There’s a million reasons. A million and one on my plate this year. From God bringing about more growth in me spiritually, emotionally as a woman of God, to Him miraculously restoring the bodies of fellow squadmates who endured a treacherous car accident not far from us in Mzuzu less than a week ago. I am thankful. My cup overfloweth with thanksgiving and praise to our Creator during this time.
Yesterday was not exactly traditional compared to what most of us do on a Thanksgiving holiday in the States, and it was an amazing day! Our day of ministry took us to a local hospital and an orphanage to lift spirits and share the gospel. Of course, Thanksgiving is unheard of here in Malawi because it is an American holiday. What was just another day for those we were able to minister to turned in to a Thanksgiving holiday I will never forget.
After spending some time in the children’s ward talking with and praying for the kids and families who were recovering from their ailments, Pastor Tonny led our group of 11 over to a cement pavilion. There were about 80 – 100 locals camped out underneath, surrounded by belongings and firewood. Pastor Tonny explained that this is where the family and friends of sick ones stay because there is no room for them in the hospital. This was a sight filled with humility.
Before we knew any better, Pastor Tonny had us leading worship songs to encourage the loved ones. Some stared blankly at us in confusion, but most clapped, sang along, and a few even jumped up to dance along with us. After our song ended, Pastor turned to me and said, “You are very welcome,” which means…”The floor is your’s.” Gulp. Nothing like impromptu preaching – something we have gotten to know quite well since our journey to Africa.
Thankfully and faithfully, the Holy Spirit in me chiseled out a heart felt message along the lines of, “We know that all of you are here because you love someone who is hurting. It does not matter that we are different, we all have felt physical, emotional and spiritual pain in our lives. We did not come here to tell you answers, because we don’t have answers. We have the answer – and his name is Jesus Christ.” I proceeded to share scripture from Matthew, chapter 8, verses 14 – 17:
“When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
‘He took up our infirmities
and carried our diseases.’
I encouraged and challenged them to cast their burdens upon the Lord. To pray not only for the healing of their loved ones in the hospital, but to pray for their own healing emotionally and spiritually. After I concluded my message, 12 people from the crowd raised their hands and gave their lives to Christ. I knew at that moment that not being able to see or even talk to my family on such an important day to us was a small sacrifice compared to what God is using us for here. There was no other place I would have rather been than telling a crowd of strangers, gathered around to listen to what I had to say about the most important man in my life.
The beautiful people we were able to witness to at the hospital.
The amazing Malawian family we are spending the month with was very excited to learn what Thanksgiving is to us. I shared some of what are traditions are earlier in the week, so they had a special meal prepared for us!
Some of the staples – mashed potatoes, grilled chicken (all of the chicken…), green beans and carrots in a yummy, spicy red sauce, and a Malawian favorite – samosas! The women worked very hard on these all day, making the dough from scratch, rolling it out, frying the pieces and stuffing them with spiced meat and vegetables.
Mashing the potatoes. I managed to be far from a professional at this method. But they were delicious!
Before we sat down for the grand finale, our teammate Blake shared an accurate account of the Pilgrims’ intent and landing in America. It was a great reminder for us what freedom as a Christian means, and was wonderful to share with another culture what this holiday really means to us. Click here to read more of what Blake shared with us.
The meal was delicious, the day productive, and many prayers were sent homeward in hopes that our families were enjoying the day and eating massive amounts of pie for us at the end of the day.
If you have enjoyed seeing God move across the nations, and what He is doing through my journey, please consider supporting the remainder of this adventure. I am in need of $1,400 by Jan. 1st, 2010 to remain on the field.
You can click on ‘Support Me’ on the upper left hand side of my homepage, or email me at: [email protected]. God Bless!
