We are halfway into our Journey of Compassion. Although this is my fourth trip to Malawi, I am on my first Journey in several years; it feels great to be back on a team after so long.
Yesterday was outstanding for me. The medical clinic saw 475 people; it is the only clinic that will be taking place in their community this year. Although we saw so many people, it started slowly. We learned that many in the village were unaware of the clinic. So I went out with one of the translators, Moses, to invite folks to come. We were met with surprise. When they found out that the clinic was free, that they could see a doctor and receive necessary medicine, many of the people broke out in huge grins. By the time we got back to the clinic (about 90 minutes later), there was a large crowd gathered that continued through the rest of the day.
There are two things that struck me about my sojourn into the village. I often teach that because Christ is in us, wherever we go, we change the atmosphere. For 90 minutes I saw this in action again and again. When Moses and I walked to the front of simple houses, we saw mostly very quiet, even silent groups of people. Life is very hard for the poor in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world Africa. With the recent cancelation of overseas aid, it has gotten even harder. But wherever we went, as we visited, and told them about the free clinic, the atmosphere immediately changed. Neighbors went looking for neighbors; families quickly gathered together and headed down the dirt road toward the clinic. People waved and smiled. This joyful atmosphere continued throughout the day. Near the end of the clinic, as some musicians played, many people stayed on, clapping, singing and dancing.
Something else happened as we continued to walk along the dirt track, inviting everyone to come. We encountered a family sitting on the ground near a shade tree. Leaning against the tree was an elderly man. Immediately it was apparent that something was wrong with him. He had suffered a serious stroke and his entire right side was paralyzed. I asked him to try lifting his arm; though he tried, nothing happened. I then told him Jesus loves to heal. He gave us permission to pray, which we did. I then asked him to try moving his arm again. He looked very surprised when he could lift his arm partway up. Then I asked if he would like to try standing. He immediately stood, something that his family assured me that he could not do. I gently supported his arm as he began to walk. We went about 30 or 40 yards and with each step he walked faster and steadier. When we turned back, I let go of his arm because he obviously did not need any support. The family was amazed. Back at the tree, I asked him to try raising his arm again. This time, he lifted it high over his head then began to swing it around.
As Moses and I returned to the clinic, I felt a great joy rise up in me. This is what I was made for. This is part of my inheritance. It felt so good to be on the front lines, where the power of Heaven connects with people. The village atmosphere hadn’t just changed for the village; it had changed for me, too.
Steve Stewart