Breath of Fresh Air - Farmer in Malawi

Friends - I wanted to share a breath of fresh air with you. I just was on the phone for a bit with a farmer in Malawi, along with his wife. The two of them have been faithfully praying for over 10 years about expanding a ministry they had started in southern Zimbabwe. They had lived on some farm land for a bit, then had to leave when the economy turned bad 7 years ago. Since then they have lived in Malawi, coming back for a few weeks each year to check in on their farmland in Zimbabwe.

It was odd to be sitting in my house talking on the phone to people on the other side of the world. Their lives have been turned upside down over and over. My life, while some may say has been untraditional, is calm compared to theirs.

It is amazing to see how God works. The man and I met 3 years ago on one of my 1st trips to Zimbabwe. Then, he shared with me what God was placing on his heart well before I knew what God was asking of me and what would become Forgotten Voices.

3 years later, we are exploring ways Forgotten Voices can help this couple and local leaders in Zimbabwe live out a dream that they've prayed about for over 10 years. From training in new farming techniques to schools fees for orphans, with natural stages of progression over a few years, this plan is as complete and wholistic as I have seen in my 3 years of ministry in Africa. It is a testament to prayer and faith in God. I pray about things, but this couple YEARNS for God's intervention. To have the faith to stay after it for 10 years, when you've been forced to move all over the southern part of Africa seeking work...that's faith!

Hebrews 11:1 says that "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Today, this farmer, his wife, and I are sure of what we hope for and certain that our Father in heaven is among us smiling as we now learn what he's been stitching together for quite awhile. This potential partnership has God's fingerprints all over it!

As we concluded our call, this farmer said something that continues to resonate in my heart: "With all that is going wrong in Zimbabwe and with all the challenges before us, what better time for the church to serve where others choose not to."

Thank you for all the ways you continue to show faith in Forgotten Voices as we join our brothers and sisters in Christ during these difficult times. Thank you for joining us as we love for most vulnerable in some of the forgotten places on earth.

All the best,
Ryan