Most trips to Africa focus on pastoral training, biblical teaching and evangelistic outreach. This most recent trip that I made with Pastor Chris Barton was different.
Our brothers and sisters in Mozambique and Malawi had a simple request: “Please come visit our churches.”
The Maranatha Advent Christian Conference includes churches in both Mozambique and Malawi. In 2020, Pastor Samuel Kasakatira became president (or “bishop” as he is commonly called) of the conference. Because Pastor Samuel also oversaw nine churches across the border in Malawi, those congregations were welcomed into the conference as well. This conference adopted the name Maranatha to reflect a fellowship that extends beyond national boundaries.
We spent eight days in Mozambique and six days in Malawi, visiting as many churches as the conference could fit into the schedule! Some days included three churches; others were spent reaching a single congregation in a remote village. Hours of travel over rough dirt roads and narrow footpaths led us to churches ranging from simple straw structures to brick buildings built by the members themselves.
Every visit followed the same joyful pattern.
As our rented truck approached, church members came out singing and dancing, scattering beautiful red blossoms that covered the front of the truck with God’s artistry. Then they led us in procession through fields to the church.
Greetings were exchanged, choirs sang and danced their way to the front of the church and then we had the privilege of preaching God’s Word with the help of two Chichewa translators. It never ceases to amaze me how even the smallest villages can produce such talented musicians!
As we visited these churches, we had the privilege of presenting new Chichewa Bibles to 36 pastors, donated by Chris’s own church, Newport Center Advent Christian. Chris was able to gift each of the pastors and their wives with a Bible in their own language.
Then it was our turn to receive gifts!
Every congregation insisted on blessing us, despite having so little themselves. We came home with brightly patterned cloth, woven baskets, handmade tools, boxes of locally grown peanuts and even two cartons of spaghetti. Five chickens also found their way into our care – though, only until supper! Each one became our evening meal. I cannot look a chicken in the eye quite the same way anymore.
One of the most memorable gifts was that of six white doves. These doves were released into the heavens with the prayer that the Holy Spirit would alight on us all. It was a beautiful expression of love, blessing and hope.
Each visit ended with group photos. Everyone wanted to be included, but the children were fascinated by our phones. The instant they saw their own smiling faces appear on the screen; they erupted into squeals of delight!
One message we shared throughout the trip was that these congregations are part of something much bigger than their own villages. Together, we are one family in Christ, and one day believers from every nation will stand before the throne of the Most High, singing praises to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb who was slain.
Many thanks to the churches whose generosity made this visit possible. Your support encouraged pastors, strengthened congregations and reminded our brothers and sisters in Mozambique and Malawi that they are a cherished part of God’s global family.
