Thursday, July 3, 2014

The Great Commission is a Global Initiative




In Malawi the average annual income for a household is just $730. That's less than $2 a day.  Think about it! You can't buy a kid's meal at McDonalds for under $2. Your morning coffee probably costs more than this. 

As we have been preparing to make our journey, there have been a few times when good, loving folks have said, "We have starving people in the United States to feed. Why would you go around the world to another country when there is work to be done here?" It's a valid question to be sure, however, as the Church of Christ we are called to go to the ends of the earth to serve God's people.  We DO feed the hungry in our neighborhoods and cities. We DO help the homeless and downtrodden right at home. But that's not to say that our mission in Christ is to stay right where we are. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of ALL nations. So we go and make relationships so that we can gain the trust necessary to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  One mission does not preclude another. 

One thing that I will most likely be called to do as we set foot in Malawi is to preach in worship. I've asked myself, "What in the world could I possibly have to say to these people who live such joyful lives?" My first thoughts have been that I have no right to speak about faith in Christ as my life is incredibly blessed with enough food, a home, beautiful healthy children, and more. But then it hit me. There is something that I preach about quite often in the parish where I serve as pastor. It has to do with the barrier of faith called affluence. We, in this country, are in desperate need of a relationship with our God. We put way too much emphasis on all the stuff we can and do acquire. It's sad really. In this way, the people of Malawi have something precious that we don't have-- true faith in the midst of hardship. We rely on the consistency of our paychecks, the dependability of our government to care for us when we are in need, and the goodwill of our neighbors who are also affluent and can come to our aid if necessary. The people of Malawi have none of that. They are totally dependent upon the goodness of God. Therein lies an incredible spiritual gift. I am in no way saying that there circumstances are ideal! Simply that we lack the joy that comes from total dependence on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because we have so much "stuff" to occupy our minds, bodies, and hearts. 

So, then, something to think about. How do you rely on Christ and give God the glory even in times when you are struggling? 

Tidzaonana. (See you again!)

Abusa Amy (Pastor Amy)

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Malawi or Bust!

Dear Friends,

Many of you already know that later this month I will be going on a mission trip (ulendo) to Malawi, East Africa. This trip has been over a year and a half in the making. I am excited about this for many reasons, first and foremost to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ in Malawi who are in need of the basics that we take for granted. Secondly, that my mother who is 70 years old will be making her first mission trip as well. I am so proud of her courage and grace as she prepares for this journey and I look forward to the time we will spend together. Thirdly, two others from my congregation have also discerned God's call to "Go and Make Disciples" across the world.


Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa because the people there are known to be very friendly. I found this out when I met the director of Kenyenyeva Ministries, Mrs. Yamikani Chikoti, who visited the United States and spoke at our church about the orphan care project that we are in partnership. We will be guided by Yami and her husband, Shadreck when we arrive in the country on August 1st. They will be our translators as well as those who will keep us from making any serious social faux pas. The cultures are quite different as we have been learning about for the past year. 

My intent is to post here some information about Malawi, the orphans that are served at the project, as well as my reflections on the journey. 

Here's a phrase for you in chichewa, the native language of Malawi:
Moni muli bwanji? (Hi, how are you?)
Ndili bwino. Kaya inu? (I am fine. How are you?)
Ndili bwino. Zikomo. (Fine. Thank you.)
Zikomo. (Thank you, or you're welcome.)

That's all for today! Zikomo, ndapita. Tidzaonana. (I'll see you again.)