Flaming Waters

Foto Friday

Pastor Zanditha praying with a woman after a showing of the Jesus Film.

Love, Mercy and Care

 I have been with Jesus the last two weeks!  Only this Jesus was in a hospital bed fighting for his life. His eyes sunken in, rib cage bulging, legs thin as twigs.  As I helped him into bed I noticed that he could not have weighed anymore than 100 lbs.  My heart burned within while I was with him!

On one occasion a biblical scholar asked Jesus to point out who his neighbors are.   Jesus does not tell the biblical scholar who his neighbor is nor does he define the word neighbor.  Jesus tells a story to help the man understand just who and what exactly a neighbor is.   Jesus asks, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Being a missionary in one of the poorest countries in the world is hard. There is no other way to put it.  It’s hard!  There are so many neighbors, with so many needs. In fact, as I was writing this one of my friends came to me and asked me if he could have some water because at their house there is no water.  They have been without water for 3 days now. Really?  No water...its Christmas and all you’re asking for is water!?!  Thankfully we have water right now!   After being in Africa now for almost 4 years I have often asked myself, “How can I be a neighbor to the masses who seem to be at our gate, doorstep and the window of our truck daily?”  

When reading the story in Luke 10:25-37 I was honest with myself and with God about how self-righteous I can be at times. As I read and reflected on the story, Jesus spoke to me!  I noticed that Jesus did not give a definition to the man of what a neighbor is and what a neighbor should look like.  We can all be neighbors and make neighbors by showing love, mercy and care to anyone we meet. 

On one occasion a few weeks ago, we were visiting with Pastor Maliwa.  He was one of our pastors of the Free Methodist Church of Malawi.  He was a man of integrity and an excellent leader.  When one pastor from another denomination tried to destroy his church by speaking lies and bribing his members to come to his church he did not fight back.  He organized and trained a group of men and women to lead the church.  During times of persecution his church grew to 13 different congregations.   He knew how to be a neighbor by showing love, mercy and care.

Not long ago we visited Pastor Maliwa at his home in his village.  It was clear that he was very sick.  In fact, he was dying!   We asked permission from his wife and family if we could take him to a private hospital here in the capital city where he could receive treatment and recover.  His wife and family agreed so I helped to carry his 100 lb frame into the bed of our truck where he would rest for the 1 ½ hour drive to our home.  His wife packed her belongings and stayed by his side.  On our arrival to our campus I organized a bed to be brought to our truck.  We would lift him out from the truck onto a bed.  We carried him into a dorm room.  I stayed with Pastor Maliwa and his wife as Jen prepared food.  We invited pastors to come to the small dorm room to pray for God’s healing touch.    

Thinking he was home in his village and that it was the year 2000 he rested peacefully the whole night.   The next day I invited some of my closet Malawian friends, to help me carry him on a bed to our truck early on a Monday morning.  I drove with anticipation and hope.  Hope that one day I would be in his village preaching love, mercy and care side by side with Pastor Maliwa. 

Shortly after arriving at the hospital and after several tests it was discovered that Pastor Maliwa was suffering from TB Meningitis.  Tuberculous (TB) meningitis occurs when tuberculosis bacteria (Myobacterium tuberculosis ) invade the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The infection usually begins elsewhere in the body, usually in the lungs, and then travels through the bloodstream to the meninges where small abscesses (called microtubercles) are formed. When these abscesses burst, TB meningitis is the result. (http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info/types-causes/tb-meningitis). 

Jen and I along with Curtis and Kara visited everyday.  Pastor Maliwa was very sick.  He could not walk and his mind was very confused.  Everyday that we visited he thought we were there for a church meeting.  He talked about sewing projects, orphan projects and how to lead his people better.  One occasion time stood still as I told him not to be afraid.  Maybe my words to him were more for me than for him?  It was as if God opened a window of time where he knew exactly what he was saying.  He said “Oh, I am not afraid.  It is better to be with Jesus.” My heart was strangely warmed.  I felt that Jesus was there in that room.

A few days before he died Jesus appeared again.  As the nurse brought him his food Pastor Maliwa told me that he would not eat.  I asked him why and he said that the food was not good because there was not enough for me and his wife.  I tried to tell him that this food was for him and that the doctor wanted him to eat it so he could get strong.  He told me, “When we eat with one another we find strength together.”  What could I say to that?  His wife gave me a bowl of water to wash my hands.  I prayed and thanked God for being present among us.  He was so right!  I left that room strengthened and encouraged! 

On December 23^rd, I was back in Pastor Maliwa’s village preaching with Jesus among us.  Only this time I stood beside Pastor Maliwa’s casket with over 500 people in attendance.  Time again seem to stand still as I challenged people to make their home in Jesus as Jesus came to make his home in us.  Unashamedly, I proclaimed that today was the day of salvation! Maybe I was caught up in the moment. I don’t know.   But I experienced something I have never experienced in the village.  It was quiet. No goat or chicken noises, not a sound from the babies on their mother’s backs, and not even murmuring from the unbelievers.  As I stood before chiefs of the village, church members and friends and family I indeed found strength and hope.  Thank you God for sending your son, to show us the way of love, mercy and care.  Help us to go and do the same to all who we meet.

Foto Friday

 

Jen holding the 5th baby in Malawi that we have had the privilege to name.

We named her "Pemphero" which means prayer.

Foto Friday

Ryan's Bible Storying group.  Each week Ryan meets with 5 individulas and tells a Bible story.  The group internalizes the story and then leaves to share the story with a non christian. Pray for this group! 

Foto Friday

Jen and Katie Bartlett talking with Pastor Loti about International Childcare Ministries surrouned by the tea fields of the southern region of Malawi, Africa.

Flaming Waters December 2010 Newsletter

Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we have been back in Malawi for nearly 5 months already. While some of these months have been difficult, we feel overwhelmed with gratitude at the many ministry opportunities God has given us. It is such a privilege to be used by him! To learn more, click here to read the recent edition of our “Flaming Waters” newsletter.

We are very aware that without your prayers and financial support none of this would be possible. We praise God for our special partnership with you! We are responsible for keeping track of the financial commitments for our “Missionary Support Account.” As we prepare to start a new year, it is time for us to begin entering commitments for 2011. Please let us know as soon as possible what type of financial support you or your church feel led to give so we can begin this process.

 

In Christ’s love,

 The Willson family

Christmas Dinner Recipe

 

Monday Morning Chat

 

Foto Friday

Beautiful tea fields of Malawi with Mt. Mulanje in the background.

Foto Friday

When church was finished these kids were ready to come home wiht me!