The day started with observing 75 children ages 3-5 singing “we are happy today how are you” in nursery school here at UMC Madisi. They sat quietly and listened to their teacher who after each child got an answer correctly would ask, “Should we clap for her/him?” which was followed by clapping and singing.
We then went to a refugee camp where 22,700 people have come from 11 different countries to escape war at home. Even though none of them currently know when they will be given approval to leave, they gave a new meaning to rejoicing in the Lord as they sang and danced. We were there to dedicate the bore hole that was recently installed. Although this is not going to be enough water for this many people, it is better and closer than what they were using. Much more is needed for them, yet even the small group we were with sang with such joy that they were temporarily able to escape their situation and celebrated along side them for this blessing of water. On the way back we stopped briefly at a village that had recently received a well and talked about how it has changed their lives. It was easy to get swept away in the moment as they welcomed us with songs.
In the afternoon we went out to two communities where mats were spread out on the ground and music and dancing was in abundance. People came out from everywhere to see what was happening and stayed to enjoy the service. After the first service many hopped on the bus and continued singing en route to the second location.
Sermons were given by Elisa, Pastor Francis, and Hugo whom all preached an inspiring message. What a day full of memorable moments and a better understanding of the need for a continued relationship to come alongside and support the amazing things that are happening here in Malawi. Mulungu akudalitseni.
