"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
A Respectfully Somber Day in Malawi
Years ago, my husband Pastor Carlos and I led our mission trip team to a Malawian village to install a well and minister to the women & children. I prayed as we drove out to the village:
“Lord, you know me. I like to be a part of a team. I’ll encourage Lori as she dances with the women or help Christine as she organizes the children's coloring, or assist Elaine as she teaches the women to sew. I don’t know how I’ll manage all of that alone. Show me what this village needs.”
This village was different.
When we arrived, there was no greeting of song and dance from the women and no children playing outside. The village was somber, having just experienced a funeral the day before. I was nervous about how we would connect with the women, but as we sat on the front porch of a village home, they began to gather around us. Without a plan or program, we started talking about their hopes, fears, and questions about life & death.
Tabitha, our Reaching The Hungry Partner, interpreted as we spoke and I had the opportunity to share God's plan of salvation with them. I said, "I have no doubt I’m going to heaven when I die. Do you want to know how I can be so sure?” The women listened attentively as I explained God’s plan of salvation for them and they eagerly agreed to pray with me.
After the prayer, the mood changed instantly and they were obviously in no hurry to leave. So I asked, “Are you curious about Americans? You can ask me anything!” It was a beautiful moment of connection, and soon, we were laughing and sharing together. We talked for hours, and I was struck by their curiosity and openness.
It was a respectfully somber day in Malawi... but one that I will never forget.
The next day our whole team came back to that village to finish installing the water well, play with the children, and minister to the men & women. We finally had our time of singing and dancing! Those 30 women who prayed with me the day before gave the angels in Heaven something to sing and dance about — they just didn’t know it. The Lord knew I needed a respectfully somber kind of day.
The Lord knows us. He graciously and lovingly stretches us and even uses us when we’re willing. Prayerfully consider going with us on a Reaching The Hungry mission trip. You won’t regret it.
Your life may be transformed forever.
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