"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Whenever visitors arrive they are greeted with singing, dancing and ululating. That is the joy that is Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Confessional Lutheran Church - Malawi Synod are indeed "JoyFully Lutheran." Being JoyFully Lutheran is an expression of God's love for us. Because of His love for us, He sent His Son to die for us. Lutherans put all of their faith and trust in Jesus alone. As Christians, we witness, we serve and we love joyfully as a reflection of God's love for us.
During this trip to Malawi, I was present at the installation of Pastor Masiya to the Confessional Lutheran Church in Entetemera. There were fellow pastors, church members, family and the community at large in attendance to bear witness and to celebrate this most joyous occasion. The joy that Malawians express was quite evident as heard through prayers and songs and seen in their dances and embraces of congratulations.
I celebrated Palm Sunday with my brothers and sisters from the Confessional Lutheran Church in the village of Mgona. Mgona suffered much destruction due to flooding caused by cyclone Idai. Despite the losses, this worship service was nothing short of amazing. The women's choir sang beautifully, waving palm branches in remembrance of our Savior's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Then the entire congregation danced, singing praises to our Lord. There was such an overwhelming feeling of joy, that I just had to join in. I will always remember this Palm Sunday.
Community health evangelism (CHE)
It was a blessing to support my co-worker for Christ, missionary Sarah Kanoy as she visited congregations in the Southern part of Malawi to assess health needs and share God's Word. This helped to strengthen her ministry as nurse and health educator. Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is a Christ-centered educational program that equips communities to identify issues and mobilize resources to achieve sustainable change like disease prevention and poverty alleviation. Lives and communities are transformed as people come to Christ and work together to address local needs.
In most of the villages the women gathered together during the teaching and were asked to identify some of the common health issues that affected the community. Sarah asked questions like, "Where do you go for treatment, how far away is the nearest clinic, are medications available there?" The most requested lesson was on how a woman's body works. It was amazing to see the reactions and hear the questions that the women asked after the lesson. The lesson was very well received in all of the villages and the women were empowered with this knowledge of how their bodies work. It is truly a joy to bear witness to how lives are transformed and to serve our neighbor as the Lord commanded.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS JOURNEY WITH US AS WE SERVE THE LORD IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
Or you can end gifts to: Mission Central 40718 Highway E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034 or give online at www.missioncentral.us
Prayers and Praise
- Pray for God's strength and guidance as Michael and I serve in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Pray that God will help all people to love their neighbors as He loves us.
- Pray that God will continue to help Michael and I be strong Christian witnesses.
- Praise God for a wonderful time of fellowship and learning in Malawi.
- Praise God for all the wisdom and guidance as I navigate and learn more about communications.
- Praise God for all of you and the love, support and encouragement that you give to me and Michael.
Contact Information: P. O. Box 22, Karen, 00502 - Kenya Email: shara.osiro@lcms.org