Tears for Chifuniro's Daddy

Ephraim and his sister Eliza rode on 1 bicycle for 3 hours to get to Hope Village with 11-day old Chifuniro on Eliza’s back. Their bike broke down about 5 miles from here, so they finished their journey on foot. All in all, they traveled about 8 hours that day.

When we first met them 2 weeks ago, we saw their heavy hearts - Ephraim’s wife had died 11 days earlier during childbirth. He had 4 other children at home between 4 and 11 years. Eliza agreed to bring the new baby into her home, although she also had 5 other children in her small village home. They had been feeding Chifuniro goat milk, when they were told about our baby sponsorship program. They were eager to make the full-day bike ride to get here each week to pick up cans of formula.

We held Chifuniro that day, loved on him and his family, weighed him, gave him new clothes, baby supplies, baby quilt. We prayed with his dad and his aunt. See Chifuniro’s sweet face in this picture! Our next step was to post his picture on the web site to find a sponsor.

Ephraim came today to tell us that Chifuniro died on Tuesday. He got malaria last weekend and his little body could not fight off the high fever for 3 days. Another heartbreak for Ephraim; another burial in just 3 weeks. His face was resigned. The hope I saw last week had been buried with Chifuniro. I watched him walk away slowly from our clinic today with his bike, knowing he had a 3-hour ride home. Back to his 4 young children as a single dad, back to the hot work in the fields, back to the everyday struggles to find food, find joy, understand God’s plan. I thought of Melia and Joseph, our other babies that recently died from fever as well. I felt hopeless … surely there is something more we can do? So, I sobbed.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4

Was lost, but now am found!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound! 19-year Madalitso recently tasted the sweet grace of Jesus Christ in a transformation from the village “bad boy” to the village “Christian man” with a testimony that has surprised his family and shocked the village.

Before you read his interview in this blog, let me set the stage briefly. Orphaned at a young age, he lives with his grandmother (agogo) across the road from Hope Village. Agogo is a 70-something widow who lost 5 of her 7 children to HIV. So Madalitso and his six orphaned cousins share the home with their grandmother.

We visited the family 2 months ago to assess their living conditions, since the family receives some food support from a Hope Village sponsor. It was a special visit, especially because our daughter and son-in-law (Brittany and Kevin) were with me and Annie.  They had a heart for this family after learning of their struggles, and immediately went into action mode "how can we help?"

During our conversation, we learned more about their struggle to make ends meet, not having enough for food, school fees, school supplies, clothes. All of the children are in school but the oldest, 19-year old Madalitso. I asked why he wasn’t working to help provide for the family. They all laughed. “He’s a drunk,” one cousin said. “He dropped out of school at Standard 8. He is always in fights. He steals from us to sell for beer money. He cannot work to help our family.” And the worst offense, I heard, was that he sold the family munda (farm), leaving them with no garden to harvest. A heartbreaking story, to say the least.

During our visit to their home two months ago, James (left) and Ephraim (right) share their frustrations regarding the actions of their cousin, Madalitso.

How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed.

Shortly after that visit, someone invited Madalitso to attend the Hope Village Youth Club. He went. He learned about Christ. He heard about forgiveness. He tasted the sweetness of grace. He prayed, asked, received! That was 2 months ago. And now, according to Godwins Maere, Hope Village manager and Youth Club leader, the village has been buzzing about the amazing change in Madalitso.   Godwins told us about two recent events:  “A 28-year old man came to my house and asked to be discipled. He said, 'Madalitso was my drinking buddy, but he is a changed man. I want to know who this God is that could change him like this.'” Now, Godwins has been teaching this man every night at his home. Another day, a village mom came to Godwins’ home. She said: “I want my son to be in your youth club. I saw Madalitso singing and talking about Jesus at the market with the other youth. I never thought it was possible! I want my son to be part of a group that can change a troubled boy like that.”

Godwins has a tender heart for Madalitso, and not only translated during our recent visit, but also encouraged him to share without fear.

Madalitso's Testimony: ...twas grace that saved a wretch like me!

We went to the home of Madalitso a few days ago, because he said he was willing to publically share his testimony. Here’s his story:

“When I was about 16 and didn’t do well on my Standard 8 exams, I felt hopeless. I wasn’t good enough for secondary school. I didn’t know what to do with my life. So, I just stayed home, felt sad. Then, friends invited me to drink some beer. I didn’t have money, but they were older, had jobs, and shared their beer with me. The beer would make me feel better, bring me pleasure, help me forget my problems. But usually I felt worse in the end. I would feel rage, anger. I felt like I was possessed by something evil. I wanted to do bad things. I sold possessions that belonged to my family. The worst thing I did was sell our family garden (farm). The chief told me not to do it, but I even went against him and sold it anyway.

"One day someone invited me to the Hope Village Youth Club. The first time I went, I thought, “This is a childish message.” But God must have wanted me there, because I went the next week too. This time we watched clips from the movie, The Passion. Godwins taught about the gift of grace, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us all. I looked at His broken body on the screen. I looked at myself, as a drunk. I could not deny Jesus! I understood that one day I would stand before Him and have to answer for my life. Right then, I gave my heart. Now, I have joy in my heart that I haven’t felt before. I know forgiveness, mercy. I think about the bad things I did, especially when I sold the garden. It breaks my heart. I am committed to never doing those bad things again.”

Sitting outside the Agogo's home, from left to right: Godwins, Madalitso, cousin James and cousin Loveness. Loveness told us the "new Madalitso" has been a welcome change in their family: “My old cousin used to speak to us all in harsh words. My new cousin now speaks to us in calm words.”

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come

Madalitso has been an active member of the Youth Club for the last 2 months. He participated in a village outreach where the youth provided singing, dancing, drama at the outdoor market. He goes to the homes of village widows and helps clean their house, wash clothes. He was even baptized with the Youth Club this weekend. As an added boost to Madalitso, he found his first paying job, directing traffic at the market. The job was only temporary, though, and is ending soon. He told us he knows he has a rough road ahead. “There are still temptations,” he admitted. “My old friends still offer to buy me beer. So far, I’ve been able to resist.”

Madalitso told us he wants to return to school in January, to try to finish the 4 years of secondary school. “I look at my cousins who are younger than me and doing so well in school. I want to do the same, and now think I can.” Join us as we pray for Madalitso: for his faith to grow stronger, for his discipleship to be consistent, for strength to resist temptations and limited idle time. Pray for his yearning for education to flourish, and for financial support to help with school fees. Pray for God’s grace to renew his soul!

Pictured here is Madalitso’s agogo. She told us she cannot believe the change. “The old Madalitso would beat his young cousin Ephraim. He would really hurt him, saying ‘I don’t care if he dies.’ This new Madalitso, however, is up early in the morning to wake up Ephraim, encouraging him to go to school. “

There was magic in the air

And finally -- I am reposting just one more blog...one I wrote for Hope Village while Tracy was away.

There was magic in the air

Posted by hopevillage on August 15, 2012 at 4:00 PM

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The 2-day Fun Camp I mentioned in the last blog was much more than clothes, shoes and blankets (as good as that was!). It was so much FUN, the kids haven’t stopped talking about it, according to Day Care Manager Charles.

The teens had as much fun planning the event, as they did during the event! Pictured above from left: Alexis (our visitor), Annie, Chitkumbutso, Ruth, Wyson

As a precursor to the Fun Camp, we sought input from the teenagers who are sponsored in our program, to help organize and lead the 2-day Fun Camp for all of the younger children. After a series of planning sessions during the days leading up to the Fun Camp, the teens were eager and ready for this responsibility.

The young adults in their planning meeting from left:  Eliness, Aline, Weleard, Madison and Alexis (visiting from America), Annie, Chitkumbutso, Priscilla, Ruth, Wyson.

The 2-day event was a true celebration as the children and staff shared a meal for both days. The children arrived at 1pm on the first day and within the hour, we were all enjoying our Malawian lunch of rice, relish (a side dish made with a green leafy vegetable, rape, tomatoes and onion) and beans (slow cooked for many hours over the open fire).

Stella and Memory serve lunch to the children.

45 children were served each day.

Paul enjoys some nsima with Weleard and Chitkumbutso.

Day 1 of the Fun Camp was “Game Day”. The teens organized new games to teach the children, games that could easily be played if you were 6 years old, but also enjoyed if you were 19.

The kids play "Cat and Mice" - a fun game of tag.

Freeze Dance was a favorite activity of the day.

Day 1 ended with the distribution of new clothes and slippers mentioned in the previous blog.  Day 2 began with a special lunch - nsima (patties made from corn flour), cabbage relish, and goat meat from a freshly slaughtered goat the night before. The family from one of our children’s homes (the Kaswe house) have had a lot of experience in this, so were happy to take charge of meat preparation for the goat lunch:

Wyson, Weleard, Edson and Enoch, along with their friend Chitkumbutso, are helping prepare the goat for lunch the next day. Tina looks on.

After lunch on Day 2, Hope Village went C-R-A-Z-Y with a first-ever Hope Village Talent Show. God has blessed these children with talents that were unbeknownst to many, and we enjoyed a few hours of singing, dancing and skits. You won’t want to miss the next blog to view some of the kids’ talents we captured on video! We ended the day with the gift of warm blankets, as mentioned in the previous blog.  

Annie's Closet hangs up a little love

Here's the blog I wrote for Hope Village explaining the first Annie's Closet clothes distribution at Hope Village this summer.

Annie's Closet hangs up a little love

Posted by hopevillage on August 15, 2012 at 4:05 AM

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Exactly one week after we said goodbye to our 3 visitors from the U.K., we said hello to 3 new visitors from America. Brad, his 14-year old daughter Madison and her 14-year old friend Alexis joined us for a 2-week stay in Malawi. They are close friends of ours from Fallbrook, California and were here to launch “Annie’s Closet”.  

Annie’s Closet, as Tracy mentioned in a blog entry a few weeks ago, has sponsored the first Hope Village Job Skills Training program -- a sewing class. Our friends in California founded Annie's Closet after hearing stories from our daughter Annie about the rags worn by so many of the village children. Madison and Alexis, with help from their parents, raised funds to buy new clothing for the children and to buy sewing machines and sewing supplies for the tailor class at Hope Village.

Chloe joins the 3 Annie's Closet girls (Madison, Annie, Alexis) to pose for a picture with Chief Issoh, the tailor trainer, and a few of his tailor students.

You can find out more about Annie’s Closet on this Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/annie.closet

Brad, Madison and Alexis brought a few extra suitcases of new children's clothing from America, and brought money to buy additional clothes at the local markets. They spent a lot of time with the children onsite, and planned a special two-day “Fun Camp” with the sponsored children from Hope Village and their siblings, totaling 45 children. On the first day, we handed out new outfits (dresses or skirt/tops for the girls; trousers or shorts and a shirt for the boys) with slippers and a bar of soap.

The slippers are lined up for the kids to try on.

A pretty new dress for a pretty girl.

The happy boys in this picture came to Hope Village wearing thier new clothes and slippers on the 2nd day of our Fun Camp.

On the 2nd day, we gave a new blanket to each of the children. Smiles were infectious! Although the winter in Chikwawa is short-lived and nearing to an end, many of these children do not own a blanket and welcomed this luxury with an unashamed smile. (Hope Village provided blankets to all of the children about 2 years ago, but unfortunately, the blankets cannot survive the harsh washing, scrubbing, and tugging as so many children try to squeeze under its cover).

Just a few weeks ago I went with Tracy to visit the home of a Hope Village sponsored boy, Petro. A family of 6 children and a mom, they told us they did not have 1 blanket in their small house. “How do you keep warm?” Tracy asked. “We sleep close and share 3 chitenjes to wrap over us.” Chitenjes are thin cotton pieces of fabric warn as skirts by women. My heart danced when I saw Petro and his 3 siblings clutch their new, thick, heavy blankets close to their bodies, and am sure I saw their smiles quivering as they couldn’t hide their joy.

Petro smiles and hugs his new blanket close.

Showcasing God-given talent

One of my favorite memories from this summer...the Hope Village Talent Show. Here's a recap in the blog I wrote for Hope Village.

Showcasing God-given talent

Posted by hopevillage on August 20, 2012 at 12:50 AM

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Our first Hope Village Talent Show was a huge success. The children were not shy (we had 100% participation!), they performed quite professionally, and I can tell you they glorified God by showcasing their gifts and talents with passion and respect. And when they were not in the spotlight, they were an enthusiastic and encouraging audience. I was so proud of them! Here are 5 short video clips and a few photos to give you a taste of the energy and talent that exuded from these children:

1. Weleard, Edson and Enoch from the Kaswe children's home show us fine dancing!

2. Brothers Chitkumbutso and Harold impress us with their brotherly harmonizing.

3. A group of girls joined together to perform as the Hope Village Girl's Choir.

4. Ruth (from the Children's Home) and Priscilla (from the Kaswe Children's Home) treat us to a sweet duet.

5. A group of young boys treated us to a high-energy improv dance ... definitely a crowd-pleasing act.

PHOTOS

Beki showcases his football talents, kicking the ball between 2 chairs as a mock goal post.

Annie and her 2 visiting friends choreographed an "American-style" dance, and performed for the children.

Pictured here is Wyson (fromt he Kaswe home) in a skit he and his friends created.

Mary (from the Kaswe home) and Berita (from the Baulen home) showing us the latest teen dance moves.

And last but not least, little Lawrence Baulen ends the show with some toddler jive!

Hamming it up in the village delivers a strong message

Another blog I wrote for Hope Village while Tracy was away...

Hamming it up in the village delivers a strong message

Posted by hopevillage on August 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM

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We’ve been blessed with the opportunities to accompany Paul and Tracy, as well as Pastor Ganizani, on a number of village outreaches in the last month. Don and I have been hungry for time with villagers, in their own neighborhoods, in their own time. That’s what we love about Hope Village – where all of us live within a village so when we walk out our door we are experiencing village life. Plus, this ministry is outward looking, so much of Hope Village projects take place right in the local villages.

Pastor Ganizani goes out to the villages each week to share the gospel with familes and neighbors of the vulnerable people and orphans that are in the Hope Village program.

This elderly man in the village of Simbi 2 shared the shade under his big tree with his neighbors for our village outreach.

Before the schools closed for July holidays, we joined Pastor Ganizani at a primary school he visits weekly. Here, he shares the gospel to the entire school and, with help from his good friend David (his guitar), he worships with the children enthusiastically and publicly. The teachers even join in … and it’s a government school! I thank God for this freedom in Malawi every day!

Ganizani leads the school in worship songs under the big tree with shade outside the classrooms.

Here, Ganizani is teaching the children from the book of Genesis.

The last school visit was especially sweet. We grabbed the ladies who were visiting from the U.K., as well as Joel, Chloe, Benjamin and our daughter, Annie. They were a brilliant team, acting out a skit about a village borehole. The school children were wild with applause and screams, and no doubt, went home with a good message about our Creator to share with their family.

Here's a brief recap of the borehole story for your enjoyment!  (Don't miss the short video here of Claire dancing):

Benji played the part of the borehole, a valuable, appreciated asset in the village that brought them clean water for washing, drinking, cooking. 

Chloe and Annie played the part of the villagers, shown here cranking the lever on the borehole to get their water. One day, however, the borehole broke.  Distraught, the villagers tried everything they could think of to fix it. They invited many "so-called professionals" who claimed they had the answer to fix the problem:

• Laura played a singer, who tried her singing to fix the borehole. The villagers paid her a fee for her help. Still, the borehole was broken.
• Kate played a witch doctor, who tried her magic to fix the borehole. The villagers paid her a fee for her help too. Still, the borehole was broken.
• Clare played a funny dancing girl, who tried to fix the borehole by making it laugh. This didn't work either.

Here's a short clip of Claire and her dance to fix the borehole. The children went wild!

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Finally, Joel played the part of the Creator of the borehole. He knew the borehole intimately, and lovingly and carefully restored the borehole to its original shape and purpose. He was the only one who knew what was needed to fix the borehole. And he was the only one who did not accept a payment in return.

In the end, the smiling borehole in the blue sweatshirt was producing water again for the joyful villagers.The message? Remember, troubles will come and there are times when you feel you are broken.  Do not waste your time and money seeking help from "well wishers" or purported professionals who have a quick fix for you. Seek your Father, the maker of heaven and creator of earth.

I lift my eyes up to the hills - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and creator of earth.

He will not let your foot slip. --Psalm 121:1-3

Malawian youth + American youth - SMILES

Here's a short blog I wrote for Hope Village when Brad, Madison and Alexis were visiting us this summer...

Malawian youth + American youth = SMILES

While Tracy, Chloe and Joel were gone for the last 4 weeks, our daughter Annie was really missing Chloe. A good time, we thought, for her to bond with the teen Malawians who live here as our neighbors!  Pictured here are the girls enjoying a “teen girl night” at our house.

From left: Alexis and Madison (visiting friends from America), Annie, Ruth, Priscilla, Aline, Mary, Berita

Ruth adds color to Annie's nails.

It was an easy recipe for a fun night: a little candy, some nail polish, and a lot of makeup warmed them all up before sitting down for a nice dinner around the family table.

An American-Malawian meal of rice, fried chicken, sauteed cabbage and a green salad.

A few days later we held Movie Night in our living room, inviting all of the young and old kids from the onsite children’s homes. We were able to squeeze in 12 of the Malawians with the 3 American girls onto cushions and pillows on the floor. Popcorn and Sobo (a Malawian sweet punch) was the perfect accompaniment to the Pixar movie, “Despicable Me.” I heard many “oooo”s and “eeeeee”s during the moving which, in Chichewa, means something along the lines of, “This is fantastic!”

15 friends on the "comfy" brick floor watch the movie projected onto the living room wall.

There was a unique bonding with the teenagers throughout the 2-week visit from our American friends, as they all worked together to plan for the Fun Camp. As I get to know each of the Malawian youth individually, I see a love and respect for family, a quiet Christian maturity, and a hopefulness that is ready to burst as they teeter on the edge of adulthood and independence. These young people (especially the oldest - Aline, Eliness, Priscilla, Ruth, Weleard, Wyson) really need our prayers more than ever: that they will seek God’s provision for wisdom, confidence, guidance,and mentorship to continue on in the right path
.

Divine Appointments in the Village

Another blog I wrote for Hope Village while Tracy was gone ...

Divine appointments in the village

Although Tracy, Joel and Chloe arrived back to Hope Village a few days ago (hurray!), I have a few small blog postings to share while she organizes her home and her schedule (her priority right now is getting Joel's health back on track.)

I'd like to share this ephiphany I had recently:  Living in Malawi as missionaries is like reading a good novel that you just can’t put down. Surprises and clever twists keep you turning the page into the wee hours of the night.

Every day we unravel an amazing human survival story, see God’s grace in a gift from a stranger, gasp at a miracle only God could perform, weep with a heartbroken mother or grandmother, fall in love with another baby, or belly laugh with a Malawian man’s contagious humor.

Best of all, the visits to the villages reveal divine appointments that have been scheduled by an all-knowing Father ... as he guides our every step. Like any good mystery novel, we never know what the next page will bring, but trust that the Author will not let us down.

This unscheduled visit to a nearby village resulted in an impromptu message complete with drama and singing.

At one of our recent visits to Tamari 2 village, Don met 5-year old Steven.

 

When Don saw Steven’s crooked little body compensating for a leg that had stopped growing, he felt God nudge him to move. Within 3 weeks and 3 trips to Blantyre, Steven was in a custom-fitted leg brace and walking straight. Now running too! We thank God for the Beit CURE International Hospital in Blantyre that specializes in treating the orthopedic needs of children with physical disabilities regardless of their ability to pay.

Steven’s leg was extended over 6” with this brace, and he must now wear special shoes…not your typical village shoe!  

On another trip to this same village, Paul and Tracy learned of a very old “agogo” (elderly lady) living alone with no family to provide assistance, losing eyesight, losing weight, without food, blankets or proper clothing. Another unexpected heavenly interruption that couldn’t be ignored. So on our next trip out, we surprised her with a new blanket, new chitenjes (fabric worn as skirts), and enough food to strengthen her weak body and warm her sorrowful heart. We checked in with the village chief and her neighbors to ensure others are checking in on her as well.

After a time of prayer, we said goodbye to her with tears in her eyes as she thanked us for the “riches” we’d laid at her feet. Don’t thank us, we reminded her, but your heavenly Father who has not forgotten you and loves you beyond measure.

The agogo, sitting on her porch, next to her new blanket and bags of food.

A few weeks later, Don and Godwins checked in on the agogo again. She was doing quite well, wearing her new chitenje, and seemed to have a renewed spirit. While there, a few dozen village children and other adults gathered around her porch. Don and Godwins took the opportunity to sit down with them all for a chat, to tell this eager audience about the love of Jesus. “Who is this Jesus,” they said? “What more can you tell us about him?” Don and Godwins, somewhat surprised at this divine appointment, dived into an impromptu message on Jesus Christ and his gift of salvation. They returned again a week later,  this time with picture books to help tell the Bible stories.

The audience was young and old, eager and attentive. And now, the village elders have asked them to come back each Saturday morning, so they can continue to receive teachings. Please pray that God’s love will create a new community of hope, faith and love in this small village … a fire that will spread as it warms. And thanks for reading Tracy’s blog faithfully, responding to so many prayer requests and praises throughout the years. It may not be the best-selling novel you read last week, but it certainly is unpredictable and precious in how God’s heart is revealed.