Let the Children Come

Most of my work is with adults, especially pastors. But sometimes God gives me the opportunity to be with the children of Malawi. That makes my heart sing. Last week God gave me one of those times, thanks to Peter Kadawati, the General Secretary’s eldest son. Peter is a college student majoring in community development with a heart for ministry. About 2 years ago, he was asked to help with a CBC group – Community based Orphan Care – that is run by Blantyre Synod Health and Development Commission (BSHDC). The project works with orphans and the adults who care for them in a densely populated area outside of Blantyre. BSHDC operates a number of these centers around Blantyre. Peter has begun a Bible study with the group and asked me if I would come and share the word with them. He would translate. I have done this twice before. Those times the groups have been the women who care for the children.

The prayer group moves around, trying to find adequate space. Most recently they have been meeting in an open air shelter with just a grass roof. The participants sit on the ground. This particular day, as we left Blantyre for the site, the winds picked up and the sky darkened. When we arrived, there was no one at the shelter. We were told by one of the neighbors, one who cares for some of the orphans, that many women had gathered, but when the wind started, everyone scattered. They wanted better shelter. A light rain was beginning, so the lady invited us to stand on a porch, out of the wind and wet, until the group could be gathered again. Then the owner of the house insisted that we come in and sit in her living room while we waited. There was no need for a great announcement that we were there. Everyone knew. We had come by car and that is a rare sight in this area. The children gathered around the car and followed it down the narrow lanes as we drove. They easily followed us to the house to wait with us. Within just a few minutes, there were 15 children standing on the front porch, looking in at us. Our hostess invited them in and announced that her living room was the best location for worship that day. This is where we would stay. That announcement was as good as a public address call. The children began to assemble, this time in the house instead of in the shelter. Within 5 minutes the house was full, floor space all taken and more came, sitting on the front porch, leaning in the windows. We had a congregation.

Peter made introductions and worship began – lively singing of choruses, with clapping and dancing. Movement was a challenge, since the space was so crowded, but that did not stop the Malawian movement of worship. Unlike the other times I have spoken to the group, most of those gathered were children. I quickly mentally adjusted my message for a younger audience. These bright faces didn’t need deep thoughts as much as they needed encouragement to be faithful to follow Jesus. As I spoke of a young David who had a heart that pleased God, they understood (because of Peter’s good translation) that they could please God. They began to respond visually and verbally. They liked the story and got the message. And I had fun with them. I think I got a glimpse of why Jesus liked to have the children come to him. They are free to respond, What a blessing to a preacher.

Only after the service, as we were leaving, did we realize that the light rain has stopped soon after it began, The ground wasn’t even wet. All that threatening weather had been to change the location and the composition of the congregation, not to flood the area. God gave me time with his children, That a blessing!