100 kilometers of good road followed by 11 kilometers of very bad road and you’re in Magaleta, northwest of Blantyre.

The church there is led by a gentle, serious man named Pastor Frederick. His easy smile and age belie the tremendous struggle which defines everyday life in this region. I met him a few years ago before he walked with a cane.

He asked to speak to me. So, surrounded by the leaders of the village we talked.

He said, “You’ve been silent for three years. Where have you been? We need your help. We need bibles, we need training. We need bicycles to reach far from here.”

“Three years ago you gave us certificates as pastors of Grace Community Church. We still have them. We still need your help”.

I looked into his eyes and sensed the urgency of his words. I was immediately very sad. I apologized for taking so long to return.

I have a soft spot, a call, to encourage indigenous leaders. They shepherd their flocks with little education and no support. It’s a pure call from God. I’d let Pastor Frederick down.

We’d brought bibles, hymnals, and the Disciples Making Disciples books in two languages. All were quickly assigned to the leaders. The village chief got the first bible. The way he held it said it was a precious gift.

Nobody knows these people exist. It’s easy as Americans to become so self-consumed. But when I met someone like Pastor Frederick, I’ll do anything I can to partner with him to build the Kingdom of God is this little corner of Africa.

Matthew 25:45 NIV
[45] “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’