An Outpouring of Love

We’re just two days (YIKES!!!) away from leaving and the donations for Malawi keep coming in.  Twelve extra suitcases are packed and we just had to get three more to take care of the underwear, knitted caps, prayer squares, crosses, tools, scissors, volleyballs, and the host of other items that you have so generously contributed.  More than $3,000 has been donated through the “sticky notes” campaign, including money to buy a guitar to take with us!  For those of you who know what great musicians team members John Wagner and Melody Webb are, you know how dramatically that gift will impact our team visits to the villages and churches this year.  Thank you for this outpouring of love to the people in Malawi.    

Malawi is often described as the “Warm Heart of Africa”, but I think that phrase can also be adapted to be the “Warm Heart of the Heartland… and Beyond.”  Members of our congregation, those from other churches, neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends from Iowa and all over the country have contributed to our trip, and are praying for this year’s team.   I believe that’s one thing that keeps amazing me over and over again.  When the story of our Malawi Partnership of Hope and Ministry of Presence is shared with people in formal program settings or in casual conversations, the response is overwhelming.  Hearts are touched, personal resources are shared, prayers are lifted up, and others become a part of the difference being made… in the lives of the people in Malawi, of those who participate on the teams, and of those who can’t go themselves.  Everyone supporting the Partnership in any way is touched and changed by the experience.  

I believe we all have the potential to become blessed beyond our wildest dreams when we faithfully rely on God’s promise to Jeremiah and trust Him enough to respond and take action throughout our lives as we are individually called to do, whatever that may be.   

 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah  29:1) 

How else could I possibly explain how a coal miner and homemaker’s daughter from West Virginia will be making her FIFTH trip to Africa this Saturday?  I certainly couldn’t have imagined that ever happening to me, but it is!  ... and I’m blessed by it in ways I can’t describe.

As the old hymn goes,

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

“…While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.” 

“…Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.”

“…Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.”

“…For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.”

“…What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.”

Robin Trimble White