It has been a busy and overwhelming week – and it’s only Wednesday! Morrais Quissico, Executive Secretary at the General Board of Global Ministries, arrived Sunday for his annual visit. His portfolio includes the entire continent of Africa, but Malawi holds a special place in his heart because he attended Chancellor College in Zomba and helped to start one of the United Methodist churches there.
Rev. Morrais Quissico and Kara
Originally from Mozambique, Morrais has worked at GBGM for over five years now. Jeff and I found in him an invaluable colleague, a spiritual guide for the Malawi UMC, a wise counselor and a fast friend! He played with our children, advised the pastors, encouraged the local churches and brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
We were able to accompany Morrais on his travels in the southern region this week. It was a whirlwind journey…
Zomba local church
Monday – Zomba Local Church in Zomba circuit and three local churches in the Mulanje Circuit. We saw the building of a church; met a teacher who has started two nursery schools since January, growing them from 24 children to 150; saw several farming projects and a fishery; and heard the most amazing youth choir.
Tuesday – visited Mpenya Local Church and their nursery school. The teacher has been there for four years; the children there, ages 3 – 5, gave an amazing display of all the English they are learning – alphabet, counting, basic greetings, and songs, including “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. We also saw the sight were the Women’s Revival will take place August 7 – 9; they are hoping for 1000 women from around Malawi.
Mpenya nursery school
In the afternoon we visited Tiwasunge. (see later posts).
Youth singing
Wednesday – visited Kholosi Local Church in the Ngabu Circuit, where we heard amazing choirs from each of the local churches in the circuit and saw one of Belmont’s Miracle Churches completed up to the windows. We also visited a community of “aged and old” adults who worship each Wednesday with the local pastor, Henry Kaipa.
Miracle church at Kholosi UMC
Child at Kholosi UMC
Throughout the week we saw amazing progress in each local church – farms where there was once dry ground, fisheries dug, local churches increasing 10 fold in just 9 months, and the spiritual and physical commitment of pastors who travel 10 – 30 kilometers on foot or by bike to reach the multiple churches they serve in their circuits.
We also heard of incredible need, mostly for the most basic of human needs: clothing for the elderly, food in the midst of drought, clean water for villages, school supplies for children and transportation for pastors. Individually, the needs seem quite manageable, but when each community adds their concerns to the list, one can easily become overwhelmed.
I’m not sure how we can best offer our gifts and talents in the face of so much need in a way that will even make a dent in these problems. All we can do now is listen and learn and pray without ceasing.
Hi Olivers! I am eagerly reading your posts. Now that camp is over I have some time and I am so glad to be able to read since I am being blessed by reading them!
Have you heard about Hydromissions? Here is their website: http://www.hydromissions.com It is a company founded by a christian couple, who are also missionaries from South Carolina. They make low tech tools for providing clean water to countries that need it, particularly 3rd world countries. I just found it somehow I am not sure how but just surfing for something else. So, I of course thought of you all.
We found Claire Marin’s Camp Idyllwild t-shirt along the creek one day! So, we will be trying to mail a new t-shirt to you all soon (the one we found was hopelessly dirty, so I may try to tie dye it!). Love to you all, Suzanne