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Rescuing butterflies is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. In Zomba, our cool retreat, there is a certain sticky plant which attracts innocent butterflies presumably by some alluring scent. As Kalina and I walked we came across clumps of brightly coloured butterflies slowly coming to a sticky end. Careful not to touch their delicate wings, we gently removed a few and found that they were alive and eager to be free. Likely many flew off to land on a similar plant and die a similar death. I hope some of them found friendlier flowers.
Of course, I began to think about our Malawian children and their rescue stories. I love watching them fly and feast and stretch out their beautiful wings in the sun. A child who seemed unable to learn when first she came to us, now excels in school. A child who screamed himself to sleep now cheerfully says goodnight. A child who barely smiled begins to laugh. A child who fought blindly gently welcomes new children. I am certain the Spirit is hovering, breathing life, while the Father welcomes his children home into his love. It is where they have always belonged. |
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| With 48 children now, life continues to move at a rapid pace! Keeping that many children in clothes and shoes is a continuous task. Add to that sheets, blankets, towels, books, pencils, and paper, and you have a very busy day. Our house parents are very helpful in finding the right sizes and reporting needs. | |
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Above all of these, the most pressing need is for love and attention. Our back porch is still a good meeting place. Over books, lego, duplo or construx, children open up to love. A few weeks ago we set the toys aside for a few hours and gathered around the small pool we had put up. Some of the younger kids hastily changed into swimsuits hoping for a swim, but we had an even more joyful pursuit on our hearts. We baptized 21 children (on 2 separate occasions) including Daniel and Kalina. It was awesome to hear these children declare their faith and share a verse. As we prayed, we were reminded of Jesus’ own baptism, and the words spoken from heaven: ‘This is my son whom I love!’ Each one is loved and not just by us! |
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The challenge is this: God’s love is just as great for each child in the village, suffering unspeakable pain, left alone to search out food and clothing. There are so many. We pray that God will bring our attention to those in greatest need, but his plan must be much larger. Will he awaken the church here to move beyond the ordinary into extreme sacrificial love towards the exposed? Will more Christians follow the example of a few? Pastor Ali and his wife, Chrissy, now have more than 20 children living in their small home. These children are not related to them, and yet they love and care for their needs. The love of Christ compels them! May many more be so compelled! |
| From the very young to the very old (which is actually only 50 years or so), there is great need. Not so long ago, one of those not-so-old but completely worn out women asked me to come and get her stuff so she could move in here with me. Yesterday, I visited her, and she can no longer walk. Neighbours bring buckets of water, and fire wood to help her. She is alone and needs her simple needs met with love. | |
| Not that we are short on projects! We have Phase II of our Primary School in the end stages. The wall around the property is complete. The much-needed kitchen is coming along, after a delay due to a brick shortage in Bangula. In our dreams we look forward to staff housing, visitor housing, a clinic (and a nurse!) and a basketball court. J The list for our carpenters is just as long. With Mo’s office finished, they moved into our house and built a desk for me and a beautiful and very large bookshelf for our library. Of course, each project takes time, and there are not enough hours. |
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| We still need desks and chairs for our school. But, the school is running and kids are learning. Their mostly happy voices fill the morning. Their teachers are learning lots too, and longing to learn more. We are so grateful to visitors who come to encourage and come alongside our teachers. Their support is invaluable. It is so awesome to hear the kids talking about what they would like to do, be it go to school in Canada, or fly an airplane, or become a doctor. These are dreams they would not have had before. They are like butterflies, stretching their wings, and discovering new freedom. We get to watch, and stand in awe of how great God is! | |
