4 adults and 8 kids make our home

Last September I posted a blog about a very emotional reunion which we had with our previous gardener's wife and children. While we rejoiced in seeing one another again it was apparent to Stefan and I that their current residence without their father ( he continues to work in South Africa and has had no contact with his children for 5 years) and staying with their grandfather, the village "medicine man" was not making us comfortable. The medicine man uses local herbs to heal but intertwined in this herbal healing comes superstition and witchcraft - a very far cry from trusting in the Savior from sins and a life lived in service to the Almighty God.
As our lives carried on we often asked Maxwell, our gardener and Uncle to these village children, how things were going and if they were healthy. We kept them in prayer. At Christmas we sent them a package sharing with them the story of Luke 2 of a true Savior and healer of sins.
By May we learned that their mother had also left for South Africa in pursuit of " greener pastures". These were the words I received. In my opinion, how anyone can seek a better life and leave their children behind is beyond my comprehension. Stefan and I spoke with Maxwell and Esther about the idea of bringing them here to live with our family. It would require them to take on 3 more children in addition to their 2 sons and it would mean a total of 8 kids between our two families living on the property. We were all up for giving it a try !
It's now been two weeks since Fresda, Filmon and Philip came back into our lives and a blessing it has been indeed ! We are helping to supplement the needed food for extra mouths and our kids dug through their closets and easily found extra Tshirts and shorts to share with these children who arrived with 2 sets of clothing and nothing else.
It took but a few minutes for all 8 children to form a bond and every afternoon can be seen playing a variety of games - follow the leader, building houses from bricks and stones lying around the property - sharing in chores to feed the chickens, guineas, dog and cat and taking turns to open our gate when someone is coming or going !
More importantly, they are witnessing what a good marriage and family looks like living with Maxwell and Esther and their " brother" cousins as well as our own family. And most of all they are hearing God's Word and accompanying their new family to church each week.

When I returned from the visit to their village last September I felt concerned about this "medicine man" and our spending time in his home. A Malawian friend assured me, " Kathy, you are covered in the blood of Jesus. His ways have take no effect on you. " Now - these children are covered by Jesus love and the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts too.
To God be the Glory - Amen !


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Location:Blantyre, Malawi

Holy Spirit at work......

Two years ago my husband made a trip to Malawi – a place he longed to see again after leaving with his family in 2008.  At the time of his trip he was employed in Wisconsin working in a Group Home for mentally disabled individuals. While on his visit to Malawi he was reacquainted with an old friend.  This friend, Hamilton, showed him what was keeping him busy these days in addition to his wood carving business.  There, in the midst of a poor Malawian township with children running along dirt paths, goats and chickens darting across the road, make shift homes of bricks and tin and roadside vegetable vendors alongside piles of rubbish, sat a Shelter for the disabled.  It’s called “ Tidzalerana “ (caring for others). A safe and clean environment for 15 mentally and physically disabled residents who were otherwise cast out and unwanted by their relatives.  Stefan was intrigued and excited ! I’ll never forget when he phoned me back home to tell me of this amazing discovery !

 

Fast forward two years and our family has once again relocated to Malawi.  Our ministry with Kingdom Workers has gotten off to a successful start bringing in volunteer teams for programs such as VBS in village congregations within our sister synod the LCCA as well as computer training and Youth outreach.  Stefan joined the Board for the Tidzalerana Shelter and together he and I hoped and prayed for a way to reach the “lost people” (disabled) of Malawi with God’s saving Word.  Enter into the scene and guided  by the Holy Spirit’s fire came Jesus Cares Ministry.  The two JCM reps who visited us with tireless energy last October took our hopes and shared our excitement home which brought about the Team which is working and ministering presently here among the Shelter and eventually with 8 LCCA village congregations! What’s happening is nothing short of a miracle.  Malawians who clearly share a love and desire to help those less fortunate in body and mind among their own people !  An acceptance given to them that it is okay and good and desirable to care for these individuals as one cares for himself  and most importantly to reach them with God’s saving Word! 

I see the fire of the Holy Spirit which sparked one afternoon two years ago and which has gained momentum  - moving- building – bringing it together – reaching out and gripping souls !  I spent a day this week with the Team in two village churches.  Tears strolled down my cheeks as one by one the disabled villagers were brought to the church doors – slowly hobbling in on crippled feet with a stick for a cane, getting a ride down the dirt road on the back of a bicycle, carried in with the aid of 3 or 4 and laid at the front of the alter,  “ should we begin Pastor or are there more?”  “ There are more, can we wait?” “Yes, we can wait……..we will wait”.  The African sun was hot that day  - everyone seemed a little unsure – and then a few more arrived.

 

  We began……..God’s Word was taught directly to them.  Songs were sung in praise to our Saviour for them.  Sitting quietly a few shaker instruments were passed out to help them praise God too – soon the church was filled with voices and shakers and singing and clapping !

 

“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.  For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalm 149: 3-4

 We might not be certain of what we are doing all the time and we are not patient in wanting to see the results of our own efforts. It is, at times, exhausting but what is sure is the Holy Spirit is at work here amongst us.  It is humbling for Stefan and I to see how mighty His Word is and encourages us to rest in the assurance of His promises.  “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

Please pray for the "lost people" of Malawi and for doors to continue to be opened to reach them with our Lord Almighty’s saving Word.