“Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

Our morning began with the continued lavish hospitality of our hosts. Many of us enjoyed coffee or tea with breakfast as we refreshed ourselves in the Word and enjoyed the cool Malawian breeze while the sun was still low in the sky.

Our first agenda item of the day was to visit a local women’s prison to deliver supplies, encouragement, and the love of Christ.

As we prayerfully entered the prison gates we were greeted by armed uniformed guards, roaming chickens, and a woman cutting 3 foot-long stalks of lettuce with a knife. The greeting we will never forget was the melodic sounds of the women prisoners singing and rhythmic clapping to welcome us. Their beautiful voices resonated through the entire prison village—“Thank you, God,  for bringing visitors,” is what we were told they were singing. Each of us (including the prisoners) introduced ourselves. The women were as vibrant, bright, and unique as the Congolese fabric the ladies on the team had quickly bought at the market to wear for our visit.  Newton greeted, Blessing gave a gospel message, more joyful songs, and then we presented the gifts we had brought for the women. It’s difficult to express in words the experience we shared.

And that was just the beginning.

Today was our first day of VBS with the GBC kids. True to the cultural tradition of greeting, the kids jumped and waved and sang as we arrived. Several children memorized verses in English to welcome the Americans.

Together we sang songs, Josh taught them “Jabulani Africa,” and Patrick gave a Bible lesson on the 10 plagues.

We spent an hour playing in the dirt lot with the kids. Their eyes lit up at the frisbees, their screams of exuberance filled the air, and we tried to capture their laughs and smiles at the muzungos trying to hula hoop. They clutched their cute crafts which they constantly held up—proud of their creations—simply wanting a smile or thumbs up for affirmation.

There were about double the children we expected—we estimate nearly 400. We exhausted the resources we had prepared and lugged around the world. We left empty-handed, but hearts full.

To end this day, as if it wasn’t already bubbling over, some of the team joined the small group that Newton hosts each week. We were encouraged by the discussion about Sunday’s sermon, the fellowship, and  the prayer.

Friends, it’s been a big day. A good day, but a big day. Please continue to pray.

Usiku Wabwino (good night)!