January 26,2023

“Mommy, do you ever get lonely?”

At that moment I could answer her no because with homeschool, cooking meals, trying to get laundry done when the electricity is working (which, praise the Lord, has been more often lately)…I don’t have time to get lonely.

She was asking because they all have friends here that they play with daily, and we also frequently see the two pastors’ wives sitting on their porch with visitors. 

I have gone and sat with one when she is out sometimes, but there is awkwardness because of the language barrier. 

But I am assured that this is what the Lord has been preparing me for years. All my life He has slowly been molding and shaping me for what He has called us to now. 

As a child, we moved often. Then as an adult we moved to Ukraine, several years later to a state in the US where we had no family or acquaintances. There were many moments of loneliness.

Now as I am faced with greater loneliness and a higher wall between us, I could sink into depression and self pity. The temptation is there. But through each of those steps, the Lord has been teaching and preparing me for this ministry He has called us to. 

First, He has taught me to stay busy. There is no time for self pity if we have purpose. What does God have for us to do? Just do it! Loneliness has a harder time creeping in when our minds and hands are busy and filled with purpose. 

Secondly, just keep being friendly. The Bible says, ““A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) It can hurt sometimes when you come up against that wall. It can even feel like you’re trying to break the cement between the bricks with a toothpick. But once you get a little crack in that wall, it’s easier to knock it down! 

Thirdly, look for someone who may need a friend – a widow, a new mom, someone new at church… I have found helping someone else always benefits me!

Lastly, the verse that has comforted me often over the years, whenever I felt like I had no man who cared for my soul, is…

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Our encouragement does not come from others. I remember a time in my life where I was very depressed. I felt alone and thought, “If only someone would message me!” 

Someone did, but the encouragement from that email was fleeting. Soon my discouragement returned and I fell on my face in the bathroom crying before the Lord. He brought that verse to my mind. After I drew near to my Savior, ONLY then was my heart encouraged! 

No friend can encourage your heart like Jesus! If you are lonely today, bring it to the Lord and encourage yourself in the Lord. 

(Little visiting doll.🥰😍)

January 24,2023

Kids were already waiting for us as we pulled into the village. Because of the chief’s request to meet on his property, we pulled onto the opposite side of the main road from last week.

Brother Shadrick hopped out of the truck to lead the group of kids to our new meeting place, and made sure they were a safe distance from the truck.

As he lead them down the little road, he reminded me of the Pied Piper. Other children continued to join the marching group.

We parked in front of the chief’s house and began walking towards the big tree. Kids ran ahead and were already sitting and waiting.

It was a large, majestic tree offering welcoming shade! Some kids were sitting on the large roots, as if they were benches and all around it. It was picturesque!

We walked down the narrow path towards the waiting kids. At least once it crossed my mind that there could be a mamba in the tall grass around us. Two tiny girls, possibly around 2 years, stepped into line in front of me, behind my girls. They looked so adorable that I almost stopped so I could dig my phone out of my bag! 

The kids told Brother Shadrick that there was a group of kids waiting for us across the street where we met last week. He ran off to direct them and help them safely cross over to us.

The little one who enjoyed singing so much last week came with her bigger sister. I was so excited to see her again! The entire lesson kids, and a few adults, continued gathering until we had possibly 100 there. (At least, that is what I overheard.)

After the lesson and review game, we worked on a memory verse. To help them memorize it, I have put it to music. Many of the kids remembered it from last week and really enjoy singing it. I offered a lollipop to each one who wanted to say it. At first, no one would stand up. Finally, a girl did stand and sang it. A few others stood up to try, but many did not want to because the other kids would laugh if they made a mistake. But it only took a few kids getting candy to give everyone a desire to try it!

They wanted a turn so badly that they began “to press upon us.” All I could think of is how the people would press upon Jesus! We were completely exhausted by the time we left. My mind went to Christ and how tired He must have been after the multitudes thronged Him! Even when He would separate Himself for rest, they would find Him! And He did not turn them away!

Oh! What an example my dear Savior was! May I learn to be more like Him!

Learning a new language, an entire new way of life, well, it can be difficult!

When we meet people, I try to greet them with the little bit of Chichewa I know. No matter how many times I go over it and over it,I still get so tongue tied that I look crazy!

Sometimes I’ll even throw in a few Russian words to confuse everyone more. My kids will whisper, “You’re talking in Russian again!” For some reason, my mind processes new language =Russian.😆

At times I’ve cried because I feel like I’ve failed or messed everything up – that I’ll never get it right. I get nervous and my brain draws blanks.

My first instinct is to just hide away in my house so I won’t make any mistakes (or more than I already have). 

I know I can’t do that, but it can be tempting. 

Eric and I were talking about it the other day and both thought of this verse.

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16

I told him I just add an extra step – I cry THEN get up. 

We all make mistakes. If we aren’t careful, we can let the fear of making mistakes, fear of failure, keep us from doing what we should do. 

Even you may have moments like that. Maybe you’re afraid to make a mistake sharing the Gospel, or maybe you’re afraid you’ll feel awkward greeting a new person…don’t allow fear to rule your life, for fear is not from God. Pray, ask God for grace, strength, wisdom and do what you feel He is leading you to do. 

And when you make mistakes (because you will), just get up and try again!

Just a little excitement here on Monday! 

Monday morning we received a call from Pastor Nelson that he had killed a black mamba behind his house (also behind ours) Sunday night. It was probably trying to get some eggs. He said they get even bigger!!! This was definitely big enough for us! The kids were all excited to see it though!

Seeing it, we are reminded that safety is of the Lord. 

Sunday evening the ladies all sat behind the house while the kids played in our backyard. Praise the Lord for His protection!

Pastor Nelson and one of the night guards helped bury it deep. He said even the bones contain venom and can be poisonous!

I don’t think I care to have this kind of excitement often.😆

I was able to start the Bible study in the nearby village today!

We gathered around 7 to leave to the village. A few groups were going to be passing tracts and witnessing in the village. My group would station under a tree and start a Bible Lesson once a group gathered.

Mercy and Abigail were so excited to be able to ride in the back of the truck! As we waited to leave, they kept asking when they could ride in it.

The village is about a 30 minute drive. As soon as we stopped the truck, we had a group begin to gather under the trees. 

We set out some chairs and benches for any women who may come. Then Shadrick and the kids went around inviting kids to come to the Bible study.

Moreen, Philip, and I stayed behind. The kids continued to gather and just sit staring at me. Neither Moreen nor Philip speak English, but I was able to get Moreen to help me teach the kids some new songs. The kids were singing the chorus to Jesus Loves me and My God is So Great when Brother Shadrick returned.

As we taught the lesson, people continued to gather, until we had quite a group by the end of both children and adults. When we played the review game, the women especially loved getting involved and probably answered more questions than the kids! Even a few men gathered to listen to the story. Their favorite part is Isaac, my puppet.

Eric and Pastor Nelson are meeting with the village chief (as I’m writing this) for permission to start a church in that area. 

Please continue to pray for this ministry. Pray that the Lord will prepare hearts to receive the Gospel and give me the words to speak that I may clearly present it. No matter how many times I’ve taught, I feel I greatly need the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to clearly present the message He wants me to present.

“But Mommy, we’re not missionaries anymore because we live here!” Mercy Joy💗

I’m so glad that the kids are feeling so at home! 

Before we left the States, I started going through and giving away almost everything. There were a few things the kids begged me not to give away, like my little, chubby birds. I’m so glad I could bring them! As soon as I pulled them out and started putting them around, the kids said it feels like home now. Having a few of our own decorations from home makes this feel more like our home. 

The kids have been blessed to have friends already on the property. Every day they have a couple hours in the afternoon to play before supper. I’m sure that has helped them settle in more quickly. I know the girls will be sad when Grace leaves for college again soon.

Sunday was a very busy day. Church begins at 7. We sing a few songs then they dismiss the kids for the children’s lesson. When we were out in the village on Saturday, we were inviting kids to come. We had about 220 kids come! The services ended up going about an hour longer than I planned so I was scrambling to figure out how to keep that many kids from getting too restless. I need to remember to have a backup plan of extra activities.

There are a few kids in particular that the Lord has placed on my heart to pray for. I do not know their names. One I know a little about his family and their religion. They follow the teachings of a Jamaican man who says God is in you. I don’t know all that their religion teaches, but I know it involves the use of marijuana. He listens very attentively to the lesson, but has not raised his hand for salvation yet.

Immediately following the services, I went to Shadrick’s house to help prepare a meal for those interested in helping with the children’s ministry. We chopped onions, cabbage, bell peppers, tomatoes…made rice and chicken. We sat on the back, screened porch to cook. They had buckets of water for cooking and washing. On the floor were three metal, hourglass shaped things that they put charcoal in. They set the pans on top of them to cook on. It smelled so good! Every once in a while, a chicken would sneak in and eat anything that had fallen to the floor.

It took us a few hours to prepare everything. When we finished the meal, I ran home and got Eric and the kids. The meal was delicious! Shadrick then asked me to speak to the volunteers. Most are in their teens, but I pray they will see the importance of this ministry! Such an opportunity the Lord has given us! Pray I can get them to be involved. 

Pray the Lord gives me the words to teach! I want to present everything as clearly as I can especially with the language barrier. Eric said it does not hinge on my words, and I know that…but at the same time, what a huge responsibility! I know I will give account for what I say and do with this great ministry the Lord has opened up for me and I do not want to take it lightly! I want to bathe each lesson in prayer and study that I may be approved. It’s so easy to view children’s ministries as just a time filler, but OH! What a responsibility we’ve been given to impact a life!

Monday we started language lessons. My mind feels like a chaotic, scrambled mess of trying to keep up with home and giving my kids a good education. But I pray the Lord will give me clarity of mind to grasp the language that I may minister better! Please pray for us as we study the language.

Update: The internet hasn’t been working well, so this update is a little old. It is from January 3rd. The young boy I mentioned hasn’t been back to services.

The day didn’t go exactly as I had planned (I have found it rarely does)…but it went perfectly according to God’s plans! I have learned to let my own will and ideas be flexible and allow Him to lead and direct. That doesn’t mean I don’t make plans and prepare.

I planned and prepared my lesson to begin a children’s Bible lesson in a nearby village, but at the last minute we were unable to go because of a funeral there.  Instead we went out in our village.  Eric took 3 kids with him and Pastor Nelson and I took 3 with me and Shadrick.

As we started down the little, dirt paths, how I wished I had brought a phone or camera so you could see everything!  I don’t feel like I can describe it well enough with words where you can correctly get a good picture of everything! But I shall try!

Walking down the dusty paths, we came to different houses, most a mix of brick & clay or cement.  Many tin roofs held down with rocks, bricks, & other things. I don’t remember seeing any glass in windows, just bars.  Some have a piece of roofing tin placed up to “close” the window.

When we approached the first house and yelled out our greeting, they immediately rushed around getting chairs set outside in the shade. We waited until they called us over to sit. Shadrick said you can tell if you are welcome or not if they bring out chairs or mats.     My mind has been so busy and unclear lately.  I feel like Moses, “Lord! I cannot speak!”  I prayed and asked the Lord to give me clarity of mind to present the Gospel clearly and use my tongue.  For about 20 minutes, the Lord gave me liberty to share the Gospel.  The Lord opened up 5-6 homes for us.  If the Lord can use me, with a mind that draws blanks  and someone who almost cries making returns to Walmart because of shyness, HE CAN USE YOU to be a witness as well!  Study the Scriptures, memorize verses, and ask the Lord to use them and bring them to your mind!

Wherever we met them, women were busy working- some peeling potatoes, others hand washing laundry in bowls, many carrying water from the village pump. They need to gather water for cooking and washing, sticks for their fires to cook over.  There is no electricity or running water, yet they smile warmly at us!  Even with their work load, they stop to sit and listen.  It is so humbling!

One of the ladies we stopped to visit with had a 6 month old baby.  Oh, how distracting he was as he continually flashed me the biggest smiles! By the time I finished speaking, about 15 kids had gathered around to listen.

Continuing down different paths, we made our way to the tiny market area. The path leading there was a little bigger.  Several rode by us on bicycles.  One boy had about 6 crates piled up like a tower on the back of his bike.

To the side was a girl in her front yard with a very large, carved wooden pestle and bowl. The bowl was shaped like an egg serving cup, except very large – maybe 3 feet tall. When I asked Shadrick what she was beating in it, they invited me over to look. She was beating rice to separate the hull from the rice! Again, how I wished I could have gotten a picture, especially when she gave me a beautiful smile! It might have looked beautiful, but so much work! How often do we complain about cooking supper after a hard day going grocery shopping in an air conditioned store! How spoiled we are! Lord, help me! I often feel so entitled to these luxuries you’ve blessed me with! Teach my heart to be grateful instead!

What a busy, blessed weekend!!!

Preparing bags for the prison and hospital.

On Thursday, Eric was able to give out bags of different grocery items, tracts, and John and Romans at the prison. It was raining so he wasn’t sure how many would come out, but around 180 men came! They all huddled under a tree for some protection while he preached.

He and Anna attended a funeral on Friday. Then Saturday the kids and I went to play practice at church and Eric went to the hospital to give out bags there and preach a little at each place. The nurses offered to help pass out bags, but Nelson noticed that instead of giving them to the patients, they were stashing them for themselves so declined their help. 

Saturday evening, Shadrack had gone to nearby villages Saturday to invite kids to the play and for my lesson. We had 178 kids show up! It was only his daughter, a couple teen boys, and I managing them. It didn’t feel like there were that many because they sit very well until we said it was snack time, then it was almost a mob. Thankfully Shadrack was there to command them to sit. Pray the Lord gives me the words to speak that these children may understand and be saved! 

It has been a little cooler lately because of the rains, maybe around 86°, so Lydia and I decided to wear our hair down Christmas Sunday. We quickly found that to be a mistake as it was 98°. Our hair was soaking wet and sticking to us in just a few minutes. Lol 

We enjoyed a peaceful afternoon with homemade pizza and ice cream. Later that afternoon, we delivered some baked goodies to Pastor Nelson and Shadrack and sang carols. 

Today I finally got all the school unpacked and on the shelves and went through one of the bathrooms, going through things that were here and organizing it. 

Eric offered to take the kids outside so I’m just sitting and enjoying a few minutes of quiet…and the leftover chocolate ice cream. I have been going almost nonstop from morning (4 or 5) until I crash in bed. I really want everything cleaned and organized before school starts, so I’ve had a hard time relaxing. But I know I need to take time to care for myself or I’m going to crash. Why do we as wives and moms tend to do that? Push ourselves so much that we get weepy, grumpy, or crash? I will be working on scheduling this week and hopefully can plan some down time. Life always feels harder when all I do is work! My husband, kids, and the ministry need me present and content…not stressed and overworked! Pray the Lord will give me wisdom on how to balance the many things that must be done and also rest. I always love this sweet promise…

“…for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

I have been feeling like my life is pretty hard lately. Daily living has been hard. In the last storm, one of the electrical lines coming into the compound was broken. It was the one for the fridge and water. So now even when we do have electricity, we don’t have water or a fridge. So, I have had it come to my mind a few times how hard life is. 

We decided to ride into the city with Eric this week. It is a long ride, 3 1/2-4 hours. As I looked out and watched these women, their labor in the fields, carrying their babies and huge bundles I thought, I don’t really know what a hard life is! They live every day without electricity and running water, and I start pouting after a day…sometimes sooner! There is nothing like getting out (whether here or in America) to help you realize that your life really isn’t as bad as you felt. I know even in America it helped me feel better with my problems when I got out of my little box to see other needs I could meet.

The ride is a pleasant one. You can feel the degrees dropping as you go up the mountain until it is actually cool (which is one reason the kids begged to go…for a break from the heat). 

In our little village there are quite a few grass roofs, with some tin ones mixed in. The higher you get up the mountain, the more tin roofs you see. The countryside also becomes more lush and green. You cannot help but notice the beauty of this country as you drive! 

Our first stop was to visit a pastor and his wife who have not been feeling well. While there, the kids started petting their cat. They were enjoying it so much that the pastor’s wife said something to a boy and he ran off. He came back carrying a small, striped cat. The kids started petting her too. The Pastor’s wife said it was a gift for them. Eric pointed to the bananas they gave us and she said no! The kitten too! The kids were bubbling over with joy. Their excitement made the Malawians who had gathered chuckle. 

We made a few more visits before going shopping. We were able to pick up a few special treats for Christmas (like ice cream). 

It was nice to get out for a little while, though we were all excited to get home! The store was so crowded that it made it difficult for a large family to move through the aisles. The kids said we could make the trip once a year…though they may change their mind in a month and forget about how long the trip is.

Along the way Eric and Pastor Nelson were able to pass out 40 New Testaments to the police. It is still amazing how excited they are about receiving a Bible! 

Santa, in white rain boots and sun glasses, asked them for a picture.😉

Update…Our line (the storm had broken it) was fixed so we now have running water and electricity when the electricity is working.🙈

The electricity has only been on a couple of hours the last two days – 2 hours yesterday morning and maybe 3 Wednesday night. I slept so little Wednesday night because of the heat (our fans haven’t had enough electricity to fully charge during the day), that Eric told me to go lay down with the fan on me when the electricity came on Thursday morning. I woke up as soon as the fan turned off and felt so guilty for sleeping instead of doing laundry while we had electricity! But I definitely felt better after getting a nap.

Eric found a box of toys in the shed. All of the kids have been gathering on the porch during the heat of the day to play with them.

Eric went to preach at the prison, but they never made it because the lori (truck) kept overheating. BUT God worked it all out for good! Along the road there are several checkpoints/roadblocks set up (I think at each village). Eric was able to give out New Testaments to all the policemen at each stop and preach while the lori cooled. One of the officers videotaped him preaching and sent it to his chief. The chief invited them to come to his police station, preach, and give out New Testaments to all of the police men! It is so amazing how open people are to the Gospel, and also humbling that we get to be a part of it!

We turned the generator on for a few hours last night hoping to keep the freezer cold. I think that has been the most frustrating thing for me – seeing food wasted! We haven’t figured out yet how long we need to run the generator to keep things from spoiling. Eric is trying to buy things in bulk because we live in such a remote area. I don’t want it to go bad so spend hours cooking and preserving it, only to have it go bad anyways. It was so discouraging to see all my labor tossed out for the street dogs…but also hurt my pride as I feel like I may appear to be a wasteful wife! The national pastor made me feel a little better when he shared that it’s not uncommon this time of year for the electricity to be off for 2 weeks at a time. Last year, he said they had to throw everything in their fridge and freezer. Still, I joked with Eric that we should only eat beans and rice so I don’t have to worry about anything going bad. (He’s not too crazy about beans and rice.)

We didn’t have electricity again last night, but I slept better. I still woke up several times soaking wet, and the kids had a midnight assembly in the kitchen for water…but I feel more refreshed today.

I have been teaching children’s lessons on both Sunday and Wednesday, which I really enjoy.  I will be starting a children’s Bible lesson on Saturdays in the village where Eric has been preaching, but I won’t get to start this week.  Brother Shadrach, who will be translating for me, has to go to a ceremony for one of the neighboring chiefs.  There is one other young lady who translates for me at church, but they feel it would be better for me to have a man with us.  The Lord knows!  Maybe it will be too hot for the little ones this weekend.  God’s timing is perfect and I will prepare for when I can go.

Also, our boxes have arrived in Malawi and are scheduled with a man to be delivered tomorrow!  The pastor’s son said it is cooling down (96-100°s) so it means the rains are coming.  Usually the rains washed out the roads making it impossible to get to the city.  The Lord is bringing our boxes before the rains!  We get to unbox them just in time for Christmas!

Pray for me as I prepare my lessons for the kids this weekend. Pray that the Lord to allow the Gospel to be clearly presented. May He receive all the glory!