An Adventure with God

By Michelle Essex

Let me take you to an African village in Malawi. We show up, uninvited by the villagers but welcomed as if we are royalty from some foreign land. One lady is spreading freshly milled corn flour on a bamboo mat so that it will dry in the sun. Children are scurrying around as we enter their village. It is a lovely warm day so everyone is comfortable as we gather between a cluster of mud huts. To show hospitality the Malawians seat us as honored guests on short wooden stools. About 25 villagers gather and sit on the ground. Pastor Zimba, our interpreter, introduces us.

One might think that we would feel awkward about disturbing the daily routine of the villagers, but these friendly Malawians live away from the local town so they are delighted by our presence in their village. Perhaps it is curiosity or just politeness, but people gather around us quickly. Then Pastor Zimba tells everyone that we have good news to share. He will interpret our English into Tumbuka, the local language.

Steve shares his testimony about walking with God through trials. His story reveals that God blessed Steve and his wife, Nancy, with four wonderful children. Steve shares that he lost his beautiful and loving wife after her battle with cancer. As he tells the ages of his young children when they lost their mother, one realizes that Steve’s testimony of God’s faithfulness through loss resonates with Malawians who face such trials on a daily basis. It is touching for one to realize that though we would never choose our losses, God can use them to beckon others unto Himself. Some of those “others” are so different from us, like these Malawians living in mud huts, but we share the same God who saves and rescues us. As Steve finishes his story I can see our audience is listening and hearing the message.

Each Malawian is handed an illustrated tract written in Tumbuka. I silently pray for help from the Holy Spirit to share effectively about God’s plan of redemption. As I talk about Matthew 7:13-14 and choosing the “narrow path” of following Christ, the gospel message is clear. I realize that it is easy for me to share this message in Malawi where I am received so warmly. One lady seems disapproving and she walks away, but most of the crowd is listening as Pastor Zimba interprets the gospel’s life-changing message.

Malawians absorb themselves in what they are doing at the moment, without concern about “the next thing” so I do not feel hurried. It is easy to share with people who eagerly listen. When Pastor Zimba leads the twelve who want to pray the “sinner’s prayer” and accept Christ, I humbly realize that God is at work. We are witnessing the repentance and life changing moment in these villager’s lives. What a gift!!

Many years ago, as a teenager, I fought the call of God on my life. I tried to convince God about what I would be “good at” and what would not work well for me. Though I battled His will, He continued to take me into experiences that were not in my

“comfort zone.” These years later, after so many amazing “adventures with God,” I encourage others who feel God’s leading in their lives to RUN after His will. What amazing adventures He has for us! Trust Him and run after His will!

“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5, 6