Malawi today

Six weeks ago I offered Mirjam to write the next blog – hence the long silence! That silence does not characterize our home normally, with the six of us there never seems to be a dull moment. And even in the country, things are happening.

Ten days ago, Malawi’s president suddenly passed away at the age of 78. This happened in a time the once celebrated leader received a lot of criticism for his domestic and foreign politics. His first term did the country a lot of good, creating the much needed economic growth. The second term saw a change of approach. In July 2011, the unrest escalated in protests, which were rigorously dispelled, leaving 21 civilians dead. After that, talks were started between the government and civil organizations, but without result. Foreign exchange became very scarce, fuel was hard to get by – people spending up to 48 hours in a fuel queue – and relations with other countries became very sour. Donor nations such as the UK and USA froze their support, and the economic growth lapsed back.

So far, power was peacefully handed over to the Vice-President, who had fallen out with the President two years ago, when the President appointed his brother (and cabinet minister) to succeed him after his second and last term would be completed. We pray she will be able to restore relationships with other nations and also bring an end to the rather unchecked reign of the previous cabinet. For most people, the urgent needs are to have sugar back on the shelves – lately one could see a hundred yard line of people outside of the one store that sells sugar! Prices have gone up, the money has artificially retained its value, while on the black market the kwacha has half the worth it had a year ago.

At home, other dynamics are at play. Joash and Rhoda both celebrated their birthday in the Eastern break. In fact, we went on a Church Camp the day Rhoda turned 10, and left Camp at Joash 12^th. With some families from our international church we camped out and enjoyed a number of preaching sessions while the kids had their own programs. Zebras wandered freely around the tents. The kids will return to their last quarter of school. We can’t believe this school year has gone by so fast. They have both adjusted well and we feel blessed that they made a good transition into international school. Obed and Moses go three mornings to a Pre-school and proudly practice their English at home. During those mornings we try to keep up with our language lessons.

Mirjam and I were encouraged by this morning’s sermon from Acts 27. The theme was God’s sovereignty in a startling storm. God wants Paul to witness before Caesar, and rules over all the events of his journey. As we journey this first year in Malawi, there are times it seems we are sailing without wind. Or you reach a port that you think is good and promising, a ministry that appears to be a good match, and you need to leave it again to travel on. These are challenges that test our faith and confidence in God’s planning. Yet we are encouraged to place our trust in His leading; He knows the road ahead and has a plan for us here. One aspect that is increasingly pressing upon our hearts is the tremendous want of training among the churches. We speak with ministry leaders, representatives of organizations, local pastors and church members – all echoing the same desire that more be done to equip the churches and their leaders. These signals clearly confirm our calling for Malawi.

I hope for you Mirjam will be writing next…

We will be adding more pictures soon!