Beautiful Zomba

Saturday was my first true overwhelming day, God had began to move my heart, humbling me to see needs around, showing me how blessed I am back home and how quick I am to take it for granted, how low I am to meet the needs of those who are struggling just to make ends meet. How quick we are to hold on to the money or material things we have. Here in Malawi if their 'neighbour' is struggling they don't hesitate for a second to give what very little they have to another, even if it means they miss out on a weeks supply such as food for example. Act 20v35 Its is more blessed to give than to receive. Romans 12v8 If it is encouraging, let him encourage, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership let him govern diligently, if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

We travelled into Zomba today to join John Wilson (Team leader) in the Prison Ministry I had wanted to be apart of this well before coming to Malawi and today was my opportunity to do so, on arrival we were welcomed to go inside, at no moment was I at all feeling threatened, scared or overwhelmed by entering, I had the peace of God and felt overwhelmed with compassion, yes they are prisoners, however my heart breaks as one choice they made has place them in prison which would be their home for the most part of their lives, you wouldn't wish that upon anyone.

We had No guards checked us over, just a open door to enter, we walked into the first gate, we stood surrounded my few guards and some prisoners, some of which were woman with children/babies, who yes it breaks my heart to say but the children grow up living that life in prison. It was dark and smelt again like strong BO, not a all a place you would want to spend your days, we were then to walk straight into the court yard were we were surrounded by hundreds of convicted prisoners some who were on death-row.

As we were seated a choir of them started singing praises to God, I was informed I was sitting next to a prisoner, again didn't feel at all unsettled, there were speeches, more singing in Chichawa and plays preformed. The message was given by Abusa David Brown who spoke on Luke 18v9-14 Speaking on being justified before God, we are indeed justified before God when we humble ourselves in forgiveness before a holy God. None of us deserve Gods grace yet He offers us freely His mercy, if only we believe and acknowledge our sinful ways and being truly remorseful to want a changed life, one holy and pleasing to God. 

An invitation was put to the prisoners, if any want to recommit their lives to Christ or to give their life to Christ and have His forgiveness they were to come forward 30-40 came forward. At this point I lost it, tears streamed down my face as I many started walking forward, tears of joy to know that they are wanting to be closer to God, wanting a better life, His peace and assurance, His forgiveness and mercy, His grace and love.

Among them sat 2 of them who were on death-row. They then received bibles and hymn books as a gift from Australia which when received some held back tears others opened it up to the beginning to start reading. It was a joyous moment and so moving to see God work in such a impacting way.

When than handed out babies/children's clothes to the woman along with bibles and hymn books.

It was such a moving experience and as I looked around at the faces of all the inmates, It was a really life changing experience and gave me greater insight of what its like to live a life in prison.

We than went for a lunch at Abusa Colin Manse, Its custom for the woman to wash your hands before eating and enjoying lovely spread of food again more speeches.

We then headed down to CCAP Zomba primary School who received some of our educational boxes we sent over, it was a joy to see their proud face and how grateful they were and how they were putting them to use.

We then went to Zomba Nigoti woman's ministry were they made clothes and putting into use our boxes and sewing machines they received. They than welcomed us to singing and they sang like angels!

On the drive home I sat looking out the window so moved by the day and the sights I saw, such poverty yet such joy with what they have!