The Warm Heart of Africa

Tracy and I just returned from Malawi, labeled the "warm heart of Africa." We were there for over a week on mission business. 

God sent us so much grace during our stay in Ntcheu. And it came through other people.

Although our first night's lodging was a "dive," we were content that this was the best that the town had to offer. Sharing the postage stamp-size room with two well-fed cockroaches at the Likonde (meaning, You Should Love It) Lodge gave us pause. The twin beds, the thumping tavern music, and the truck in the parking lot that took up most of its space, were nothing compared to being born in a manger when you're the King of the universe. So we were content.

However, on our second day in Ntcheu we met the lovely couple, pictured above, at their restaurant, The Grey House. As we began to chat with Hayes, we felt a kinship with him and his wife Mercia. Very quiet and humble, he mentioned that he and his spouse have a lodge. After I asked whether it was quiet, he said like the disciple Philip, "Come, and see." 

After lunch we followed Mercia to their plot of land and within its walls were several guest cottages as well as their home. Quiet? I'll say. Privacy, for sure! And more than adequate. Plus, our evening meals could be served on a verandah near our room. No going out for supper!

The more we got to know Hayes and Mercia, the more we liked them. They reminded me a lot of Francis and Edith Schaeffer, only Hayes is Zambian and Mercia is South African. There is grace available to us as believers that only comes through other people. Well, He truly ministered grace to us through these dear folks. 

Both of these friends (no longer just inn keepers!) are in their 70s, but you couldn't tell it. Besides the restaurant and lodge, they have a ministry every Wednesday and the occasional Saturday. Orphans from the bush arrive in town after a two-hour journey by bus, to be seen at the local hospital. After receiving their medicines (most of these children are HIV positive), they are welcomed to Hayes and Mercia's restaurant for a meal before their trip home. Meat, nshima, rice, vegetables, and a banana fill their tummies, possibly their only meal for the day. After supper, Emily, a staff member, shares the gospel and prays for the children. Mercia saves plastic water bottles so that each of the children can fill it up at the outside tap to quench their thirst. Usually they have 30-50 children each meal~and it's all out of their own pockets!

People like Hayes and Mercia live out their lives each week, quietly serving others. Extending grace to others. To these orphans. To these missionaries. Praise God for these dear friends!

Emily Sharing Christ

A Girl Who Traveled All The Way From Mozambique

Pensive

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