Southern Africa Part III of III: Malawi

The grand finale of the trip was how God showed up for us and the people of Malawi that he wanted to reach with his love in our final week in Africa. Prov 16:9 says " The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." How wonderful it is that our trip planner had infinite wisdom. Sure we made plans and connections and did our part in planning our itinerary but it was God himself who established our steps. We had planned to work with a clinic in Salima, an hour away from the capitol city of Lilongwe. We had contacts back and forth with the clinic there. They met us at the airport in Lilongwe and we were all eager to get the week started. There was just one hold up. The truck that they picked us up in was on EMPTY. From what we understood fuel shortages in Malawi have been happening for the past year. It's not that there isn't fuel in Africa to be had but the government seems to be failing in insuring that it's there for the people of Malawi. I don't understand all the politics, but it's been one of the frustrations for the Malawi people that has fueled some of the recent unrest there that you may have seen on the news. Anyways, at this particular time of our arrival there was not any Diesel. The clinic reps who picked us up had assumed that it would be available at least in the capitol city. They said we'd have to stop and that there may be a wait for fuel. No problem. It was 1:30 in the afternoon. We were more than happy to wait for an hour or two or three. These things are to be expected in parts of Africa. Fast forward half the day and we were sitting on the side of the road and it's been dark for an hour and they are no closer in line for getting fuel. They tried to make some alternate arrangements - none of which Tina and I were very comfortable with. After much discussion back and forth and a lot of push back from the people the clinic had sent to pick us up, we took our bags and told them that we were going to get a taxi and find ourselves a room for the night. Remember it was dark, we were in a new country, and very TIRED. Then God sent us an "angel" named Goliath (one of many he sent us during the trip - and I'm convinced he sends us in every day life too). We poured our hearts out to Goliath while he patiently drove us around to some hotels and helped us buy a sim card for our cell phone. I think total we made about 5 stops with him. After an hour with Goliath driving us around and finding us a very suitable place to stay I payed him his very modest request (expected to pay way more and would have willingly done so) he handed me his business card. I kid you not, Goliath runs the "GOD knows" taxi service. I think one of us still has the card if you ever want proof.
Another morning we were able to go to a nearby village where a young pastor, his wife, and newborn baby lived. They were responsible for the church there and spending time with them was a pure joy. With the few types of medications and vitamins left, we saw about 50 people from that village. This was my favorite morning in Malawi. We kept telling the pastor "no more people" because of limited supplies and time, but he didn't have the heart to tell them no (and who could blame him) so they just kept coming. These people had not much physically but they had each other and they showed up to see what we might have for them. Writing this reminds me that daily there are people that show up in our lives to see what kind of hope we can give them. Let us be generous in sharing the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

None of the above was our plan. It was ALL God. Our plan got us to Malawi then God intervened and we are so thankful that He did. The place we were planning to go originally does good work. No, great work. It's just they are already equipped with staff and resources. God took his staff and resources to a place that needed it more and we are so thankful. He has his hand in your life today too. Trust him to lead you and to take over your small plans so that something greater can be done.
Amen Lord to all that you are doing. We are your servants so use us where you will.