My team and I got off the bus from Mozambique to Malawi. Immediately, I could hear, “Azungus! Azungus!” as our feet hit the ground. Everyone around us were yelling, “White people! White people!” Many of the people where we live have never seen a white person before! At first glance, I was slightly annoyed by always being referred to as “Azungu” (pronounced: Azoongoo). After talking to my ministry host about always being referred as “Azungu”, he quickly changed my perspective.
He told me that people are not calling me Azungu to be offensive. He said that people are just so excited to see white people. When Malawians see a white person, they almost immediately seem them as kwacha (their currency) signs. They see white people as having knowledge well beyond their own understanding. Because of this, they are respectful and extremely interested in what white people have to say. Our ministry host, Pastor Killion, said, “Your words are powerful to these people! When you share the Word of God with them, they are going to listen!”
Instantly, a light bulb went off. The fact that I am an Azungu is a platform to share the Word of God to these people!
Every single morning, my team and I participate in door-to-door ministry. We walk to the surrounding communities and share Scripture. We are completely led by the Spirit on what houses we visit. As soon as we arrive to a house, it seems like the news, “There are Azungus nearby!” spreads like wildfire. I remember coming to a house and initially there were only four ladies there. Within five minutes time, there were fifty people!
I was standing in front of fifty people declaring the Word of God. I could feel the Spirit move through me! I was ministering to these people that the Lord has plans to prosper them and not to harm them. Plans to give them a hope and a future. They will find the Lord when they seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:11-14). I connected that Scripture with Matthew 17:20 when Jesus Christ says, “Nothing will be impossible for you.”
I could see their eyes widen and their hearts open up to what I had to share! In my time here in Malawi, I have shared the Word of God with over 100 people. I have taught and preached in two churches. I have seen people accept Christ as their Savior in door-to-door visits.
Looking back on these events, the Lord has showed me something amazing. He has blessed me with passion, a voice, and boldness to share His Word to His people. He is using me as a vessel to spread His name.
I have never been filled with such purpose, joy, and true freedom! The Word of God is alive and I am glad to spread its life giving power. All of this I do for His glory alone.
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
