Internet is frequently poor, which is why I can’t always post weekly. I usually type out what I’m going to say ahead of time and then when I get it to work, quickly copy and paste. If I still have internet, I can reply to some comments and messages. I have noticed at times that when I like or reply to your comments that it didn’t go through. So, please forgive me if I miss something. Each of your comments and messages are a blessing!
We got to experience something new this week…a Malawian private clinic.
Abigail had been having some strange fevers and we had been advised to take her in for some bloodwork. She is, thankfully, doing much better now.
The clinic was definitely different than ours, but clean. While I was there, I greeted a group of ladies with “Good Morning!” in Chichewa. They were shocked and started giggling. One lady in particular found it amusing and said, “Most English people only say, Moni!” And “How is it she can speak like she was born here in Malawi?!” I thought maybe I shouldn’t try to say anything else or my poor Chichewa would be found out!😆 But I couldn’t help it and interjected a comment here and there, to which they always broke out in laughter saying, “She understands!!!”
Today during at the end of children’s church I decided to take prayer requests. Everyone here (well, around the world it’s human nature really) people seem to care only about themselves. No one is willing to help a neighbor or let the poorest have the food, they each want it for themselves. I told the kids that’s not how Christians should be. The Bible says in the last days men will be lovers of their own selves, but God asks us to look every man not on his own things, but also on the things of others. So I want them to begin praying for each other.
As they shared, I also wrote down their names. I wasn’t sure what to expect. In America kids ask prayer requests for everything! I thought I would possibly get a request about hunger as many are struggling to find food after the flooding. I wasn’t prepared for what they would request, or if they would feel comfortable sharing any requests. The two top prayer requests were for safety from witchcraft exposure in their homes/villages and the other was for nightmares, which I would guess is related. My heart just broke as they shared. If you think of it, will you please pray for these young ones (and I’m sure many more) dealing with this influence? Here are a few specific names you can pray for, a young man named Made, and some young ladies named Natasha, Esther, Eyanko, Takondwa, Tadala. I have them for such a short time! Praying that the Lord protects them when they are away.
We went to the village today (Sunday) but because it was about to rain, we sat with the adults for a short lesson. Near the end, I noticed the kids pointing at Isaac, so I decided to bring him out for a little while. (Isaac is my little puppet.) Within seconds I was surrounded by at least 50 kids all wanting to touch him and shake his hand! I thought, “Oh no! I’ve started a mob and I’m sitting down unable to get out of the way!” 😆 Thankfully I was able to safely excuse myself.
I shared earlier that missionary life is boring, in that often it is just being faithful, plodding through a similar routine. But it is definitely not considered boring if you count all the unexpected things thrown in! We came home today to find out that someone had climbed the wall during the night and stole all the grounding wires. We’ve had one week of water and electricity (which has barely been shut down- we’ve been told because of the holiday). It is not the funnest part of being a missionary, but it’s a common part of missionary life.
Really, we’ve only had minor inconveniences here and there…so light compared to some! But it could still bring discouragement. Outside of the Bible, I have found missionary biographies to be a great source of encouragement and can agree with this quote by Amy Carmichael:
Amy Carmichael was “fortified and cheered” when she read missionary biographies. Their stories were “a sort of standing dose of mental and spiritual quinine.”
I am a slow reader as I don’t have much time, but I greatly enjoy when I have the opportunity to read. I am still reading a big biography about Amy Carmichael. Though there are some things she and I would disagree on, I have really enjoyed it – more the first part than the end.
Even if you’re not a missionary, I want to encourage you to read Christian biographies. Even if you’re a busy mom or not a reader, try to read a chapter here and there. There’s something about reading their testimonies which encourages you to lay aside every weight, run the race, and draw closer to the Lord.
fromtheheartofmrsmissionary.com 