The Lord works in mysterious ways. This week we have struggled with the Lord's purpose for us here in Malawi. Many plans have gone wrong and very little seemed to be accomplished. Bitterness and despair took root in our hearts and we let it replace love and compassion. Actually, we realized that there had been very little love and compassion there to begin with.
This morning we had to visit the accountant for the guest house, Mrs. Veitch, to ask for a receipt for our stay in the guest house. But the Lord had other plans. We ended up talking to the Veitch's about our feelings and received a sermon of encouragement and loving admonishment which we really needed to come to this understanding of all that we have seen and done for the last few weeks. This was a very unexpected and appreciated blessing, since this was only the second time we have seen the Veitch's and we came on an unexpected visit, and they actually have nothing to do with the ministry we are involved in.
The people here are incredibly poor, so when we enter a village we are surrounded by people who see us as rich white girls who can solve all their problems. They explain all their difficulties and needs. They say they are starving because of the drought and need blankets and clothes for the fast approaching winter season. We are expected to respond but are always at a loss for words. We cannot promise to help them physically and we can see that their problem goes so much deeper than material poverty. Their problem is also a poverty of knowledge. Knowledge in the basics of how to live and help themselves and more importantly a lack of understanding of the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ which is more valuable than silver and gold. Because they see their need as only a lack of funds etc, it is hard for us to address what really matters. They do not see their need of spiritual understanding. As we are not personally in the position to solve their material problems, please pray continually that the Lord will fill us with His Spirit and give us the words and courage to meet their spiritual need. It doesn't come naturally to either of us to give "sermons" to large groups and in a way we would be more comfortable doing physical work. We have also seen over the past 3 weeks that when we try to do everything on our own, we fail. We can do NOTHING. If anything is going to change/happen in Malawi, it will be GOD who does it, not us. But we hope and pray that Christ will dwell in us richly so that He can work through us. "Christ's strength is made perfect in our weakness."
Please pray that we will understand the importance of sharing the Word even though we may not see the results of what God will do through it. All we can do is attempt to plant the seeds and trust that God will cause them to take root and grow. Isaiah 55:11
But despite the fact that the spiritual need is of much more importance, the material needs are also great. From what we can see, most people will have a hard struggle to surive the winter and dry season. In order for them to be able to grow in faith and knowledge they need to live. We are feeling like we are the man in James 2:16 who says, "Depart in peace, be warm and well fed," but does not give the things which are needed for the body.
We have seen babies dressed in nothing but rags, children who are malnourished, young people who walk 10 km to school every day and grandmothers caring for many young orphans. They all have so many struggles and work so hard, but they still lack what is necessary for daily life.
Please pray:
-that the words of Colossians 3:12-17 and Romans 12:9-16 may be true of us
-for patience as we struggle with all the waiting and what seems like wasting time that we have to do and that we may find a profitable way to use it
-that our hearts would overflow with the love of Christ
-for wisdom to be able to put into simple words the knowledge of salvation to share with these needy people
-that we don't judge them and look down on them but that we see them as brothers and sisters in Christ
-that we will grow in faith and knowledge even if it hurts
Please pray hard...we need it!
Thank-you so much (zikomo kwambiri) and God bless you all!
12 comments:
You can be sure that I'm praying for you both. That God will strengthen you and give you wisdom...and love, because love casts out fear. And it fulfills every law. It it the most excellent way.
So glad to hear about your blog!!! Thank you so much for keeping us up to date. God has you on an incredibly beautiful road, and may He be with you and within you as you walk this with eachother and with all those you meet. Praying for yous!!!!!!!!!! Love and hugs. Kristen
I am praying for both of you.
Nadine J. Muis
"the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31
"...how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..." Ephesians 3:16-19
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
I'm praying for you, that God will give you patience in waiting, confidence in yourselves and in the work he gives you, and love for those around you which will flow into deeds of service! God Bless
As the title on your blog states: The Lord your God is with you. Though the needs are too great for you to solve, plant the seeds that God has provided for you to plant, and leave the harvest to Him. Praying for you girls, for love overflowing that will not depair with their needs, but that will show in Word and Deed the love of your Father.
Love and Blessings! Aunt Linda
Wow! I just found out about your blog today. Sounds like you two are having some frustrations, but it also sounds like you know where to go with those problems. I'm praying for you, and I know that God will be with you and help you through this. Missing you, Love Rachel
We are all with you in our thoughts and ptayers. John 15:1-5
Hello Monica and Amy,
Uncle John and I are praying for you. May the Lord be your strength when you feel weak, may He be your joy when you feel like weeping, may He be your guide when you feel lost. May the Holy Spirit empower you with everything you stand in need of from day to day. With love, Uncle John and Aunt Joy
Hi Amy and Monica
I really miss you both and am praying for you both as you continue your mission trip. You are both in my prayers as you continue your mission trip serving Christ.
Chris Merkus
Dear Monica and Amy,
Wanted to send you a note to let you know that you are in our prayers - for the specific things that you mentioned in your blog, for strength of hands and for a heart of love - and also that God will use this time in Africa to grow you more and more into young women after His heart.
"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Your brother and sister in the Lord,
Art and Emily Beijes
ps. just realized the quote I posted is the same as the one in your title - well it sure fits as I did not even realize that when I posted it! Trust only in Him, for he really is with you!
Emily B
"Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." "
-Exodus 4:10-12
I miss you like mad. I'm praying for you both. I wish I could say that in more ways so that you would be absolutely sure of it, but that is all I can say!
Love,
your sister
Brittni
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