Are you a Pastor? No, but I did stay at a Kayesa Inn once . . .

How do you begin to describe a day like today?

Over the past three days we have heard the story of Joyce and Kayesa Inn.  Every morning she gave us a sermon or devotion that challenged us not just to see God's love but to BE God's love to everyone we see.

At supper the first night she asked us, "Who are we?"  Are we good, are we trustworthy, are we faithful?  Or are we thieves, drunks and the like.  The truth is, she would welcome us all the same and without hesitation.  At one time her inn had a bar where all sorts of people of questionable morality would gather.  One day she woke up and asked herself "Who am I."  Though she was making money, she closed the bar.  Though it would be ruinous for her business, she did the right thing.

Since that time she has welcomed prostitutes, alcoholics, and people addicted to drugs.  Boys who are thieves and girls who have had children out of wedlock.

I read once that the word prodigal does not mean "immoral," but instead "wildly extravagant."  The story of the Prodigal Son is one of a wildly extravagant son who binges in excess and comes home to a father who loves with excess.

Kayesa is the Prodigal Inn.  No matter what your lot in life, no matter the bad things you've done, there is a home at Kayesa.

If you asked us before, Kayesa was not part of the mission trip, it was where we stayed when we visit the farm.  At a typical hotel, you go to the desk and say "I'd like to checkout" and the person at the desk says "Do you have your keys."

At Kayesa, you go into a side building with a meeting room.  The entire community (they are not staff, but a family) gathers with you.  Joyce shares a few words, the entire staff sings a chorus that you would swear comes from angels.  You exchange thanks and gifts.  Forty-five minutes later (or longer) the bus pulls out of the gate.

As you start to drive away, the community walks, then jogs alongside the bus.  A minute later, the last lost boy--one who once did terrible things but is turning his life over to God--finally relents and waves farewell.

And that is how you check out of a hotel in Mchinji, Malawi.

Oh, and if you're wondering from the title, I was referred to as Pastor by Joyce this morning.

Phil

PS - Allie, I miss you like crazy.  Mom & Dad and everyone else who has been praying for me and us, thank you and I can't wait to share our stories.  

To my small group, I can't wait to share pictures and videos and tell you about where the Bibles went.