Today tested our flexible excellence in all the right ways. Our morning plan to visit the men’s prison changed, so our hosts thought we might enjoy seeing the sights of an outdoor market.

After some of the team had a mishap at an  immigration stop, Patricia (Kondi’s wife) saved the day by producing the passports, and all was well—told you today’s word was flexible!  We joked, Newton gets us into the prison, and Patricia keeps us out!

First we made a stop at a local grocery store. It was fun to see where our hosts might frequent, but also sobering to think that most of the population here would not be afforded the same privilege.

It was culturally enlightening to navigate a flea market as each shop owner called to us, inviting us to look at, and touch, the merchandise—“Come, come look. Looking costs nothing. Let me show you something. Yes. You are welcome. Pick it up. Touching is part of shopping.” The talent seen in the handcrafted wood items and brightly painted pictures on parchment spoke to God, our Father’s, creativity. If only the shop owners knew Jesus, and used their amazing talents for His glory!

Some of the team enjoyed a traditional Malawian lunch at a local restaurant—rice over chicken or beef stew. Refreshed, we were eager to see the precious GBC children again at VBS.

Every week the church hosts the little ones of their neighborhood and shares with them the gospel of Christ. This ministry began with the VBS the Bethany Baptist Team put on two years ago. To see GBC’s faithfulness to continue it, and what it has become, is a humbling privilege. The trust and relationship that Kondi and his team have built is truly a reflection of Jesus!  We were blessed beyond measure to enjoy the fruit.

We hope to visit the prison on Saturday, since we were not able to do so today—but we are flexible, as God tested us today, and we trust where He leads.

To end the day, part of the team visited the college Bible study we had invited students to earlier in the week. It was a joy to see their hearts to simply sit down and equip new Christians with basic theology and answer questions like, “what will we do in heaven?” We trust our participation was an encouragement.

The team seems to have earned our sleep tonight. Please continue to pray for the rest of the trip ahead and for the conference GBC & RBC and others  are hosting on Saturday.

Zikoma!