Malawians refer to their beautiful little country as “The Warm Heart of Africa” – and I heartily agree. Since Gail, Philip and I relocated from Malawi to Northern Ireland in 2011, I have made more return visits than I can remember. When I am away, I definitely miss my family and the fellowship of saints at home. But there is something about The Warm Heart that irresistibly draws me back.
My latest trip, which has just come to an end, has been no exception.
The natural beauty of the Warm Heart of Africa
I had intended to divide my time, between the Central and Southern Regions. However, yet another vehicle breakdown meant I was unable to travel as planned. I was frustrated not to be able to visit the work in Lilongwe and Dzaleka. However, the opportunity to spend longer in Zomba partly compensated for my disappointment.
In 2003 we set up home in Zomba, and it was the focus of much of our effort in the subsequent years. Zomba was the seat of government in Nyasaland (as Malawi was known) during the colonial period. Although ageing, much of its architecture reflects its colonial past.
The British chose well. The town nestles at the foot of the impressive Zomba Plateau. David Livingstone wrote about its beauty a century and a half ago. The heavily wooded lower slopes of the plateau conceal many colonial era homes. The area has become increasingly popular with wealthier Malawians retreating to its cooler climes from the heat below. Sadly, successive governments have failed to manage forestry and the Plateau’s abundance of ancient tropical trees has been seriously depleted. One positive is that the serpentine mountain road now offers breath-taking vistas of the expansive Phalombe plain below. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as the even more majestic Mulanje Massif.
For me, it really was a pleasure to spend a few extra days in Zomba, and recall happy memories of earlier days when we resided there.
The joy of fellowship and lasting friendships
I often reflect on these words of the Lord Jesus. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” I’ve proved that to be abundantly true.
Over the 20 years that we have been associated with the work in Malawi, we have met scores of wonderful Christians. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to renew fellowship with some of them, and to meet others over the past three weeks.
I couldn’t possibly list them all, so I’ll just mention a few:
Each member of the SALT team in Malawi is special in their own, unique way. Goodson and his wife Flora have demonstrated great diligence and faithfulness in the practical and spiritual work at Saidi. Harold’s passion for the Gospel is inspirational. His tireless work in schools and on the road with literature encourages me and is a blessing to the work. Likewise, his loving care for his wife and boys and his compassion for his wider physical and spiritual family is exemplary in his own circumstances.
Anna also has very special qualities. Her selfless single-mindedness and steadfastness are remarkable. It’s no small thing to leave the comfort and security of home for a distant land. Much more so as a young, single sister. Anna has found a special friend in Wati, who charms us all with her gentleness and generous spirit.
I always appreciate a travelling companion when I’m visiting Malawi. Malawi is a tropical country and night falls by 6.30pm latest, all year round. Evenings can be long when you are alone so I was glad of Jim’s company for part of this trip.
Jim and Janet are founding trustees of SALT. Jim first came to Malawi in 2016 as part of an MGO team. His interest was initially in the prison work, but he has since visited numerous times and has become increasingly familiar with the other aspects of the work. So I was thankful for another pair of eyes and ears as we reviewed the progress of the work and the plans for the next stage of development at Saidi. I am a firm believer in accountability and sharing responsibility in the work of the Lord. Consequently I was grateful for Jim’s perspective on the developments. I know that he appreciated being able to take everything in first-hand.
I’ve written elsewhere about some of the other friendships renewed on this visit. The Lord has enriched our lives by bringing us into contact with many wonderful Christians from different parts of the world. During this trip, Ananda and Grace brought me to the home of another Indian couple, Shaista and Shyla. They are serving the Lord with SIM among the Indian diaspora in Malawi. After Jim arrived we also lunched together one afternoon at a local hotel. It’s a great blessing to be able to encourage each other in our service for the Lord.
However, a particular highlight for me was a “chance meeting” with Patrick. Patrick is a young man I’ve known since he came to my Bible studies as a student in Zomba over 10 years ago. He is now married with three children, and going on for the Lord. As we reminisced, I reflected on the great privilege it was to bring that group of a dozen or two young Christians together each week. I’ve lost touch with most of them but pray that they are remaining faithful to the truth poured into their young hearts.
The thrill of the work in the Warm Heart of Africa
There’s no doubt that it’s the thrill of the limitless possibilities in the work that most draws me back to The Warm Heart of Africa.
Prisoners listening to the Gospel
Whether formal preaching or informal encounters, there is always an ear for the Gospel.
I twice visited the little assembly at Bethel in Blantyre, and preached the Gospel to a large attentive audience. On another occasion Jim and I accompanied Ananda to the Mikuyu Farm Prison near Zomba. There we had opportunity to address the entire complement of over 300 inmates, who listened intently. These are priceless opportunities. I’m thankful for help from the Lord to address the people in their own language, especially as I don’t use my Chichewa as much as I used to.
And it’s so easy to talk to people about the Gospel – shop assistants, police officers, petrol pump attendants, taxi drivers, waiters – they all will listen to the Gospel.
From our Western perspective, the pace of life in Malawi often seems pedestrian. Setbacks and delays can be frustrating but over the years I’ve learned that much time can be redeemed.
“For example, I can’t remember what the problem was, but I was killing time in a favourite coffee shop, located at the historic headquarters of the Africa Lakes Company of Glasgow. I wasn’t eavesdropping but couldn’t help overhearing an older couple (Malawian man & Scandinavian woman) chatting with George, the Italian owner. They were discussing the developing conflict in Ukraine and George was postulating about the implications for life in Malawi and the possibility of WW3!
George greeted me as I got up to leave. I paused as I returned the greeting. “Forgive me”, I said, “but I couldn’t help overhearing what you were discussing. Did you know the Bible has a lot to say about how things are going to turn out in our sad world?”
For the next 10 minutes, or so, I had opportunity to give a very sketchy outline of prophetic events. George asked, “So what should we do?” Wide open goal! Before I left them, the old Malawian gentleman said, “That’s the problem – we have ignored what the Bible says”. Please pray for the seed sown.
My efforts to share the Gospel are just a drop in a bucket. Across Malawi, a small army of volunteers are preaching the Gospel and distributing millions of tracts as they go. The thought of what the Lord is doing fills me with excitement. “Out of every tribe and tougue and people and nation” – and that includes The Warm Heart of Africa.