OUR SPECIAL ELITE FORCE, AS Gideon’s army reduces in number as the training intensifies. We were in Mngwangwa today. We have not been for two weeks as a week earlier the government was distributing ‘fertilizer subsidy’ coupons. We returned and found the group already present. Within this group are those desperate to learn...their hunger puts me to shame. In this group is Cathy, who walks the equivalent of a 25 minute drive. I dare not calculate how long it takes her, and yet...she doesn’t miss a single session. Sometimes I do not know what to do with that. Saying that it is humbling doesn’t fit. It puts me to shame...me and my big car and comfortable life and her...with her passion for God. I am in awe as I watch her through the teaching. Her face shines, always. At first I thought it was the Vaseline she uses but i have since put aside my foolish analysis and concluded that it is the love of God I see. It is for her that, when life gets tough, we plough on.
We are in the final leg of our teaching on discipleship – making disciples. It is my favourite topic and so I enjoy every moment of it. We talk about Christ our example of true discipleship and how we can learn from Him. Having been disciple and still being disciple as well as discipling others, it is not information that we are putting out; it is revelation. I cannot imagine my life without the one who chose to take me and allow the Holy Spirit to use her hands to push me and press me and lift me and on occasion, beat me. Oh yes, I am grateful that I am not left to my own because, with all that has been entrusted to me, how can I handle it all. There must be someone who says, “get off the field and rest a while”, or, “get off the field, you are injured”. And so I am infused with passion as we talk about the blessing of bearing the fruit of discipleship by discipling another. I, of course talk about my disciples, both the joys and pains. I feel like a parent, showing off her kids to all. And the more I speak, the more I realise how much I am privileged. For is it not a privilege to be entrusted with the life of another, to guide and be companion to them? Is it not in the footsteps of Elijah and Elisha, or Moses and Joshua, or Naomi and Ruth and Jesus and His 12? As you can tell, I get preachy about all this....
After our ministry, we talk about the exam the following week. Many are afraid of it but we talk about it...those that cannot read and write are to have oral exams while the others must show themselves approved by studying. It is the first time for many and we are waiting with expectation for what will happen on the 15th.
Sadly Edward’s phone goes missing. We are not sure where it went for we only discovered it missing half way home. We are sure it fell out as he exited the car. It puts a damper on an otherwise joyous day. In silence we drive back....
Now, I sit here writing and thinking about the cost of ministry. I am not just talking about the phone, but more about everything else, neither am I only speaking of us. Come what may, our hearts remain firmly focused on the mission and our voices rise up to declare... “Let me preach or I die!”
Thursday, October 8, 2009
SPECIAL SEVEN
In Tambala we came across the special seven. Coming into the meeting it seemed that the room was filled with people but we only found seven faithful saints. Sometimes when numbers decrease the flesh wants to shout and take offense but each life is precious to God. I say that now but it took a little more than that to get me praising God. I was a little disappointed at the turnout. Afterall I had just spent hours preparing and not to mention the dusty trip that trips up my allergies. Was is all for this? It took a while, during the praise and worship but God eventually got through to me that each of these seven souls were loved and cherished by Him and then He reminded me how He changed the world with 12.
After that we were in full swing. We were answering questions from the group. our first challenge was “why Jesus spoke in parables”. Short of going into doctrinal discussions we taught. It was Frank, the youth leader’s question. Frank is a handsome and beautifully hearted young man. I have always seen him dressed in a smile. He is devoted to his little group and I feel for this young man. Tambala is steeped in “Gule Wankulu” ancestral worship. They even use little boys for their ceremonies. And here are seven eager young youths. Amongst them is Tereza. She is so hungry that it challenges me...she is without a doubt, a natural born leader.
We talk about frequencies and how hearing God is about tuning into the Spirit Station. We talk about being born in sin and how we are born listening to “Radio Dyabu” translated “Radio Devil”. He feeds us with his lies throughout our lives UNTIL THE DAY WE SWITCH TO SPIRIT STATION. So, though we have a radio, it really is no use to us unless we are tuned into the right frequency. So, hearing we do not hear as Isaiah put it. Three other young people join us as we talk but soon leave (my suspicion was the topic being discussed).
The great joy of the day was the Full Life Study Bibles we gave them. They had never seen anything like it and so we took the time to go through all the features. To some this would seem boring but my heart came alive with the first time I held a Full Life Study Bible. We went through the articles and the charts. We discussed references of scripture and how to use them. We looked at the commentaries below the verses and how not to become totally dependent on them but to always seek the Holy Sprit when reading. Eventually we came to the concordance! What a joy! It was like the gold at the end of a great dig. Here they could search out any topic and be able to find scriptures that had those words...we spent some time there just enjoying the moment. God was with us and He was delighting in us delighting in having access to such a treasure. There is truly no greater gift to give other than a bible...knowing that you are introducing someone to a wellspring that never runs dry. In it is a hospital, a counsellor, a love letter, instructions to life and so much more.
Right at the end we played a song by a precious young man (using the car) Kelvin, a hip hop song about leaving the world behind and truly making a stand for Christ. We huddled around the car speakers and bobbed our heads to the beat. It was a sweet moment. It was to change their mindsets about music and what they think is ‘cool’. I could tell they were overwhelmed having never heart gospel hip hop.
We left feeling mellow and peaceful. Having spent time with so precious a group, we returned feeling privileged to have been entrusted to bless them. Someone out there...you gave towards bibles and I want you to know that you are changing lives. I am so privileged to see but you are more so that your rewards awaits you with the Father, who has seen your secret act of kindness and will award you openly. Praise God and praise Him again. Pray that these seven would have their hearts totally transformed, that they would discover the world that is unseen through the scriptures. Pray with us that we are raising up Gideons who will fearlessly enter the enemy territory and see the salvation of the Lord.
After that we were in full swing. We were answering questions from the group. our first challenge was “why Jesus spoke in parables”. Short of going into doctrinal discussions we taught. It was Frank, the youth leader’s question. Frank is a handsome and beautifully hearted young man. I have always seen him dressed in a smile. He is devoted to his little group and I feel for this young man. Tambala is steeped in “Gule Wankulu” ancestral worship. They even use little boys for their ceremonies. And here are seven eager young youths. Amongst them is Tereza. She is so hungry that it challenges me...she is without a doubt, a natural born leader.
We talk about frequencies and how hearing God is about tuning into the Spirit Station. We talk about being born in sin and how we are born listening to “Radio Dyabu” translated “Radio Devil”. He feeds us with his lies throughout our lives UNTIL THE DAY WE SWITCH TO SPIRIT STATION. So, though we have a radio, it really is no use to us unless we are tuned into the right frequency. So, hearing we do not hear as Isaiah put it. Three other young people join us as we talk but soon leave (my suspicion was the topic being discussed).
The great joy of the day was the Full Life Study Bibles we gave them. They had never seen anything like it and so we took the time to go through all the features. To some this would seem boring but my heart came alive with the first time I held a Full Life Study Bible. We went through the articles and the charts. We discussed references of scripture and how to use them. We looked at the commentaries below the verses and how not to become totally dependent on them but to always seek the Holy Sprit when reading. Eventually we came to the concordance! What a joy! It was like the gold at the end of a great dig. Here they could search out any topic and be able to find scriptures that had those words...we spent some time there just enjoying the moment. God was with us and He was delighting in us delighting in having access to such a treasure. There is truly no greater gift to give other than a bible...knowing that you are introducing someone to a wellspring that never runs dry. In it is a hospital, a counsellor, a love letter, instructions to life and so much more.
Right at the end we played a song by a precious young man (using the car) Kelvin, a hip hop song about leaving the world behind and truly making a stand for Christ. We huddled around the car speakers and bobbed our heads to the beat. It was a sweet moment. It was to change their mindsets about music and what they think is ‘cool’. I could tell they were overwhelmed having never heart gospel hip hop.
We left feeling mellow and peaceful. Having spent time with so precious a group, we returned feeling privileged to have been entrusted to bless them. Someone out there...you gave towards bibles and I want you to know that you are changing lives. I am so privileged to see but you are more so that your rewards awaits you with the Father, who has seen your secret act of kindness and will award you openly. Praise God and praise Him again. Pray that these seven would have their hearts totally transformed, that they would discover the world that is unseen through the scriptures. Pray with us that we are raising up Gideons who will fearlessly enter the enemy territory and see the salvation of the Lord.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Warriors for Christ
So much has happened in the past few months…my only regret is not being able to keep up and write about it. We have travelled to Mgona, Tambala and yes, oh yes, I have returned home. A few weeks ago I returned to mngwangwa. Edward coined it, the return of the prodigal teacher. It made me laugh and cry. It has been so long…eight months.
The Lord showed us the next step with the saints in mngwangwa. We have reduced the number to those that are teachers and leaders of others so we can have greater impact and also so that we can grow from where we were last. Returning had my stomach in knots because of what returning meant. It meant returning without Felix….and I know that is almost like an old line but it always stays with me. I have a picture of him at my desk and even now I can hear what he would say…. “Its catching, like a prairie fire”. Yet there was so much excitement mingled in. I was going as a general would do to choose soldiers figt for the task ahead.
We talked about what our vision was, together as a group and everyone was afire with suggestions and comments. It was taking each other hand in hand and talking about the direction we want to go…the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us in. Our scripture was from 2nd Timothy: (2 Timothy 2:1-4) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. We were looking for faithful men and women who could teach others. We wanted to do as the writer of Hebrews tells us... leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,.... This we did by outlining that this was not the training on the HOW of being a soldier but rather of the SPECIALISED training of soldiers. And soldiers they were, eager and excited. A week later we returned and began to teach the first series which they had picked...discipleship. so many pastors in community (and a guess throughout the world) fail to find faithful people to help with the work of the ministry. I have encountered pastors that are the worship leader, the usher, the announcer and convener as well as the pastor all in one. This does not make a superhero but rather a tired tired person, doing many good things but failing to excel at any. So many pastors wanted it to be the first topic to discuss, “how do we make good disciples?”
We talked about what a disciple is and what makes for a good disciple maker because then we can have good disciples. We talked about John the Baptist who was one of the greatest teachers of a disciple maker and how his actions and words were lessons for us. I often wonder about John and his cousin Jesus and what that relationship was like as they grew up and how amazing it was to be able to lose that familiarity and recognise the Christ. So, we looked at John as he clearly gave his disciples a picture of who he was, not fearing letting tham know his position in perspective to the Christ (not fit to untie his sandles). He volunteered this information not wanting his disciples to think of him any more than he was in light of the Christ. He was also the one who clearly expressed who Jesus was to his disciples (not telling them about how Jesus would do this and that for them) but letting them know the core purpose...the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He did such a great job that his disciples followed after Jesus. It was the close of our first session...that a true disciple maker points his disciples to Jesus and is not ‘bummed out’ that they leave him and follow Him because if they do follow Jesus, then that is success. If disciple making is about fruitfulness and replication then as a disciple maker we aught to be following Christ in rechless abandonment so that what we produce will do likewise. Praise God. having been discipled for...now 9 years and having discipled for the past 6 years, it is a tipoc so close to my heart. Through my disciple maker I have learnt to pursue God at all costs and to love talking with Him and spending time in the Word of God. I have learnt the safety of journeying with someone who has already been down the roads I take so I do not have to face the same demons they did and if I do, they would have given me wisdom where they had failed. This way, the church goes from glory to glory. Otherwise we remain in the state of our forefathers, always talking about the former glories.
What a joy it was to share the word. It is such an honour to do so and our heart’s prayer is to never get farmiliar with that honour...the honour of discecting the word of God and bringing revelation to His people through His Spirit. May you look at your bible and what Gos shows you as the greatest honour...hearing the heart of God! what an honour!
Today we head for Mgona and Tambala.
The Lord showed us the next step with the saints in mngwangwa. We have reduced the number to those that are teachers and leaders of others so we can have greater impact and also so that we can grow from where we were last. Returning had my stomach in knots because of what returning meant. It meant returning without Felix….and I know that is almost like an old line but it always stays with me. I have a picture of him at my desk and even now I can hear what he would say…. “Its catching, like a prairie fire”. Yet there was so much excitement mingled in. I was going as a general would do to choose soldiers figt for the task ahead.
We talked about what our vision was, together as a group and everyone was afire with suggestions and comments. It was taking each other hand in hand and talking about the direction we want to go…the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us in. Our scripture was from 2nd Timothy: (2 Timothy 2:1-4) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. We were looking for faithful men and women who could teach others. We wanted to do as the writer of Hebrews tells us... leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,.... This we did by outlining that this was not the training on the HOW of being a soldier but rather of the SPECIALISED training of soldiers. And soldiers they were, eager and excited. A week later we returned and began to teach the first series which they had picked...discipleship. so many pastors in community (and a guess throughout the world) fail to find faithful people to help with the work of the ministry. I have encountered pastors that are the worship leader, the usher, the announcer and convener as well as the pastor all in one. This does not make a superhero but rather a tired tired person, doing many good things but failing to excel at any. So many pastors wanted it to be the first topic to discuss, “how do we make good disciples?”
We talked about what a disciple is and what makes for a good disciple maker because then we can have good disciples. We talked about John the Baptist who was one of the greatest teachers of a disciple maker and how his actions and words were lessons for us. I often wonder about John and his cousin Jesus and what that relationship was like as they grew up and how amazing it was to be able to lose that familiarity and recognise the Christ. So, we looked at John as he clearly gave his disciples a picture of who he was, not fearing letting tham know his position in perspective to the Christ (not fit to untie his sandles). He volunteered this information not wanting his disciples to think of him any more than he was in light of the Christ. He was also the one who clearly expressed who Jesus was to his disciples (not telling them about how Jesus would do this and that for them) but letting them know the core purpose...the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He did such a great job that his disciples followed after Jesus. It was the close of our first session...that a true disciple maker points his disciples to Jesus and is not ‘bummed out’ that they leave him and follow Him because if they do follow Jesus, then that is success. If disciple making is about fruitfulness and replication then as a disciple maker we aught to be following Christ in rechless abandonment so that what we produce will do likewise. Praise God. having been discipled for...now 9 years and having discipled for the past 6 years, it is a tipoc so close to my heart. Through my disciple maker I have learnt to pursue God at all costs and to love talking with Him and spending time in the Word of God. I have learnt the safety of journeying with someone who has already been down the roads I take so I do not have to face the same demons they did and if I do, they would have given me wisdom where they had failed. This way, the church goes from glory to glory. Otherwise we remain in the state of our forefathers, always talking about the former glories.
What a joy it was to share the word. It is such an honour to do so and our heart’s prayer is to never get farmiliar with that honour...the honour of discecting the word of God and bringing revelation to His people through His Spirit. May you look at your bible and what Gos shows you as the greatest honour...hearing the heart of God! what an honour!
Today we head for Mgona and Tambala.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Mgona, Wednesday 26th August
Bless the Lord! We have come from Mgona. It has been a long while since we have been ministering consistently. With teams on the ground, we ease up to give people time to do other things but Edward and I were ecstatic to be back. It was a true miracle as Edward was down for two weeks and no doctor knew that was wrong with him. He could not walk or move about. But bless God, this morning we were together.
The call just came and we were told that the people were gathered and waiting. We dashed out and prayed throughout the journey there because we had no word.... But God, who is strong in the face of our weaknesses, came through.
We had a bible study, teaching the tools for studying the word and asking the questions that the Holy Spirit answers. It was the first time they had been in bible study. We divided the group into four and had them pick a portion of scripture to discuss. For many, this was the first time they have ever had bible study, where THEIR contributions mattered. It was the first time, as one person told me, ‘that I have been asked to do more than listen to someone talk.’
Being with this group is amazing. These are men and women who are living everyday by faith. They get up every morning and trust God to keep them healthy and put food on their tables so they can take their meds. These are people who challenge the mindsets of community life and fight to get people to understanding that being tested is far better than being afraid. They are the banners of change and hope that we raise in the communities. Ministering to them takes guts...what can you say to people that have endured and can truly tell you that they have counted it all joy during hardships. I feel very inept when with them. They teach me...with their raised hands and great smiles. They teach me to stop being petty with my little issues that I amplify. Being with them puts life in perspective. And when we leave...our hearts are full. What a privilege to be a part such a glorious body. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing greater than the diversity of the body of Christ. So many parts, so beautiful and tried and proved through pain and sorrow yet here they are, living and singing their hearts to Jesus. So I come away from ministering to them having been ministered to. I ponder and think about the goodness of God, and I realise that each one of those beautiful souls is treasured by Him, loved passionately.
So, yes, i did go and teach about the dying to the law and all the demands of trying to please God in order to be right with God versus surrendering to the free gift of life in Christ. Yes, we shared and experienced God but I too, received. I came away more thankful for the life that I have. I came away in awe of the true strength of a life lived in God. It is never known what we can take until it is upon us.
The call just came and we were told that the people were gathered and waiting. We dashed out and prayed throughout the journey there because we had no word.... But God, who is strong in the face of our weaknesses, came through.
We had a bible study, teaching the tools for studying the word and asking the questions that the Holy Spirit answers. It was the first time they had been in bible study. We divided the group into four and had them pick a portion of scripture to discuss. For many, this was the first time they have ever had bible study, where THEIR contributions mattered. It was the first time, as one person told me, ‘that I have been asked to do more than listen to someone talk.’
Being with this group is amazing. These are men and women who are living everyday by faith. They get up every morning and trust God to keep them healthy and put food on their tables so they can take their meds. These are people who challenge the mindsets of community life and fight to get people to understanding that being tested is far better than being afraid. They are the banners of change and hope that we raise in the communities. Ministering to them takes guts...what can you say to people that have endured and can truly tell you that they have counted it all joy during hardships. I feel very inept when with them. They teach me...with their raised hands and great smiles. They teach me to stop being petty with my little issues that I amplify. Being with them puts life in perspective. And when we leave...our hearts are full. What a privilege to be a part such a glorious body. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing greater than the diversity of the body of Christ. So many parts, so beautiful and tried and proved through pain and sorrow yet here they are, living and singing their hearts to Jesus. So I come away from ministering to them having been ministered to. I ponder and think about the goodness of God, and I realise that each one of those beautiful souls is treasured by Him, loved passionately.
So, yes, i did go and teach about the dying to the law and all the demands of trying to please God in order to be right with God versus surrendering to the free gift of life in Christ. Yes, we shared and experienced God but I too, received. I came away more thankful for the life that I have. I came away in awe of the true strength of a life lived in God. It is never known what we can take until it is upon us.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
ROSETTA’S PASSING
by Theresa Malila
if you have not read the beginning of Roseta's story, please read the previous blog below entitled "Roseta-the epitome of injustice".
This cold and gloomy morning (7th July) Rosetta died. The next day we attended the funeral of Rosetta to support and console her children who were in a state of shock and wept unceasingly. Rosetta’s last moments were very painful. The husband could not even afford a coffin for his wife and attended the funeral intoxicated with local beer. Assistance was provided to provide her with a coffin ($35) whilst HBC and Recovery Support volunteers bustled about with funeral arrangements.
As we sit in the crowded slum and attempt to condole the children of Rosetta currently living in abject poverty, in a real sense they have something to say to each of us in her death. They have something to say to every Christian leader in Mgona and in Malawi who have remained silent behind the safe security of their comfort zones and religion. They have something to say to every politician who blatantly lied and fed them with empty promises of development, free education, shelter, health, water and sanitation etc when they seek votes. They have something to say to parents who procreate without any thought to the future of their children. They have something to say to every citizen of this nation who has passively accepted the evil system of greed and corruption and who has stood on the sidelines and ignored the plight of the 65% of the population who have no voice and say in matters concerning them. I believe that these children are saying to us, today that we can no longer pretend that there is no problem in our society, that we must not just be concerned about the death of their mother but also about what happens to them! This death must not anesthetize us but show us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of improved health services and laws that protect and provide for women and children that are b eing orphaned at an alarming rate.
I am a great believer in the fact that nothing just happens. God still has a way of working all things out for good and for his purposes, suffice it to say God is not taken by surprise and as long as we compromise our Christian standards – we have no right to preach a gospel of love and grace.. These innocent children have cried out to the Lord and just as he heard Hagar’s baby, he hears Rosetta’s babies.
What a stark contrast to Michael Jackson’s memorial, compare the pomp to this poverty strapped funeral and the words of his 12yr old daughter Paris, to the the heartbreaking words of Esther, Rosetta’s 12 year old wailing “ mummy with whom have you left us? How am I going to take care of the baby, will I be able to take care of him? Our father failed to take care of you and of us while you were alive and sick, who is going to take care of us now? You have not done the right thing, dying and leaving us like this “… she has already assumed the role of mother.Will there be a sunrise for these children, will there be a ray of sunshine in this place? The Word says, "A little child shall lead them." Maybe just maybe the voices of these defenceless little children may lead this society from the barren path of man's apathy to a place of searching, serving and separating unto God . The untimely death or Rosetta may lead us into a place of helplessness and nothingness to substitute our limited vision for God’s eternal vision.. As I sit up and meditate on God’s faithfulness I can truly say that inspite of this dark and blinding reality I cannot afford to despair or give up. I cannot not become despondent apportion blame. I refuse to lose faith and must believe that God is forever working all things ……that as Christians we will and must learn to respect the dignity and worth of every human being. What can you say to these little ones that will give them any assurance of a future, let alone a life? It is virtually impossible to console them as they look blankly around seeking a familiar face, an assurance that will embrace their dilemna and give answers to the questions they keep asking as they weep for their loss. You can say very little or absolutely nothing, but hope in the Lord who does not disappoint. Children aught not to have to suffer such calamities on their own, but they do and continue to do so more often these days. This is a time when the truth of the “BEATITUDES” seem more pronounced than ever.
What can I say, this life is hard, at times even harder than iron or steel, in bleak and difficult moments such as these it looks like the sun will never rise! The weather itself cold, bleak and chilly speaks of the circumstances of these children. How can you tell them things will get better, that they should not despair, what assurance can you give children, you can only but travail in silence and trust God, for He is God all by himself!!!
What then is the conclusion to all this? The children desperate, innocent, and helpless are the victims of one of the most vicious and tragic circumstances, knowing not what the future holds for them. Will they become mere statistics like the numerous forgotten faces from the silent injustices resulting from the HIV/AIDS pandemic? We continue to fix our eyes on God who is the author, editor and finisher of our faith. Today, I know that Rosetta who gave her life to the Lord is with him, that He who watches over Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers and just as His eyes are on the sparrow so will He watch over her five children.
May God’s grace continue through those who support Homebased Care workers and WOW to enable us to support and take care of patients like Rosetta and these beautiful children who need to believe and experience that SOMEBODY CARES.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
ROSETA - THE EPITOME OF INJUSTICE
written by theresa malila
I was thinking of the series 24 HOURS, this is what homebased care and recovery support reminds me of each day, I feel somewhat like Jack Bowers and caught between trying to beat the odds but find so much up against us !!!!
This has been one of the most difficult stories for me to write, as I continue to relive this particular home visit on Monday 15 June.
What disturbs us the most? Is it a situation when we are shaken and rocked by our own circumstances or the situation that God is shaking and rocking us to deal with? It has taken me almost two weeks to write the story of Roseta.
THIS IS THE STORY OF ROSETA ……… In the slum of Mgona, I visited Roseta on her sick bed. She is 27 years old, has five children and weighs 14kg, yes 14kg. Roseta is just skin and bones, her ribs stick out of her chest like knuckles and her breasts are just flat bags of dried skin. I walked into to her 2 x 2 meter room dimly lit by a slim ray of sunlight coming through a tiny crack in the roof. I hate the smell of death, yes death has a terrible smell in the slums of Mgona. But this smell also triggers what may seem and sound like a paradox – the hope in me – Christ!
ROSETA is a mother of 5, her eldest is 12 years old – Esther and her youngest is one month old, a boy named Sherif . When I spoke to Roseta she could not say a word, as I prayed for her and over her, all she could manage was a weak, squeaky and very soft amen. I was prompted to stay with her after the volunteers left the room, I told her Jesus had come to visit her and wanted to comfort and heal her. I asked her if she knew the master, she shook her head slightly to say no. I felt this river well up in me and started to pray in the spirit and thereafter prayed for her that she would accept the Christ as Lord and Saviour. She continued to whisper amen as I prayed. She followed the prayer with a few slurred words that were barely audible. I totally broke down as I continued to pray with her, I knew that the Lord had purposed for her to receive His great salvation and comfort. I knew that it was all God’s work because the circumstances were totally hopeless in the natural but I remained hopeful in the supernatural. This was one time that I felt absolutely taken up into the supernatural presence of the Spirit of God oblivious of where I was and what I was dealing with.
I WAS with a team from God’s Economy and I walked out of that one roomed run down shack, a completely broken person, God had brought me in that instance into a place of brokenness of spirit. I have never really broken down during home visits, this was one time when I was forced to openly acknowledge my helplessness and nothingness in full view of a visiting team and fellow workers (volunteers and caregivers), I have always been the strong one to encourage and urge them on in this battle, but one thing I knew there and then as I wept for this family, that the Holy Spirit in me was weeping over this helpless mother and her children and God’s heart was broken, this is when without a shadow of a doubt, I know the answer to what we are up against can only be found in the church of the Living God.
I TOOK baby Sherif and asked two of the visiting team members, Cricket and Ed to join me as the Holy Spirit prompted me to have the baby dedicated. Whilst raising the baby heavenward we prayed and dedicated him. I said my goodbyes with an assurance that I would be back soon. The mood was sombre as we then continued on our home visits.
DURING the night I could not sleep, I was reminded of Roseta and her five children. This is the endless battle that continues beyond the battlefield.
On Tuesday food supplies and a lamp were delivered to the family as the husband had deserted them and had not been home at all. Rosetta ‘s secondary caregiver (one of the recovery group volunteers – Regina) informed that they would be taking Rosetta to hospital as she would need to go for her ARVs. I arrived at Ngona at 0900 hours the next day, however, she had already been taken by her support group to the hospital. At the hospital the doctor who attended to her late afternoon, insisted she be admitted, however, the support group who had taken her did not have the authority to do so as they needed the husband’s permission so they returned with her to Ngona.
On Sunday I did not go to church, I spent my time in prayer for this dear family, later in the afternoon I decided to go back to the slum to visit the family again, I took with me clothing for the children, some dolls, formula for the baby and fortified meal for Roseta and her other 4 children. When I got there I spent time with Roseta and praised God for she was now speaking audibly although she could not sit up at all. The children were very excited with the clothes and dolls even her son Paul wanted a doll.
ROSETA began to tell me about her husband. She said she was tested whilst she was expectant, she went for testing pmtct – she was found to be HIV positive, she came home to tell her husband, and he refused to accept what she told him, she never went back to clinic, she gave birth and completely deteriorated and that is how she was found by our homebased care volunteer and recovery support volunteer, who took her to hospital where she was immediatel y put on ART as her CD4 count was very low. Her baby is a fighter, he has been trying to suckle her breasts to no avail.
ROSETA further told me that her husband is never at home and is always on a drinking spree of locally brewed gin in the slum – he told her he is just waiting for her to die. I told her she needs to fight the disease so she can recover and take care of her children. I spoke with the secondary carers for the need to take her to hospital as she would die if left in her state. We continue to pray for her.
ON MONDAY 21 June I woke up at 0100 hours in the morning and my thoughts were with Rosetta, I felt led to pray for her and her family. Later in the day I felt a strong urgency in my spirit to visit her although I was having a meeting with the recovery support group. When I got to her home, she was lying on her mat and all I could hear was this barren, helpless groaning cry forced out her pain. I knelt down to hear what she was trying to say, and heard this pitiful wimper “please take me to hospital – I don’t want to die….” . I decided mmediately to take responsibility for the situation and so we mobilized ourselves, I called for the driver who was delivering fortified meal to some of our centres to come to Ngona, this was at 1600 hours late afternoon. In the absence of any stretcher or wheelchair, one of the male recovery support volunteers lifted her up from her mat and carried her out of the house, it was a very sad sight to see, this 27 year old woman, looking like a ten year old – Regina her caregiver was assisted to strap Rosetta like a baby on her back and we walked all the way to the centre and laid her down in the store room whilst we waited for the truck to arrive at 1700 hours. Four of the volunteers including Katherine our homebased care coordinator lifted her onto the back of the truck and took her to hospital, she was hospitalized at 2000 hours . In the absence of a stretcher / wheel chair and ambulance/mobile clinic, this very gruesome and strenuous journey is one we take every time we have to get our critical patients to and from the hospital Currently our the pick up truck is off the road again as we are unable to service the vehicle which has broken down due to numerous such trips on extremely difficult terrain in the communities we serve.
ROSETTA was admitted after being checked at 2000 hrs. She was completely dehydrated due to extreme purging. One of her secondary caregivers ( HBC volunteer) is taking care of her in hospital cooking food for her, Ms Katherine and Ms Charmaine have been to see her every morning taking fresh clothing and food supplies including disposal napkins. Regina and her primary caregiver is taking care of the other children including baby until she is released from hospital.
As of today 29th June, Rosetta’s husband has not been to see her or the children. She has been on intravenous drips since she was admitted, the purging has not stopped and currently they are unable to use any veins in her arms or legs as it is impossible to find one and the drip has been administered through a vein in her neck. She manages to say very little.
MY PRAYER for Roseta is that she will recover and live to take care of her beautiful five children who are totally oblivious to the dire situation their mother is in and they find themselves in, it is my prayer that God will prevail in this situation, He is the God of the impossible.
ALUTA CONTINUA – THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES As I leave Rosetta in the care of our wonderful unsung heros (the volunteers), my next stop is Alice Jumas’ home. Alice is recovering and able to walk and take a bike to the hospital and get her ARVs, she is a testimony to God’s amazing grace, the same grace I believe He will provide for Roseta!!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR ROSETA AND HER FAMILY.
What can I say….. If we discard the people who are dying from AIDS … then we can no longer be called the body of Christ --- the Church of the Living God, so we continue to stand and having done all … stand. (see photo shop of Rosetta and her journey) and so my appeal to those who “support a homebased care worker” is not to get weary of doing good, ……. Somebody Cares could not care and support mothers and children like Rosetta and her family without your help; as we continue to serve the dying and the sick through your generous giving and prayers. Your prayers and giving continue to make a difference in the lives of those we support in the slums and communities we serve. Homebased Care and Recovery Support has made tremendous strides - a year ago we used to experience 8 -10 deaths a week, now it has dropped to 2-3 a month with miraculous recovery due to support and care and fortified meal distributed to the sick and the many who have access to ARVS. God Bless and increase you as you continue to express your deep compassion in this world of real suffering!!!
I was thinking of the series 24 HOURS, this is what homebased care and recovery support reminds me of each day, I feel somewhat like Jack Bowers and caught between trying to beat the odds but find so much up against us !!!!
This has been one of the most difficult stories for me to write, as I continue to relive this particular home visit on Monday 15 June.
What disturbs us the most? Is it a situation when we are shaken and rocked by our own circumstances or the situation that God is shaking and rocking us to deal with? It has taken me almost two weeks to write the story of Roseta.
THIS IS THE STORY OF ROSETA ……… In the slum of Mgona, I visited Roseta on her sick bed. She is 27 years old, has five children and weighs 14kg, yes 14kg. Roseta is just skin and bones, her ribs stick out of her chest like knuckles and her breasts are just flat bags of dried skin. I walked into to her 2 x 2 meter room dimly lit by a slim ray of sunlight coming through a tiny crack in the roof. I hate the smell of death, yes death has a terrible smell in the slums of Mgona. But this smell also triggers what may seem and sound like a paradox – the hope in me – Christ!
ROSETA is a mother of 5, her eldest is 12 years old – Esther and her youngest is one month old, a boy named Sherif . When I spoke to Roseta she could not say a word, as I prayed for her and over her, all she could manage was a weak, squeaky and very soft amen. I was prompted to stay with her after the volunteers left the room, I told her Jesus had come to visit her and wanted to comfort and heal her. I asked her if she knew the master, she shook her head slightly to say no. I felt this river well up in me and started to pray in the spirit and thereafter prayed for her that she would accept the Christ as Lord and Saviour. She continued to whisper amen as I prayed. She followed the prayer with a few slurred words that were barely audible. I totally broke down as I continued to pray with her, I knew that the Lord had purposed for her to receive His great salvation and comfort. I knew that it was all God’s work because the circumstances were totally hopeless in the natural but I remained hopeful in the supernatural. This was one time that I felt absolutely taken up into the supernatural presence of the Spirit of God oblivious of where I was and what I was dealing with.
I WAS with a team from God’s Economy and I walked out of that one roomed run down shack, a completely broken person, God had brought me in that instance into a place of brokenness of spirit. I have never really broken down during home visits, this was one time when I was forced to openly acknowledge my helplessness and nothingness in full view of a visiting team and fellow workers (volunteers and caregivers), I have always been the strong one to encourage and urge them on in this battle, but one thing I knew there and then as I wept for this family, that the Holy Spirit in me was weeping over this helpless mother and her children and God’s heart was broken, this is when without a shadow of a doubt, I know the answer to what we are up against can only be found in the church of the Living God.
I TOOK baby Sherif and asked two of the visiting team members, Cricket and Ed to join me as the Holy Spirit prompted me to have the baby dedicated. Whilst raising the baby heavenward we prayed and dedicated him. I said my goodbyes with an assurance that I would be back soon. The mood was sombre as we then continued on our home visits.
DURING the night I could not sleep, I was reminded of Roseta and her five children. This is the endless battle that continues beyond the battlefield.
On Tuesday food supplies and a lamp were delivered to the family as the husband had deserted them and had not been home at all. Rosetta ‘s secondary caregiver (one of the recovery group volunteers – Regina) informed that they would be taking Rosetta to hospital as she would need to go for her ARVs. I arrived at Ngona at 0900 hours the next day, however, she had already been taken by her support group to the hospital. At the hospital the doctor who attended to her late afternoon, insisted she be admitted, however, the support group who had taken her did not have the authority to do so as they needed the husband’s permission so they returned with her to Ngona.
On Sunday I did not go to church, I spent my time in prayer for this dear family, later in the afternoon I decided to go back to the slum to visit the family again, I took with me clothing for the children, some dolls, formula for the baby and fortified meal for Roseta and her other 4 children. When I got there I spent time with Roseta and praised God for she was now speaking audibly although she could not sit up at all. The children were very excited with the clothes and dolls even her son Paul wanted a doll.
ROSETA began to tell me about her husband. She said she was tested whilst she was expectant, she went for testing pmtct – she was found to be HIV positive, she came home to tell her husband, and he refused to accept what she told him, she never went back to clinic, she gave birth and completely deteriorated and that is how she was found by our homebased care volunteer and recovery support volunteer, who took her to hospital where she was immediatel y put on ART as her CD4 count was very low. Her baby is a fighter, he has been trying to suckle her breasts to no avail.
ROSETA further told me that her husband is never at home and is always on a drinking spree of locally brewed gin in the slum – he told her he is just waiting for her to die. I told her she needs to fight the disease so she can recover and take care of her children. I spoke with the secondary carers for the need to take her to hospital as she would die if left in her state. We continue to pray for her.
ON MONDAY 21 June I woke up at 0100 hours in the morning and my thoughts were with Rosetta, I felt led to pray for her and her family. Later in the day I felt a strong urgency in my spirit to visit her although I was having a meeting with the recovery support group. When I got to her home, she was lying on her mat and all I could hear was this barren, helpless groaning cry forced out her pain. I knelt down to hear what she was trying to say, and heard this pitiful wimper “please take me to hospital – I don’t want to die….” . I decided mmediately to take responsibility for the situation and so we mobilized ourselves, I called for the driver who was delivering fortified meal to some of our centres to come to Ngona, this was at 1600 hours late afternoon. In the absence of any stretcher or wheelchair, one of the male recovery support volunteers lifted her up from her mat and carried her out of the house, it was a very sad sight to see, this 27 year old woman, looking like a ten year old – Regina her caregiver was assisted to strap Rosetta like a baby on her back and we walked all the way to the centre and laid her down in the store room whilst we waited for the truck to arrive at 1700 hours. Four of the volunteers including Katherine our homebased care coordinator lifted her onto the back of the truck and took her to hospital, she was hospitalized at 2000 hours . In the absence of a stretcher / wheel chair and ambulance/mobile clinic, this very gruesome and strenuous journey is one we take every time we have to get our critical patients to and from the hospital Currently our the pick up truck is off the road again as we are unable to service the vehicle which has broken down due to numerous such trips on extremely difficult terrain in the communities we serve.
ROSETTA was admitted after being checked at 2000 hrs. She was completely dehydrated due to extreme purging. One of her secondary caregivers ( HBC volunteer) is taking care of her in hospital cooking food for her, Ms Katherine and Ms Charmaine have been to see her every morning taking fresh clothing and food supplies including disposal napkins. Regina and her primary caregiver is taking care of the other children including baby until she is released from hospital.
As of today 29th June, Rosetta’s husband has not been to see her or the children. She has been on intravenous drips since she was admitted, the purging has not stopped and currently they are unable to use any veins in her arms or legs as it is impossible to find one and the drip has been administered through a vein in her neck. She manages to say very little.
MY PRAYER for Roseta is that she will recover and live to take care of her beautiful five children who are totally oblivious to the dire situation their mother is in and they find themselves in, it is my prayer that God will prevail in this situation, He is the God of the impossible.
ALUTA CONTINUA – THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES As I leave Rosetta in the care of our wonderful unsung heros (the volunteers), my next stop is Alice Jumas’ home. Alice is recovering and able to walk and take a bike to the hospital and get her ARVs, she is a testimony to God’s amazing grace, the same grace I believe He will provide for Roseta!!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR ROSETA AND HER FAMILY.
What can I say….. If we discard the people who are dying from AIDS … then we can no longer be called the body of Christ --- the Church of the Living God, so we continue to stand and having done all … stand. (see photo shop of Rosetta and her journey) and so my appeal to those who “support a homebased care worker” is not to get weary of doing good, ……. Somebody Cares could not care and support mothers and children like Rosetta and her family without your help; as we continue to serve the dying and the sick through your generous giving and prayers. Your prayers and giving continue to make a difference in the lives of those we support in the slums and communities we serve. Homebased Care and Recovery Support has made tremendous strides - a year ago we used to experience 8 -10 deaths a week, now it has dropped to 2-3 a month with miraculous recovery due to support and care and fortified meal distributed to the sick and the many who have access to ARVS. God Bless and increase you as you continue to express your deep compassion in this world of real suffering!!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
DAVID & GOLIATH
We returned to Nadzuluwa (Nankumba). Apparently it is now called Nadzuluwa though formally it was Nankumba. The Traditional Authority divided the area and chief Nadzuluwa is over the portion where the youth are at work.
Before then we were in Mgona where Linda Rinzel ministered. I had to prepare for the afternoon so I only stayed for her testimony. It was powerful to hear a woman minister (it felt like I was not alone). Her story was brief and i felt like the gaps could tell a story of their own, far greater than the words she was stringing together to unveil the briefest of glimpses into the pain that had molded her through her childhood and early adulthood. I watched the men and women as they listened. It was somewhat incomprehensible to share how dark her life was and still show us light within the same period.
Later I tried to work on my laptop but that just drew a group of curious little ones around me, marvelling at this gadget. In the end i put on a movie for them to watch and together we huddled around my laptop. It was a blessing to be a part of these little bedazzled ones. Sometime through a young lady came up to me and asked me where we were going after. We talked a little and she asked if she could join us. When we took off for Nadzuluwa, she was along.
It took us over an hour to get there. Interestingly enough we were in a big car and so the thought of how long it will take in our little pastoral-mobile is something far from my mind...for sanity’s sake. We passed Mngwangwa and then Kalimbira to turn off towards this place that we have now come to love because of the hearts of a group of young men and women.
They were singing and praising when we arrived. Because of the number, we moved emmediately into an open space that they had already prepared in case this would happen. We had over 200 people present. There were youth and adults, chiefs and beautiful grannies. In addition to the 200 were almost 60 children. It was the biggest crowd I had seen. We were introduced to the chiefs (many of which were young for chiefs). Zikiel spoke to the group and i watched as the anointing on him drew them all. Praise God that it was being used for the Kingdom because i had this thought that he could take these people anywhere and they would gladly follow him...a most powerful and gifted young man.
The word was on David. We ministered on this boy, who trusted in the God he knew in the secret place. We talked about how the older people were failing to face their giant, their way of doing things could not help them in this instance. We talked about the giants of incest, AIDS, poverty and how the older ones find it too big a giant to bring down (i was a little nervous saying this as the chiefs and elders of the community were present). We spoke about how this was the time for those that know their God to arise and face these giants. “And don’t fall for being recognised for what is in you (courage and a different spirit) and yet being dictated to as to how to face the giants. The way you faced him in the personal giants of your life is how you face then in the bigger giants. Everything changes but God remains the same.”
Two young men came forward to be saved. It was why we had gone and we celebrated. Two days later Zikiel told me that an older man told him how he had wanted to come forward but fear had stopped him and that the next chance he gets to rise before the community to accept Christ, he will.
We then were treated to the children sharing all that they learn at the nursery school the young started. They were clean little children (something rare in communities) and they were also the first group of little children i have ever seen join fully in the praise and worship. They did not stand around and watch the ‘azungu’ but instead they sang their little hearts out to God. Everything about this village marvelled me. I cannot translate the atmosphere we were in nor the sound of the worship and sense on how i felt like i was witnessing an army at work. I can, however, let you know that God is in Nadzuluwa. This is the David of our communities. David who was not afraid, who had a different spirit having learnt to only trust in God because he had nothing else. David who looked crazy coming out to Goliath with a sling and a stone but unseeing Goliath failed to see the God whose breath gave force to David sling and stone. Oh, that we may see the God who gives breath to the Davids that dare to challenge the mortality rate of 36 and the poverty and the death and the despair that have been taunting our people for so long. We are those Davids and we join our other Davids to declare that “we come to you in the Name of Yahweh.”
After the celebration the chiefs spoke:
“We receive the word. It is true that many of us are old and some have gone into the grave and we have never brought so much as clean water here. Now these little ones that were despised as nothing have brought water, clean water into our village.” (He was referring to the freshly drilled SC borehole that stood a few metres away from where we were meeting, clean and shiny it spoke volumes of the Davids that were seated before us). “We used to drink water with the cows. We have never seen clean water. Now our children can drink healthy water. What a blessing. Do not forsake us. Let this not be the end but the beginning.”
They sang from the time we stopped ministering until we left...in little groups. It was electrifying. There were older young men dancing with the little children. It was hard to part and we made it back home after dark reflecting on the wonder of what we had witnessed all the way home and beyond. There are moments in life when you look at a barren piece of land and see a city, when you look at a little boy and see a president or a mound of bricks and see a beautiful building. I can see. See with me. See how God is taking the foolish things and confounding the wise. See with me.
Before then we were in Mgona where Linda Rinzel ministered. I had to prepare for the afternoon so I only stayed for her testimony. It was powerful to hear a woman minister (it felt like I was not alone). Her story was brief and i felt like the gaps could tell a story of their own, far greater than the words she was stringing together to unveil the briefest of glimpses into the pain that had molded her through her childhood and early adulthood. I watched the men and women as they listened. It was somewhat incomprehensible to share how dark her life was and still show us light within the same period.
Later I tried to work on my laptop but that just drew a group of curious little ones around me, marvelling at this gadget. In the end i put on a movie for them to watch and together we huddled around my laptop. It was a blessing to be a part of these little bedazzled ones. Sometime through a young lady came up to me and asked me where we were going after. We talked a little and she asked if she could join us. When we took off for Nadzuluwa, she was along.
It took us over an hour to get there. Interestingly enough we were in a big car and so the thought of how long it will take in our little pastoral-mobile is something far from my mind...for sanity’s sake. We passed Mngwangwa and then Kalimbira to turn off towards this place that we have now come to love because of the hearts of a group of young men and women.
They were singing and praising when we arrived. Because of the number, we moved emmediately into an open space that they had already prepared in case this would happen. We had over 200 people present. There were youth and adults, chiefs and beautiful grannies. In addition to the 200 were almost 60 children. It was the biggest crowd I had seen. We were introduced to the chiefs (many of which were young for chiefs). Zikiel spoke to the group and i watched as the anointing on him drew them all. Praise God that it was being used for the Kingdom because i had this thought that he could take these people anywhere and they would gladly follow him...a most powerful and gifted young man.
The word was on David. We ministered on this boy, who trusted in the God he knew in the secret place. We talked about how the older people were failing to face their giant, their way of doing things could not help them in this instance. We talked about the giants of incest, AIDS, poverty and how the older ones find it too big a giant to bring down (i was a little nervous saying this as the chiefs and elders of the community were present). We spoke about how this was the time for those that know their God to arise and face these giants. “And don’t fall for being recognised for what is in you (courage and a different spirit) and yet being dictated to as to how to face the giants. The way you faced him in the personal giants of your life is how you face then in the bigger giants. Everything changes but God remains the same.”
Two young men came forward to be saved. It was why we had gone and we celebrated. Two days later Zikiel told me that an older man told him how he had wanted to come forward but fear had stopped him and that the next chance he gets to rise before the community to accept Christ, he will.
We then were treated to the children sharing all that they learn at the nursery school the young started. They were clean little children (something rare in communities) and they were also the first group of little children i have ever seen join fully in the praise and worship. They did not stand around and watch the ‘azungu’ but instead they sang their little hearts out to God. Everything about this village marvelled me. I cannot translate the atmosphere we were in nor the sound of the worship and sense on how i felt like i was witnessing an army at work. I can, however, let you know that God is in Nadzuluwa. This is the David of our communities. David who was not afraid, who had a different spirit having learnt to only trust in God because he had nothing else. David who looked crazy coming out to Goliath with a sling and a stone but unseeing Goliath failed to see the God whose breath gave force to David sling and stone. Oh, that we may see the God who gives breath to the Davids that dare to challenge the mortality rate of 36 and the poverty and the death and the despair that have been taunting our people for so long. We are those Davids and we join our other Davids to declare that “we come to you in the Name of Yahweh.”
After the celebration the chiefs spoke:
“We receive the word. It is true that many of us are old and some have gone into the grave and we have never brought so much as clean water here. Now these little ones that were despised as nothing have brought water, clean water into our village.” (He was referring to the freshly drilled SC borehole that stood a few metres away from where we were meeting, clean and shiny it spoke volumes of the Davids that were seated before us). “We used to drink water with the cows. We have never seen clean water. Now our children can drink healthy water. What a blessing. Do not forsake us. Let this not be the end but the beginning.”
They sang from the time we stopped ministering until we left...in little groups. It was electrifying. There were older young men dancing with the little children. It was hard to part and we made it back home after dark reflecting on the wonder of what we had witnessed all the way home and beyond. There are moments in life when you look at a barren piece of land and see a city, when you look at a little boy and see a president or a mound of bricks and see a beautiful building. I can see. See with me. See how God is taking the foolish things and confounding the wise. See with me.
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