The body, not a building…

What is the Church?
And is it a “make-you-or-break-you” life decision to attend?
Is church a building with pretty stained glass windows, or a choir of believers Praising the God who created them?

Before I left for this journey to Malawi, I sometimes “dumbed down” the gospel, hid my light under a bushel…
But now, the prayers of my supporters are coming to fruition in my life. I asked for people to pray Id be BOLD for Christ, and
BOLD in general. Jesus was Bold when He performed Miracles, and we can also be BOLD when we trust in Him.

I found myself walking…. where was I going, I don’t even remember, but 3 guys, (about my age) were passing me. I greet them in their native tongue and
surprised they laugh and say, “You know chichewa?!” Just a little caught off guard, they replied and there we stood for the next 25 minutes becoming
acquainted with one another. In those 25ish minutes, I was able to learn quite a bit.
Mike,
Michael
and
Maclean.
They love God, they believe in Him, and know Jesus, however none of the worship services they’ve attended taught them something new, or challenged them to know God
Deeper.
…..
It was one of those situations where I did not fully understand why we crossed paths, but THANKS BE TO GOD, I am so happy it did.
They are my friends now, we meet for nightly chats about
life,
education,
music (michael is obsessed with the rock music on my IPOD)
tv, cartoons,
art,
nature,
photography,
food (mostly bc I bring it up),
politics,
and
Faith.
I am continually challenged by my purpose in life, and how I represent myself and Christ to the world around me. One of my goals set out for my journey here was to be
BOLD for Christ.
Not
only for me, but for the sake of Christ, and for the sake of the lost. And it is also not for me to brag or boast about, but for me to be a challenged, humble and kind servant for
Christ, and others.

Many Christians are proud, and do boast, for they act as if sharing Christ is a thing to tick off of their “to-do list.”
However, the Jesus I know and the Jesus that is real in my life —
lived
LOVE.
Love is not just something to say, or a feeling, but its an action, rather a lifestyle.

In the states, my home community of believers live on the word that CHURCH is not a building, but a body of believers.
Jesus says in Matthew chapter 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”…That is the Church.
So that day, I met Mike, Michael and Maclean, and got to understand their faith, we confirmed we are the body. We are the church.

Only if we Christians prayed continuously, repent for the hate we have for others and emulate Christ, can we house the homeless with a place to call home, spiritually.
Practically speaking, let us commit to prayer, love, and
living like Christ for this
might be the only way to reveal Christ to people who are searching. (or the
only way to reopen their hearts to really search for a place to grow deeper in their faith.)

I am thankful to the people in my life who encourage me to grow in my walk with God; learn more about the Word, rely on Scripture, love the poor as a lifestyle,
and
be the hands and feet of Christ.
Pastors,
Friends, old and new,
Activists,
Sisters,
Fellow Travelers,
Roommates, former and present,
Enemies,
Cell group friends
and
Children.

Ndinthawi yakusintha (It is time for change)

My time is soon coming to an end here in Madisi, and with RiseMalawi Ministries. Shortly after my birthday I will head down to Blantyre, which is a city in the southern region
of Malawi. Although, I have made my committments to Rays of Hope, with Willie Mpsukha, I am sad to leave this rural town. Reflecting on my time here, I did not anticipate the
amount of blessings, and love I would experience here. Nor did I expect to find myself sad to leave small town life for city life. If you know me at all, I often struggle when it comes
to transitions, however I know and I cant wait to see what Blantyre, Rays Of Hope and God will teach me there!

Pray for me as the transistion period has begun. I am no longer tutoring Margaret or Maureen; as the children are on holiday from the 2nd term in school to the Easter Holiday.
Pray as we have 3 days of “Easter Explostion!” with RiseMalawi for the youth to come and interact, to be fed(mentally, phsyically and emotionally) and for Joy to be abound,
for the Lord has Risen! (RiseMalawi will be hosting 3 days of fun/bible lesson/
learning while the youth are on break.)
Also please be praying for safe transport as my huge suitcase and I board a bus to Blantyre. Honestly, I am not looking forward to that part of the traveling
especially if I go alone, but I know God will provide traveling mercies, He has every time.
Lastly, pray that I can have an attitude of readiness and love. In Blantyre I will not be as hands on, for Willie, the Founder wants me to create an Internship Program.
Obviously, I will need lots of prayer for that, but more to come on that once I get there! I have committed two months in Blantyre and plan to keep you updated on all the happenings there.

I have quite a community here in Madisi that is unique to my adventure to Malawi. The communtiy here knows me, due to the time committment here. Its been great getting to know the
people, the pastors, my German girl friends, and most of all the kids, and their families. No longer am I this new “azungu” in town, but I am someone who lives in Madisi.
As nomadic as I am, this is a pleasant feeling to just be a part of the community. On my travels to the Lake and to Lilongwe, I would get the stares and be called “Azungu” because
those communities had not seen me. I am happy that the people in Madisi enjoy my work here, and appreciate the little Chichewa I know. As mid March appoarched, I had a strong desire to return to Madisi
before i return to the states; so for the month of June I will return to Madisi. 🙂 It makes my heart smile when I know I will be back here. Especially knowing that Tinashe wants me back, and
knowing I can see my kids, my town, my neighbors and RiseMalawi before I head back to America on the 27th of June.

Thank you family, friends and fellow travelers.
Please know your support and prayers for me have sustained me. I am safe, healthy and learning new lesson everyday.
Want to know more, or have questions: please send me an email: Molly856@gmail.com
If you want to make my birthday wish come true, help keep the Rise Malawi children eliable for coming to RiseMalawi by a child Sponsorship:
http://bit.ly/GNPmBJ

Zikomo Kwambiri
Molly McCormick

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
-St. Francis of Assisi

Hope for a Generation

Malawi is full of beauty, kind people and inquisitive children. Despite all the good things, our children face many challenges and lack basic needs. Underwear, clean water, clothes without holes, two shoes, shoes that fit, money for a haircut (keeping hair short is urged in school to prevent lice), school uniforms, desks, and the list goes on.
Please pray for justice, pray for equality and pray for our children to succeed despite these setbacks.

Rise Malawi children arrive at our office everyday after school, looking over school notes, or reviewing what we covered in tutoring at the program the previous day. In school they learn English, Science and Technology, Bible(Malawi teaches Bible in schools), Agriculture, LifeSkills, Mathematics and Health. They sit on the floor, next to 150 of their classmates. They are required to be in uniform, or they are kicked out of class. Same with the haircuts. Daily kids walk from distances we would not dare to walk, through terrain and weather we cannot bear. Barefoot. And on empty stomachs.
Consider sponsoring a child through RiseMalawi.

Sponsoring a child guarantees them a chance to eat a meal. We serve every child a heaping plate of rice, greens, and one more side dish.

Often times, this is their only meal, all day.

If you cannot sponsor a child, pray for them. Do a fundraiser for Rise Malawi, ask how can you help make a difference?

All of our kids have a unique stories. They are beautiful children. They are so honest, so loving and noticeably respectful.  Even with setbacks, they exude laughter and honest smiles. These children are the best teachers of joy.
Please help
Please take action
Help the children get some of the basic needs
Support them for a chance to stay in school

Please consider changing a life

Interested, please Contact
Kelly Malefyt, ChildSponsorship Officer,
Urban Promise International
856-382-1858
kmalefyt@urbanpromiseusa.org
Zikomo.