Visit Every City

9th July 2024

It was something Gracious had said yesterday as a few of us talked about the disparity between the number of single young men in the congregation and single young women to potentially marry. Besides the fact that there are quite a few more young men, these youth have grown up together and look at each other as brothers and sisters. Culturally in Malawi women follow the beliefs of their husbands regardless of what they believe. In some cases (in Malawi and in the rest of the world) God is gracious and calls the spouse into the truth as well. In some cases a household ends up with parents potentially pulling their children in different directions. In some cases an unbelieving spouse will pull the believing spouse out of the Church. Relationships can be complicated and it’s difficult enough to grow together even when both husband and wife believe the same thing. In any case, Gracious mentioned that he does warn the youth that life is difficult out there, outside these walls, outside the Church of God. That doesn’t mean people won’t go through trials, but life is far better when you have the hope of a very bright future. It’s also far better with a spiritual family supporting you in life.

The thought of the safety and stability that comes from being part of the Church of God can be underrated. Especially for young people who see fame and fortune (or a pretty face) beyond the walls of the UCG compound. Some leave for a while and come back. Some are still in contact with their friends and family but make excuses for joining them on the Sabbath. In each and every case we all must make a choice whether or not we will follow God.

A few Bible passages that come to mind:

“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬).

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬).

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬).

This morning, after my first and second cups of coffee, Dan and I went for a walk. Before leaving for our trip, Lena and I walked quite a bit at the youth camp in Ohio. Other than the 12 minute walk from our hotel to the Addis Ababa airport, we haven’t had a chance to just walk. I was definitely feeling it. Dan took me around the neighborhood which continues to change. I still remember the small hill in front of the UCG compound that still stands relatively untouched (except for the large chunk taken out of the front when roadwork was being done nearby). The view of Mount Soche is still there along with the satellite dish that stands as a reminder of past hopes for modern progress. One definitely positive upgrade since last year is the fact that some greenery has regrown on Mount Soche. Hopefully over time the growth will continue and will be enough to prevent future landslides in the case of future cyclones. The rest of the neighborhood, which was once a forest reserve, is now filling up with houses and compounds. And they aren’t cheap. Land that once sold for 3 million Malawi Kwacha might today reach 20 million (Dan can probably give better particulars on this). But still it’s a relatively quiet neighborhood on a hill just above the bustling city.

As we walked we talked about life and costs of living. As we walked I thought about how thankful I am that we didn’t plan too much today. It was nice to not have to move around for a day, although Dan did ask me to drive when we went into town later on. I think today I just needed a walk, a second (or third) cup of coffee, and a chance to relax. And also some chambo for lunch! Chambo was definitely something I needed that I didn’t know I needed. Chambo and kambuzi. I almost forgot to grab the kambuzi chili peppers after filling my plate. It may have been a mistake to eat both chilis with one plate of food, but I did it anyway and don’t regret it even hours later.

After lunch Dan and I went into town. Another thing I needed today was a haircut. Sure I could have gotten one in Brooklyn for $35 before leaving for camp. Or I could have tried that new barber shop that offers a discounted cut ($14.99) if I came in on Monday just hours before we flew out of JFK. But I’m glad I waited and found a barber in Blantyre who only charged MWK6,000 (today equivalent to $3.46). I think the guy cutting my hair did an amazing job on the sides and back. He did struggle with the top but I was able to help him out towards the end. Different people have different hair that feels and moves differently and needs to be cared for and cut differently. I don’t envy anyone who cuts hair. I think I would make a terrible barber. I appreciate people who take the time to learn their craft and care about what the customer wants. I walked away happy with my cut, the price, and the experience. And I gave the gentleman a tip for all his worthwhile efforts.

Carol came out with homemade donuts for a special treat this afternoon. It was at that moment that I knew Dan and I would need a cup of coffee to go with our donuts. Lena and Carol aren’t coffee fans. Apparently it’s “too bitter” and “tastes disgusting.” Personally I think coffee (even the instant kind in many cases) has a certain bittersweet quality that balances out the sweetness of donuts and other such delicious delicacies. What a pleasant way to end the day on a comfy couch inside a cozy home perched on a large rock within the gates of UCG Blantyre on the outskirts of this unique city in this quiet neighborhood on a hill.

Tomorrow we leave Malawi and head to Zimbabwe. It’s going to be another early morning but it’s only supposed to take us hours to get to Harare and not days. We actually fly from Blantyre back to Lilongwe where we will change planes, make a pitstop in Lusaka, Zambia and then finally arrive in Harare, Zimbabwe by early afternoon. I’m excited for Lena to add another country to her list and for her to meet our brethren there face-to-face.

– Lewis VanAusdle