectation. The food was amazing and such a blessing.
And then she gave us our gifts, a shirt for Colby and matching wraps for Sheesh
and me! I was fighting tears and so humbled and thankful for their love. AND
Sheesh and I were the only ladies at our house who hadn’t gotten ones, but
wanted them so bad, God is so gooooood!
Al l of that is but a taste of the love, joy, and
hospitality that we have been met with here in Zomba, and I cannot wait to have
good enough internet to put up pictures of this beautiful place!
So fam bam and my oh so wonderful friends, I have no idea
what my life is going to look like after Wednesday, so be prepared, but as soon
as I can I will update you 🙂 we are leaving for Lilongwe on Wednesday morning,
and meeting with our entire squad for debrief, where we will be for almost a
week and then…… I have no idea 🙂
I love you all, miss you terribly, and am praying for you
always! Love love
