Hello from Zomba, Malawi!
Every morning when I get up I am reminded of the fact that I am in Africa. By the squatty to pee in, to the Chombe tea, to the heat and scenery of mountains surrounding me as I do my morning devotions. This is Africa, and it could not be any better.
We arrived in Zomba last Tuesday after a bumpy 6 hour bus ride from Lilongwe. Upon reaching Zomba I was blown away by the simplicity of their culture contrasted by the intensity of the landscape surrounding them. Their poverty is evident, while their love is overflowing.
Our ministry here looks much different than it did in Lilongwe. Instead of visiting villages to pray and encourage the people, we visit the church volleyball court to play with the youth of that church, all the while encouraging them with our presence and time.
Do not get me wrong, we have done some door to door ministry and encouraged a church yesterday and Sunday. We have been sharing the gospel, but here it seems our actions are truly our worship and ministry.
Everyday around 2 or 3pm a few youth from Pastor Gama’s (our host) church come and wait on the porch for us to talk. The act of going out there and sharing fun facts about America, or teaching them Uno or playing MASH doesn’t seem like ministry, but if that’s what the Lord has called us to do at this time than it sure is ministry!
I’ve learned through being here in Zomba that ministry doesn’t have to be preaching the Word, praying over those who are hurting or leading worship songs.
Ministry can be kicking a ball around with some children outside of the gate, playing volleyball with the youth here, teaching some African’s how to play Uno, or simply growing closer to my wonderful family of 10 living and sharing each day with me.
