“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
I know now why they call Malawi “the warm heart of Africa.” It is because the people and land melt your heart. Having just returned from two weeks of life changing time in Malawi I am already looking forward to going back.
How is it that they seem more content than me and my neighbors? 17.3 million people live there and over 60% of the population lives on less than $1.25 day. Do not just skip over that. Did you see that? $1.25 a day! When is that last time you worried about losing $1.25?
A wise man recently told me that we in the west have won the uterine lottery and that is so true. Why was I born to a successful sales executive into one of the wealthiest country in the world? It certainly did not have anything to do with me and was not a result of anything I have done. So what kind of responsibility does that leave me with? “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” Luke 12:48 (ESV). I must admit that I struggled with my emotions while in Malawi. I think that we in the west have so much crap, but at the end of the day all it does is pull us away from what truly matters most.
One thing that I can say with certainty is that I am now more committed than ever to the work of FVM. I have seen firsthand the impact they are having. I have met college students sponsored by FVM. I have helped feed 700 kids. I have driven over a bridge built by FVM. I have sat in meetings with other NGO’s as FVM willing collaborated with others, not concerned about who gets the credit, but concerned only with the result – will people be helped?
How is it that they seem more content than me and my neighbors? 17.3 million people live there and over 60% of the population lives on less than $1.25 day. Do not just skip over that. Did you see that? $1.25 a day! When is that last time you worried about losing $1.25?
A wise man recently told me that we in the west have won the uterine lottery and that is so true. Why was I born to a successful sales executive into one of the wealthiest country in the world? It certainly did not have anything to do with me and was not a result of anything I have done. So what kind of responsibility does that leave me with? “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” Luke 12:48 (ESV). I must admit that I struggled with my emotions while in Malawi. I think that we in the west have so much crap, but at the end of the day all it does is pull us away from what truly matters most.
One thing that I can say with certainty is that I am now more committed than ever to the work of FVM. I have seen firsthand the impact they are having. I have met college students sponsored by FVM. I have helped feed 700 kids. I have driven over a bridge built by FVM. I have sat in meetings with other NGO’s as FVM willing collaborated with others, not concerned about who gets the credit, but concerned only with the result – will people be helped?
 | Newton Sindo and the entire staff of FVM in Malawi are wise, talented, hard-working brothers and sisters dedicated to bringing community development and early childhood development to their fellow countrymen. It is an honor to know them and to be a small part of what they are doing. I would encourage you to support this ministry, and I give you my word that it will make an impact. I wouldn’t be involved if I didn’t believe in it. With the ridiculous blessings that God for some reason has given us it is our responsibility and duty to “as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 (ESV) Joseph Brereton |
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