Village Justice

“Akulira! Akulira!”

We could hear the chant getting louder as they came in the direction of the house we were witnessing at.

“He’s crying! He’s crying!” Some were chanting.

Others chanted, “Don’t cry! You stole yourself!”

The young man, net yet 18, had stolen a duck and gotten caught.

The kids that had surrounded us decided that was more exciting than listening to the white people talk about Jesus. Laughing, they ran off to join the chanting crowd.

I wanted to join the crowd too, except I wanted to go in the middle and try to witness to the young man or calm the crowd.

But it is too dangerous and I have little ones with me.

The thief is usually beaten and, if he is lucky, brought to the chief or to the police for justice. But we have heard of many times when the thief was either beaten to death or burned.

Those who get involved are threatened with the same fate.

With this young man, because he was from that village and his father was offering to pay for what he stole, we think he wasn’t beaten too badly and was only fined.

Saturday we had a meeting with the children’s ministry teachers from the two churches we are currently working with. It’s exciting to see so many wanting to serve the Lord! We had a fun time, ate some good, Malawian food, and had some lessons on teaching. Praying the Lord helps each of us to be more burdened for the youth of Malawi. Each of the lady teachers received a “wrap” and the guys were given a tie. The ladies matched on Sunday with white tops and the matching wraps.

Sunday night Eric went into the watershed room and saw THREE baby mambas! Eek! He quickly let Pastor Nelson and Brother Shadrick know and they killed them. Everyone has been searching the property and just outside for more. So far they haven’t found any more.

Today Eric traveled north about 5-6 hours to one of the churches associated with this ministry. He was bringing them John and Romans. They told him last night that the church would be gathering to meet them and that he would be preaching. I look forward to hearing his report once he gets home. He is on his way home now.

Thank you all for your prayers!