It has been a HOLY experience here in Malawi. I have sensed the presence of God during this trip in profound ways. We have worshipped together, witnessed miracles of progress, been comforted and enabled by God, and experienced a closeness with our team and members of the Malawi community that could only be of God. What a holy time indeed.
It has been CRAZY!?! Long days, longer nights... Crazy fun with kids in villages, crazy perspective when realizing just how much we take for granted. It was crazy to hear a man say today "it is only by the grace of God that we are alive" when referring to his village and their poverty. It is crazy to KNOW (not just think, but know) I would never have come close to understanding what he meant had I not come to Africa. (and I am humbly and fully aware I will never completely understand his words...)
It has been mission. We have shared and heard the good news of Jesus Christ at nearly every turn of this trip. Quite frankly, I think that is what I will miss about this mission most. Don't be surprised if a sub theme running through my speech and sermons for quite some time is "GIVE GOD MORE GLORY and BE IN MISSION EVERY DAY". I hope that our team's comfort and desire to share the name of Jesus doesn't get lost somewhere over the atlantic ocean on the way home. We are given the knowledge of God to share it... and we've learned about how much change that "good news" can enable from our experience here.
I miss my family at home so much. I know that I wouldn't have had the experience that I will cherish forever here in malawi without my their support back home.
I also need to thank my family on this mission team. We have bonded in so many ways, and shared so many laughs and tears. I feel connected to each of these team members like family, and hope that we can share in mission together when we get home. Our team of 16 will grow pretty fast if we invite the rest of our families to join us for "PINEAPPLE FANTA" parties!!
This trip has changed my life, but life changes are not always permanent. I pray that God will brand and permanently seal the lessons from this trip onto my heart.
As you read this blog, may God's presence be SO REAL for you that you are compelled to share the story and love of Jesus wherever you go. Invite a stranger to dinner. Spend time in prayer with your family. Cherish clean water. Consider participating in a HOLY CRAZY MISSION yourself.
I'll be praying for you. Please pray for each other.
Love you Gabe... Love you Lan... Love you Am...
Pastor John Wagner (aka, JP and daddy)
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