God is Breaking Through!

God is Breaking Through!

28/04/2017 2:34:56 PM |

Visas, work permits, registrations, malaria, finances and staff shortages are obstacles that the Global Interaction Yawo Team have faced in recent years. They are huge challenges but God is breaking through and communities are being transformed by the love and power of Jesus Christ.

Living in towns and villages among the Yawo people in Malawi and Mozambique, the Global Interaction Team can be found interacting with the Yawo in all aspects of life. Whether it be shopping at the local markets, sitting or working in villages, tending maize fields or attending funerals and initiation celebrations, the team is dedicated to learning the local culture and language and building deep relationships with the local people.

It is an exciting time to be a member of the Global Interaction Yawo Team of Malawi and Mozambique. God is moving and the transforming love of Jesus is changing people and communities. 

The Yawo are beginning to reach the Yawo
In Malawi Global Interaction Team member Tim tells of one of the many ways God is breaking through. Waindi, a Yawo believer, and I were visiting a village group to disciple some believers. A lady asked if we could pray for her sick friend. She had been to the hospital as well as the local witchdoctor and was still no better. Waindi boldly asked her, “Why have you come here today?” Her answer was equally forceful. “I have heard God does miracles in this group!” Waindi explained to the woman how God gave power to Jesus and through Him, we may have life. He also asked others who were listening to share how Jesus has helped them. In their gentle yet powerful way, about seven people offered testimonies of the power of God in their lives. Yawo people are from an oral society so they are master storytellers!

For the next 45 minutes, we heard story after story of God’s goodness. Real life testimonies of sicknesses healed, relationships restored, evil spirits cast out and renewed peace - the peace that transcends understanding. If that wasn’t amazing enough, the group leader then expressed that he thought a few of them could visit the surrounding four villages and share some of these stories. He said, “God hasn’t given us these stories just for ourselves. They need to be told!”

Meanwhile over in Mozambique, in a much newer ministry location, Global Interaction Team member Kath sees God at work too! ​
It all started one sunny afternoon not long after we’d arrived in Massangulo. We headed out to explore our neighbourhood when an old man sitting on his front veranda called us over. He started telling us all about his recent decline in health and the problems he was having with his stomach, legs and more private parts. Then he kindly took Cam inside to show him firsthand! It was an unusual first encounter to say the least. From that day on, he became an instant friend and one of our greatest advocates in the village, setting in motion a series of connections that are just getting more and more exciting as we meet people hungry to hear the Word of God.

As we went back to spend time with him over the following months, he introduced us to all of his neighbours. Cam helped him out with some of his medical issues and spent countless hours chatting and playing Bawo, a chess-like game. He, in turn, would tell anyone who came across his path that we were wonderful, helpful people who could be trusted. His health continued to deteriorate, to the point where he was no longer able to walk. Cam helped him get a wheelchair bicycle. The day it was delivered, he was overwhelmed with joy, tears streaming down his face. He was only able to use the wheelchair bike for about a month before he sadly passed away.

We attended his funeral, sat in the room with his body and prayed with his family, cried with women and stood with the men as he was carried away. He’d adopted us into his family, his love and acceptance was the catalyst for others to invite us in. His neighbours became our friends and as trust continued to grow and relationships grew deeper, opportunities to share God’s Word slowly started to open up.

The men who were his close friends asked if they could meet together regularly to listen to Bible stories and a group has formed. There are leaders from the local mosque and respected elders in the community meeting with Cam and Scott, listening to Bible stories and having amazing discussions about God’s Word.

It all started with a stroll through the neighbourhood and that’s often how things seem to go here. We ask God to open up our eyes to the opportunities that He has already prepared. It’s so exciting to see – God is at work!

We praise God for His provision of some new workers in preparation - Jean-Claude and Joyce and Andy and Rachel who will be based in Malawi. Opportunities abound for many more!

As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” Perhaps God is calling you or someone you know to this amazing work.
 

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