Through the Power of HIS Words

We are still here, and all is well! There are many struggling with malaria right now, but God has protected us so far.

The church here in our village is being reorganized and we are slowly working toward turning it over to national leadership.

I haven’t been teaching at this children’s ministry as I’ve been trying to get others involved as much as possible. It is a little sad because I love teaching so much, but it has been a blessing to see a younger generation stepping up to serve the Lord. It’s encouraging also to see how they are growing as teachers.

This past Sunday held special blessings, which I know are answers to your prayers as well. I had shared a few months ago of a young girl who had been practicing witchcraft, but had made a profession of faith. This Sunday she came forward during prayer request time, asking us to pray for her as she struggled with an angry spirit. When we questioned her, she said she hasn’t practiced witchcraft since she had trusted Christ! Not only is the Lord working in her life to make her give up witchcraft, but He is also giving her a desire to work on other areas. It is so encouraging to see her growing!

During prayer time, we also had a girl about 12 years old say she needed to be saved. She has been very faithful to services. To see her come forward was a special blessing.

The church plant in Phokera is always a highlight of my week. Not only am I able to teach the children, but I especially look forward to “visiting” with the ladies there. There is a special sweetness about them.

Often people will look at pictures and comment how much people must love us, but usually it feels more like a love that the Jews had for Jesus – He was interesting to them, and many people were just there for what He could do for them. I am reminded of that often as that is how I feel.

If I came here to be loved, I would have left a long time ago. The mission field can be very lonely. I came because I love HIM. But I do greatly enjoy these ladies and look forward each week to our weekly limited conversations. I can’t wait for the day when we can fully fellowship one with another!

Please don’t feel bad for me, though! Between homeschooling, family, and ministry, there’s not much time to feel lonely.

I have been able to help in the medical ministry almost daily this week, which I love doing. It is kind of funny to me though since I always felt faint at the sight of blood before. I feel like the Lord has given me extra grace and strength in this area, so much so that it doesn’t bother me anymore, because it opens doors to share the Gospel. I also enjoy being able to help people, it gives me an opportunity to practice my Chichewa, and forces me away from my routine… otherwise I’d probably never leave the house because I have so much to do. So it is a welcome interruption.

I haven’t had a translator to help me there for some time now, and while I’ve been able to pass out tracts and John and Romans to each person, it has bothered me to not be able to witness. I decided that I would prepare my Chichewa Bible and try. I can say a little and I can read verses.

About a week ago, late one night, I began looking up different phrases that I wanted to say, and marking my Bible. But I never felt fully ready to try it.

There was one lady in particular who I wanted to witness to, and I knew that my time with her was running out as her daughter’s wound is almost healed.

Wednesday I decided that I just needed to do it. I began praying for the Lord to give me opportunities. When I was called for a patient, I considered waiting as it wasn’t the lady I was thinking about talking with.

I fought with the decision the entire time I was bandaging her daughter’s foot. After I finished, I told her I would like to talk with her for a little while. I’m sure she was wondering how we were going to talk with my limited Chichewa!

I pulled out my New Testament and talked a little, but I got so nervous that I forgot almost everything I planned to say and just read verse after verse.

I walked back to the house feeling so defeated! I had failed and didn’t say enough. I felt like I must have looked silly just speed reading through those verses!

God immediately showed me my pride and brought this verse to my mind,

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

It was as if He said to me, “MY Word is powerful – not yours. I don’t need your words for someone to get saved. Mine are all that are needed.”

I asked Him to forgive me. It’s funny how we put so much importance on our words and presentation, when it has nothing to do with us!

I still wanted to be ready so yesterday, instead of counting on my poor memory, I wrote down a few extra things I wanted to share, and asked Him to give me the Words HE wanted me to say, as I feel like Moses – I am slow of speech, but I know God made my tongue. The Lord gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel twice today. I almost chose not to out of nervousness, but both times I decided to follow the Lord’s leading. The first was with the lady I had originally wanted to, the second was with a man. I’m sure he especially could tell I was nervous as my hand was shaking so much.

Again, I feel like I cannot offer much, but God promises that His Word will not return void…it’s not about me! How thankful I am that it’s not about me!

As I walked back, I thought about how often I took for granted the wonderful opportunity to witness in my own language, and how sometimes I didn’t witness as I should when I could so easily do it.

I’ll close with these sweet pictures of some of my favorite people. Last week we were able to take kids to Blantyre, just for a fun day out. They weren’t sure it would be worth the long drive, but changed their minds when they found some traditional dresses and shirts. Abigail was the only one unable to find a dress (she found something else she liked though). They were so excited! I sure do love these guys!