Jesus, Mary and Moses

Jesus, Mary and Moses,

all 3, like me,
found it hard to see
why there couldn’t be
another way out.

Moses pleaded: “O God PLEASE!”
Fear made Mother Mary freeze!
Jesus cried out from His knees:
“There’s gotta be another way!”

So why did Moses finally go?
How did Mary begin to “show?"
Why did Jesus suffer so?

“There had to be another way."

Of course there was
There always is
A choice between our way and His


But though that choice be fair and free
I struggle so to “Let it be.”
God help me choose your will for me.
Like Jesus, Mary, and Moses.

The Numbers

It was the fourth Sunday in Advent 2009 and John the Baptizer would have been pleased. While John appeared in the Lectionary reading the previous Sunday, he appeared to be present at St. Andrews (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian) on this Sunday before Christmas. The 8:00 a.m. English service was a “pre-Christmas rally” led by the Christian Youth Fellowship. But the 10:00 a.m. Tumbuka service was a celebration of adult and infant baptism. There were a little fewer than 1,000 in attendance at the English service.

Here are the numbers for the Tumbuka service:
1,200 In attendance
30 Minutes for the sermon
45 Young people confirmed
44 Adults baptized
36 Infants baptized
3 Hours for the service
2 Ministers leading the service
1 Caucasian present at the service

Fortunately John the Baptist was not invited to preach. His “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” sermon isn’t exactly welcoming. And, of course, this was not John’s baptism but baptism "In the name (mu zina) of the Father (wa Dada), and the son (na la Mwana) and the Holy Spirit (na la Mzimu Mtuwa) one God (Chiuta yumoza ). Amen!"

One God, one faith, one baptism, one church! Paul the Presbyterian was privileged to baptize 22 of the adults and 18 of the babies, and he still thinks that John the Baptist would have been pleased.

Let Us Play

"Please sign your name if you are planning to go to our all day party, including a free lunch of fresh chombo and chips".  This was the invitation announced at out all staff meeting last November. Out of 22 people (including us), we ended up with 22 names on our sign up sheet for the November 14 Play Day.

It  was a day to remember. Imagine, the fifth largest fresh water lake in the world on your doorstep but never having gone for a swim or (like a few of our staff) never even having seen it. After a 2 hour ride on a chartered bus we arrived at an exquisite sandy beach on the shores of Lake Malawi.  It didn't take long before folks were frolicking in the water like a family of otters. Before the end of the day, even the most timid joined in the water games.  At 100 kwacha per person (70 cents), an enterprising young entrepreneur with a leaky rowboat offered an added adventure. Paddling with 6 people at a time, he ventured a few dozen yards out into the gentle surf and back. It took a lot of courage for those who were basically terrified of the lake, but everyone ended up going!

Playing all day in the hot Malawi sun made it perfectly clear why our Creator covered Malawians with such beautiful deep black skin.  Paul spent most of the day hiding in the shade and Darlene got a sunburn to remember even with SPF 50 sunscreen. At the end of the day, a good time was had by all.

Every Thursday morning the staff gathers at 7:30 to pray together.  But we realize that it is also vital for us to play together.  The staff that prays together and plays together works well together for the benefit of the babies. 


Let us play!